Guest Curator

Peter Dolkas, Interior Designer & Stylist

We’re thrilled to introduce you to Peter Dolkas, interior designer and stylist from California, as part of our ongoing Guest Curator Series. So take a look at Peter’s selection of works on Saatchi Art and learn more about the importance art plays in his life.

headshot

Peter has designed residential interiors in San Francisco and Los Angeles, as well as commercial spaces for Parachute Home and Everything But the House. His prop styling work includes editorials for House Beautiful, MyDomaine, Pottery Barn, Tappan Collective, and more. He also is currently earning a Masters’ degree in Fine and Decorative Arts from Sotheby’s Institute in London.

What was the first piece of art you bought?

One of the first was a black and white photograph of the Hollywood hills from the 1930’s. At least that’s what the guy at the flea market told me it was.

14_ph_bedroom_4_1200x900
(Image: Photograph by Jonas Jungblut)

How would you describe your holiday home décor style?

I think it’s a bit cheesy to change your style too much during the holidays, after all you still want it to look like your house. But, it’s definitely the time to bring in lots of fresh evergreens, light candles all around the house, and bake up a storm.

Do you have a favorite holiday tradition?

Every year my family hides a nut in the Christmas eve dessert, and whoever gets it opens the first present. I usually get pretty lucky.

before-and-after-katherine-powers-petite-powder-room-1683979-1457047931-640x0c
(Image: Photograph by Jonas Jungblut)

What is the best holiday gift you have ever received?

My beach cruiser bike! I was 12 and it looked like a Cadillac.

What is your “go-to” host gift for the holiday season?

Red wine and homemade spiced nuts.

Which books are on your bedside table?

Design As Art by Bruno Munari and Anglo Files: A Field Guide to the British by Sarah Lyall, recommended to me by Hillary Kerr upon my recent move to the UK.

pillow01-copy
(Image: Photograph by Jonas Jungblut)

“Only buy art you could pass down to your grandchildren one day. Otherwise, it’s trendy.”

What music are you currently listening to?

The new albums from Bon Iver and Lady Gaga (of course), and Dylan.

If you could give one piece of advice to readers selecting art for their home, what would it be?

Only buy art you could pass down to your grandchildren one day. Otherwise, it’s trendy.

What would you like to do if you weren’t pursuing your current line of work?

Well, currently, I’m taking a break from interior design to earn a masters from Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London. It’s a dream to take a break from working for a year and go back to school for art history. But also I think I’d like being a baker.

20150116tappancollective-16x20-37810web
(Image: Photograph by Jonas Jungblut)

 

Love reading about all things art? You can have articles from Canvas, curated collections, and stories about emerging artists delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for the Saatchi Art Newsletter.