aspire design and home proudly presents The Art of the Home, a transformational designer showhouse set within a breathtaking 13,000-square-foot estate in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. This curated exhibition of world-class design, architecture, and fine art will run from September 19 through October 19, with an Opening Night Event to benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation on September 17.
Each Tuesday and Thursday, we’re spotlighting a different designer whose creative vision is shaping this bold, curated home. From behind-the-scenes peeks to personal stories, you’ll get an inside look at the minds reimagining what a home can be. Today, we read more into Patrice Nichole’s Reading Room.
Named one of Austin’s Top Designers in 2022 and 2024 and twice a finalist for Austin’s 40 Under 40 in Architecture/Design, Patrice stands at the forefront of a new design era. Her studio is gaining momentum — and with it, a bold, elevated vision that’s reshaping how Austin experiences space.
What mood or feeling are you hoping to evoke with this space?
Patrice Nichole: Reading unlocks the imagination, and designing for the reading room, we wanted the space to feel whimsical and to foster a creative atmosphere where the imagination can run wild. We desire for people to feel as though they can escape into another world.
How did you begin the process — was there a single material, color, or image that set everything in motion?
PN: The first image that came to mind was a rope swing hanging from a giant tree, something straight out of an “Alice in Wonderland” moment. That spark of whimsy sent me down an unexpected creative path. I actually explored incorporating one of the Haas Brothers’ tree-inspired art installations, but it turned out to be too tall for the space. That limitation didn’t stop the inspiration; it launched a full-on Haas Brothers obsession. We ended up sourcing this incredible, almost chrome-looking, aluminum-tiled finished lamp they designed, and from there, the concept evolved into oversized reflective bookshelves that feel sculptural and surreal. We leaned all the way into bold, not traditional, and the result is a space that invites imagination and curiosity. Just like books, the design is meant to transport you. It became the perfect foundation for the reading room; an experience, not just a space.
Are there any design risks you’re taking that you’re particularly excited about?
PN: One design risk we are particularly excited about is the wallpaper and upholstered banquette seat. We wanted to go bold with these selections and to mix patterns. Both of these patterns took inspiration from the sculptural floor lamp in the space, which was designed by the Haas Brothers. We played with various color combinations and pattern repeats to get the final design that really makes the room feel inviting. The banquette seat will have bolsters that are the same pattern as the hallway wallpaper, really adding a fun mixture of pattern and color.
How would you describe your room in three words?
PN: Reflective, whimsical, stimulating.
What’s your relationship to scale? Are you leaning into drama, intimacy, or a mix?
PN: We love playing with scale! One area we wanted to create a dramatic moment with scale was in the wallpaper. We were able to work with a local Austin vendor, Loomly, to customize the color, pattern, and pattern repeat. We wanted the repeat to be large enough to really see the pattern, but not too large to overwhelm the space. Another area we played with scale was with the bookcase shelves. We wanted the shelves to have a grounded and prominent presence in the room.
How do you think visitors will interact with or experience your room once it’s complete?
PN: We see users sitting on the banquette seat, looking through the bookcase shelves, admiring the artwork and feeling as though they can relax and disconnect for a moment, maybe let their imagination run away from them a little bit. We envision them discovering new fun details that are hidden throughout, and taking a moment to stop and enjoy the space.
While The Art of the Home is still in progress, take a look at a past project by Partice Nichole that echoes the energy and boldness of the reading room.
When you look at your rendering now, what excites you most about seeing it all come together?
PN: We love the color throughout. Seeing all the various art pieces, furniture and design elements that bring such fun and vivid colors together is what makes this special. We didn’t want to hold back with the design, we really wanted to explore mixing colors and patterns. We also love how all the artwork fills the space and really brings it to life.
Purchase tickets for The Art of the Home here.
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