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Designer Alexandra Loew Composes an Otherworldly Interior Around a Joe Ray Artwork

Known for rooms that reflect her cinematic eye and passion for collectible design, the bicoastal creative conjures a cozy conservatory fit for reflection and relaxation

By Jacqueline Terrebonne
Collage of various home decor items including tables, chandeliers, rugs, and abstract wall art on a brown background.
Japanese lacquer table from The Bruno Effect; Josef Hoffmann pendant from Woka; Noble House Vintage rug from Samad; Bowl #1378 by Jay Kvapil from Diane Rosenstein Gallery; Jean Prouvé daybed and Eckart Muthesius table from Galerie 54; Stitch window treatment by Amy Meier from Hartmann & Forbes. Artwork: Starburst (Nebula) (2011) by Joe Ray. Background color: Farrow & Ball’s Sulking Room Pink.

With offices in New York and Los Angeles, designer Alexandra Loew crisscrosses the country building not just beautiful homes but also incredible collections for her clients. In them, one can detect her early career as a filmmaker, an experience that lends a strong narrative and certain cinematic flair to every space she conceives. “Here, I imagined a winter garden, a room with views onto nature that welcome introspection on cold days and long nights,” explains Loew, who co-organized the exhibition “Conversation Pieces: Contemporary Furniture in Dialogue,” on view at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art through June 2023.

Confident individual in a white blazer standing against a light background with a slight smile.
Alexandra Loew. Photo: ROGER DAVIES

“I’m captivated by artist Joe Ray’s ‘Nebula’ paintings, a series he’s returned to decade after decade. I love how Starburst (Nebula) explores inner space and outer space simultaneously”

Alexandra Loew

Colorful abstract painting resembling a starry galaxy with vibrant hues of red, blue, yellow, and scattered white dots.
Starburst (Nebula) (2011) by Joe Ray. Photo: COURTESY OF DIANE ROSENSTEIN GALLERY
Japanese decorative two-tiered table with intricate gold animal motifs on a dark brown surface.
Japanese lacquer table from The Bruno Effect. Photo: COURTESY OF THE BRUNO EFFECT
Elegant white pendant light fixture with a tasseled cord hanging from a circular mount.
Josef Hoffmann pendant from Woka. Photo: COURTESY OF WOKA
Intricate Persian rug with traditional floral patterns in black, beige, and gold tones on a wooden floor background.
Noble House Vintage rug from Samad. Photo: COURTESY OF SAMAD
Ceramic bowl with a speckled, textured surface in shades of black, brown, and gray on a white background.
Bowl #1378 by Jay Kvapil from Diane Rosenstein Gallery. Photo: COURTESY OF DIANE ROSENSTEIN GALLERY
Red vintage daybed with beige cushion and integrated shelf on the side.
Jean Prouvé daybed from Galerie 54. Photo: C. BARAJA/E. TOUCHALEAUME, COURTESY OF GALERIE 54 PARIS
Modern black circular coffee table with unique geometric base design against a white background
Eckart Muthesius table from Galerie 54. Photo: C. BARAJA/E. TOUCHALEAUME, COURTESY OF GALERIE 54 PARIS
Intricate woven pattern with horizontal and vertical lines in brown, black, and white tones creating a textured effect.
Stitch window treatment by Amy Meier from Hartmann & Forbes. Photo: COURTESY OF HARTMANN & FORBES

A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2022 Winter Issue under the headline “Universal Appeal.” Subscribe to the magazine.