Images by Kate S. Jordan
We are utterly captivated by Somsack Sikhounmuong, the creative lead of Alex Mill and perhaps the kindest individual in fashion today. (Fun fact: this CoJ article featuring Somsack inspired the Big Salad!) We’re thrilled to present a tour of his Queens abode, adorned with layered rugs, leaning art, and bustling windowsills. “I own a lot of items,” he cautioned us, “but every single piece serves as a memory of travels or milestones in my career.” Here we go…
LIVING SPACE
Wall color: “Manchester Tan” by Benjamin Moore. Dining table: Paul McCobb via Modlivsup. Couch: ABC Carpet + Home. Floor lamp: Radilum in glossy orange. Cushions: “from John Derian and my travels to Hawaii, France, and Italy.” Fabrics: “Vintage discoveries from Portland, Tokyo, and Paris.” Photograph above the sofa: Jamie Hawkesworth.
On mixing styles: I enjoy combining industrial elements with romantic textured pieces. A room that leans too heavily in one direction or the other feels vastly less intriguing to me. That contrast is appealing.
On cherished art: I tend to be adventurous outside. However, at home, I prefer solitude, spending 95% of my time on the couch. The image above is by Jamie Hawkesworth, a piece I treated myself to after receiving a major promotion at J.Crew.
Checkered rug: Kat + Mouche. Tripod lamp: Marc Hundley. Fabric on the table: Hawaiian quilt from Honolulu. White ceramic dish: “my own.” Yellow vase: Gayle Spannaus.
On travel tactics: Prior to a trip, I’ll scout one must-see shop that’s relatively unknown. Once there, I ask the store staff for local suggestions. This often reveals amazing places I wouldn’t have found otherwise, and it doesn’t take much preparation.
Chair and console: Rett of Happy Medium. Cushion: John Derian. Pedestal: Mattias Vriens.
On having a less-than-green thumb: I’ve owned many plants, but the survivors are the ones that need minimal watering. The plant on the pedestal used to be much fuller — I always joke that it resembles my rendition of the Charlie Brown Christmas tree. My routine with plants is simple: if I look at them and pity them, I water them.
Left: Ceramics: “most are mine.” Marble fruit: John Derian. Right: Table: Marc Hundley, “I regard this lovely little red table as my memorabilia table.” Objects: “Sourced and gifted, including a seal from Alaska.”
On a newfound hobby: After Covid, I began crafting my own ceramics. I took some wheel-throwing classes, but I was terrible. I left thinking, what’s wrong with me? Then I switched to hand-building and never turned back.
Image on left: Jamie Hawkesworth. Floor painting: Jeanne Thomsen. Wax seals in framing: eBay. Bull-fighter jacket: eBay. Red metal shelving unit: similar.
On collecting: “I acquired this vintage bull-fighter jacket from eBay; I adore the beading and the embroidery. I’ve been gathering vintage clothing for years, alongside old magazines and books. While Pinterest is nice, it often features the same images repeatedly. However, when I open an antique book, none of those images are online.”
DINING AREA
Stools: BDDW. Tablecloth: Xenomania. Checkered rug: Kat + Mouche.
On layers of rugs: Over time, I’ve accumulated numerous smaller rugs instead of one large rug. I prefer the layered aesthetic, and honestly, some rugs are layered over others simply because I lack the space to store them.
On a rescue endeavor: In fourth grade, our teacher provided magazines for us to cut and paste. My sister and I would rescue the magazines believing they were too impressive to be cut. I’m unsure why kids think like that, but we did. I now own every issue of Vogue since 1995.
KITCHEN
Print: Hugo Guinness. Bowl: Atelier Saint André Perrin.
On shopping solo: Someone should invent a store specializing in groceries for single individuals because I’ve never once utilized all the parsley. If a recipe calls for more than five items, I’m likely to pass.
On the essentials: What would I save from a fire? Most likely my passport and the small cards and pictures on my refrigerator.
BEDROOM
Wall color: “Steel wool” by Benjamin Moore. Quilt: “Hawaiian quilt from Honolulu.” Striped blanket: gift, similar. Gingham pillowcase: Muji, similar.
On achieving restful sleep: I sleep more peacefully in dark rooms, but I was hesitant about painting the whole room in a dark shade. Therefore, I opted to paint just one wall. It’s the perfect amount.
Lamp: set from Cafiero Select. Matchbox print: Hugo Guinness. Bat print: Deyrolle. Nightstand: custom from Sean Biloski of Iron Oaks.
On floor displays: Not all my artwork is hung. Some of that is due to laziness, but some is intentional. Placing something on the floor or stacking it behind something else removes the formality. It’s not messy; it’s simply more relaxed. There are numerous ways to make a home feel inviting, and that is one of them.
On getting dressed up: Last year, a group of colleagues and I donned outfits portraying Marie Antoinette’s cupcakes for Halloween. We crafted our costumes at work. Another year, I attended a party with a friend who similarly enjoys costumes. Upon arrival, we saw people in simple outfits, while we had gone all out.
A big thank you for the tour, Somsack! You’re truly the best. Explore his creations at Alex Mill and subscribe to his newsletter, Somstack.
P.S. More home tours featuring a wonderfully cluttered Minnesota home and our most vibrant house tour yet.
(Images by Kate S. Jordan for Cup of Jo.)
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Somsack Sikhounmuong, the acclaimed fashion designer celebrated for his collaborations with brands such as J.Crew and Madewell, resides in an apartment that is as thoughtfully curated as his clothing lines. His living space exemplifies his exceptional eye for detail and his ability to merge aesthetics with practicality. The apartment acts as a personal gallery, displaying an array of treasures that mirror his diverse taste and design philosophy.
Upon entry, guests are instantly captivated by the seamless fusion of vintage and modern aspects. Somsack has meticulously curated each item of furniture and decor, fostering a harmonious ambiance that feels both personal and artistically arranged. The area showcases mid-century modern pieces, offering a classic yet timeless base for the more eclectic items that bring warmth and character.
A highlight of Somsack’s residence is his remarkable art collection. The walls boast a variety of artworks, from abstract pieces to stunning photography. Each item has been selected not only for its visual allure but also for the narrative it carries. Somsack’s reverence for art is clear in the manner he has organized these works, allowing them to enhance each other while still being striking on their own.
Moreover, Somsack’s home is adorned with unique artifacts and collectibles gathered from his travels across the globe. These treasures range from artisanal ceramics to delicately woven fabrics, each narrating its own story and cultural heritage. These objects are more than mere decoration; they symbolize Somsack’s journey, infusing the space with depth and personality.
The apartment is also home to a well-thought-out library, reflecting Somsack’s passion for literature and design. The shelves are filled with tomes on fashion, art, and architecture, providing a glimpse into the inspirations and interests of the designer. This library serves as both a source of insight and a decorative component, enriching the intellectual atmosphere of the home.
Somsack’s meticulousness can be seen in every detail, from the carefully selected color schemes to the deliberate furniture arrangements. The space is designed to be both practical and welcoming, prioritizing comfort alongside aesthetics. Utilizing natural materials and textures enhances warmth and layers, creating a tranquil and inviting oasis.
In summary, Somsack Sikhounmuong’s apartment embodies his personal style and creative ethos. It is a space that honors ingenuity, individuality, and the allure of curated living. Through his collection of meaningful treasures, Somsack has cultivated a dwelling that is not only visually captivating but also profoundly resonant, offering a window into the thoughts of a genuine artist and designer.
