Billy Cotton Crafts an Inspired Sitting Room Around a Classic Work by Henri Matisse
The designer is known for his unexpected palettes and ease with art
Billy Cotton Photo: Noe Dewitt
Working with art-world superstars such as Cindy Sherman and Lisa Yuskavage on their own homes, Billy Cotton is no stranger to incorporating powerful works into his interiors. In his first monograph, Billy Cotton: Interior & Design Work (Rizzoli), every page proves his gift for complex palettes and talent for making things livable.
For a sitting room, he fashions a space around a nude by Henri Matisse, pulling inspiration from “the artist’s incredible paintings of interiors and his use of colors.” The vibrant scheme that results reflects both the designer’s and the painter’s ability to use strong hues in a way that still feels exceptionally elegant.
Henri Mattise, Large Reclining Nude, 1935. Photo: Courtesy of the Baltimore Museum of Art
“Matisse is always my touchstone when it comes to color theory. When I think of how art can inspire one’s design practice, I always think of him”
Billy Cotton
Haras floor lamp by Liaigre. Photo: Courtesy of Studio Liaigre
Cashmere throw by Loro Piana. Photo: Courtesy of Loro Piana
Pippa folding screen by Hermès. Photo: Courtesy of Hermès
Auguste buffet by Elizabeth Garouste. Photo: Courtesy of Ralph Pucci
Banquette Face a Face by Pierre Paulin. Photo: Courtesy of Ralph Pucci
Dustin director's chair by Armani/Casa. Photo: Courtesy of Armani/Casa
Bursa Bobo by Buccellati. Photo: Courtesy of Buccellati
The Classicist Sketchbook wallpaper by Rinck for Fromental. Photo: Courtesy of Fromental
Ribbon striped fabric by Schumacher. Photo: Courtesy of Schumacher
Reedition Jean-Michel Frank sofa by Hermès. Photo: Courtesy of Hermès
A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2022 Spring Issue under the headline “French Connection.” Subscribe to the magazine.
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