A Conversation with Olivia Song

Olivia Song, the visionary behind Olivia Song Design, has been crafting transformative spaces since the firm’s inception in 2007. With a unique talent for designing scalable and visually captivating environments, Olivia is trusted by leading hospitality and retail brands to create experiences that leave a lasting impact. As a returning member of our Design + Art Advisory Council, Olivia joined us for a rapid-fire round of questions on the best questions to ask a dealer or gallerist when considering a piece, how to decide when a piece is "worth it," and more.

Art + Design

Favorites 

If you could add one museum piece to your personal collection, what would it be?

A Storm in the Rocky Mountains, Mt. Rosalie

by Albert Bierstadt. It is one of the finest examples of large-scale landscape painting, but also challenges our glorification of the American west. Manifest Destiny is a two-headed hydra.

Which design era or movement most inspires you right now?

Good design is good design regardless of era or style. I really appreciate things that would never come out of my brain. As a fact, the “movement” I dislike the most is the current homogenization of design, thanks to an over saturation of repetitive and derivative social media and marketing imagery.

Who is an emerging artist or designer you think everyone should know?

Luke Godfrey—Luke is a British artist based in Deal, Kent, UK. He teaches at Canterbury College and creates these incredibly architectural non-functional ceramics. I hope seeing his name out in the world as “an artist I think everyone should know” will motivate him to invest in his own artist practice.

What’s a piece in your collection that always sparks conversation?

Which came first—the objects to fill a space or space to house the objects? Great art and objects can transfer almost anywhere, size dependent. And great space can withstand any decor.

What’s your favorite space you’ve ever visited for its design or art alone?

The Breuer Building—just move me right in. Even the stairwells are perfection.

Advice

What’s a lesson you learned the hard way in collecting or curating?

If it’s going to permanent storage either at a warehouse or under your bed, skip it. There are plenty of more liquid ways to invest.

Display art and objects with affection and intention. Arrange the fewest pieces of furniture your space needs. If every wall and every room just keeps getting added to, everything looks like the magnetic fridge door covered in mediocre kids art. Nothing has any importance. Empty space is the “frame” art and objects need to resonate. Rotating seasonally or annually would be the more dutiful way to collect, display, and enjoy!

What’s the best question to ask a dealer or gallerist when considering a piece?

I always ask provenance and condition, especially the structural soundness. I prefer for decorative lighting to be rewired, or plan on having it done after purchase. It’s an added cost, but a small price to pay versus the worst-case outcome. For art, I like to discuss framing. Sometimes work is presented unframed, but really needs it. Lastly, I often ask how long the gallery can hold onto the work for me, in case we’re not ready to install.

What’s one myth about art or design collecting you’d like to debunk?

I’d love to encourage all collectors to get out there and educate themselves, discover work they’re unfamiliar with.

How do you decide when a piece is “worth it”?

A piece is worth it if you both love it AND you can afford it.

Plugs

What’s a project from the past year that pushed you creatively?

The historic New Jersey Montclair Stables went through a tough transition a few years ago. It sat abandoned and empty as a developer land prospect. My visionary clients stepped in and stepped up. They breathed new life into this incredibly property. With thoughtful historic details, including the preservation of original scenic reliefs and a relic payphone(!), alongside modern oversized stalls, new roof and windows, and completely overhauled major infrastructure, the facility is now fit for Olympic level training—and it’s spitting distance from Manhattan. So many riders who spent time there as kids and neighbors reached out to me on social; everyone is excited for Montclair Stables to welcome new generations of horse lovers.

Which upcoming exhibition is on your must-see list?

Salon Art + Design, of course!!!

What’s next on your own creative or collecting horizon?

I’m renovating an estate originally conceived by legendary American classicist Mott Schmidt. She’s a Georgian Revival beauty and the grounds are just a masterpiece of changing topography and scenery. I’m lucky to have an incredible team that includes the internationally acclaimed firms of Bories & Shearron (architecture) and Reed Hilderbrand (landscape architecture).

Where can people see your work next?

I do share a lot of design information and details in my social media posts and I don’t gatekeep my sources. We have a few projects that are in end game stages, including a minimalist barn conversion (which I frequently preview on IG stories).