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Ellen Hamilton Designs a Room Around a Graphic Svenja Deininger Painting

The Manhattan-based talent creates spaces, such as this chic cottage, that feel distinctly eccentric yet personal

By Jacqueline Terrebonne
Collage of eclectic furniture and decor items, including chairs, a sofa, a mirror, tables, a lamp, and abstract artwork.
Ellen Hamilton designed an artful room around a painting by Svenja Deininger. The background is Medici Green by Benjamin Moore. Photo: Markus Woergoetter, Courtesy of the artist and Marianne Boesky Gallery, New York and Aspen; Ralph Pucci, Alfonso Marina, Jacksons, Fornace Brioni, 1stdibs, and Patrick Parrish Gallery

For Ellen Hamilton, it’s more about her process than her decorating style. With each interior, she draws out the personality of her client with a grouping of their personal treasures as well as new discoveries that she uncovers for them. Then she assembles these distinctive finds in a space that grants them the enviable illusion of being accumulated over time. 

Person smiling in front of colorful fabric stacks on shelves
Ellen Hamilton. Photo: Awol Erizku

“The minimalism and graphic nature of this painting by Svenja Deininger would be perfect inside a dilapidated cottage in Sag Harbor, where a really cool collector or artist surrounds themselves with an eccentric mix,” says Hamilton 

Abstract artwork featuring geometric shapes and lines in blue, white, and beige tones.
Photo: Markus Woergoetter, courtesy of the artist and Marianne Boesky Gallery, New York and Aspen

Svenja Deininger, Untitled, 2018. 

Modern artistic metal stool with geometric design on round tabletop and three curved legs.
Photo: Courtesy of Ralph Pucci
Artistic cabinet with a wavy green shape and black abstract reliefs resembling leaves and branches.
Photo: Courtesy of Ralph Pucci

Logique side table and Charly cabinet by Elizabeth Garouste from Ralph Pucci.

Modern black metal and brown leather folding stool with a minimalist design.
Photo: Courtesy of Alfonso Marina

Arzon ottoman by Alfonso Marina.

Green striped sofa with wooden frame and curved backrest.
Photo: Courtesy of Jacksons

Vintage sofa by Carl Malmsten from Jacksons.

Modern white table lamp with a sculptural base and a large cylindrical shade, isolated on a white background.
Photo: Courtesy of Ralph Pucci

Alaula (Sunset Glow) table lamp by John Koga from Ralph Pucci.

Pattern of orange and white oval tiles on a gray wall surface.
Photo: Courtesy of Fornace Brioni

Trivoli tiles by Cristina Celestino for Fornace Brioni.

Modern chair with black metal frame and woven cane seat and backrest.
Photo: Courtesy of Alfonso Marina

Libourne chair by Alfonso Marina.

Two oval mirrors with green beaded frames placed side by side on a white background.
Photo: Courtesy of 1stdibs

Vintage mirror from Galerie Glustin.

Elegant gold side table with a textured, wavy design and a smooth, flat top, suitable for modern interior decor.
Photo: Courtesy of Patrick Parrish Gallery

Pear cabinet by Christopher Kurtz from Patrick Parrish.

A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2020 Summer issue in the section The Artful Home: Focal Point. Subscribe to the magazine.