Tan France on Ignoring Trends, Following Heritage, and His First Furniture Collection With Castlery
The British-Pakistani style icon has never fit neatly into a box – and his first-ever furniture collaboration isn't about to start
For all the insider praise Tan France has received for his style transformations on Netflix’s Queer Eye (2018–2026), he’s never quite felt like he belonged. British-Pakistani, raised in the UK yet building his career in the US, neither he nor his expressive style has ever fit neatly into a box – and his first-ever furniture collaboration with Castlery doesn’t either.
Like the wardrobes he’s known for curating, the bold 18-piece lineup of living, dining, lighting, rugs, decor, and accessories says that a home should tell the truth about who you are. For Tan, that means a trend-resistant, heritage-first point of view rooted in warm oak, sculptural carving, richly textured upholstery, handblown glass, natural travertine, and handcrafted wool – a refreshingly subversive show of personality in an era when every interior looks the same.
‘Ignore what seems cool and in-style all over your social media,’ says Tan. ‘Yes, those white walls and neutrals look chic, but there’s more to you than the starter pack for your adult space. Being an adult means you get to decide what makes you you, not what makes you just like everyone else on IG. Pick the things your mates aren’t picking. Go with your gut and make your home not everyone else’s.’
The Kagan Sofa blends pillar-like forms inspired by British architecture with carved details rooted in South Asian design. Being modular, though, it’s easy to make its DNA your own.
Where most decor these days goes so sleek, so overly understated, it hurts, Tan reaches for scallops instead. A familiar South Asian motif he wishes more Westerners noticed, it threads its way through mirrors, and even a designated tea table (we did mention he’s British).
Since, for Tan, 'fashion icon' is as much a cultural identity as any, every piece carries the distinct sartorial blend we've admired on screen. ‘When it comes to clothing, a mix of fabrication, texture and comfort are so important to me,’ Tan says of the Kagan Sofa. ‘I mixed leather and wood, and used the most buttery-soft leather we could find to give the sitter peak comfort.’
Inspired by Tan’s tea rituals, the low-slung Anaya Tea Table was made for slower, cross-legged conversation.
Of course, no Tan France wardrobe is complete without its showstopper. ‘I am OBSESSED with my Anika Lamp. It’s such a statement piece, and I plan to place each color around spots in my home that need more joy and play' – a pair flanking the bed, another in the corner of the kitchen.
‘I have and will always be a maximalist (but not one for clutter), so I love to add in an unexpected color or accessory to really grab your attention, and from there you take the attention to the curation of the rest of the look,' he continues. 'And, my tip… get that bold thing that feels a little out of your comfort zone. Play a little.’
One lamp, three runway-worthy colorways: Orange, Jade, and fittingly, 'Tan.'
It’s a fitting partnership in more ways than one. As Castlery’s first-ever designer collaboration, the collection also marks a first for the brand. ‘Castlery was built in Singapore – a city that has always made something new from the meeting of many worlds,’ says Declan Ee, co-founder of Castlery.
‘When we met Tan, we recognized that same story in him. This collection is what two outsiders, each at home between different worlds, made together. We wanted something more than just a celebrity figure; we went looking for someone whose life was the brief. Tan France is that person and this collection is the proof.’
Tan has never fit neatly into a box, and neither has his eye. The Rumi Accent Chair offsets oversized softness with chunky, low-profile legs.
When you always choose the trendy thing, what does your home say about you? For Tan France, the answer is: nothing. The cure? Letting it say everything. What if we stopped following trends and started following our heritage? Ahead, our favorite personality-packed, category-defying pieces from the landmark collaboration.
Tan France trusts his unique point of view. He thinks your home should, too. ‘Living between cultures and countries has taught me that home isn’t just somewhere you live, it’s something you create, wherever you are.’
Love beautiful design ideas, expert advice, and inspiring decor trends? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.
