Pieces @ Home - John Sohn

What makes you feel at home in your own space?

A clean, tidy space is paramount. Since I have a creative day job, I really need to be able to decompress when I get home. Living in a studio space can be a little chaotic because everything is exposed - you can’t really leave messes around. 

What does home mean to you?

To me, home is a sanctuary. It is a reprieve from work, the outside world - basically, a safe space. 

Is there a particular piece in your space that is most special to you?

My large Floor Hand is pretty special - it is the first furniture piece I have ever made for myself. I started out making pillows first, but I’m excited to explore more soft furniture pieces.

In terms of designing your space, what was your approach?

I viewed the apartment with a measuring tape in hand, so I took down all the major measurements before I signed my lease. From there, I made sure my important furniture pieces would fit. I sketched layouts constantly in my free time, and I was able to identify the different zones I wanted in my apartment: dining area, bed nook, corner seating area, and desk area. I started from scratch with my living area and dining area, so it was fun to research different dining tables and seating arrangements that would fit my space. Although I did curate most of my pieces to fit into this specific apartment, I also made sure that most of these pieces were versatile enough to work in my future spaces.

Biggest indulgence that brings you joy in your home?

My Ettore Sottsass ‘Diva’ mirror. I knew I wanted a mirror that acted as a wall hanging/art piece, and it also really lends itself both to a postmodern and Art Deco aesthetic. 

Is there an element of color in your apartment that makes you most happy and why?

A lot of my plastic pieces make me happy: the aging white plastic of my shelves and desk, and the punchy yellow plastic from my storage pieces. I like that something as synthetic and clinical like plastic can age so beautifully and have a patina.

Era of design that most speaks to you?

I love bits and pieces from all eras, but I have a fondness for Art Deco and space age design. I love the craftsmanship, intricacy, and richness in Art Deco - it speaks to my penchant for well-made and beautiful objects. With space age design, I really admire the otherworldly and futuristic aesthetic, as well as the use of new/cutting edge materials of that era. 

Designer, artist, person who most influences your home style?

Too many to mention - Isamu Noguchi, Halston, Pierre Paulin, Luis Barragan. I try to take from designers and artists I admire and incorporate their aesthetics into my own style.

How do you see Pieces fitting into your space and blending with your style? 

I love the playfulness in Pieces - I think having a sense of humor and playfulness about home is important. I’m quite serious about design in general, but I do feel that it's easier to connect different eras and aesthetics together as long as there is a sense of whimsy.