In Conversation with Rita Konig
International designer and design journalist Rita Konig celebrates the launch of her new home base in Palm Beach by chatting with F|H’s Elizabeth Marshman, an AVP in our Trusts, Estates and Private Client Group, about her exciting partnership with The Lacquer Company, fabric and wallpaper collaboration with Schumacher, and what inspires her in our upcoming Palm Beach Edit sale on 20 February.
Rita Konig for The Lacquer Company, Photo by Simon Upton
Elizabeth Marshman: Rita! You are known and loved for your incredible English interiors, balancing heirlooms and existing clients' collections but bringing a fresh, modern take on the English country house aesthetic. What brings you to Palm Beach?
Rita Konig: We've been lucky to have some incredible projects in America and have been considering opening an office in the States for a while now. When one of my senior team members, Lara Phillpotts, approached me about moving to Florida, the pieces all aligned and now we have a satellite office based in Palm Beach! It's the perfect location for us (and for you - congrats on your lovely new space!). I used to spend holidays in Palm Beach as a child and have always loved the vibe, which is a charming mix of elegance and carefree coastal living. I love being back and forth between London and Palm Beach (especially in the winter!).
EM: Part of your office launch here includes a gorgeous collaboration with The Lacquer Company and Belle Rives trays in new colorways. Tell us more about your inspirations and where we can get them.
RK: I wanted to develop two new trays for the launch in colours representing Palm Beach. I love these two shades and that they aren’t too typical of the colours usually associated with Palm Beach. The coral sand and pinky red remind me of the house where we used to spend our winter holidays.
The lacquer trays are available through The Lacquer Company, Meg Braff in Palm Beach, and KRB in NYC. However, these colours were exclusive for our US launch and aren’t yet part of the line.
Rita Konig for The Lacquer Company, Photo by Simon Upton
EM: There is a reverence and understanding of the past that informs so much of your work. Tell us about your new collection of distinctive fabrics and wallpapers you produced with Schumacher.
RK: As you might expect, I was influenced very much by old textiles – the batik was something I knew I wanted to include from the start; it reminds me of the late eighties and many of the rooms from my childhood. My mother would use batiks a great deal on cushions and lampshades. I also love that paisley, which was reproduced from a really pretty cotton I bought a while ago and had been saving for the day that I would do a collection. I often study old rooms. I love how comfortable they were and the mix of things much more carefree than they often are today.
Rita Konig, Schumacher Collection, Photo by Francesco Lagnese
EM: Last but not least, you are known for your keen eye when acquiring works of art and furniture with your clients for their interiors. If you could pick three things from our jewelry auction that inspire you, what would they be and why?
RK: This is perhaps the toughest question so far to pick just three things! The first piece that speaks to me is the (Lot 2) Tiffany & Co. by Paloma Picasso Citrine Bead Necklace. I’ve always admired the jewelry designs of Paloma Picasso, and the citrine necklace is a gorgeous example of her oeuvre. Citrines are associated with creativity and prosperity – two things that I hope will follow me here from England to beautiful Palm Beach! My second pick is this stylish (Lot 44) Bottega Veneta Tortoise-Effect Resin Clutch. It is sophisticated and chic, and pairs with so many outfits. Finally, mirroring the crystal blue waters of Florida, I chose a beautiful pair of Turquoise and Diamond Drop Earrings (Lot 56).
From left to right:
Lot 2 | TIFFANY & CO., PALOMA PICASSO, CITRINE BEAD NECKLACE | Estimate: $1,500 - 2,500
Lot 44 | BOTTEGA VENETA, TORTOISE-EFFECT RESIN CLUTCH | Estimate: $400 – 600
Lot 56 | TURQUOISE AND DIAMOND DROP EARRINGS | Estimate: $1,500 - 2,500