Richard Keith Langham is a native of Alabama and has had a successful career in interior design since he opened his New York office in 1990. He will be the featured guest speaker at this year's Botanical Garden Gala Luncheon on October 15th. His designs have been featured in renowned publications, such as Elle Decor, Vogue, and Architectural Digest. Langham’s all-American style combines traditional elements of design with dashes of whimsy, beautiful tailoring, and an exuberant color palette. Langham boast an impressive clientele that includes Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Pat Buckley, and Hilary Swank.

By Olivia Sheehan

Having trained with Mark Hampton and Keith Irvine, Langham learned the ropes from past masters, yet owes much to his genteel southern upbringing and his own “innate vision.” With a fresh interpretation of the past, he creates singular rooms that have “personality, suitability and depth,” the trifecta of decor that has helped him over the years create exciting and comfortable rooms that have stood the test of time. Richard Keith Langham creates pedigreed rooms that are grounded in tradition, but are enlivened with his fresh and imaginative approach. His broad and varied experience enables him to work in any style as a true connoisseur. He is as adept at designing a grand Manhattan apartment as he is a rustic cabin in the mountains.

Alabama born and Manhattan based Langham has been a force in the decorating world for over 25 years. He studied at Parsons School of Design and earned a degree from The Fashion Institute of Technology in interior design. After an apprenticeship under the ubertalented Mark Hampton, he moved to London and enrolled in the Study Center for the History of Fine and Decorative Arts, where he broadened his knowledge of English design and decoration.

Returning to New York, he landed a position with the venerable firm, Irvine & Fleming and gained ten years of experience in their American version of luxe English country house style. Langham launched his own business in 1994 and quickly made a splash. He worked with some of the city's most legendary ladies - Mrs. William F. Buckley, Jr. and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who once proclaimed him to have a "sorcerer's eye". Langham has been recently named to Architectural Digest's AD-100 for the fourth time, as well as Elle Decor's A List. Keith will be the featured speaker at this year's Columbus Botanical Gala Luncheon at the Green Island Club on October 15th. Keith spoke to SVM about how he became an interior decorator, how being from the South influenced his style, and what inspires him the most.

Can you tell us a little about your journey of becoming an interior decorator? I left the University of Alabama after three semesters, moved to Manhattan, and enrolled in night classes at the Fashion Institute – then was lucky enough to land a job with Mark Hampton’s office, which opened my eyes to top drawer decoration. After I graduated from FIT, I studied for a year in London and came back to New York to work for Keith Irvine and Tom Fleming for the next 12 years – here I gained experience and know how in assembling classic, elegant rooms.

In a few words, how would you describe your personal style of interior design? My style is steeped in tradition given my background, but my rooms always have a big dose of personality that I try to keep true to the place and person.

What’s your first step when beginning the interior design process in a new space? Color seems to always be the first ingredient – I can usually decide what color a room needs to be within the first five minutes. Next the furniture placement . . .

Do you have a favorite home or apartment that you have designed, and why? I work very hard to make each project singular and as near perfection as I can get it. We put so much time and effort into the details that make my list of favorites pretty extensive!

You are a native of Alabama, would you say Southern architecture and aesthetics have had an influence on shaping your current style? Southern houses are graceful and comfortable and most are downright pretty. My hometown of Brewton had a number of beautifully appointed houses which opened my eyes early on.

What is the most treasured item in your own home? My 12 foot tall red canopy bed!

Which person, place, or thing—inside the industry or out— inspires you the most? The Metropolitan Museum of Art – especially the magnificent period rooms, where I always see a detail I missed before.

What would be your dream room, building, or apartment to decorate, if given the chance? I would like do an apartment (or set) in Albany – the iconic building on Piccadilly London designed by Henry Holland

Complete this sentence: The best thing about life in the South is… The grace of the Southerners and the collards! I have lived in New York for 42 years and some days long to move back! SVM

Special thanks to Bob Vardaman

RICHARD KEITH LANGHAM