Hawkins New York: A Curated Lifestyle Brand and Design Shop in Hudson, NY
For product designers Nick Blaine and Paul Denoly, collaboration begins with admiration. Co-founders of Hawkins New York, a curated lifestyle brand and shop in Hudson, they work closely with makers and designers to help get their ideas and designs to market. Borne out of a desire to decorate their 1750s Dutch Colonial farmhouse with modern but timeless touches, the partners set out to create their own line of home furnishing and decor with designs that mingle modern sensibilities with the utmost commitment to quality and value. Largely inspired by Scandinavian and Japanese design, an appreciation for simplicity is at the helm of their brand, blending Nick’s minimalist style with Paul’s maximalist taste, all without sacrificing cleanness or color.
Housed in the former office of an old local newspaper with soft, natural light streaking the shop’s time-worn floors, gray walls, and gorgeous wares, the space is absolute eye candy for today’s design lover. Shoppers will find industrial lighting from Workstead, handcrafted furniture from Hudson-based designers Fern NYC and Slowood Studios, and the couple’s own line of products with items ranging from linen pillows and hand-poured vases to recycled glassware and iron storage ladders. “We like to think we complement all the antique shops on Warren Street,” says Paul.
After nearly two years of being open, Hawkins New York products are now sold wholesale to 80 stores around the country with much of its growth credited to the organic connections the couple has formed with local craftspeople. “Open conversation with people literally coming off the street can turn into something amazing,” says Nick. “We sort of let fate take its course,” Paul adds.
Words by Dakota Arkin
Hawkins New York initially grew out of Nick and Paul’s Hudson home. As the collections began to surpass their storage space, they knew it was time to expand.
As business partners, Nick and Paul love the opportunity to explore their creativity and experiment with design; collaborating with other makers has added a fresh perspective to their own work.
Handwoven pillows from Brooklyn textile designer MINNA are part of a three-pillow collection that were designed in collaboration with Hawkins.
The shop carries a mix of custom furniture from designers all over the world, including Los Angeles’s Eric Trine, Copenhagen’s Ferm Living, and Design House Stockholm.
“The table is always the star of our house,” says Nick, who notes that the couple’s first product line was focused on dining and kitchenware. At neighboring Back Bar, customers can be found sipping drinks out of their earliest procured designs—locally handmade tumblers produced with recycled glass. “They feel modern, but not so clean as without soul,” explains Paul.
Inspired by traditional Indian cooking vessels,Tom Dixon’s lighting dangles over the iron and leather Anderson Sling Chair and Ottoman, designed in collaboration with Slowood Studios.
“In the store, as in our house, we love the combination of vintage and antique pieces mixed with modern items and styling,” says Nick.
Fern’s Amoeba cutting boards are crafted from locally sourced trees and unique American hardwoods. “We love the mix of wood options and the generous thickness of the designs—-a real kitchen workhorse,” says Nick.
“Pump up the pink,” says Paul who, along with Nick, believes pinks and greys redefine neutral in a soft and symbiotic color palette.
The shop carries an array of books on interiors, art, and design, in addition to international magazines like Milk Decoration and Elle Decor UK.
“One of our favorite design ideas is to mix textures in similar colors,” says Nick.
For Nick and Paul, it isn’t about trends; it’s about creating longevity, something worth being passed on. “In 40 years, I would love to go into someone’s home and see our glassware there,” says Nick.