Talking with Thomas O’Brien is like jogging with a friend who’s in great shape: the brisk pace is invigorating, but it’s work to keep up. The New York-based decorator’s energy is visible in his restless, masculine style--a deft mix of traditional American and modern sensibilities. And it’s apparent from his rapidly expanding business, from his shop in Manhattan’s Soho to his new collection for Target. His widening impact on American design, however, hasn’t lessened his attention to the smallest details of what makes for good décor, as our chat with him shows.--Paul O'Donnell

What's your favorite space in your own house and why?
My living room has become my favorite where it wasn’t before, because of the artwork I’ve collected there. I’m renewed by it. It’s a reward for all the hard work I’ve done. I’ve moved more to using the best places in my house, the ones I’ve spent the most time decorating. I encourage my clients to use the best rooms in the house for the same reason. With wireless, you can use the computer at the beautiful dining room table, rather than stick yourself in a corner with a laptop.

What's something you should never skimp on when decorating your home?
Upholstery. It’s the upholstery that gives the character to a room, and it’s the thing you use the most--you put yourself in it.

Favorite shop for cool cheap furnishings?
My own shop, Aero. I’ve been trying to make it the case that my store is rich in every category, in those kinds of accessories, and from antiques to upholstery. It’s a blend of everything, from baskets to lamps.


Aero in NYC

Biggest mistake people make when decorating?
Creating the imaginary antique. You find something you love, but it has five drawers instead of four, or longer than the space you had in mind. Sometimes if I see something that’s a great solution I’ll make my own version of. But in general, if you’re drawn to a piece and it works, don’t reimagine it. Don’t force some other set of ideas on it.

Top tip for small spaces?
It depends what kind of space it is, and what kind of room you’re entering from. It’s about the transition. You can go from warm to cool, or dark to light. So often the feeling of a room is about what’s in front of you. In a small space, it’s often what’s on the wall that’s more important than the character of the wall itself. Also remember, less can just do less. Smalls spaces don’t have to be a compromise of everything you’d do in a larger space.

What are the essentials of an inviting space?
I try to find ways to help people incorporate things from their life, things from their family, things they collect, things from places they’ve discovered. An inviting space lets you finding out something about the person who lives there. Nothing is more boring than an imitation of something else.

Favorite color combination lately?
Blue and brown have been big lately—well, that’s my favorite since I was a little kid. Pale blue and that earthy natural tone.

The ultimate example of chic?
Dinnerware, linens, books, art. It’s making the effort to learn about and truly use those things, not the substitutes. They don’t have to be starched and pressed, just use them.

Most cherished possession?
There are certainly generational pieces that are really special, but increasingly it becomes about particular pieces of art. I have a Celtic head vase that’s modern and old at the same time, an incredible terra cotta head. I have a painting by Francis Bacon. An Irving Penn photograph of frozen food I love. Each one has been a key acquisition, and that’s what makes it special.

Best last-minute décor trick?
In terms of buying things, I’d say take a hard look at all your lampshades and see if they really look good together. But a good organizing moment can be the simplest thing. I tend to accumulate books, and restacking, editing, and color grouping them causes a shift around. It’s refreshing.

Do you have a favorite source for eco-conscious design? A favorite solution or item?
Greenest thing is to not change your scheme. I can look at things and be happy with the way things are as they exist. It’s sad how many houses turn over regularly without having any sense of age.

A décor fad you hope never to see again?
There’s a ‘70s and ‘80s world of disposable nonpermanent material. There are worlds of things that are all created with plastic. The most blatant, showy interiors tends to be made of these synthetic things. And I’m not a big one for theatricality, the fakery of all of it.

What is a favorite recent project or project that you consider an emblem of your work?
My own place has a lot to do with what I’m doing with clients right now, particularly with my interest in the art. People are terrified of art. The y feel like it’s too defining. But it’s a responsibility to help someone put together a collection.

Best piece of decorating advice?
Keep it about you. Nothing is worse than watching a client get pulled into an elaborate audio system or something they don’t need.

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