Electric orange stripes serve as neutrals at Dusen Dusen, designer Ellen Van Dusen’s exhilarating world of lifestyle and home wares. The Washington, D.C.–bred, Brooklyn–based creative launched her namesake brand as a womenswear label before pivoting to decor ten years ago—now, you can spot her collections at MoMA Design Store and Design Within Reach, among others. Taking inspiration from fine art, as well as neurological reactions to color and contrast, Dusen Dusen’s patterned assortment is studied and spry.
Coinciding with AD’s recent visit to Van Dusen’s family cabin in upstate New York, we invited the designer to share the archival inspirations behind her palette, pattern, and DIY prowess. From whimsical Hearst properties to a mosaic sculpture park that incited “a little meltdown,” Van Dusen’s AD Archive references are as gloriously eccentric as her designs.
July 1985
This is a great seamless inside/outside project in Michigan. I love how the structure of the building flows directly into the adjacent pond, using the same materials as a deck and walkway over the water. In reading this article, I learned that Alden Dow was a well-respected architect and trained under Frank Lloyd Wright, but as a member of the Dow Chemical family, he was very wealthy and thus had no need to promote his work. He sort of disappeared from the public eye. You don’t hear stories like that anymore, and I find that charming in a way.
September 1987
Artist Niki De Saint Phalle’s Tuscan Tarot Park
I visited Niki de Saint Phalle’s Tarot Park in Italy a couple years ago, and it's my favorite place I've ever been! I saw it was on the cover of AD in the ’80s, so I found the issue on eBay and had to buy it. The French sculptor and painter created a whole tile world—it is such an amazing undertaking. Throughout the site, she applies the material in a lot of different ways, in totally different finishes, and in every color you could imagine. The house’s mirrored-tile-drenched interior and the handmade nerokomi-style tile in the fountain were standouts. The park is a must-visit for anyone interested in her work, or in these kinds of DIY architecture projects.
January 1988
A Bavarian Village in NoCal Built for the Hearst Family
William Randolph Hearst tapped Hollywood set designer and children’s book illustrator Willy Pogany to paint the muraled facade of his family’s Bavarian-style summer cottage. Based on the article, it seems like everyone involved in this project thought this was a cheesy idea, but they were pushed in this direction by the client. I fall on the side of Hearst: Do something weird! Commit! I think it's an amazing property.
December 1997
Artist Jennifer Bartlett’s NYC Home Brings the Outside In
I love Jennifer Bartlett’s work and was charmed to see her amazing Greenwich Village apartment. I especially love the repetition of elements on the wall and then in the physical space—the boats (see page 175!), the shingles, and the house motif she’s known for. Flat photos don’t do the 3D art justice. And then a pool on the top floor overlooking the street? Chef's kiss.
October 2006
A Freshwater Lake House in the Lone Star State
I have fantasized about having a lake house my whole life, and I think this might be the best one I've ever seen. It’s the perfect mix of modern and grounded, like it’s always been part of the landscape. I love how the inside and outside flow seamlessly between each other. The project is by Lake/Flato, an architecture firm that my dad (an architect himself) recommended I look up. Did not disappoint!
December 2017
KAWS Transforms a Brooklyn Industrial Building Into a Family Home
I remember when this feature came out because I was so wowed by Brian Donnelly and Julia Chiang’s expansive and whimsical art collection. I love seeing how people live with art. And despite the value and scale of these pieces, the owners made a home that's approachable and fun. They clearly find joy in collecting. I dream of living with one of those giant Alex Katz flower paintings. And so much Pesce!
April 2025
A Bathroom by Charlap Hyman & Herrero Blooms in Brooklyn
I love this project by Charlap Hyman & Herrero. The whole house is amazing—I love everything this firm does—but this bathroom in particular really stood out to me when I first saw it on the cover of AD. It’s very Niki de Saint Phalle, to come full circle! Both tiled spaces feel similar to me in their fearlessness and personal approaches to design.
This is Ellen van Dusen’s installment of Into the AD Archive. Each month, we’re inviting leading tastemakers from the design world and beyond to explore the vast Architectural Digest Archive—more than a century of extraordinary homes, innovative designs, and cultural landmarks dating back to 1922.
