Clos-ette Case: Poonam Khanna

Posted on July 12, 2016 by Kathleen Harris

Simple. Effortless. Surprising. These three words easily describe architect and interior designer Poonam Khanna’s aesthetic. As founder of the Unionworks, a multidisciplinary design practice in New York City, Poonam has an incredible talent for assessing her clients’ style and turning vision into reality.

Jesse Randall, the founder of Loeffler Randall, spoke of this genius in an interview with One Kings Lane, “From the second I met Poonam, I knew instantly it was a match—she has the most amazing and understated taste.” This impeccable eye translates to her personal style, too. Here, Poonam discusses her favorite pieces to wear and how fashion influences her work.

How would you describe your personal style?

I guess you would call it tomboy chic. I’m a working mom so I need things in my closet that are very easy. My wardrobe is more about fabrics, textures, and feeling comfortable and easy. An outfit that can get me through a full day, from walking out the door with avocado fingerprints on me and getting to the office to an event at night.

What's your daily uniform?

Skinny jeans with a couple of easy layers on top. My everyday favorites are R13 skinny jeans, anything Ted Meuhling, and Jerome Dreyfus bags. My current obsession is jumpsuits by NLST or 6397.

Does the way you dress inform or inspire your work?

Absolutely—there’s no formula for what I do professionally, but I like things to be harmonious in terms of composition. That’s true in how I dress and how I design spaces. I like to keep things clean, simple, but not so expected and predictable. I like a little color in my life. The real key is that it should look and feel effortless.

The Loeffler Randall Showroom

What's the most cherished item in your closet?

A shahtoosh shawl that was a gift from my father and my Isabel Marant biker leather jacket

And what would we never find in your closet?

Anything trendy.

If you could design a no-holds-barred, no-budget dream closet for yourself, what would it look like?

Just a bigger closet! I would love more space and room, but keep the design very simple. I would love it to be more than a closet—to be my little haven surrounded by some special things.

Do you have a favorite closet you’ve designed?

I’m designing one now for a project in Los Angeles. There will be tinted glass doors and incredible materials—stone and beautiful wood [see mood board below]. Best of all, there’s a skylight to let in the California light.