A new special feature from How To Spend It (HTSI) showcases how leading interior designers and artists are revolutionizing home design by injecting playfulness into functional spaces. The comprehensive series highlights the work of India Mahdavi, Kelly Wearstler, Carsten Höller, Maye Ruiz, and Adrian Joffe, demonstrating how contemporary design is embracing bold experimentation and joyful aesthetics.
The feature opens with an exclusive first look at India Mahdavi's transformed home in Arles, France. The renowned interiors icon has converted what she describes as a "sleeping beauty property" into a color-saturated delight that reflects her signature bold aesthetic. Photographer Mark Anthony Fox captured Mahdavi's vibrant kitchen, showcasing her fearless approach to color and pattern that has made her one of the most sought-after designers in the world.
The series also takes readers inside the chaotic yet captivating world of Gustaf Westman, Stockholm's quirkiest design colorist who has become an Instagram sensation. Known for his ability to blend fun with functionality, Westman represents a new generation of designers who aren't afraid to challenge traditional interior design conventions through social media platforms.
Kelly Wearstler, described as "unsinkable" in the feature, receives special attention for her new collectible design platform called Side Hustle. The interior design star has expanded her influence beyond traditional projects, creating a new avenue for design enthusiasts to access her distinctive aesthetic through collectible pieces that embody her maximalist philosophy.
The geographic scope of the feature extends to unexpected places, including a fascinating exploration of Skopje, North Macedonia's capital, described as "the maddest brutalist metropolis on earth." The city serves as an extraordinary testament to the lost optimism of a bygone age, offering insights into how architectural movements reflect cultural and political aspirations.
Maye Ruiz, the Mexican founder of Maye Estudio, provides a more personal perspective in her interview, where she openly discusses her "codependency with red" and shares her love for French fries, bold contrasts, and Pedro Almodóvar films. Her candid approach to design philosophy demonstrates how personal passions and cultural influences shape contemporary interior aesthetics.
The business side of design receives attention through an examination of Comme des Garçons Play, exploring how a simple cartoon heart design has conquered the global market and generated $100 million in cool factor. Adrian Joffe's involvement in this success story illustrates how fashion and interior design increasingly intersect in the modern marketplace.
Additional segments in the series cover cutting-edge cutlery that promises to spark dinner table conversations, showcasing "fabulous flatware to fork out on." The feature also explores how traditional crafts are being elevated to art forms, including a story about how weekend kite-flying became museum-worthy work, demonstrating the blurred lines between hobby and high art.
The series delves into the intersection of retail and personality through a behind-the-scenes look at Jamb, an antiques dealer that has gained attention by featuring Ambrose the cat in their marketing. Charlotte Freemantle's feline friend has become an unexpected star, showing how traditional businesses are adapting to contemporary marketing approaches.
Surrealism's influence on contemporary design receives significant coverage, with the feature noting that "design has gone a bit Dalí again." This 21st-century twist on surrealism is appearing across furniture and homeware, suggesting a broader cultural movement toward embracing the unexpected and dreamlike in everyday objects.
The series concludes with artist Carsten Höller's latest interactive project, which challenges participants to "slap each other for fun." This provocative game is designed to test ethical boundaries while maintaining a playful spirit, embodying the overall theme of the series that design and art should engage people on multiple levels, combining aesthetics with intellectual and emotional stimulation.
