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Habitually Chic Designer: David Collins

by habituallychic

12 . 12 . 08


David Collins is turning into one of my favorite designers. His commercial work consists of many hotels, bar and restaurants that all have unique and interesting features but never go over the top and his residential work seems to have a quiet elegance. But one of David’s hallmarks seems to be his beautiful use of color. I could pour over his portfolio on his website all day just looking at all the amazing details in his work. He is definitely someone who I find inspiring and I hope you do too!


24 Comments
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  1. Suzy December 12, 2008 | 4:55 am

    I LOVE his work! You know what, there are jobs at his firms advertised on his website…maybe you should consider a trip across the pond…!?

  2. Jenny S December 12, 2008 | 5:50 am

    Amazing! Can’t wait to visit his site.

  3. vicki archer December 12, 2008 | 8:24 am

    His work is fabulous and the Blue Bar at the Berkely in London is one of my favourite spots for a drink, xv.

  4. Tina December 12, 2008 | 11:49 am

    these rooms are gorgeous! elegant with a touch of glamour too, LOVE it!

  5. Habitually Chic December 12, 2008 | 1:39 pm

    Suzy – They have an office in NYC too!!! I definitely thought about checking them out. I’ll keep you posted!

  6. Habitually Chic December 12, 2008 | 1:39 pm

    Jenny S – The bars are my favorites!

  7. Habitually Chic December 12, 2008 | 1:41 pm

    Vicki – I might have to check and see if there is a bar in the London hotel he designed in NYC. Or maybe they will let me hang out in the lobby and gawk!

  8. Habitually Chic December 12, 2008 | 1:42 pm

    Tina – Definitely glamour! Love them!

  9. ArchitectDesign December 12, 2008 | 2:13 pm

    It’s a gift he has to make commercial spaces seem so personal.

  10. lissa tilley December 12, 2008 | 2:17 pm

    Gorgeous!!! Thankyou for showcasing his work. Love the lilac/plum colors he used for “The Residence”. I realized after parusing the link you left us, that I’ve been to two of his London restauarnts, Nobu and The Wolseley! I remember not only being giddy to simply be in London, but as I sat there and took in the amazing, jaw dropping and drool worthy interiors, that THIS is what I want to do. So today, per my usual morning routine of opening your blog and taking my first sips of coffee, getting ready to drag myself to work…a feeling of “full circle” washed over me. 5 years later, I am a designer now! I want you to know how much your blogs inspire all of us everyday… keep up the incredible work. Your impeccable taste and gracious honesty to design are the best part of my mornings. I know your “full circle” momments are right around the corner.

  11. Renee Finberg December 12, 2008 | 2:48 pm

    just beaautiful.

    Great consistant work.
    i wonder what is on the walls in the
    5th pic ( bedroom ),

    renee

  12. Renee Finberg December 12, 2008 | 2:48 pm

    just beaautiful.

    Great consistant work.
    i wonder what is on the walls in the
    5th pic ( bedroom ),

    renee

  13. Habitually Chic December 12, 2008 | 2:52 pm

    Lissa – That is the best story! How wonderful that you have made your dreams happen! I am excited for this next chapter and look forward to sharing it with you!

  14. Habitually Chic December 12, 2008 | 2:56 pm

    Renee – It looks like a “shiny” grasscloth wallpaper but could also be just a patterened wallpaper. I would check out Phillip Jeffries for grasscloth. They have a great selection. There is also a larger version of that photo in the opening sequence on the David Collins website to get a better look.

  15. Habitually Chic December 12, 2008 | 3:17 pm

    Architect Design – I think personal was a great observation. They are so much better than any other commercial space I have because they look personal and not commercial.

  16. Habitually Chic December 12, 2008 | 3:17 pm

    Architect Design – I think personal was a great observation. They are so much better than any other commercial space I have because they look personal and not commercial.

  17. Cathy December 12, 2008 | 5:34 pm

    HC – their NYC office was looking for a designer a couple of months ago. Not sure if they found anyone yet – they seemed to be really looking for a “design snob” or “Diva” to join their firm – which I am not (and pride myself in my humbleness in the profession). I interviewed with them. What I gathered from the interview, they are strictly “designers” – they weren’t really interested at all in my technical skills or the ability to put together a tight set of CD’s to actually get a design BUILT. I think they sub all that out to architects. Sad, but true.

  18. Habitually Chic December 12, 2008 | 5:43 pm

    Cathy – I saw their ad on Craigslist but you need a degree or some technical skill I didn’t have so I didn’t bother applying. Funny then that you say they weren’t interested in your skills. I think I am going to see how long I can go without going to work for someone else. No snobs for me!

  19. Richie Designs December 12, 2008 | 6:06 pm

    wow, those rooms are amazing and I’m not normally a fan of the super designed room

  20. Cathy December 12, 2008 | 7:50 pm

    Self-employment is great! Scary at times, but great. I did it for a while myself. The way I see it, the only reason to go to work for a firm (other than a steady paycheck) is to be around people who are willing to mentor you and teach you new skills – use em and leave em, that’s my motto! 🙂

  21. Catherine at Design Editor December 12, 2008 | 9:13 pm

    Ok, I need a moment to pull my jaw off the floor.

  22. Angela Todd December 13, 2008 | 7:57 am

    What a lovely use of color. He is an amazing talent.

    Angela Todd
    blog.nwinteriordesigner.com

  23. Scott Fazzini December 27, 2008 | 9:34 pm

    Commercial done incredibly well. I’d move into any of those spaces today. I’m off to check out David’s site just as soon as I finish reading every last one of your posts!

    -s

  24. Robert Robillard January 7, 2009 | 1:09 am

    I’m not a big fan of the modern look but that picture over the fireplace has me drooling with envy!