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Design Director Eugenia Santiesteban Soto Is Enamored With Neoclassicism

The design and decoration director shares her mythically stylish picks.

August 11, 2022

I’ve always been into the classics. From my middle school Latin days­—full disclosure, I did go to a competition called a Latin Forum (great for popularity in seventh grade)—to geeking out about the Parthenon in college, and since then, a soft spot symmetry has followed me into my adult years. But beyond the perfect proportions and columns galore, there’s something about antiquity-inspired pieces in pared-down settings that I always keep coming back to time and time again. I guess 2,000-plus years of history tells me that I’m not alone!

The Great Hall at Syon House in the London borough of Hounslow, designed by architect Robert Adam in the 1760s.

Christopher Simon Sykes

Eugenia’s Picks

  • “One of my colleagues turned me on to London-based Gergei Erdei’s work. This piece is definitely on a long-term wish list for me.”

    Asteria Urn, $2,443. gergeierdei.com

  • “Growing up, I was way into Greek mythology. Everyone knows the story of Persephone and Hades, but Persephone’s mother, Demetra or Demeter was the one who shook up the earth to get her back and thus created seasons. I love her story and I think she makes a beautiful doorknob, too!”

    Goddess Demetra Doorknob, $405. anthologist.com

  • “The ultimate statement panels with mythological scenes that would make the twelve-year-old version of me die of excitement.”

    Chariot of Dawn Panel Set by Jill Lasersohn for Schumacher, fschumacher.com

  • “Frances Palmer often looks to antiquity when designing her pieces, and this vase feels like the perfect marriage of classical shape with a rustic hand.”

    Medusa Vase by Frances Palmer, $1,400. francespalmerpottery.com

  • “Winged sandals to get in the spirit of a Greek goddess.”

    Ikaria sandals, $245. ancientgreeksandals.com

  • “And a headpiece to match! I’d love to see a daring bride pull this off.”

    Gardenia crepe headpiece by Merve Bayindir, $1,845. net-a-porter.com

  • “Another thing the Greeks got right—the Klismos chair. It’s been reinvented time and time again and this version by Jamb is just perfection.”

    Klismos chair, jamb.co.uk

  • “Another wish-list item that would be worth the investment. Don’t think I’d ever grow tired of this table.”

    Athena Cocktail Table, bakerfurniture.com

  • “Love these versions of the classic urn shape that feel very of-the-moment. Proof that neoclassical will never die.”

    Jet Black Stretch Vase, $355. morganpeck.net

  • “So simple, yet so satisfying. I think a few pairs of these white columned candlesticks could go with practically anything.”

    Ionic Column Candlesticks, $525 each. christopherspitzmiller.com

  • “A little kitschy, but these plant stands just make me smile.”

    Plant Trellises by Chen Chen and Kai Williams, $18 to $36. areaware.com

  • “I discovered this cool Greek-based candle brand while at Maison et Objet in Paris earlier this year. Love that this plays on the iconic Doric column shape.”

    Destinations / Athena / Bergamot Candle, €62. wakscandles.com