Designer Thom Filicia is no longer part of Queer Eye’s Fab Five, but with a new book on the shelves and a show of his own, he’s still pretty fab.
OH: You’re currently promoting your first book Thom Filicia Style. What was it like to write a book?
Thom Filicia: I was really able to cover the last 10 years of my career. It was like going down memory lane. There were a lot of things that I’d forgotten about, and they’ve re-inspired me. It was also interesting to dive into the reality of what is my creative process. I feel like I now understand my entire career, where I’ve been and where I’m going. It was like therapy.
OH: A big aspect of your book is about creating a home that reflects one’s inner self. Any advice on how people can find their style?
Thom: There’s a lot of information in your house and around you. That’s what [my TV show] Dress My Nest is really about. It’s about using things around you to get clues as to who you are. You can get a lot of cues from the way someone dresses.
OH: So how would you define your personal style?
Thom: I would say I’m definitely classic with a modern twist. I love design that is crisp and timeless.
OH: Any tips on how readers can freshen up their homes for spring?
Thom: I’m a big fan of adding things to your interior in the fall and winter to warm it up, and in the spring, editing things out. Roll up a rug and add a fun, colorful cotton dhurrie rug. Bring in a new plant.
OH: Let’s talk about your show, Dress My Nest (on The Style Network). What can we expect in the upcoming fourth season?
Thom: This year we’re doing some really fun things, and there’s a lot of great casting for the season. It’s all about bringing fun, fresh, great ideas to people in a way that feels authentic to who they are.
OH: Speaking of Queer Eye, do you miss it?
Thom: Being on Queer Eye was one of my favorite parts of my career. But I’m really involved in Dress My Nest and in my business. I don’t miss Queer Eye as much because I still get together with the guys.
OH: Queer Eye was really a cultural phenomenon. What was the Show’s biggest impact?
Thom: It neutralized sexuality, and it neutralized the relationship between gay and straight men. The five of us and this straight guy got along effortlessly and had a great time, and it didn’t become some big political situation.
OH: We hear you’ve just created an eco-friendly model unit for a green luxury condo.
Thom: Riverhouse (in New York City) has created a benchmark for building in an eco-friendly way. I used FSC-certified woods, water-based finishes, low-VOC paints and wallpaper glues, recycled metal. I’m most proud of the fact that it doesn’t look like “hemp world,” that minimal modern beige-on-beige-on-hemp look that we think of as eco-friendly. It is smart and colorful, crisp and cool and has a lot of personality.
OH: So, before we say good-bye, tell us what we can expect from Thom Filicia in 2009?
Thom: I’m working on my furniture, textiles, wall covering, rug and lighting lines, which will be coming out in fall 2009. I’m still working with W hotels designing rooms, including properties in Atlanta, New York and San Diego. I’m doing a fabulous house in the Adirondacks and beautiful homes and apartments in and around New York. I’m also trying to develop an office in Dubai. I think 2009 will be a very dynamic year, not only for the country but for myself.
