Bold Fashioned

A New York designer gives his 1895 Victorian a spirited twist on country classics with punchy patterns and whimsical winks rooted in Americana.

- By Kelly Ryan Kegans

IN WITH THE BOLD STATEMENT FURNITURE

Homeowner Erick Espinoza's guests are greeted by a playful pairing of a folk art windmill whirligig with a wood-turned spinning wheel armchair accented with sewing bobbins. "It's a great silhouette right when you walk in the door," he says of the chair. Erick also channeled his love of maritime finds. Take, for example, the collection of red-and-white wood sounding gauges, which were used by sailors in the early 20th century.

IF HOMES EMBRACED PUNCTUATION, designer Erick Espinoza's would be peppered with exclamation points-and, perhaps, the occasional question mark. Take, for example, the over-the-top ottoman he designed that graces the living room. Outfitted in a circus-like pattern, it is hardly the expected choice. "I wanted people to question it, to say, 'What the heck is that?" " he says. "It recalls folk art, which can be a little wacky and fun and weird." Such is the case for many pieces in Erick's house, where nothing is too serious yet is nevertheless rooted in classic architecture and homages to Americana pieced together as skillfully as the colorfully patterned quilts that he also happens to collect.