Stacy Waggoner founded Studio Four NYC in 2009 to shine a light on the unique and inspiring stories behind textile, wallpaper and rug design. Specializing in luxurious artisanal offerings, the New York City-based textile design studio and showroom represent both up-and-coming artists and prominent designers including Pintura Studio, Vanderhurd, Imogen Heath, Kate Loudoun-Shand and Anna Spiro. The studio is also known for designing and developing its own distinctive line of fabrics, wallpapers and rugs, which include a longstanding collaboration with celebrated artist Wayne Pate. In 2022, Studio Four NYC marked a significant milestone by naming David Estes, the company’s vice president of sales, to partner. A pivotal figure in Studio Four’s success, David initially joined the company as an intern when it was just a year old. As Studio Four celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, Stacy and David remain focused on the future and further expanding the company’s design and development of its own line of fabric, wallpaper and custom rugs. Hear from Stacy and David in today’s Maker Monday.
Trees of Derain
Can you describe your design philosophy in three words?
Eclectic, international, innovative.
What design trends do you think will be popular in the coming years?
A return to natural fibers after so many years of focus on “performance” fibers that may be cleanable but are terrible for the environment — we find it odd that so many people who insist on organic everything are happy to surround themselves and their families with completely inorganic fibers. Natural materials can be cleaned and can be properly taken care of and can last for years — look at all the antique carpets made of silk, wool and other natural materials that are in museums around the world!
Can you describe a project that you’re particularly proud of?
We’re particularly proud of our Paris Elemental launch during Paris Maison Objet / Deco Off in March 2022. With our collection of Wayne Pate fabrics and wallpapers (based on the artwork he designed during his year in Paris), we took over La Palette, our favorite cafe in the Sixth, and slipcovered all their cafe chairs with our fabric. The chairs were intended to be installed for the week of the show, but the cafe owner loved them so much, he kept them through the summer. We loved all the Instagram sightings as the world opened back up and people we know flocked to Paris.
What is your favorite place to find inspiration?
#1 New York City — our home is a cultural melting pot with so many artists, museums, architecture, food and colorful influences that we can’t help but be inspired here! #2 Travel to other amazing places — we love traveling the world for culture and inspiration. Next up for us: India this winter — stay tuned for a new collection!
What is your favorite aspect of your job?
We work with extremely creative interior designers who lean on us for our knowledge and expertise — this means we get to be involved in so many amazing projects not only here but around the world.
How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?
We don’t keep inventory — we print our Studio Four fabrics and wallpapers to order, so there is no excess material sitting around on a shelf. We use ecologically responsible pigments in all our printing and have eliminated plastics wherever possible in our shipping. Our rugs are made to order in small facilities around the world employing local artisans who celebrate their heritage with their craft.
Paris Tile Rug
What is your favorite design tool to use?
Our brand new website, studiofournyc.com. We’ve been working for over a year to create a website that feels like a digital representation of our in-person showroom experience. Virtually all of our thousands of fabrics and wallpapers from our represented lines are shown on our site, along with a robust selection of our handmade custom rugs and a curated group of broadloom carpets.
How do you incorporate art into your designs?
With our own line of fabrics and wallpapers, we have worked with artists (Wayne Pate and Manuel Santelices among others) to translate their work into dynamic patterns that become livable artworks for your home. Our represented lines are virtually all headed by artists who are bursting with creativity — there is always something new to see in their collections.
What’s your favorite cocktail?
We like martinis. Both start with a vermouth rinse, but after that, we differ — David likes a vodka martini with 6 olives and olive juice on the side. Stacy prefers a gin martini with 3 olives and zero olive juice.
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