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Leyden Lewis Conceives a Layered Interior Around an Angel Otero Artwork

Drawing inspiration from a textured abstraction, the designer cultivates an atmospheric living room of evocative forms

By Jacqueline Terrebonne
Collage of modern furniture and abstract wall art, featuring a blue couch, unique chairs, and colorful sculpture.

The Brooklyn-based architect and designer Leyden Lewis assembled these elements for a living room he envisions being filled with natural light from an overhead oculus and surrounded by soft adobe-type walls. Admired for his ability to work with contemporary art collections, he composes rooms that make visitors aware of how their bodies interact with the sculptural nature of each piece of furniture.

“This wall piece by Angel Otero falls between art and design,” says Lewis. “The work feels less made and more salvaged, as if floating debris got pulled together into something organic.”

Man in a red sweater smiling with hands in pockets against a white background.
Leyden Lewis. Photo: Pratya Jankong
Abstract mixed media artwork with vibrant colors and textured layers displayed on a white wall.
Red Island (2019) by Angel Otero from Lehmann Maupin. Photo: Matthew Hermann
Blue crystal cluster pendant light fixture with gold accents.
Crystal Cluster illuminated sculpture by Jeff Zimmerman from R & Company. Photo: Joe Kramm, Courtesy of R & Company
Modern sculptural wooden chair with curved lines and sleek design against a plain background.
Nyala chair by Jomo Tariku. Photo: Courtesy of Jomo Tariku
White sculptural art piece resembling an ear with storage space for logs against a plain background.
Fertility Form fireplace by Rogan Gregory from R & Company. Photo: Joe Kramm, Courtesy of R & Company
Close-up of a black and white fingerprint pattern showing detailed ridges and swirls.
Rug by Joseph Carini from 1stdibs. Photo: Courtesy of 1stDibs
Tall floor lamp with a cylindrical white shade and slender black stand on a tripod base against a white background.
Caron floor lamp from Circa Lighting. Photo: Courtesy of Circa Lighting
Modern round table with a sleek black top and unique transparent base against a plain background.
Bulb dining table by Eric Schmitt from Ralph Pucci. Photo: Antoine Bootz
Modular navy blue velvet sofa with multiple cushioned sections arranged in a row.
Sofa by Emanuel Gargano and Anton Cristell from 1stdibs. Photo: Courtesy of 1stDibs
Brown textured surface resembling leather with subtle variations in color and a soft, grainy appearance.
Muse wall covering by Fabricut. Photo: Courtesy of Fabricut
Illustration of a black and white striped snake curling in an S-shape on a plain white background
Serpiente rug from Patterson Flynn Martin. Photo: Courtesy of Charlap Hyman & Herrero
Minimalist wooden daybed with dark cushion and headrest in an industrial room with exposed brick walls and wooden floor.
Plum daybed by Michael Robbins. Photo: Michael Robbins

A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2021 Fall Issue under the headline “Piece by Piece.” Subscribe to the magazine.