James Huniford, fondly known to everyone as Ford, is the visionary founder of Huniford Design Studio based in the bustling city of New York. His extensive portfolio of residential design projects is celebrated for its seamless blend of elegance and comfort. By steering clear of rigid formulas and fleeting trends, Ford's unique style excels in harmoniously merging the old with the new, and the rustic with the refined. This results in timeless, distinct, and deeply thoughtful spaces that authentically reflect the personalities of his diverse clientele. As a prominent figure in the design industry, Ford is also deeply committed to giving back through active philanthropy both within the design community and beyond.
CovetED Magazine : Could you share with us the early days of your journey into the world of design?
James Huniford : I’ve always been captivated by art and furniture. I spent a lot of time visiting museums, exploring art, and understanding the sensibilities of artists and painters—their color palettes, moods, and feelings. It was always inspiring to me. During my summers, I spent seven hours north of here, where the incredible turn-of-the-century architecture left a lasting impression on me. I even had the chance to see some of those homes during a different era. Growing up outside of New York City while being fascinated by the countryside was always intriguing to me. Later, I traveled extensively through Europe—Germany, France, England, and Italy—and soaked up a wealth of knowledge. Those trips were incredibly inspiring.
CovetED Magazine : You're one of the top international references in today's design industry due to your iconic designs. How would you describe your design philosophy?
James Huniford : My work is primarily focused on residential projects, and it's incredibly creatively driven. There's no set formula; each project is approached with a unique sensibility. Every client leads a different lifestyle, and each house has its own structure, setting, and location. I always aim to adapt to the client's needs, preferences, and the environment of the house. My style evolves with time, and I think having a strong rapport with clients allows me to take bolder risks and explore more innovative ideas.
CovetED Magazine : How does the creative process begin when you’re handed a new project? Can you elaborate a bit more on that?
James Huniford : Every project begins with an idea or a concept—a historical reference, a piece of art I adore, a color, or even an interesting material. My taste is continually evolving, and it’s fascinating. If you’ve worked with a client before, there’s already a level of trust, allowing you to push boundaries and experiment more freely. Right now, I’m working on a house in Rhode Island. We’re handling the interior architecture, design, and even the gardens. It’s a dream project for us, inspired by a turn-of-the-century house. For instance, I’ve been exploring a specific teal shade that’s more turquoise than I’ve ever used. It’s been quite an interesting challenge to integrate this color into the design. The entire project will be vibrant and bold, which isn’t typically my style—I usually stick to whites or softer backgrounds—but I thought, why not try something new?
CovetED Magazine : If you had to choose one project from your career as your favorite, which one would it be and why?
James Huniford : The one I’m currently working on would definitely be among them. I’m also designing a modern house made entirely of glass, steel, and stone, which is the complete opposite of what I usually do. Both projects are fascinating in their own ways. What’s particularly interesting about Rhode Island is that most people there own summer homes, while in the Hamptons, houses are often used year-round. For my Rhode Island clients, there won’t be any mid-century furniture, whereas the Hamptons vibe leans more towards that aesthetic. It’s intriguing because I’m incorporating a lot of furniture that’s considered unfashionable today—early 19th-century English pieces, painted furniture, and so on. It feels like someone traveled back in time to collect these items.
CovetED Magazine : You also have a furniture collection. Do you usually include your pieces in your projects?
James Huniford : Not always. That’s a different aspect of my work. People come to me because they want something unique, and I love finding vintage sofas and restoring them.
CovetED Magazine : What do you think is the biggest change the pandemic brought to the design world?
James Huniford : In some ways, the pandemic gave people the chance to pause and reflect. It was almost like an opportunity to process information differently. One of my biggest projects right now is in Rhode Island, and it’s one of the top three largest projects in my entire career. I negotiated this project at the early stages of the pandemic, and it was incredible to know that the work was secured for the next three years. I also designed a house in Connecticut for a client during the pandemic, and halfway through, the wife called me and said, “Ford, I have to thank you.†I asked her why, and she told me, “I had no idea what this house meant to us and the important role you’d play in our lives until now, and I truly appreciate that.†It was fascinating. I believe people are now valuing authenticity more than ever.
CovetED Magazine: Could you tell us more about Design on a Dime, your charitable organization?
James Huniford : Design on a Dime is a charity organization. We have involvement from every major designer, and there are numerous group causes. It focuses on educating women to reintegrate into the workforce after homelessness or being HIV positive. It’s a women’s shelter with a job training program that helps them get off the streets and become independent homeowners. This organization has been around for 15/16 years now, and we have significant support from major advertisers like Gucci and others.
CovetED Magazine : Are you planning to continue focusing on residential projects?
James Huniford : I’ve always loved the idea of designing hotels. I’ve run my own business for 16 years, but I haven’t done one yet. I’d love to design one within a resort setting.
CovetED Magazine : What advice would you give to our enthusiastic followers and young professionals?
James Huniford : I think it’s crucial to focus on what truly excites you and develop your own perspective. Today, there’s so much information available, especially on social media, but it’s more important to create your own point of view rather than blindly following someone else’s. Clients are drawn to my work because there’s no set formula—it’s personal and unique. Many people seek consistency, but the clients I work with prefer something different and authentic.
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