Rafael de Cárdenas is an award-winning designer and creative director based in New York. Since 2006, he has maintained an eponymous, multifaceted international practice encompassing residential and commercial interiors, architecture, furniture design, art advisory, and brand development. This year, Rafael graces our inaugural Design & Art Advisory Council, and we took the opportunity to ask him some rapid-fire questions about how he'd describe his own interior design style, Salon pieces he'd choose to design his dream home, and more.
Art + Design Favorites
How would you describe your own style when it comes to interior design or decorating?
I resist styles and themes. I prefer a contrasting juxtaposition that might require thought over absolute harmoniousness.
What is your most recent acquisition?
A tiny but exquisite Enzo Cucchi painting of a female face with an eye obscured by a butterfly, and a Borek Sipek chair I've been thinking about since I was a child.
What's your favorite NYC building?
The Tribeca Synagogue, designed by William Breger, in 1967, to express the form of a flame.
Salon Art + Design
If you were designing your dream home, which pieces would you choose?
My favorite works here are the Martin Székely Casepiece From Galerie Gabriel and the Andre Dubreuil chair and desk from Karl Kemp.
What exhibitors are you excited to see at the fair?
Galerie Gabriel (I love that she bringing Székely to an American audience), Galerie Marcilhac (we've been working with them a great deal lately), Karl Kemp, Ariadne, and NILUFAR. Nina Yashar has greatly informed my eye and helped me develop a sharpness for color and ideas of glamour that I've always been drawn to since I was a child.
Lifestyle
What was your introduction to design?
My mother's wardrobe! And a Philippe Starck citrus juicer that started a revolution in my brain!
Best design book / podcast / meme / blog / article you’ve consumed recently?
Oct 16. Mariah Carey on Las Culturistas!
What are the first three songs on your “get work done” playlist?
Pet Shop Boys cover of Willie Nelson's "You Were Always On My Mind"
Dead Can Dance - "Host of Seraphim"
Bronski Beat - "Smalltown Boy"
Advice
What's your advice to an entry level design collector?
Buy things that are unlike anything you've ever seen before. Do not buy trophies, they aren't your win.
What's the best design advice you've ever received?
I don't think I received it but some Diana Freeland quote about "walking a tight-rope with bad taste" has seemed important.
Plugs
What’s a recent assignment or project you’re proud of?
Our greatest project is our awesome team. They work magic on 23 projects all in a 4 day work week.
What's a recent project you've found challenging?
Dieting.
What upcoming project(s) are you most excited about?
Excited for a jewel box of a shop on Place Vendome opening in spring 2025. Looking forward to completing a residential project (my own) in the Berkshires also in the spring.