When you meet Inga Davidsson, the Swedish-born owner of Area iD, you are immediately energized by the passion she has for her shop. She radiates excitement—a sense of wonder even—about design that truly makes for a great curator of style. With a blooming career that began with formal training in fashion at FIT, Inga recently discovered a well-cultivated talent—in home décor—after finding that she spent more time and energy filling her renovated loft with fabulous art, furs and mid-century pieces. She is now the proud owner of a shop that showcases her flawless taste. With a newfound relaxed vibe and appreciated face-time with clients, Inga feels much more at home in her eclectic Nolita shop—and we’re certain you will too.
Inga seeks out the best finds in mid-century, 60s and 70s design and arranges them in a very editorial way amongst her sumptuous furs and nude sketches. Her eye is so discerning that she’s parlayed her nuanced design sense into a signature collection of high-quality reproductions that are so close to the real thing we can’t tell the difference. And, did we mention her unbelievable collection of fabulous furs?? Whether you are a lover of the classics, or simply a lover of all things beautifully detailed and eclectic, Area iD is not one to miss.
Like many who have met Inga, we fell in love with her fun-loving attitude and sense of awe about design. Here are a few notable bits and pieces of our conversation with the lovely Swede:
IC: How did you get into the business of design?
INGA: Well, that’s an interesting question. I actually started in fashion—I moved to NYC when I was 18 from Sweden and went to school at FIT for Fashion Design. After school, I designed a contemporary sportswear line for about 10 years. Fashion is very fast-paced, with trends coming and going before you can blink. I enjoy home décor much more because of the classic nature of the trends—they tend to stick around.
IC: How would you describe the style of Area iD?
INGA: Glamorous, chic, and a hint of the 50s, 60s, and 70s.
IC: What kind of art would you say compliments the Area iD style best?
INGA: At home, as well as in my store, I pair my furniture with primarily nude sketches, including those by Jenna Snyder-Phillips, an artist out of Philadelphia. I also love these lacquer on canvas prints from William Kozar, an artist originally from Canada; now living here in Manhattan.
IC: Describe your “at-home” style. Is there a favorite piece that you can’t imagine living without?
INGA: My house looks pretty much like my shop—a mix of styles and very colorful. My absolute favorite piece in my house is this large, laminated wood sculpture—similar in style to the Finnish design of the 70s, but this particular piece is American. It’s a stunning, life size abstract woman nude. Also, I really don’t know how I’d live without all of my fantastic furs.
IC: If you could hop on a plane tomorrow and shop anywhere in the world, where would you go?
INGA: Hanoi, without a doubt. It’s not often recognized as a design destination, but I have to say, it’s my absolute favorite city to shop and purchase great art. Many of the artists I find are pretty unknown but extremely talented, unique and affordable.
IC: What is your favorite way to spend a beautiful weekend day in NYC?
INGA: I really enjoy the simple things like going for a walk in the park with my boyfriend, then sitting at a local café for brunch and people watching.
IC: What is your favorite NYC spot for dinner?
INGA: Probably Freemans—it’s right around the corner from me and I always feel like I’m in Paris when I go there.
IC: You seem to really enjoy fashion—do you have an accessory that you never take off?
INGA: Yes. I am never without my signature orange lipstick and Hermès scarf—I probably have over 50 in my collection now!
IC: What’s your favorite piece in the shop?
INGA: I love this really cool, three-tiered glass and brass coffee table that we’ve got. It’s Italian from the 60s or 70s and so simply constructed from four circles—a great transitional piece that will certainly start a conversation with your guests.
*top five (product reference)
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{Chaise Lounge} Wide enough for two. |
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2 |
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{Shagreen and Bronze Desk} Such beauty will spark anyone's creativity. |
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3 |
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{Brown Fox Throw} You may never want to leave home. |
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4 |
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{Asian Style Ottomans} A sleek pair. |
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5 |
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{Shagreen Night/Side Tables} Our founder wants these. |
