Photographed by Pratya “PJ” Jankong
Leyden Lewis, an interior designer from Brooklyn, New York, executes every project with out-of-the-box designs, art-inspired visions, and a pop of color. Never shying away from a vibrant project, Leyden took the opportunity to design for the Galerie House of Art and Design in Sag Harbor, New York, as a chance to boldly create while amplifying the work of Black, LGBTQIA+, and women artists and designers.
Galerie Magazine debuted its inaugural House of Art and Design in August 2021. This breathtaking showhouse intertwines art and design for a mesmerizing, immersive experience. Galerie’s editorial team handpicked a group of uniquely talented designers from across the country to bring this vision to life. Each designer incorporated one-of-a-kind design concepts to create an extraordinary showhouse.
Leyden wanted every aspect of his Urchin Pool House kitchenette to be a piece of art, telling a memorable story. “Walker Zanger’s Kaleidoscope, at Sag Harbor, takes center stage,” he says. The graphic and color-rich elements of the ceramic tile contrast with the natural, hand-made Brazilian cabinets for a cohesive, modern design. Leyden searched for tiles that weren’t just a “field” or a background for another designed environment. His objective was to develop an art installation with tile, creating a rich, focal point for his vision.
We talked with Leyden Lewis to learn more about how he uses his selection from Walker Zanger to create an eye-catching backsplash for the Urchin Pool House, gourmet kitchenette.
Photographed by Pratya “PJ” Jankong
Tell us a little about the Galerie Showhouse and the aesthetic you were trying to achieve.
The Galerie Magazine Art and Design inaugural showhouse in Sag Harbor, this August 2021, was a great opportunity for my studio to explore our philosophy for the curation of art in our designs. The art-focused house is a game-changer for the designer showhouse. The focus of the environment is shared between decor and cutting-edge, contemporary art.
What made you select Kaleidoscope from Walker Zanger?
The triangular shape of the Kaleidoscope tile reminded me of the Islamic architecture and glasswork I experienced throughout my travels in North and East Africa. The power of this foundational shape is its break away from the traditional grid normally associated with this material. Its handmade form and firing technique really makes this tile an exquisite element.
How do you feel your Walker Zanger selections impacted the overall look you were trying to achieve?
The triangular shape of the Kaleidoscope tile reminded me of the Islamic architecture and glasswork I experienced throughout my travels in North and East Africa. The power of this foundational shape is its break away from the traditional grid normally associated with this material. Its handmade form and firing technique really makes this tile an exquisite element.
What made you select Kaleidoscope from Walker Zanger?
We are very pleased at my studio. The tile holds its own as both a graphic counterpoint and as a contrasting color to the muscular and handsome kitchen cabinetry. This is not just another standard backsplash sandwiched between the countertop and the bottom of the upper kitchen cabinets. We specifically suspended the upper cabinet storage unit in front of the tiled wall so that the installation stands on its own, as a piece of art.
How would you describe your aesthetic in three words?
Modern, Sensual, and Saturated
Where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere. In my travels, in personal experiences, other designers, and of course ART!
What’s your favorite part about designing?
The discussions and the questions prior to placing pencil to trace: “how do we want to make a human feel in the environment we are creating?”
What are your three top design tips?
1. Over design – then edit
2. Be bold with color
3. Always consider the narrative of the space
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