In the heart of Queens, the home of Somsack Sikhounmuong, the creative director at Alex Mill, stands as a testament to personal expression and artistic vision. Renowned for his design sensibilities and warm demeanor, Somsack has crafted a living space that invites reflection on his life journeys. Each corner of his apartment showcases pieces that evoke memories of travels, milestones, and cherished experiences.
Living room: A tapestry of memories
The living area is a vibrant tapestry of textures and styles. The walls are painted in “Manchester Tan” by Benjamin Moore, creating a warm backdrop for various furnishings. Prominently displayed is a striking sofa from ABC Carpet + Home, complemented by a table designed by Paul McCobb. The standing lamp, a glossy orange piece from Radilum, injects a pop of color into the space.
Somsack enjoys the art of mixing styles, stating, “I find beauty in combining industrial elements with romantic textures. A space dominated by only one style lacks intrigue.” This philosophy is evident in the eclectic mix of pillows sourced from his travels, including pieces from Hawaii, France, and Italy. Above the sofa hangs a photograph by artist Jamie Hawkesworth, a personal gift to himself after a significant career advancement at J.Crew.
Collecting stories through travel
For Somsack, travel is not just about destinations; it’s a journey to discover unique treasures. “Before any trip, I make it a point to identify a hidden gem of a store to visit. Once there, I engage with the locals for their recommendations,” he shares. This approach has led him to undiscovered boutiques and extraordinary finds, enriching his collection.
In his living room, layers of rugs from Kat + Mouche provide a cozy ambiance, with smaller rugs strategically placed atop one another. “I prefer the layered aesthetic, and to be honest, some rugs are simply stored underneath because I lack the space,” he admits.
Dining corner: A casual gathering space
The dining area features stools from BDDW and a tablecloth from Xenomania, harmonizing with the playful checkered rug. “Throughout the years, I’ve collected smaller rugs that I arrange in layers rather than opting for one large piece,” Somsack explains. This layered approach not only adds visual interest but also showcases his personality.
Sentimental attachments
Reflecting on his childhood, Somsack recalls a fourth-grade project where he and his sister would save magazines deemed too special to cut. “We were peculiar kids, I guess, but that sentimentality has stuck with me. I’ve maintained every issue of Vogue since 1995,” he notes, underscoring his deep-rooted appreciation for design and aesthetics.
Kitchen: Functionality meets style
The kitchen, adorned with a print by Hugo Guinness and a bowl from Atelier Saint André Perrin, reflects his practical approach to cooking. “I wish there was a grocery store tailored for singles,” he quips. “I can never finish a bunch of parsley, and if a recipe has more than five ingredients, I’m likely to pass.”
When pondering what items he would save in an emergency, Somsack quickly mentions his passport and the small cards and photographs that adorn his fridge, laden with memories.
Bedroom: A sanctuary of calm
The bedroom, painted in “Steel Wool” by Benjamin Moore, features a cozy Hawaiian quilt and a striped blanket gifted to him. “Dark spaces help me sleep better, but I hesitated to commit to a fully dark room, so I painted just one wall,” he explains. This touch of darkness adds a sense of tranquility without overwhelming the space.
Artful arrangements
The living area is a vibrant tapestry of textures and styles. The walls are painted in “Manchester Tan” by Benjamin Moore, creating a warm backdrop for various furnishings. Prominently displayed is a striking sofa from ABC Carpet + Home, complemented by a table designed by Paul McCobb. The standing lamp, a glossy orange piece from Radilum, injects a pop of color into the space.0
The living area is a vibrant tapestry of textures and styles. The walls are painted in “Manchester Tan” by Benjamin Moore, creating a warm backdrop for various furnishings. Prominently displayed is a striking sofa from ABC Carpet + Home, complemented by a table designed by Paul McCobb. The standing lamp, a glossy orange piece from Radilum, injects a pop of color into the space.1
The living area is a vibrant tapestry of textures and styles. The walls are painted in “Manchester Tan” by Benjamin Moore, creating a warm backdrop for various furnishings. Prominently displayed is a striking sofa from ABC Carpet + Home, complemented by a table designed by Paul McCobb. The standing lamp, a glossy orange piece from Radilum, injects a pop of color into the space.2