5 Questions with Interior Designer Muriel Brandolini

We talked to the amazingly talented interior designer Muriel Brandolini after the release of her new book The World of Muriel Brandolini: Interiors just this week about her eye for design, her personal style and how you can spruce up your own home, even on a budget.



What is your personal design mantra?
I find it very difficult to describe my personal style, as it is constantly changing, and I don’t have any rules when decorating. Over the years, my home has been a canvas where I often experiment with my wildest imaginations. Some people have said my style is Bohemian, but more recently, the changes I have made in my home are more simple and calming. Now, my home is filled with tones of silver, pearl gray, and gold, which is quite peaceful and soothing.

During the creation of my book, it was a very difficult process for me to look back on my career of over 17 years and see how it evolved. I am a person who has never liked to look backwards, but always move on to the next.

What are some of your favorite stores for finding unique home goods?
I love finding unique treasures when I’m traveling, whether in the flea markets of Paris or a gallery in Turin or even a market in Peru. I love the handcrafted pieces made in Vietnam, the country where I spent my early childhood. I wanted to honor its artisan tradition by creating an exclusive home collection for Barneys New York, including hand beaded pillows, folding side tables, and chairs.

What is your favorite item in your home?

Recently, my favorite piece has become the ceiling light in my living room created by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld. Its geometric outline inspired me to create a silver living room and a library upholstered in gold silk taffeta.

How does one archive both comfort and style when decorating?
For me, decoration has always been about comfort. One doesn’t go without the other.

What advice do you have for the average person trying to revamp his or her home on a budget?

My only advice would be to make your home personal and meaningful for you. It should be a soothing place of comfort and a reflection of yourself. Use pieces that you have a connection with, not just a carbon copy of what one might find in a catalog.

Watch the video below and get a tour of Muriel's Upper East Side apartment.

View more videos at: http://nbcnewyork.com.

Copyright LXTVN - LXTV
Contact Us