Argomenti trattati
When you think of interior design, what comes to mind? For many, it’s about aesthetics, colors, and layouts. But for Autumn Oser, it’s about crafting spaces that resonate with the soul. Autumn, a graduate of Moore College of Art & Design, initially made her mark creating art installations for Anthropologie, but her journey quickly evolved into something far more profound. She believes that every space should tell a story, evoke emotions, and above all, be a reflection of those who inhabit it.
From art installations to luxury event design
Autumn’s career path has been anything but linear. After her early days with Anthropologie, she dove into the high-stakes world of luxury event design with Preston Bailey in New York City. “It was like a masterclass in drama and detail,” she recalls, her eyes lighting up with the memory. This experience didn’t just hone her skills; it ignited her passion for brand strategy. Landing at Google, she contributed to launching the Experience Design team, focusing on how a tech giant could create physical representations of its digital identity. Imagine the challenge of translating something as abstract as a brand into tangible experiences! It was here that Autumn’s vision began to crystallize.
The birth of Haldon House
In 2021, Autumn and her husband, Andre Golsorkhi, took a bold leap into entrepreneurship by founding Haldon House, a design firm that fuses their talents in a uniquely personal way. “We have this natural division of labor,” Andre explains, highlighting how their skills complement each other. While he manages the business side, Autumn dives deep into the creative aspects. This trust in each other’s strengths forms the bedrock of their projects. What’s the driving force behind their design philosophy? It’s all about creating spaces that are meaningful and personal. “Knowing these homes will stand the test of time—50 to 100 years—adds a layer of responsibility to our work,” Andre states, emphasizing the importance of creating not just aesthetically pleasing but also emotionally resonant spaces.
Design influences and inspirations
Autumn’s design aesthetic is a beautiful amalgamation of French modernism and mid-century Italian influences. She’s captivated by how these styles masterfully balance elegance with warmth. “The effortless sophistication of the 1930s to 1970s Italian and French design really speaks to me,” she says, reflecting on the sculptural forms and rich materials that characterize her work. This appreciation for history is evident in her choice of color palettes—muted tones like aubergine with chocolate undertones, dusty blues, and ochre-infused beiges dominate her interiors, creating an ambiance that feels both timeless and chic.
Creating spaces with soul
Every project Autumn undertakes is imbued with personal touches. “I want our clients to feel like they’re stepping into a narrative,” she explains. For one project, she crafted a space that layered antiques, curated art, and rich hues, evoking a sense of history and luxury. A striking feature was the pendant lighting, reminiscent of a French countryside estate, paired beautifully with a century-old plaster mural on the ceiling. But is perfection really the goal? Autumn believes in the charm of imperfection. “A quirky vintage piece or an heirloom with a story adds nuance and warmth,” she says with a smile. It’s these little details that transform a house into a home.
Future aspirations and unique ideas
During a recent interview, Autumn shared her ongoing passion for collecting antique frames from her travels. Each frame is a piece of history, and she creates custom art for them, adding depth and meaning to each project. Meanwhile, Andre dreams of merging automotive and home design by reimagining garage spaces. “Why shouldn’t a garage be part of your living experience?” he muses. With vintage glass garage doors in his sights, he imagines a living room that visually connects to the garage, integrating the car into the home’s narrative. It’s this innovative thinking that keeps their designs fresh and exciting.
Taking risks in design
What’s the biggest risk Autumn has taken recently? “I drenched a pantry in a bold saturated red,” she reveals, eyes sparkling with excitement. The color choice was daring, yet she balanced it with old-world elements like an 1800s hutch and vintage decor sourced from the English countryside. This blend of the new and the old created a space that softened the intensity of the red while adding depth and warmth. It’s this willingness to experiment that distinguishes Autumn’s work.
Collaborations and inspirations
If Autumn could collaborate with any brand, she’d choose a luxury fashion house like The Row or Loewe. “Great design is about storytelling through materials and details,” she asserts, believing that these brands would appreciate her design ethos. She also finds inspiration in artisans like Studio Ebur, whose ability to merge old-world craftsmanship with contemporary design resonates with her philosophy. Autumn dreams of traveling to Dordogne, France, to draw from its rich history and timeless aesthetic, while Andre is eager to explore the automotive design world in Bologna, Italy. “Italian design is legendary,” he emphasizes, drawing parallels between automotive and furniture design.
As they continue to carve their path in the design world, Autumn and Andre’s approach reminds us that home isn’t just where we live—it’s a reflection of our stories, our passions, and ultimately, who we are.