INTERVIEW WITH EMI YOUNG OF ABUNDANT HABITAT
Next up in our Designer Profile Series where our members share their own unique POV on all things design!
Design by Abundant Habitat. Photography by Nick Glimenakis
Design by Abundant Habitat. Photography by Nick Glimenakis
What is your idea of a perfectly designed space?
For me, a perfectly designed space is one in which we create a beautiful, harmonious environment by layering materials, using organic and geometric elements, and pairing unexpected pieces while fully encapsulating our client's point of view.
What is your greatest extravagance when designing a project?
This varies from project to project. We hone in on what our clients value most when it comes to the design of their space and what they're willing to splurge on to achieve the desired look. This could be a one-of-a-kind custom designed bookcase that fills an entire wall floor to ceiling or it could be a reupholstered heirloom piece of furniture that becomes the signature piece of the entire design.
What do you consider the most overrated design trend or rule?
There's one trend in particular that I'm seeing everywhere right now that I completely loathe. New builds and renovations alike (residential & hospitality) are putting in showers only with no bathtubs. This is entirely impractical for families with children, anyone who needs to soak for health reasons or for those who simply enjoy a bath. I cannot wait for this trend to be over.
The last few years have been quite interesting in how our business has changed. What do you consider your greatest achievement in managing all this?
The ability to pivot for sure. Being flexible and adaptable in the ever changing design climate over the last few years is definitely what got us through. Knowing when to say "I think we can do this differently and still have a successful outcome" was key. We made adjustments to how we executed some of our services and even added a few new services to fit the need we saw in our market.
If you were to die and come back as an object or space, what would it be?
I would most definitely come back as dining table. Probably a wooden one that has been passed down through generations. I would bring people together to gather around me, tell stories, share memories, celebrate holidays and milestones, give toasts, and enjoy life and lots of delicious food.
Design by Abundant Habitat. Photography by Nick Glimenakis
Design by Abundant Habitat. Photography by Nick Glimenakis
What is your most treasured space or possession in your home?
It's so hard to choose just one piece, but I'd have to say it's a vintage Louis XV style lingerie chest with a rose marble top inherited from my grandmother.
What is your motto?
'Have the audacity!' This is my motto in life and business. Be bold, do the unexpected, lean into the challenges, try something new, set boundaries, get creative, and chase your heart's desires.
What is your current state of mind?
Gratitude. I'm extraordinarily grateful to have my own design studio in the heart of Brooklyn and to be doing what I love on a daily basis. Interior design is my life's work and it's made manifest by the most amazing clients anyone could ask for. I don't take any of this for granted.
What do you value most in your clients?
I value the relationship we are able to establish working so intimately together. Trust and open communication go hand in hand to facilitate and successful design and when those are established with a client, magic happens.
Who are your favorite artist, architect and designer?
My favorite artist would be Alphonse Mucha. I'm drawn to the movement, imperfection and graphics of the Art Nouveau style and especially love his imagery. My favorite architect is Zaha Hadid. I have always been inspired by her bold concepts, spatial exploration and the fluid nature of her designs. And my favorite designer would have to be Kelly Wearstler. Having previously worked in hospitality design, she was a designer I often looked to her inspiration especially when it came to materials and fabrics. She has a distinct way of layering her designs which I love.
Abundant Habitat is a Brooklyn, New York based interior design studio founded by Emi Young in 2019. The studio offers a unique, holistic approach to interiors where luxury and wellness coalesce.
Emi infuses concepts of Feng Shui, ergonomics and overall wellbeing into distinctly curated designs. She gravitates toward creating spaces that feel orderly yet fluid by embracing asymmetry, pairing unexpected elements and mixing modern and vintage pieces that ultimately result in a pleasant duality with satisfying balance.
A graduate of New York School of Interior Design, Emi hails a background in hospitality and restaurant design having designed interiors for two of New York City’s downtown luxury boutique hotels Soho Grand and The Roxy.
Her passion for design is fueled by the opportunity to facilitate the profound transformation that takes place when a well executed design results in the most exquisitely aligned space for her clients.
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