Photos by Caylon L. Hackwith
You’re decorating your living room, but something is missing. Maybe it’s a sculptural statement piece to anchor the space, or perhaps it’s simply lacking that lived-in, personal feel that makes it feel like home. These are the things Prospect Refuge Founder and Design Director Victoria Sass considered when crafting the Midwest Nostalgia Collection—the first in what she hopes will become a series of thoughtful, small-batch releases.
“We’re aiming to release a few small collections each year—typically just three to five pieces at a time,” Sass explains. “There’s something really meaningful about taking things slowly and being as intentional as we can be with each detail.”
For Sass, these micro-collections are a creative outlet—an opportunity to explore ideas that might not yet fit into client projects. They’re also a way to collaborate more closely with local makers, fellow designers, and even the clients themselves. “Many of these pieces will be customizable, giving collectors and designers the chance to work with us directly to shape them for specific spaces,” she says. “I love seeing our work evolve in response to the people and homes it’s created for. It makes the whole process feel alive and personal.”
Curious to learn more? Here, Sass shares more about the inspiration behind the collections, what clients can expect, and what’s in store for the future.
What inspired the Midwest Nostalgia Collection?
The collection was first produced as part of our Kips Bay Show House Dallas exhibition. These were items directly informed by my late teen years in the rural Midwest, springing from some deeply sentimental memories of a formative time. It was also about coming to terms with the sometimes challenging beauty of our regional vernacular style.
Tell me more about the three pieces in this collection and how clients can customize them.
The collection includes three core pieces: a sculptural folding screen, an upholstered writing desk, and a hand-cast bronze hardware series. Each one was designed with adaptability in mind, allowing for thoughtful customization to suit individual spaces and styles.
The folding screen—featuring handpainted rosemaling by regional artist Tara Austin—was originally oversized for the exhibition but can be scaled in height, width, and number of panels. We’re currently producing a commissioned pair at 4 feet high in a rich oxblood tone, creating a very different mood from the original green. At launch, we’ll also offer three additional colorways.
The writing desk brings a bold, tactile statement and can be customized in upholstery—variations in linen, leather, or the original floral chintz—while its proportions can also be tailored to a room’s needs.
The bronze hardware—designed in collaboration with Irve Dell—takes inspiration from the familiar “junk drawer” and can be customized in scale, from a desk pull to a full door handle. Each piece is a small work of art.
How do you envision people layering these pieces into their home?
These pieces are meant to be lived with. They are functional as much as they are sculptural. The screen adds an artful layer to a space. We’re currently placing one behind a sofa to create depth and dimension without closing off the room. The hardware is perfect for elevating everyday details like home office cabinetry or closet doors. And the desk is genuinely lovely to work at. I use it myself in the gallery. Each piece is designed to integrate seamlessly into daily life while still making a statement.
You also have hinted at the next collection drop: The Found Collection. Can you tell me more about what people can expect from that drop and what pieces will be included?
The Found Collection is our curated offering of antique and vintage pieces discovered on sourcing trips and travels abroad. These are objects that spoke to us through their form, patina, or unique character. Many have already found a home in our design projects, but we’re excited to share a selection with a wider audience. Some of the more ready-to-use pieces will be available online, while others remain in our private “to be restored” catalog. We always encourage reaching out directly to explore the current studio inventory—it’s a more personal and rewarding way to uncover something truly special.
What other collections are currently in the works?
We’ll be releasing a series of solid fir benches, designed in collaboration with Inch Objects, in the coming months. This is a programmatic exploration of chairs and benches using a limited vocabulary of design details. In addition, we’re developing a collection with Faribault Mill, bringing their storied textile craftsmanship into our world of interiors.
When will these collections officially launch?
We’ll be launching these collections online over the next few months, with early access to be announced through our newsletter. Many of the pieces are made-to-order and often require customization, so our team of designers will work directly with clients to ensure each piece is tailored to their needs.
