Inside the Creative Haven of Florian Marquardt
Meet Florian Marquardt, an artistic visionary rooted in the heart of SoHo, Manhattan. As a freelance creative director, Florian's life is a captivating tapestry woven with a passion for the arts and a deep appreciation for interior design. His creative journey extends beyond making brands famous, encompassing a love for art and furniture that has become the cornerstone of his distinctive style. With an unrelenting commitment to aesthetics and a penchant for the finer details, Florian's interiors are a testament to his creative prowess. In this exclusive Q&A, we explore his perspective on style, inspiration, and the transformative power of home.
Florian Marquardt in his home photographed by Adrian Gaut.
Describe who you are, in one sentence.
F: I try to be a bit of a jack of all trades and express my creativity in different worlds; collecting art and furniture, painting large-scale canvas works, independently working as an advertising creative director, as well as co-founding a bottled water company this year.
Where are you based?
F: I'm based in SoHo, Manhattan.
How would you describe your style?
I only wear black. Every day. It’s a bit of a uniform. Plus, you really don’t have to spend much time thinking about what you’re putting on. Black goes with black any time. Acne and Issey Miyake are my go-to’s.
The richest of browns in the rug Grand Walnut.
What inspires you? Where do you find your inspiration?
F: Walks around the streets of New York City are my biggest inspiration. It’s probably my most favorite activity to just roam the streets and observe people, look at buildings and walk into book and vinyl stores. Another big one for me is watching documentaries. There’s tons of good ones out there. Flea markets. And of course: Instagram.
What does home mean to you?
F: Having lived in about 13+ apartments across 3 different countries and 7 cities, I’ve realized that a city can feel more like home to me than the actual home itself. For example, I’ve recently had the great opportunity to live in one of Frank Gehry’s early houses in Venice, CA and never felt at home there — because LA never did. Feeling at home to me means that you’ve arrived at the right city for you.
How would you describe your interior style?
F: My interior style is quite minimal and collected. I try to be as intentional as possible to create visual interest and impact. I usually gravitate to vintage pieces from Italy and France. Neutral, muted colors. Lots of browns, off-whites, olives, and creams.
Do you have a favorite object/design piece?
F: I like to think I don’t. It took me years of collecting, selling, trading, and hunting for new pieces to arrive where I’m at right now. If I don’t love a piece enough, it usually doesn’t stick around for too long.
Any ongoing or interesting upcoming trends you see?
F: I think people, and even the younger generation, are generally more willing to pay for a quality product vs. ”cheap out” on something today than it was perhaps the case a decade ago. Sustainability, craftsmanship, and storytelling (the story behind the piece) are now more important than ever.
What are you currently working on?
F: I currently spend most of my time, together with my co-founder, building a bottled water company that I’m extremely excited about. It’s based on a big thought, science, and humor. We’re planning on launching in 2024. More to come soon.
Nordic Shade in Perfect White.
Dramatic yet minimalist, Grand in Milano Green paired with our debuting curtains in Perfect White.
Any special interior tips or advice you can share with us?
F: Collect. Trade. Collect some more. Sell. And sell some more. It takes time to build your collection of interiors, but it’ll be worth it. The longer you spend doing it, the more your home will feel layered and special. And don’t forget the art on your walls. It’s as important as the couch you’re sitting on.
Which is your favorite Nordic Knots rug, and where would you use it?
F: Probably my Grand Chestnut. With its big size, it really pulls the room together and centers the space. The color plays nicely off of my furniture, plus it’s super durable which is necessary when you've got a 100lbs Golden Retriever running around on it 24/7.
Grand Chestnut framing Florian’s NYC apartment.
Photography by Adrian Gaut