Inspirational interior designers: Ernest de la Torre

Ernest de la Torre employs a timeless style that blends traditional and modern influences around a passion for art and design. His bold approach has established Ernest as an interior designer who consistently breaks new ground for clients, while custom tailoring surroundings to be a perfect fit.

Raised in Lake Forest, Illinois, his passion for design was influenced by the local classic architecture of David Adler and Mies van der Rohe. De la Torre embarked on his design career at Peter Marino Architects in New York, and later bolstered his knowledge through graduate studies at Sotheby’s Fine and Decorative Arts in London. The designer further honed his architectural vision by teaming with Ian Schrager and later with the Ralph Lauren Home Division, creating new furniture, lighting, and table top and textile concepts.

De la Torre founded his own design studio in 2001 and has since completed significant homes in Manhattan, Palm Beach, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Vermont, Middleburg, VA, and Greenwich, CT. Recently, the firm completed the restoration of the historic Cooper Mansion in Tuxedo Park replete with Aesthetic period antiques to art deco gems. This project was featured on the cover of the November 2009 issue of Elle Décor. Also recently completed is a state of the art Nakashima inspired triplex loft in Soho with vast square footage both inside and out.

Currently underway are projects at fabled 740 Park Avenue and 955 Fifth Avenue. More projects are underway in Philadelphia, Vermont, and Virginia. He works with a staff of four and has collaborated with architects Cooper, Robertson & Partners, Allen Greenberg & Associates, Murdock Solon Architects, as well as others. The firm specializes in designing spaces around unique collections of art, custom furniture, and textiles created over the years in his studio. De la Torre design was honored to be included in Elle Décor’s List of The 25 Top Interior Designers.