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David Scott Creates a Warm Study Inspired by Cubist Alfréd Réth

The interior designer conceives a cocoon of collectibles around an abstract painting

By Jacqueline Terrebonne
Collage of modern and vintage decor: yellow sofa, bonsai, pottery, cushion, artwork, glass block, rug, chair on beige background.
David Scott designed a room around a painting by Alfréd Réth. The background is Ammonite by Farrow & Ball. Photo: Courtesy Galerie Marcilhac, Phillip Jeffries, the Invisible Collection, Bonsai Mirai, Doris Leslie Blau, Donzella, Hostler Burrows, RW Guild Private Label, and 1stdibs

David Scott lends his curatorial eye to every project he creates. The results sparkle with a sophisticated edge and European sensibility that always brim with comfort and warmth. “When we layer things,” he says, “it creates a dynamic form, balancing textures and finding a connective.” From a soigné Fifth Avenue apartment to a relaxed Sag Harbor getaway, the homes he creates resonate with both art collectors and design aficionados. 

“I love the textural paintings of early Cubist Alfréd Réth,” adds Scott. “For this study, I conceived a warm cocoon of collectibles that reads as a contemporary space while hearkening back to the classics.” 

Person in a dark suit sitting on a chair with a painting in the background, smiling and looking at the camera.
David Scott. Photo: FELIX KUNZE
Abstract artwork with textured brown background and asymmetrical geometric shapes in beige, grey, and white.
Photo: COURTESY OF GALERIE MARCILHAC

Abstract Composition (1950) by Alfréd Réth from Galerie Marcilhac.

Close-up of orange textured fabric with subtle horizontal lines, showing a rich, warm tone and soft surface detail.
Photo: COURTESY OF PHILLIP JEFFRIES

Wallpaper by Phillip Jeffries.

Yellow velvet couch with two patterned pillows on a white background.
Photo: COURTESY OF THE INVISIBLE COLLECTION

 Klay sofa bed by Charlotte Biltgen from the Invisible Collection.  

Bonsai tree in a rectangular pot with twisted trunk and lush green foliage against a white background.
Photo: COURTESY OF BONSAI MIRAI

Bonsai tree from Bonsai Mirai.

Beige rug with brown spiral patterns and red square accents scattered symmetrically across the surface.
Photo: COURTESY OF DORIS LESLIE BLAU

Rug by Olga Fisch from Doris Leslie Blau.

Two modern armchairs with black cushions and wooden armrests, positioned facing each other against a white background.
Photo: JOSH GADDY

Lounge chair by Donzella. 

A collection of five elegant blue ceramic vases of varying shapes and heights.
Photo: COURTESY OF HOSTLER BURROWS

Collection of studio vases by Berndt Friberg from Hostler Burrows. 

Beige textured pillow with a soft, fluffy surface against a white background.
Photo: COURTESY OF RW GUILD

Pillow by RW Guild Private Label.

Green oblong transparent crystal shaped object with smooth, shiny surfaces and a central indentation.
Photo: COURTESY OF 1STDIBS

Vintage dish by Fontana Arte from 1stdibs. 

A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2020 Fall issue in the section The Artful Home: Center Piece. Subscribe to the magazine.