You might be most familiar with Lisa Perry in her place at the intersection of fashion and art—the designer has long been merging the two in funky and fabulous collections. But Perry has also taken her design chops into the home, crafting whimsical interiors for her properties around the world. It’s this side of the designer that has captivated writer and photographer Robyn Lea and inspired her to compile Lisa Perry: Fashion - Homes - Design ( $85, Assouline ). We spoke with Perry about her interior design projects—and we're offering an exclusive sneak peek at the spaces inside the book.
The media room at Perry’s Sutton Place, Manhattan, apartment.
Architectural Digest: When and how did you discover your passion for interior design?
Lisa Perry: I believe I have always had a passion for interior design. I remember my childhood home with its colorful shag carpeting and midcentury-modern furniture [by designers] such as Saarinen and Eames—even as a young girl I paid a lot of attention to my surroundings. I wanted to decorate my own room when I was ten years old, which isn’t that unusual. But I remember being very specific about all the details, which were pretty sophisticated, such as art-directing a mural painted by my father and color-coordinating love beads to hang in my doorway. After all, it was the ’70s! It was colorful and creative, and the room made me very happy.
The pool at Perry’s Hamptons home.
AD: How has your work in fashion informed your interiors?
LP: I think it may actually be the other way around: My interiors inform my fashion collections. My very first collection was born from me looking at the art in my home and getting the idea that several of the pieces, if not all, could be translated into beautiful dresses. It wasn’t always a literal translation—sometimes it was—but there was always something in a painting that I could see working for a dress. It became a very exciting and rewarding exercise to work this way, and it almost seemed limitless in where it could go.
The library in Perry’s Hamptons home.
AD: How did you go about putting together this book ?
LP: When Assouline approached me to do a book on my homes, needless to say, I was thrilled and honored. I love Assouline’s aesthetic, and its books are gorgeous, so I jumped at the chance. They recommended a phenomenal photographer for the project, Robyn Lea, and I arranged for Robyn to visit all the homes, not just to photograph but to also get a feel for the way we live, eat, entertain, work, and play in each environment. I really think it added to the overall feel of the book, as you get a sense not only of the interiors but a slice of life as well.
Perry’s kitchen in Manhattan.
We also thought it was key to include fashion pieces from my past collections so that readers can see the thread that connects my work to my environments. It clearly shows one focus throughout. It captures the language of Lisa Perry the brand and me as a designer. Although the spaces are different in age, geography, and scope, they all come through with a clear, strong vision and that was important for me to convey.
Perry’s color-blocked dresses line her closet in Manhattan.
AD: What’s next for your interior design career?
LP: Well, I’m not sure I’m going to have an interior design career, although I do like the sound of that! My next adventure is a business dedicated to buying and renovating homes designed in my style and then renting or selling them. I’m working on my first project in Florida, and I’m buying all the furniture—vintage and new—and curating all the art and accessories. I obviously realize I have a passion for this, so it was a natural progression. So if you like my style, this home’s for you! I’m also working on various home design collaborations with the team at Barneys, such as tabletop items, pillows, throws, and hopefully furniture next.