Known for effortlessly merging styles regardless of era or provenance, designer Oliver M. Furth’s debut monograph, OP! Optimistic Interiors, shines with creativity and joy.
Tongue chairs by Pierre Paulin surround a custom-carved wood coffee table by Casey Johnson in a layered Bird Streets residence.
“I’ve always had a love for design and a curiosity for homes, the way they looked, the way they felt, the way they functioned,” says interior designer Oliver M. Furth (olivermfurth.com), who just released his first monograph, OP! Optimistic Interiors (rizzoliusa.com). “As long as I can remember, I wanted to grow up to be an architect or designer. This is my calling.” Here, the L.A. born-and-bred tastemaker—who opened his studio 19 years ago—discusses the page-turner and shares insight into his colorful career.
L.A.-based designer Oliver M. Furth recently released his first book, OP! Optimistic Interiors.
Why now for putting a book out into the world? I started my career when I was quite young; I’ve matured personally and professionally over the time I’ve had my own studio. I’ve put in the time and done the work to develop my own voice. My philosophies about design and living are clear, and I was finally ready to articulate them and share them with the world.
What can readers expect? Are there any L.A. projects to highlight? There’s a mix of projects—different styles and scales. A reductive and meditative modernist villa overlooking the ocean in Malibu—my most restrained work to date. A joyful contemporary family home in Laguna—my fresh take on American decorating. A layered and luxurious Bel-Air residence for global citizens, filled with rich colors and museum-quality antiques. A minimal approach to traditional family living with high contrast and a muted palette.
The reception room at Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills features a bronze coffee table by Stefen Bishop, an Abelene rocking chair by Wendell Castle and ceramic vases by The Haas Brothers.
What’s the throughline that holds these projects together? How did you decide what made the cut? As you’ll see in the book, we engage in residences around the country in a variety of architectural styles with different programs, aesthetics and budgets. I enjoy the wide range of projects, which keeps things interesting. No two projects are the same—and no two days are the same. When reviewing the decade-and-a-half of works, I started to see these throughlines in the aesthetic of projects, in the types of clients that we attract and in the way in which our folks want to live their lives. The themes that kept coming up were confidence, creativity and optimism. A life well lived. Once we defined those terms, it was helpful to edit the projects we ultimately included in the book. I’ve always said that we have an approach to our work, more than a set ‘look.’ I think the book successfully expresses the feeling that one gets by visiting a house I’ve designed.
A Bird Streets project by Furth reflects the homeowners’ worldly sensibility.
How does Los Angeles influence your design POV? California, specifically Southern California, is a place of freedom. Creativity. Experimentation. Disney. Aerospace. Music. Hollywood. [It] all originated here, and my work is informed by those industries. I like to think that my work embodies that very L.A. sense of freedom.
Who have some of your mentors been over the years? I’m so fortunate to have trained under some of the best in the industry: Judy Wilder Briskin, Trip Haenisch, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Michael S. Smith and the late Greg Jordan. I remain close with many of them to this day, as they offer wisdom and support.
The same home’s living room showcases a custom handwoven Moroccan rug by Beni Rugs, a vintage settee sofa by Carlo di Carl and the Terrazzo Boomerang coffee table by Rooms.
What does putting this book out into the world mean to you? I love what I do, and I work very hard. I’m so excited to share my POV with the world, and I hope it inspires folks to create their own dream home.
What are you currently working on? Our studio is busy! We currently have two projects in Montecito, including renovating a multi-acre adobe estate overlooking the ocean. In Manhattan’s Upper East Side, we’re restoring a historic 1907 penthouse apartment originally designed by architect Charles Platt. We’re collaborating with Kulapat Yantrasast on a new studio and arts complex for artist Mary Weatherford in Glendale.
What’s next for you? We are about to launch an ‘objects’ platform—an online gallery where we’ll sell period antiques, 20th-century vintage, as well as collectible contemporary design. Everyone will have access to buy a piece curated and procured by me. Very exciting!
