How I Curate My Space: Ulla Johnson’s Eclectic Coastal Oasis
In our series on interiors, we ask designers and tastemakers to open the doors of their most-loved room, and share the stories and inspirations behind the space, as well as their favorite pieces within it. Here, bohemian-inspired designer ULLA JOHNSON, founder of the eponymous fashion brand, invites us into the verdant living room of her coastal weekend escape. By KATIE BERRINGTON
“It feels a bit like living in the trees,” says Ulla Johnson of her exquisite coastal escape, where wraparound windows in the upstairs living space immerse the designer and her family in the lush surroundings of Montauk, Long Island. “We wanted the house to be a weekend oasis from the city, to be relaxing and laid-back, but still feel tactile and layered and uniquely our own. I’m endlessly inspired by the natural world, and there is a deep sense here of bringing the outdoors in.” Indeed, the same can be said for Johnson’s bohemian clothing collections and her recent collaboration with lifestyle brand Cabana, which brings her intricate prints and love of nature to homeware pieces, too.
Johnson and her husband spent weekends in Montauk for nearly a decade before they began looking for a place of their own on the Long Island peninsula. “We were drawn to the great sense of openness that exists here. We looked at quite a few places but, in the end, our house was a bit of an impulse purchase,” she recalls. “It was so unique to find something architect-designed at that time and in this area, and it had so many details that spoke to us: the clean lines, the wraparound windows, the green roof fully in bloom…”
Still spending as much of their downtime in the flourishing sanctuary as they can, Johnson’s most-loved space in the house today is the living room; thanks, in part, to the aforementioned windows, it has become an idyllic spot in which to unwind and bring people together. “Our rhythm here is so different to city life. The agenda is always not much at all – read the paper, relax, fill the space with family and friends. We’re often feeding at least 13 when we’re here.”
As a natural hub for loved ones, the living room also plays host to the collections and treasures the family has accumulated through the course of its travels. “Shells, ceramics, baskets – each detail has a memory and a story embedded within it,” says Johnson of the meaningful objects that have found a home here, adorning the space around a curated collection of furnishings that take pride of place. “It’s all about this idea of layering. Over a lifetime, the house will continue to evolve.”
“Our rhythm here is so different to city life. The agenda is always not much at all – read the paper, relax, fill the space with family and friends…
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My four favorite pieces
The sofa:
“I bought this vintage Bellini sofa before we even bought the house. I love that it can be moved if we are hosting, or the kids are playing. It’s often in a new configuration the day after a dinner party.”
The cocktail table:
“The 1950s Roger Capron cocktail table marries my love of ceramics and the natural world. I was brought up with a love of objects – especially ones that have a personal story or have been created by hand.”
The rug:
“Our large Moroccan Tuareg rug defines this seating area. Integrity of materials is of utmost importance to me – I am always very interested in using natural and hand-touched materials, and finishes that possess a lasting and unique character.”
The chair:
“The 1950s Brazilian chair by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner has an elegant, tactile energy. It’s all about layering. We’ll move things around – I’m not precious about things at home.”