IN THE PRIVATE HABITAT OF
SHIMON OVADIA
A CASE OF MINIMALIST OPULENCE
Shimon Ovadia sees the world through a design lens. He was born in Jerusalem and moved to Brooklyn, NYC, with his family at the age of four. Growing up, Shimon often helped his father who owned a children’s apparel company, and his childhood, no doubt, shaped his outlook and choice of career. Today Shimon runs Ovadia Bros., an interior and fashion design studio in SoHo, with his twin brother Ariel.
As a fashion and interior designer Shimon gravitates towards an aesthetic of understated luxury. He describes the style of his home — a sophisticated, self-renovated 1930s townhouse — as minimalist opulence.
WHEN YOU HAVE A CLEAR SPACE, YOU HAVE A CLEAR MIND
“I’m always changing and evolving my space. But I consistently lean towards a sense of calm. In a busy life with a crazy schedule, it’s important for me to feel I’m in a relaxed element at home.“
HOME SHOULD BE A SAFE HAVEN
“Great design transcends time. The Pacha Chair is as relevant now as it ever was. It adds a whimsical sense of coziness to my home. It’s like a cocoon in the room.”
“I try to keep things uncluttered. But I also like trinkets and little things. So there’s a sort of balance I try to meet.”
SHIMON RECOMMENDS
A REBALANCING RITUAL
“Almost every day at home in the evening or in the office when I come in, I burn a Japanese incense. There’s a company called Elemense. They have very high quality, beautiful incense.
Then I brew up a pot of tea. I lean towards an old French brand called Mariage Frères. They make some of the best teas in the world. In the wintertime, there’s a bourbon tea that I really enjoy. And there’s a bergamot and mint tea that I love. But really, all of their teas are incredible. And the packaging is beautiful, too.
Perhaps I light a fire and listen to one of my Spotify playlists. I really savor these quiet moments.”
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