unexpected guests: diane gatterdam.
on my recent trip to new york, i was very kindly invited by laurie frankel to shoot the amazing west village home of her very good friend, visual merchandizing designer and artist diane gatterdam. diane’s loft apartment is like a mini museum, with her amazing artwork and vintage collections placed in pretty, shrine-like displays throughout — even the top of her fridge boasts an unexpected, but beautiful collection of vintage bottles. i was in eye candy heaven.
in her design work for a long list of extraordinary clients diane has done everything from running the eiffel tower up the front of a ten story san francisco building, to designing a herd of sheep to grace burberry stores from new york to moscow to tokyo. so, as you might imagine, she has amassed some wonderful collections through her creative projects and travels around the world. here’s a look at her incredibly inspiring home and work space.
How would you explain what you do for a living?
I am a Creative Consultant working in Store Design and Visual Merchandising, it allows me to create magical things to look at.
What’s your best bargain/vintage find?
Vintage glass bottles at the Paris Flea Market.
What are your top three online shops?
These are some of my favorite sites, but there are so many — BDDW, Modern Anthology, and Astier de Villatte.
What’s your favorite feature in your home?
My custom built bookcase.
What’s on your turntable?
“Dusted” by Rhythm and stealth, “Last Tango in Paris” by Gotan Project, “Porcelain” by Moby, “Dancing Barefoot” by Patti Smith, “Enjoy the Silence” by Depeche Mode, “Freddy the Freeloader” by Miles Davis, “Clocks” by Cold Play.
if you could go shopping with anyone in the world, who would it be?
Federico de Vera, curator and owner of de Vera in New York City, and my friend Laurie Frankel.
Do you have a favorite quote or expression?
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead
Do you have a favorite possession?
Two hand painted scrolls and a thank you letter written to me from the Last Empress of China’s brother Mr. Gobulo Runqi. I became friends with him in Beijing a few years before his death in 2007. He was the Last Emperor, Aisin Gioro Pu Yi’s best friend and grew up with him in the Forbidden City. Mr. Runqi was an amazing man who witnessed the last breath of 5000 years of Imperial rule in China.
what five things can’t you live without?
My family and friends; Still life by Michele Russo titled “Beige Shapes”; Books, especially my Chinese book collection; Traveling to amazing places; a small packet of seeds blessed by the Dalai Lama; and Kindness. (I think that is six.)
What bores you to death?
People pontificating in art galleries and museums. I think everyone should have their own feeling and understanding of art in a quiet space.
her bottle collection is the best! i love the feel vintage glass adds to any space.
What a breath of fresh air on an otherwise boring Thursday. I especially love the Batman and bunny art. A little weirdness is what makes a house a home.
that Batman is Banksy! :)
An incredibly eclectic home full of details! Great home tour!
thanks igor – it was incredible to be there!
Soooo inspiring!
Wow, amazing details! I love the glass bottles:)
Love this feature! I particularly loved the glass bottles and that huge stone cross on the wall.
I just started following! x
thanks cheryl, and welcome!! :)
What a beautiful space!
One of the last photos (third to last) has a vintage-inspired pair of eye glasses…they are gorgeous! May I ask where one might find those?
What a beautiful peacefull space. Loved the crosses and of couse her
cats. Wonderfully photographed. I felt like I was there.
so, what? do you just know all the coolest people on the face of the earth? man oh man. people who hobnob with empress’s families? what? i gotta get busy and get out there and meet a king or a queen or an emperor or something. my life is dullsville. you, on the other hand…..
i get very lucky to be invited into the homes of some very creatively inspiring and interesting people. lucky, indeed.
A gorgeous space designed by someone truly amazingly talented! Love that long table and the custom designed bookcase.
Thank you for sharing. What can I say. Beautiful, inspiring and extremely creative. I love the bookcase and all the very peaceful touches.
I would love her to create in my home!
Diane is an amazing talent! I’ve known her for years and she has always been such an inspiration! She is always on the pulse of what is the latest, greatest, coolest. Her home reflects her creativity. Its great to see you really captured her essence!
A magnificent home with moments of peace and tranquility throughout. A real eclectic mix of everything that inspires and makes a person.
What a great selection of songs also!!
I seriously love the paintings here. Really Really lovely.
wow! i wonder how this whole space looks like when lit at night. i love the crosses everywhere, not creepy at all, it’s actually calming. i want the glass bottles with crosses :-(
What a fabulous curated life and living space! Diane is so generous to share such amazing links and loves. What sweet little cats and I love the eyeglasses….
Such a peaceful, tranquil and inspiring space. How beautiful Diane- just goes to show you’re as beautiful outside as you are on the inside. Personally knowing the story behind the scrolls, it is quite moving to see them here. Such meaningful inspiration.
Great home tour! You really captured the eclectic essence of the home and gave us an insight into her life and interests – kudos!
Diane styled my book and is incredibly talented. She’s got a terrific eye and vision, and it was a real pleasure to work with her!
Thank you all so much for such amazing comments I am blown away! And a very heart felt thanks to Victoria for coming to my humble house and making it look so great, so talented and so nice, a real pleasure!
Thank you, Diane! I loved sharing your gorgeous home!
I have met Diane through my friend Laurie, I was so touched by her creative force, her inspiring attitude towards life and unforgettable personality.
A persona always projected at full speed towards the wonderful undiscovered unknown.
Ciao Diane, hope to see you soon.