Nathan Turner's "Collected" Homes

By Marni Elyse Katz
September 15, 2010

Nathan Turner

Interior designer Nathan Turner's laid back, eclectic, well-traveled aesthetic comes to life in the homes of his Hollywood celeb clients (like Adrian Grenier and Amanda Peet), at the lavish but intimate parties he produces and in his Los Angeles-based store, which serves as a repository for the items he picks up on his many international journeys. Turner shared design ideas and images from some of his favorite projects.

Adrian Grenier's House in Los Feliz

Framed vintage maps from Turner’s shop line the stairwell.

The mirrors are made from reclaimed wood from Turner’s store. The log stools, also reclaimed wood, are from Pottery Barn.

Framed fish fossils hang above a console.

A Condo in Beverly Hills

clockwise from top left:

The headboard is upholstered with a suzani Turnerfound in Turkey.

This room does double duty as a dining room and library.

The floral images above the sofa are photographs by Oberto Gilli.

Turner makes use of the things he collects during his travels by arranging lots of picture walls.

Amanda Peet’s House in the Hollywood Hills

“It’s an original Spanish style house for a young couple, so I made sure to bring in pops of fun color, but channeled sophisticated details at the same time” Turner said.

clockwise from top left:

Turner added a red antique Chinese shawl on the sofa for a much needed pop of color.

The light in the dining room is original to the house and the metal chairs are vintage.

A yellow lamp is an unexpected addition to an otherwise cool-hued room. But it works.

A collection of family photos lines the staircase.

Peet loved the “Funny Girl” poster that she already had, so Turner used it as the inspiration for the rest of the room. The bedding is John Robshaw and the pink rug is vintage.

Q&A with Nathan Turner

The Inside Source: What’s your design philosophy and aesthetic?

Nathan Turner: I would consider my philosophy to be clean, classic American design—very influenced by travel. Aesthetically, I strive for a very collected look.

TIS: What do you spend money on in decor? Where do you skimp?

NT: I tend to spend more on art and antiques. These are one-of-a-kind items that add soul to a room and also hold their value. I have skimped on fabric. Rather than buying overpriced elaborate fabric, I have opted for simple linens.

TIS: What look are you loving? Is there a look you’re over?

NT: I’m loving the eighties look right now. Michael Taylor-inspired rooms with lots of wicker, travertine and large-scaled furniture. I’m definitely over anything overly decorated!

TIS: Who are your design idols?

NT: David Hicks, Syrie Maugham, and Michael Taylor.

TIS: What’s your favorite city for shopping?

NT: Since I have a shop [Nathan Turner Interiors & Antiques in Los Angeles], I scour the globe for inventory. Some of my favorite cities are Paris, Mexico City, Istanbul, and Delhi.

TIS: What’s your favorite room, anywhere?

NT: I would have to say Cy Twombly’s Roman Palazzo shot by Horst in the sixties.

TIS: What was your earliest design moment?

NT: In the womb. I’m kidding! I have always been very aware of my surroundings,even at a young age, and [am] easily affected by my environment.

TIS: What are your current inspirations?

NT: I am always inspired when traveling, whether it’s a detail from a building, a color or food. I was recently in India and was so inspired by the chaos of colors.

**Images provided by Nathan Turner.**