What’s a film or TV show whose aesthetic has stuck with you?
The recent Shogun series. Such an incredible evocation of the mood of medieval Japan, with glowing landscapes and intricate costumes and textiles in every scene. In contrast to this, we just recently rewatched the first few episodes of the 1980’s Miami Vice and were struck by the focus on architecture and fashion. A highly designed mid-80s time-capsule.
What has been your best house upgrade?
Split system HVAC. Efficient and ever more necessary in New England’s warming summers.
A simple or budget-friendly design move you wish you’d known sooner?
Buying parts of Ikea furniture to incorporate into custom designs.
My favorite paint color for the bedroom is…
Forever and always Benjamin Moore’s Heaven. The palest lavender gray, which is almost imperceptibly a color, but makes the room feel like a glowing cloud. Serenity in a can.
My unpopular design opinion is…
There is never a single “right” design or decision. Thinking that there is brings so much unnecessary stress to the design process. Realizing that many different paths can all lead to happiness, comfort, and beauty allows the design to unfold organically without the pressure of fearing mistakes.
Your design pet peeve?
We try to avoid “visual MSG”, which is something that grabs the eyes and provides visual stimulation but gives little lasting satisfaction or nourishment. We love things that are unexpected, thoughtful but with the effortlessness of something undesigned that can all come together to create a space which can make its own history.
Our go-to kitchen utensil is…
A fish spatula and a Cuisinart. The fish spatula because it allows total control when cooking in a pan. The Cuisinart because it does everything: grates, chops, slices, whips cream. My machine is 15 years old and going strong.
Three words that describe our design style:
Confident, playful, undesigned.
First design love?
Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow School.
What item from your closet do you have on repeat?
Vintage high-waisted Levi’s.
Favorite design shop to visit (online or in person)?
The Gallery at 200 Lex in NYC is a whole floor of incredible antique dealers and always time well spent, whether shopping or just browsing.
What is the last thing you purchased for your house?
Another lamp! It’s a problem.
Something you’re coveting?
A large flat-woven rug by Marta Maas Fjetterstrom.
Thanks, Maria and Brad! Follow their work @bermanhornstudio and via bermanhornstudio.com. (They’re also members of our Architect and Designer Directory; head here for more.)
(Visited 3,473 times, 2 visits today)