Nikki Turrisi

The founder of Le Cime takes us around her minimal Chicago artist loft

Nikki’s Chicago home is the ultimate incorporation of Wabi-Sabi style into an artist loft. Nikki is a multi-disciplinary creative who founded one of my favorite inspiration platforms on IG, Le Cime. Even before we met and became close, I had folders saved of her posts. I bought my first decor pieces to my Brooklyn home with her shopping guides. Her home is everything Le Cime stands for, a true minimal, clean and clear space that brings peace to her mind. Every piece is selected carefully by her, creating a mindful curation with her own artwork. You can check her curation on her website, and for more on @le_cime and @nikkiturrisi. Enjoy!

Let’s start with you. Tell us a bit about yourself, who are you and what do you do?

My name is Nikki Turrisi. I’m a Branding Designer and Strategist, an artist, a social media consultant, and an entrepreneur.

When I was moving into my Brooklyn apartment, I made myself a moodboard using Le Cime. Whenever I think of minimal moldboards, interiors, fashion, design…your aesthetic always comes to my mind. I feel like you’re one of the first people to establish such an inspiring account, how did it all start? Can you tell us a bit about your journey and interest in this particular style?

That’s so wonderful to hear! It means so much to me that you found inspiration from my account. Inspiring people was always a big part of the goal of Le Cime. Truthfully, I started because I needed a bit of inspiration myself. I was processing a personal loss and wanted to remind myself of the beauty life has to offer. I’ve always loved and felt drawn to quality craftsmanship in art and design so I started Le Cime as almost a stream of that consciousness and reminder of truly beautiful things. That's why I picked the name 'Le Cime' because in french it means 'the top'. People started following and responding positively right away, so it became a source of support for me as well. I realized other people like my taste and it gave me the confidence I needed to go off on my own as a branding consultant and it continues to inspire me in my personal artwork. I'm grateful for the community that's been created, too. So many followers have become friends and collaborators. 

One of my favorite aspects of running the account is sharing independent brands, creators, artists, and designers. There are so many talented people out there, I feel lucky to give some of them the spotlight on Le Cime.

How about your own home? What is your design principle? I truly admire your Wabi Sabi style, very soft furniture mixed with different colors of wood, darker and abstract art pieces, and much decor all around…

Thank you! I am always working to improve the different areas of myself and my life. Meditation plays such a big role in who I am and my daily habits, so naturally it’s impacted my art and my home. The more I meditated and worked through past trauma, the more I realized I wanted a clean, clear space. A place of calm refuge and space to create and heal. I wanted every object in my home to have a similar vibration as the thoughts and energy I want to carry. So I will say my home space is definitely an extension of myself and headspace. 

In terms of design, I’m inspired by so much. I love the interior designs of Micheal Bargo (there is actually a specific photo that Jordan Risa took of his home that inspired a lot of my space) and the work of Elena & Beatriz Perelli (@lasperelli), Oliver Gustav (@studioolivergustav) and Axel Vervoordt. I also really admire all of Elsa Hosk's homes, especially her Californian home designed by Richard Neutra. She has incredible taste. Same with Jessie Andrews.

With my personal pieces, I collect things that have a level of groundedness and that hold a quality of substance and character. Like they have and will stand the test of time.

For anyone interested in that “Le Cime” aesthetic, can you give some interior design recommendations?

I try to update the Le Cime website as often as I can with suggestions for home. I could honestly write a book of suggestions! But for now, I will just encourage people to do what you did - create a moodboard from Le Cime and other accounts they love and go from there. There are so many places you can search once you have a clear plan. You can always DM me, too!

I also want to talk about your own art :) I’ve been a fan for so long, they are abstract and layered, dark but inviting. Would you share with us how you started painting and your style? Also can anyone purchase your pieces or are they personal for now?

Thank you so much! I’m glad you experience that when you see my work. I’ve been painting since I was a child, I studied art briefly and set aside focusing on it a few years ago. Now it’s all I can think about. Like I said previously, my experiences in meditation have influenced my art, inspiring my current subject matter - the quantum realm and healing vibrational frequencies. It’s actually about being present and kind. That’s why my art has made such a shift from previous years, I know what I need and want to say now. Most of the pieces are for sale, I currently sell privately through DM and email, but will have a website for direct sales soon. I have also created an nft collection for Le Cime which resembles my physical work and will hopefully strengthen the Le Cime community. That should be available on one of the marketplaces in the next month or so, so be on the lookout! :)

Can you share with us some of your dream interior pieces?

I have so many! But the tops are: 

-Ingo Maurer paper lamp 

-Parachilna floor light 

-Pierre Jeanette lounge chair and bookcase

-Frank Gehry squiggle chair 

-Jean Royère; Wooden Coffee Table and polar bear chairs

-Mies van der Rohe Barcelona Day Bed

I also love African and primitive wood pieces, Japanese ceramics, antique urns and vessels. The list could seriously go on for days.

You’re my first Chicago feature, a city that I am not familiar with. Do you have some favorite places in Chicago to source furniture and find inspiration?

Yes! Chicago has the best thrift and furniture stores. Dial M for Modern is a must! There’s also Circamodern, Lincoln antique mall, Edgewater Antique Mall, Mount Sinai Resale, An Orange Moon, Velvet Goldmine, and Praha.

Lastly, would you share where you get some furniture for your own space?

I have been really fortunate when it comes to my pieces at home. My sofa was gifted to me from Sixpenny Home, my coffee table is a John Keal from my late grandmother, my desk is a Maria Yee I found on fb marketplace, and my Le Corbusier LC4 came from Core Court Studio in Miami. I found my mirror in an alley in Chicago over ten years ago. I kept all my pieces with my parents when I was living in NYC, so it’s nice to be back and be around them again. Feels like home. 

Thanks for interviewing me, Lale. It's an honor to be featured! Knowing I have inspired others with my work gives me so much hope and drive to continue pursuing my dreams.