If the word “etos” refers to a movement, or positive energy, then co-owners Mercedes Desios and Alberto Villalobos are the perfect faces to the name. With an unyielding enthusiasm and welcoming demeanor, the pair exhibits the kind of love for design that you only seem to find in the design ingénue, or first-year design student who hasn’t yet toughed out the hard work involved in this field; however, this duo is quite the contrary with many years as a successful design firm under their belt. Perhaps it’s their international background—Mercedes living in several of the world’s high-style cities and Alberto from Colombia—that keeps them living the “joie de vivre.” Or maybe it’s all the Shakira that dominates the shop’s IPOD. Whatever the reason, it’s working for them. The Etos design style only further illuminates the young pair’s passion and optimism. Light and airy with gray undertones and rich woods, the shop is a box of lovely curiosities waiting to be discovered. The antiques and accessories pay homage to cultures of the past, while the furniture collection is well-curated with an eye for sophisticated yet wonder-filled details. There is an obvious air about Mercedes and Alberto that keeps their clients coming back, time and time again. Both beautiful and talented, the downright happy Etos team is a refreshing boost of Vitamin D for the design world. They bring back the fun that design is all about: the fun in discovery, the fun in helping a client find a unique new piece, and the fun in creation. We had a great time sitting down with the pair to discuss all-things Etós. Here’s what they had to say:
IC: You are both designers. Why a shop? Why NYC?
A: We really wanted to showcase our style to a larger audience, and a shop was a great way to do this while simultaneously housing all of the collected pieces we’ve bought over the years. We choose NYC simply because we love the city, and we met each other here.
IC: What three words would describe the Etos style?
M: Narrowing it to three is tough—we actually have four: elegant, chic, glamour and effortless.
IC: What are the major differences that you’ve observed over the years between the Colombian vs. American style? How about European vs. American style?
A: American style is much more eclectic and individualistic than Colombian style. In Colombia, there is not a huge clientele base for interior design. The minority of families that hire an interior designer tend to go towards what is “trendy” at the current time, rather than what their own style dictates.
M: Europe is very individualistic in style. Much of their design is centered around heirloom pieces of furniture that have been handed down over many generations. Now that America is aging, in a sense, we are becoming more like this. Handcrafted, vintage pieces are mixed in with more modern, current collections. So, to answer the question, American and European style is becoming more and more alike in that “individualistic” kind of way.
IC: What does Etos mean? How does it speak to the style of the shop?
M & A: Etos refers to “flow,” or growth and prosperity. Our style is about “etos” in that we have a sense of organic evolution with our design process.
IC: What is your absolute favorite city to shop in? Where do you stay when you’re there? Eat?
M: We both love Paris the most. We like to eat at the restaurant at Plaza Athenee because of the gardens and beautiful cuisine. We actually stay near the Louvre, at the Renaissance Paris Vendome. It’s a very convenient location to get to the Marchés.
A: We also love Brussels and London. In Brussels we stay at the Hotel Amigo and in London, there are so many great little boutique hotels that we like to mix it up each time.
IC: If you have music in your shop, what is playing right now?
M & A: Definitely Shakira. A lot of Shakira! We like to have fun.
IC: Who are your style icons, from interiors to fashion?
M: I love Vivienne Westwood for her blending of punk-rock style and feminine modern. For interiors, I love Alberto Pinto.
A: Tom Ford—no doubt about that. He is even better off now after having left Gucci. His brand is so on-point in every way. For interiors, I love Alex Papachristidis. Every corner of his interiors surprise me—never a dull moment with his work.
IC: Is there an accessory you never take off?
M: My Bvlgari ring. It’s a unique combination of gold and steel—I never take it off.
A: Probably my Tom Ford sunglasses. I always have on a Cartier watch. Actually, I have built a watch collection over the years. It’s become a tradition that whenever I hit a milestone in my life or career, I buy a new watch.
IC: What current trend do you hope becomes a mainstay in home décor?
M: Exotic skins: Whether it’s stingray or zebra, I hope activists begin to chill out on interior designers!
A: I hope gray undertones stick around. I’m so glad to see the color brown, popularized in the 90s, finally take a back seat to gray. Gray is so much more sophisticated and subdued—a beautiful neutral.
IC: What’s your favorite piece in the shop right now?
M: Mine is a Roman-inspired Warrior Bust with the most beautifully curved helmet and feathers.
A: For me it’s the Geometric Wood Sculpture. It’s handmade by this elderly man on the outskirts of Paris. It has a wonderful Renaissance composition in its form—very eye-catching and unique in an interior.
*top five (product reference)
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1 |
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{Tufted Back Sofa} A tufted sofa is chic. |
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2 |
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{Oval Side Table} The perfect side or bedside table. |
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3 |
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{Duck Feet Table Lamp} Watch those dancing feet! |
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4 |
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{Pair of Scroll Tables} We are crazy about these. |
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5 |
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{Geometric Wood Sculpture} Geometry-the french version. |
