F5 Exclusive: Nathan Warkentin Dishes on Brown, Scenic Views & More Insights!

Nathan Warkentin has dabbled in various forms of art, including photography and music, before discovering his true passion in interior design. He describes it as “the most immersive and dimensional creative process I’ve encountered,” combining elements of his previous artistic endeavors while offering endless possibilities.

In 2023, Warkentin launched his own design firm, known for its sophisticated and deliberate design strategy. Operating out of New York and Los Angeles, he blends the distinct atmospheres of each coast into his work on both hospitality and residential projects. His designs not only embody originality but also maintain practicality, creating environments that connect with people on a more profound level.

Warkentin finds inspiration close to home in his extensive research library, which houses a diverse collection of books, with fashion and Japanese design among his preferred topics. He continually expands his library, often exploring second-hand bookstores during his travels to discover unique and rare additions.

For Warkentin, the lines between personal life and professional career blur seamlessly. He integrates all aspects of his life, allowing his experiences, whether dining, media consumption, or daily interactions, to subtly influence his creative output.

Embracing change as a constant in interior design, Warkentin thrives on the challenges it brings. Each project is a new adventure for him, with varying locations, scales, and client demands, which he finds exhilarating primarily due to the diversity of experiences.

Joining Us This Friday: Nathan Warkentin!

1. Tribute to Josef Hoffmann by Shiro Kuramata

This year, I had the opportunity to view this artwork at M+ in Hong Kong. Kuramata transformed a classic Josef Hoffmann bentwood chair by encasing it in steel wire and then igniting it, allowing the wood to burn away and leave a haunting steel-wire silhouette. I’m fascinated by how it combines references, materials, and transformation, blurring the lines between functional design and art.

2. 90s Music and Fashion Magazines

The raw, slightly chaotic aesthetic of 90s magazines like Interview and Raygun captivates me. I particularly enjoy the small ads for lesser-known nightclubs, record stores, or galleries in New York and Los Angeles, reminiscent of a bygone underground culture that seems rare in today’s print media.

3. Museo Tamayo in Mexico City

Whenever I visit Mexico City, I make sure to stop at Museo Tamayo. The architecture’s bold yet restrained use of materials and space strikes a perfect balance, allowing the art to shine without distractions from the surroundings.

4. The View From My Window

From my desk in the Orpheum building in downtown L.A., I have a direct view of the vibrant street life below. This panorama includes everything from K-Pop fans lining up to spontaneous photo shoots and eclectic street performers, providing endless entertainment and inspiration, especially during late nights at the office.

5. The Color Brown and Its Variations

While not typically a child’s favorite color, I find myself continually drawn back to brown and its variants like sienna, ochre, and rust. These warm neutrals offer depth and versatility, aging beautifully within spaces and increasingly replacing black in my designs for their warmth.

 

Projects by Nathan Warkentin and Warkentin Associates:

The Lighthouse Venice

We transformed the historic 1939 Venice Post Office into a creative campus known as The Lighthouse, inspired by Bauhaus principles. The design promotes simplicity and functionality, fostering an environment that supports both individual focus and collaborative efforts, allowing creativity to flourish.

Echo Park Residence

This new hillside home in Echo Park, inspired by Ray Kappe’s design in Rustic Canyon, integrates natural light and thoughtful material use to shape its interiors. We added playful colors and vintage elements to give the space a lived-in atmosphere, complemented by a dramatic double-height area with a unique interior bridge and hanging lights.

Noun Coffee and Wine

Located in Marina del Rey, Noun serves as a versatile all-day venue, transitioning from a morning coffee spot to an evening wine lounge. The design draws on eclectic comfort, featuring vintage and DIY elements that evoke the feel of an artist’s loft.

Eagle Rock Residence

Our design for this Eagle Rock home emphasizes an open layout that connects seamlessly with the outdoors, maximizing views. The evolving collection of art, furniture, and objects reflects our ongoing engagement with the space, ensuring it remains dynamic and engaging.

Los Angeles Residence

This mid-century home in Mt. Washington has been updated to reflect modern sensibilities while respecting its original character. Influenced by Asian principles of simplicity and the interplay of light and space, the design avoids typical mid-century clichés and instead fosters a serene and warm atmosphere.