Hawkins New York was born out of a palpable void in the lifestyle market for quality, accessible, home goods. Citing a lack of range in small-scale home goods production, Hawkins was founded with the aim to incorporate the concept of artisanal collective production, while maintaining a modern design sensibility. We sat down with one half of Hawkins New York, Paul Denoly, to pick his brain about what’s inspiring him right now, how he and partner Nicholas are influenced by home bases in NYC, Hudson and LA and more.

You’re an industry heavyweight Paul! Tell us a little bit about your professional journey:

I started my career being a part of the Executive Training program at Saks Fifth Avenue and stayed just over 4 years. From there, I continued my journey as a Buyer at Design Within Reach, West Elm, Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie. I also wanted to get the experience of working at a smaller scale brand so I spent a few years at Juliska.

What part of your process do you get lost in, or never tire of?

Nick and I both love working together and developing new products that we both want. That is why we started the brand and that sense of creation is never lost in the process.

Please share five things inspiring or influencing your design/creative process right now:

1. Antelope Canyon
2. Adolf Loos Interiors
3. Twin Peaks
4. Textures and Tonality
5. 1970’s

You have freestanding stores in NYC, Hudson and in Los Angeles and you move between all three places. Tell us how each affect your brand and process:

We are influenced very much by the world around us. When we are in Hudson, we are immersed in nature, when in NYC, we feel the urban vibes. LA is almost like both elements in one and has given us a fresh new perspective. Being able to move between all three places inspires us.

If there was a song to describe your brand it would be:

“The Things That Dreams Are Made Of” by The Human League

If moods or places are colors…

Distant is: Black
Warm is: Terracotta
Confused is: Dark Grey
The Lower East Side is: Mustard
The West Village is: Rust
Upstate New York is: Pine
LA is: Sky

Who are your heroes and why?

John Pawson, I love his restraint and sense of space.
Madeleine Castaing’s work always impacts me and my design sensibility.

What’s the best gift you ever received?

I have gotten so many wonderful gifts over the years but anything handmade by a friend is my favorite.

What’s the most cherished object in your home?

At the moment, my most treasured item is my pen ink drawing by Hope Gangolff.

A Chat With Paul Denoly of Hawkins NY