Seamlessly blending form and function, Matt McKay’s new furniture collection embodies his interior design sensibilities and unconventional approach.
The Cap Coffee Table by New York based interior designer Matt McKay. Photography @ Matt McKay
Words by Roddy Clarke
Based in New York, interior designer Matt McKay has been turning heads within the industry since opening his studio in 2021. Now, with the launch of his own furniture collection, the designer is hoping to take his practice to the next step. Describing his aesthetic as ‘diverse and ever evolving’, the collection certainly reflects this with unique materials and sculptural forms and silhouettes juxtaposed in each creation.
McKay draws on his own personal experiences for his furniture projects with the Ahoo Lounge Chair, as displayed by the designer here, inviting users to lounge freely across it in unconventional ways. Photography @ Matt McKay
Currently consisting of six designs – two armchairs, a dining table, coffee table, banquette, and stool – this is just the beginning for McKay as he hopes to add to the collection in the future. The Brig chair, which has a suede upholstered frame with a shearling backrest and seat pad, is one of the collection’s highlights while the Ahoo lounge chair, with its asymmetric configuration, mirror’s Matt’s personal lounging preferences by inviting users to relax freely across the arms as well as the seat. Each originally designed for his interior design projects, the furniture creations are handmade in New York giving the designer more control and input into the making process.
The Tack Dining Table by Matt McKay combines marble, steel and aluminium. Photography @ Matt McKay
Speaking of his journey to date, McKay states his passion for design stems from an early age. “As a young child I would study the images in design magazines and books and that’s where my fascination with it began,” he comments. “As I matured, I would sketch floor plans instead of doing my homework!” Going on to study at the Parsons School of Design, which brought McKay to New York city, his love for interiors further developed before working in other studios and eventually embarking on his own venture. With multiple projects now completed across the city, McKay states his inspiration comes from multiple sources but largely from his travels. “Anything that touches the senses – taste, smell and sound – all play into my practice,” he says. “Visual inspiration is obvious, but I find a lot of inspiration from travel, art, music and also dining experiences.”
The Brig Chair and Crest Banquette showcase organic hues and juxtaposed materials. Photography @ Matt McKay
Looking ahead, the designer’s furniture and interior endeavours will continue to overlap with the next collection already underway. “I remind myself that we are just beginning,” he says, “there’s a lot of growth and exploration to come!” Eager to build on processes and a business model that reflect his own personal values, McKay speaks of his interest in material exploration. “I am very interested in new materials, recycled or otherwise renewable,” he continues. “I insert a mix of vintage pieces of value and interest into my projects too, instead of working with purely new designs. I also prioritise vendors who share my values.” With a meticulous attention to detail and refreshing approach to each project he undertakes, McKay is a promising talent. And, while his creative journey might be just beginning, it’s certainly one we are excited to witness.
Priced upon request, the full furniture collection by Matt McKay can be found here.
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