Photo: Stephen Kent Johnson
Roman Alonso, Co-Founder of Commune Design, Shares His Holiday Gift List
The acclaimed interior designer keeps a watchful eye on Southern California’s dynamic crop of artisanal makers
Commune co-founder Roman Alonso. Photo: Rich Stapleton
As the co-founder of in-demand Los Angeles interiors firm Commune, Roman Alonso is laser-focused on the up-and-coming talents on the vanguard of California’s craft traditions. As the story goes, when Commune was enlisted to design the retro-chic Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Palm Springs, he and business partner Steven Johanknecht sourced 1,500 pieces of vintage furniture and objects exclusively from local vendors. Their obsession with under-the-radar artisans has only intensified in the years since. Each of Commune’s projects, which span laid-back beach houses and rustic mountain retreats to additional Ace outposts in Kyoto, Chicago, and Downtown Los Angeles, abound with rare or one-of-a-kind treasures often hand-crafted exclusively for them.
This distinct touch imbues their interiors with idiosyncratic charm and unforgettable stories, minting casual followers into Commune loyalists and their trove of artisan craftspeople (Alma Allen, Adam Pogue) into full-fledged design stars. Fortunately, the firm launched an online store that brings Alonso and Johanknecht’s favorite artisan wares—many of which star in their award-winning projects—within close reach. With a dynamic mix of hard-to-find pieces by the likes of Bari Ziperstein, Studio Ford, and Atelier de Troupe, the Commune Shop is a much-needed bastion of slow, considered design in a world that refuses to pump the brakes.
As the holidays near, Galerie asked Alonso to highlight the must-haves at the top of his gift list from the Commune Shop and beyond.
Bronze St. Christopher Medal by Lisa Eisner Jewelry. Photo: Courtesy of Lisa Eisner
1. Bronze St. Christopher Medal
“I never leave the house without my St. Christopher Medal by Lisa Eisner. Cast from a hand carving by her son, the artist Louis Eisner, it’s a mini-wearable sculpture.”
Woven Blanket by Marina Contro for Commune. Photo: Courtesy of Commune Shop
Woven Blanket by Marina Contro for Commune. Photo: Courtesy of Commune Shop
2. Woven Blanket by Marina Contro for Commune
“The most beautiful, soft, and delicious hand-woven wool blanket by San Francisco fiber artist Marina Contro.”
Soft Brush by Hermès. Photo: Courtesy of Hermès
3. Soft Brush by Hermès
“I don’t have a horse, but this is my favorite brush for clothes, shoes, whatever. Makes a nice gift for the person that has everything.”
Hand-Blended Oils by L’Oeil du Vert. Photo: Courtesy of The Row
4. Hand-Blended Oils by L’Oeil du Vert
“These fragrances were created by a dear friend, Haley Alexander of L’Oeil du Vert, for The Row. There’s nothing like them. They are all incredible, and lucky is the person that gets one… never mind all three.”
Nymphenburg Porcelain Coral Lamp by Ted Muehling. Photo: Courtesy of Ted Muehling
Nymphenburg Porcelain Coral Lamp by Ted Muehling. Photo: Courtesy of Ted Muehling
5. Nymphenburg Porcelain Coral Lamp
“I’ve always loved this Nymphenburg lantern by Ted Muehling. The light is so beautiful. I can’t imagine anyone opening the box and not dying for it.”
Teapot by Zoe Dering for Commune Shop. Photo: Courtesy of Commune
6. Zoe Dering Teapot for Commune
“These whimsical teapots by ceramicist Zoe Dering are one of a kind—and a good way to start a collection for someone.”
Tall Basket Sculpture by Jonathan Kline. Photo: Courtesy of March SF
7. Tall Basket Sculpture
“These black ash baskets by Jonathan Kline are so satisfying—they are perfection. To me, they are functional sculptures.”
Mahogany Tray by Green River Project. Photo: Courtesy of Seventh House
Mahogany Tray by Green River Project. Photo: Courtesy of Seventh House
8. Mahogany Tray by Green River Project
“This is a very cool and rather masculine catchall carved from mahogany by Green River Project. I’ve placed a few in our projects in gentlemen’s closets and desks.”
Stationery Set by Max Frommeld for Commune Shop. Photo: Courtesy of Commune
9. Max Frommeld Stationery Set for Commune
“One of our clients requested a ‘dressed-up’ notepad. Our friend, West Marin–based designer Max Frommeld, stepped in.”
Photo: Stephen Kent Johnson
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