Timothy Oulton Brings British Design Stateside

The British are coming -- to New York's furniture emporium ABC Carpet & Home

If you want to make a statement in New York's design scene, there's no better place to land than mega-shop ABC Carpet & Home. Which is exactly where Timothy Oulton has recently opened a 2,000-square-foot boutique.

The British designer, known for his clubby leather sofas and sleek chrome-detailed accessories, has one foot firmly rooted in the past -- his antique reproduction pieces are pure English nostalgia -- and the other pointed towards the future with graphic, modern pieces like his Union Jack sofa above.

Oulten took a breather between hosting the New York store opening before jetting off to Hong Kong to answer a few questions from ShelterPop:

What is your favorite piece in the collection?
The drums. I come from a military family -- my father was a major in the army, so I've always had a bit of a fascination with military-inspired design and the classic regimental colors. They're a great piece, but they're not for everyone. The trunks are another standout for me, mainly because of the skill and craftsmanship that goes into each and every one: Each trunk requires around 72 hours to complete.

What is your absolute favorite material to work with?
Leather -- it's the nostalgia factor for me. I went to boarding school in an old Benedictine monastery which was a great place and full of beautiful, old, classic English leather furniture and antiques. I love those classic leather piece, but I also like it for its incredible versatility and durability. We can use it to make great masculine furniture as well as softer, more feminine bags -- it ticks all the boxes.


The collections include both ultra-traditional and modern pieces -- how do you envision someone living and mixing the two?
I think these days the majority of people are exposed to a wide range of design. When choosing furniture, individuality is key and I think people are more inclined to mix it up a little more now. Time and design elements are no longer adhered to -- you can combine periods and it gives a more interesting feel. I have an appreciation for good design, whether traditional or modern, and I think our customers have an appreciation for it too.

How has your background as an antiques dealer informed your own line?
Being surrounded by great, hand-crafted products most of my life has definitely had an impact on how I manufacture and produce my furniture. We use the original, time-honored techniques -- hand craftsmanship, hand carving, traditional joinery, unique hand-finishing processes for our leathers. Only the best traditional methods are used.

What designers and/or place most inspires you?
Axel Vervoordt is definitely an inspiration -- it's his overall eye I find inspiring and his ability to bring history and art to classic pieces that still have a contemporary, modern feel. I am also transported by the flea markets -- I spend a lot of time scouring the markets in Britain and Clignancourt in Paris still blows me away every time I visit.

What is your favorite thing in your house?
My family.

You work with many rich materials -- leather, rustic wood, skins, metals. Will there ever be any white lacquer or Lucite in your future?
Funny you should mention that...we are working on something that we will be launching later in the year. Top secret at the moment though! Stay tuned on that one!

We definitely will! Check out some of Oulton's new designs in the meantime.

For more on British design:
Liberty of London Hits Target
Far-Flung Friday: London's Living Wall