DESIGNER DIARY : THOMAS O'BRIEN / AERO STUDIOS

" I bought all of my interests together in the style of an Artists studio " 

I discovered Thomas O'Brien's portfolio of interiors last week haphazardly browsing Pinterest. The usual stages of discovery ensured. First, it was excitement. Then, investigation. Finally the slotting of the name into my mental ( and real ) design directory data base.

His first foray into New York City was to study Art and to be amongst the cultural riches of the city. The museums, Architecture and Galleries underpin not only the location of his studio and store but also the foundations of why he enjoys New York so much.

Both this city and the wonderful training I received exist in the way I think about design. The location of Aero was chosen for its connection to the downtown world of artists and galleries that I first witnessed during school source   

Thomas O'Brien's work ticks off the style values which are of importance to me. His rooms are warm, inviting and reflect an affinity to 'intentional assemblage'. The curated mantle displays gives you an idea of what I mean. There are ceramics, knick knacks and sculptures which have not only been thoughtfully placed but most likely selectively sourced too. As a shopper myself, I love good shelf game! 

Dark bathrooms simultaneously create privacy and intimacy by closing in on space 

A shot of his own apartment on 57th street. A true reflection of his inner style values. See the entire project here 

As much as minimalism is having its moment, I can't help but be naturally drawn to the maximalism aesthetic because there's more to see. O'Brien's rooms are full of objects but he deftly avoids the messy, charity shop look by foresight and possessing a natural ability to demonstrate visual balance. O'Brien gives himself leeway to decorate in his style by using muted tones and minimal colour. You can say he's using minimalist values to be a maximalist to the extreme in regards to this particular space.  

His colour palette consists of warm colours that do not fall into the conventional Red, Yellows and Oranges category. Rather, Brown's, Beiges and the spectrum in between have been generously rationed to provide a unifying atmosphere. Having whites as well as choosing rounded pots and vases adds to the warm comfort value. 

His fascination and love of Portraiture is reflected in his framed art works. A solid example of sentimentalism done well.

Sculptural pieces by Nakashima, Bertoia, Giacometti as well as ancient Chinese and Celtic objects inform his choice of ornaments 

The sheer amount of space and flatness that lofts offer allows creative minds to build dimension either through renovation or decoration

By choosing un-fussy and quiet furnishings, this Tribeca Loft's old world, pre-war (?) details shine through. The vast stretch of space here gives true credence to its loft interior and show that despite being a space that is mostly circuited by youthful furnishings, can be re-thought of as a modern home for a professional set. 

Classic forms with simple colours eschews the trendiness that comes with loft space living 

Felt compelled to share the oddity these handles bring in repetition and mass... who else feels it looks not necessarily bad but a bit odd here?

I believe that good lighting has an essential place in every good looking room and this West Village loft is holding testament to this. Young and Optimistic, this room features Scandinavian inspired furniture and a fun, paper lantern light which nods to playful un-conventionalism.

The white marble counter top and the miniature square tiles are my favourite features of this bathroom

Sometimes, the most elegant spaces are practical ones which clearly serve or go to make one purpose as easy and streamlined as possible. In this case, the furnishings and features of this bathroom are minimal, the room is spacious and most importantly, the bright lighting promotes a feeling of cleanliness.

Tiles provide texture and discreet patterning to any wall space 

See the entire project here 

Doesn't this dining area speak of Australian style living to you? I chose it for this reason. Despite O'Brien's body of work being mostly established in the states, you can see that choices in furnishings can hark to another place entirely.  I love dining areas as most dining tables 'float' in the middle of the room and this is my favourite way to display furniture. Items pushed against a wall give off a dated look and does not promote the flow of movement in a room. 

Beautiful colours here. Soft beiges, browns and earthy tones give us a style code of sticking to what's natural, timeless and classic 

Maybe it's because I love Italian interiors and furnishings but I love the use of marble in almost any room. Marble gives a luxe finishing and can be used in small or big ways. Think tables for big and ornaments for small. As a pattern lover I also appreciate the natural ebb and flow of the marbling pattern. 

See the entire project here

This exterior shot of the house shows its modernist foundation but with a slight country touch. It's actually a beach house that's spread over seven acres that's been re-done thanks to Aero Studios.

What would any interior designer be without their own book? I'm eager to have a flip through of O'brien's and will definitely be noting it down on my to-search for list. 

O'brien's style appeals to our desire to be in liveable, comforting and warm spaces. His stylish portfolio speaks ease of life with strong ties to a passion for Art and Fine Objects. Surrounding ourselves with soft furnishings, framed photographs and objects collected from travels reminds us that there's nowhere better than home to be our true selves.


All photography rights belong to that of the original publisher. Photography credit is always provided if known