LOOSE ENDS 004: Nico Walker  

Name: Nico Walker
 Occupation: Artist, stylist, creative consultant, curator, etc.

What is your relationship with furniture and objects? I love objects—being around art, furniture, clothes, and design that I’m drawn to gives me a feeling of euphoria.

Who or what inspires you? Right now, I’m inspired by an inner fantasy world - a cinematic reality where women, free from oppression, drive around in old Mercedes Benz cars, smoke cigarettes, wear strange wigs, and carry fragments of my idols. Imagine if Lena Nyman, Aaliyah, Joni Mitchell, Nina Simone, and Hunter Schafer became one single woman - that’s my dream film/reality. That sense of freedom, that’s my inspiration. And potentially, directing such a film in real life.

By now, we all know walls are not just for paintings right?

White fabric in the back, red on red cabinet in the front.

How would you define an icon when it comes to furniture? An icon to me is a piece of furniture that stays imprinted on your mind, that creates desire. I remember finding a chair by some Danish artist/designer that I’ve regretted not buying for 10 years—it resembled a female body and wore a bra and panties. Damn, I regret not buying it. I hope I find it again someday.

Do you find it hard to part with things? No, quite the opposite - I love getting rid of things, only to acquire new ones. I’m incredibly grateful to be privileged enough to surround myself with beautiful things, but deep down I feel like everything is only borrowed. One day when I die, all the things I 'own' will move on - maybe to someone who will love them as much as I once did. That’s such a beautiful thought. That objects get to live on, and I just get to enjoy them for as long as I want or can.

Is there anything you’re obsessed with right now, and what are you always on the hunt for? Yes - bizarrely enough, I’ve become completely obsessed with everything I once rejected from my childhood home. For years I hated it - now I just want to surround myself with Rococo, dark wood, wrought iron… and yes, even folk art. I never thought I’d say that. Maybe it’s the cycle of time coming full circle. Or maybe it’s about returning to something you once tried to escape. I never stop searching for new things to love.

Black vase by Nicole herself

We agreed on the return of a proper bed frame

Hard to clean, easy to love.

Nicole in her hallway

Chair prototype from a styling job