Deep Dive in Design: Lived-In Design with Rita Koenig

Episode Release Date: January 30, 2025
Host: FREDERIC, with Editor-in-Chief Dara Caponigro and design director Eugenia Soto
Guest: Rita Koenig, Renowned Designer

Introduction to Rita Koenig

In this episode of Deep Dive in Design, host Eugenia Soto welcomes Rita Koenig, a multifaceted designer renowned for her unique approach to decorating. Rita is not only celebrated for her design prowess but also for her popular online workshop with Create Academy and her upcoming collection of fabrics and wall coverings for Schumacher, set to launch later in 2025.

A Heritage of Design

Rita delves into her upbringing within the design industry, attributing her passion and innate talent to her mother, the esteemed designer Nina Campbell. Reflecting on her childhood, Rita shares, "I used to play with her fabric books" (00:51), illustrating how design was interwoven into her early life. This environment nurtured her love for decorating, evident from her elegantly styled childhood bedroom, often reminisced by her sister on Instagram.

Developing an Undone Aesthetic

Eugenia points out Rita’s distinctive "undone" style, a contrast to the meticulously coordinated environments of her upbringing. Rita explains, "I just want it to look kind of not done. And she was like, I don't understand what that means. It sounds like a nightmare." (01:17). This unique aesthetic was influenced by her exposure to different design philosophies, including the eclectic setups of Victoria Weymouth and the charming yet understated River Room in a Scottish castle, which Rita describes as "the most beautiful room in this castle, looked over the river." (03:00).

Influence of Early Living Spaces

Rita shares insights from her experiences living in New York City apartments, highlighting how these confined spaces taught her valuable lessons in design. She recounts the challenges and learnings from her Bank Street brownstone and West Ninth Street flats, emphasizing the importance of optimizing small spaces and allowing rooms to serve specific functions. "It taught me that you have to let a room do one thing," Rita notes (04:57).

Embracing Personal Style and Confidence

Eugenia admires Rita's confidence in her decorating choices, noting her irreverent and bold use of materials. Rita attributes this to her upbringing and continuous engagement with her surroundings, stating, "Decorating is everything went together very nice. It was a different way of decorating, but these women really influenced me." (02:29). Her approach prioritizes personal connection over conventional beauty, allowing clients to infuse their own stories into their spaces.

Navigating the Design Industry

Rita offers invaluable career advice, emphasizing the importance of knowing one's worth and being transparent about costs. "If you don't send a bill, nobody will respect you," she shares (10:09). Her mother’s wisdom highlights the necessity of confidently discussing finances to maintain respect and ensure projects stay within budget. Rita stresses that transparency fosters trust and empowers clients to make informed decisions.

Design Influences and Trends

Rita credit her mentors, including Robert Keim and John Fowler, for shaping her decorating philosophy. She admires Keim's ability to arrange furniture and incorporate vintage textiles, adding depth and texture to his rooms. "He would upholster a whole chair and a whole load of kente cloths... which added such texture to his rooms," Rita recalls (14:11). She also touches on the enduring nature of English decorating, characterized by the thoughtful collection and arrangement of items that lend spaces a timeless charm.

Cross-Atlantic Design Practices

Discussing design techniques, Rita highlights elements she has adopted from American design, such as the ubiquitous use of trays to create orderly arrangements. "Trays is definitely something I've brought back," she states (15:57). Additionally, she appreciates the warmth that curtains bring to English homes, contrasting it with the lighter window treatments more common in the U.S.

Current Design Obsessions

Rita shares her latest design interests, including the extensive use of fabric on walls and specialized painting techniques. She describes projects featuring lacquered paneling and multi-toned creams that add depth without overwhelming a space. "Specialist painting really does give it a strength... it just gives a depth to the eye immediately," Rita explains (17:15). She also enjoys incorporating small print wallpapers and burlap to add subtle patterns and textures to large rooms.

Scaling Design for Commercial Spaces

Transitioning to commercial design, Rita discusses her work on the San Vicente bungalows in Los Angeles. She emphasizes treating commercial spaces like homes, with distinct rooms serving specific functions. Collaborating with Jeff Klein, Rita navigated the challenges of meeting hotel standards while maintaining her design integrity. "We treated the club side really like it was a house... we did. They were all different," she recounts (19:37). This project underscored the importance of adaptability and creative problem-solving in larger-scale designs.

Design Trends and Comebacks

When asked about upcoming trends, Rita expresses her skepticism about the supposed resurgence of wallpaper, asserting, "Wallpaper's really making a comeback... never gone away." (21:49). Instead, she focuses on enduring design elements like braided trims, curtain borders, and ancillary rooms such as pantries and sculleries. These spaces not only enhance functionality but also add aesthetic interest by guiding the eye through a home’s layout.

Future Endeavors

Looking ahead, Rita shares exciting news about expanding her presence in the United States. "I have just incorporated in the state. So I am Rita Koenig Inc. Now which is terrifically exciting," she announces (24:13). This move includes establishing an American office, beginning with designing the kitchen island in her COO Lara's Miami residence, signaling growth and new opportunities in her design career.

Conclusion

Eugenia wraps up the conversation by expressing gratitude for Rita's insightful contributions, highlighting the wealth of knowledge shared during the episode. Rita's blend of personal style, industry experience, and innovative design solutions offers a compelling perspective for both seasoned designers and enthusiasts alike.

Stay tuned for more episodes of Deep Dive in Design, where industry leaders like Rita Koenig share their journeys and inspirations in the world of decorating.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Rita Koenig (00:51): "I used to play with her fabric books."
• Rita Koenig (01:17): "I just want it to look kind of not done. And she was like, I don't understand what that means. It sounds like a nightmare."
• Rita Koenig (02:29): "Decorating is everything went together very nice. It was a different way of decorating, but these women really influenced me."
• Rita Koenig (04:57): "It taught me that you have to let a room do one thing."
• Rita Koenig (10:09): "If you don't send a bill, nobody will respect you."
• Rita Koenig (14:11): "He would upholster a whole chair and a whole load of kente cloths... which added such texture to his rooms."
• Rita Koenig (15:57): "Trays is definitely something I've brought back."
• Rita Koenig (17:15): "Specialist painting really does give it a strength... it just gives a depth to the eye immediately."
• Rita Koenig (21:49): "Wallpaper's really making a comeback... never gone away."
• Rita Koenig (24:13): "I have just incorporated in the state. So I am Rita Koenig Inc. Now which is terrifically exciting."

This summary captures the essence of Rita Koenig's insightful discussion on design, her influences, experiences, and future plans, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and enthusiasts alike.