In "60 Seconds With," ELLE Decor editor Charles Curkin chats with creatives and industry leaders, getting the scoop on their life and work in one minute or less. In this installment, he chats with New York City–based decorator and lamp designer Kimille Taylor. Her gorgeous second collection of lamps will be available later this year. Taylor's one minute starts...now.
What do people need to know before buying lamps?
The first thing to consider when buying a lamp is what size and what scale you're looking for. A living room lamp that's too small or a bedside lamp with a shade that isn't big enough to diffuse enough light to read by is not ideal. I also see people buying lamps that are overpowering the end tables they're on—they're just too big.
What is the first thing you consider when buying lamps for a client?
I think about which material I want to showcase in the room. For me, lamps are last. After you decorate the room, you wonder what is the diamond earring of the room going to be? Lamps are the jewelry. I love a good ceramic lamp, and I love wood, which is what I typically design in.
What is a major no-no when it comes to decorating with lamps?
When you have vintage lamps and you keep the vintage shade on it. That's a disaster. I love a vintage lamp, but let's get rid of the old shade. Especially when it's one of those very tall, narrow drum shades with a heavy burlap texture. Yuck!
Who makes the best-looking lamps that won't break the bank?
Circa Lighting, hands down. I use them on every single project. They make a great product, great service. I will also use a couple of lamps from places like CB2 and Lumens. They're beautiful and not necessarily inexpensive.
Kimille Taylor Picks The Best Affordable Lamps
cb Snake Table Lamp
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Charles Curkin is ELLE Decor's Articles Editor, covering everything related to luxury watches, design, and travel, and has previously written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Paris Review.
