5 Minutes With Jean-Louis Deniot
The AD100 designer tells us more about his work for The Towers of The Waldorf Astoria.
What was unique about working on The Towers of The Waldorf Astoria?
When you think of New York, one of the first places that springs to mind is The Waldorf Astoria. It is such an iconic building that, as a Frenchman, being able to produce the ideal product that complements its history is incredible. I studied all its past events, stories and the celebrities it hosted, and used this wealth of inspiration to build on this incredible way of living. Working on The Waldorf Astoria was like winning the biggest trophy in all of New York, but it isn’t just about getting the prize. It’s about having the utmost respect for it.
How long did the initial design take?
Several months. All the ideas came to me naturally and they adapted very well to the existing building condition. It is important for my design to be almost invisible as it blends, emphasises and respects the initial building characteristics.
Do you think you exceeded the goal of the project?
The goal was to reinject areas with The Waldorf DNA and bring a sense of new and defined architecture to more populated spaces. I had to reinterpret the 1930s with a contemporary twist, which I consider to be my take on art deco because there’s no historical limit. One can tell a new story that still pays homage to its rich history, without using pastiche. So I think I exceeded the goal because something tells me that my decor might be historically significant in time. It would be interesting if my work could be seen as historical preservation in the future.
What is an important facet of interior design that people often overlook?
The fact that it needs to be timeless. My work needs to be design relevant to create a sense of excitement, but it also needs to disappear to let the owner’s personality stand out.
What kind of effect would you want your design to have on the residents?
I always evaluate how the architecture and interiors should work in harmony. The hotel’s original structure was quite minimal and I wanted the interiors to match that effortlessly. Meaning, they can’t be overly ornamented or fussy. I also paid great attention to the amenities to create the most captivating spaces possible, to motivate great moments to happen. That’s functionality.
How did you bridge the gap between the past and present versions of the historic building?
When I imagine life inside The Waldorf Astoria, I want each owner to have the perfect canvas to work with, enabling the history to evolve within its walls. I wanted a fresh historical take, so I designed specific custom-made architectural profiles and silhouettes that pay homage to art deco, without mimicking the style. The outcome fuses classical with contemporary, injected with a great dose of life.
What makes a house a home?
When a home feels unique and has a sense of balance, serenity and osmosis between all elements, whether it’s the comfort of furniture or natural light. Each space needs to accommodate a grand sense of individuality and privacy, while also being able to be shared with family and friends. There must be a level of pride that motivates you to share a space with loved ones.