Photography by Noe DeWitt
Stepping inside Alfredo Paredes’ Locust Valley home is like entering a world where history and modern design blend seamlessly. After spending over 30 years shaping iconic spaces at Ralph Lauren, Paredes has mastered the art of creating environments that are both evocative and timeless. His latest project — his own home, a 1929 Gatsby-era mansion — reflects his deep appreciation for historical influences and his passion for crafting warm, inviting spaces. In this interview, Paredes shares insights into how his Cuban heritage, professional experience, and a love for narrative-driven design shaped this remarkable retreat.
Walls: Wevet No. 273; Woodwork: Mahogany No. 36
Tell us a bit about your background and how it’s informed your design practice
With over three decades at Ralph Lauren, creating environments, experiences, and products, my time there instilled in me a deep appreciation for blending historical influences with a more contemporary style. Growing up in Miami during the 1970s also shaped my aesthetic, infusing my designs with a vibrant, multicultural essence. When I founded Alfredo Paredes Studio in 2019, I aimed to create furniture and spaces that are both timeless and evocative, pulling from my Cuban background and professional experiences.
If you could describe your design approach in three words, what would they be?
Narrative-driven, timeless, authentic.
Walls: Wevet No. 273; Woodwork: Mahogany No. 36
Your recently designed home is coined a “Gatsby-Era mansion” - why is that?
Our home in Locust Valley, originally built in 1929 by Harrie T. Lindeberg, embodies the elegance of the American Country House style, which was prevalent during the Gatsby era. The objective was to create a warm, inviting family home while preserving its historical charm. We incorporated original architectural elements and added details to capture that iconic period's opulence.
The Great Room has magnificent natural wood materials across the domed ceiling – how did you approach paint selection with this design feature in mind?
The natural wood materials in the Great Room's domed ceiling called for a paint selection that complemented rather than overshadowed these features. We chose Wevet in Estate Emulsion for the walls and Mahogany in Modern Eggshell for the base to create a backdrop that highlights the wood’s natural beauty without competing with it. This approach ensures the ceiling remains the focal point of the room.
Walls: Tented Stripe 1372
You chose our Tented Stripe paper for your son’s room. Why were you drawn to this print, and Farrow & Ball paper specifically?
The Tented Stripe paper from Farrow & Ball offers a playful yet sophisticated look that feels perfect for my son’s room. I was drawn to this print because it balances a sense of classic charm with a modern twist, aligning well with the overall aesthetic of our home.
ALFREDO PAREDES' PALETTE
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