Architectural Cases

Nate Berkus, a prominent interior designer, shares his cherished selections from the extensive archives of Architectural Digest. His curatorial journey through decades of design highlights a profound appreciation for historical influences and their enduring relevance in contemporary aesthetics. Berkus's unique approach, characterized by a blend of warm, neutral palettes and a rich tapestry of vintage and antique elements, underscores his belief that truly exceptional design is a continuous dialogue across different periods and styles. His insights reveal how past innovations continue to inspire and shape the future of interior spaces.

Berkus's exploration of the archives not only showcases his personal design philosophy but also serves as a testament to the dynamic evolution of interior design. He emphasizes that understanding historical contexts is crucial for any designer, allowing them to create spaces that are both rooted in tradition and forward-thinking. From grand Parisian residences to artist's retreats and modern Manhattan apartments, the featured projects demonstrate a consistent thread of timeless elegance and innovative spirit. The article provides a unique opportunity to see how a master designer draws inspiration from the past to inform his present and future work.

A Journey Through Time: Iconic Residences and Artistic Havens

Nate Berkus's deep dive into the Architectural Digest archives uncovers several landmark features that have left a lasting impression on his design sensibility. One notable selection is a grand Parisian apartment from July 1978, which exemplifies a stylistic transition from midcentury modern to a more eclectic 1970s aesthetic. Berkus is captivated by the bold patterns, striking artwork, and the exceptional Dubuffet painting in the dining room, all of which were pioneering for their time. He particularly notes the timeless appeal of the Directoire mahogany chairs, predicting their resurgence in contemporary design. This feature highlights how a skillful integration of historical and modern elements can create a space that feels both classic and fresh, a principle central to Berkus's own work.

Another inspiring find is the innovative Connecticut compound of Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell, featured in January 1984. Berkus, a long-time admirer of Motherwell's ability to blend sophistication with raw emotional power in his art, sees a similar balance in the architecture and interiors of his home. The strong structural integrity of the cottage complex, combined with a thoughtful interplay of crisp white surfaces and warm wood accents, strikes Berkus as remarkably forward-thinking. He observes how the deliberate lines and textures within the space continuously draw his eye, revealing new details with each viewing, underscoring the enduring appeal of well-conceived architectural and interior design.

Personal Milestones and Enduring Design Principles

Continuing his archival exploration, Nate Berkus celebrates a renovated medieval French castle from March 1997, a project that deeply resonates with his philosophy of integrating history with modern living. The architect Roger Anger's decision to preserve the original stone walls of the castle, blending its medieval character with sleek, modernist updates, creates an unforgettable aesthetic. Berkus underscores that such a project transforms into a profound conversation between the past and the future, demonstrating how respect for historical elements can coexist harmoniously with contemporary design sensibilities. This fusion of old and new results in spaces that are not only visually captivating but also rich in narrative and heritage.

A deeply personal highlight for Berkus is the feature on his own Greenwich Village apartment from November 2012, which marked his first Architectural Digest cover. This moment was a significant career milestone, coinciding with the release of his second book and the launch of his home goods line. Reflecting on this experience, Berkus praises the exceptional talent involved in producing the feature, from the photographers like Pieter Estersohn to writers such as Sam Cochran, as well as the stylists. He views the process of sharing one's home with such creative professionals as a truly beautiful and collaborative endeavor, emphasizing the power of storytelling in design and the meticulous craft involved in capturing its essence.

Embrace the Past, Color Your Future: A Family Home Reimagined

A Coastal Heritage and a New Design Vision

Nestled on the serene Figure Eight Island, a cherished retreat for generations of Zack Bacon's family, his wife Amanda Ross Bacon sought to revitalize their four-bedroom home. This island, known for its tranquil off-season beauty with expansive marsh grasses and breathtaking sunsets, holds deep sentimental value. Ross Bacon, a philanthropist with a background in fashion, aimed to create a space that not only honored her husband's family narrative but also embraced a fresh design perspective.

The Unlikely Partnership: Fashion Meets Interior Design

Ross Bacon's connection with AD100 interior designer Muriel Brandolini, initially forged in Manhattan's fashion circles, blossomed into a transformative friendship. Six years ago, this bond extended beyond wardrobes to include the design of Ross Bacon's three residences. Brandolini's influence eventually reached the Figure Eight Island home, marking a new chapter for the property.

From Skepticism to Inspiration: Embracing the Island's Essence

Brandolini initially harbored reservations about the island's architectural style, particularly the close-set houses and the home's stark, all-white interior that only highlighted its outdated features. However, a visit softened her stance, revealing the unique charm of the location. When invited to redesign, Brandolini accepted with a playful condition: to ensure the space would be enjoyable for the Bacon children. Eschewing her usual opulent aesthetic, she found unexpected inspiration in the optimistic spirit of 1950s American design, a choice she felt perfectly suited the coastal setting.

A Palette of Joy: Mid-Century Modern Infusion

Departing from her signature elaborate styles, Brandolini decided against extravagant materials like hand-beaded silk wall coverings. Instead, she focused on creating a lively environment for the younger generation, drawing heavily from the vibrant, cheerful aesthetic of the 1950s. This included selecting statement pieces like a Madonna table by Arquitectonica for the Memphis Group, which she discovered on eBay, and pairing it with Michele De Lucchi's Memphis-inspired First chairs. The home also benefited from the expertise of architect Alice Tai and the New Path Contracting team, who modernized its infrastructure.

Dynamic Interiors: Where Art and Color Collide

The home's interiors now boast an open-plan living and dining area on the second floor, anchored by windowpane-plaid rugs from Pepe López and playful multicolored kitchen lighting. A striking fireplace clad in bright yellow subway tile ascends to the ceiling, complementing custom block-printed cotton fabrics from Jaipur, designed by Brandolini, that adorn sofas and banquettes. The space is further enriched with vintage treasures discovered during excursions to antique shops from Connecticut to West Palm Beach, adding layers of history and character.

Brandolini's Genius: Daring Juxtapositions and Visual Harmony

Amanda Ross Bacon marvels at Brandolini's bold design choices, particularly the "color-drenched kitchen" where traditional cabinets are replaced by charming apron-ruffle café curtains, evoking a "50s caravan" feel. Brandolini's innovative use of dusky greens, teals, and dry browns in the living area artfully draws the eye inward, preventing it from being overwhelmed by the expansive coastal views. The entry hall features wide, coffee-hued striped walls that cleverly unify transitional spaces and camouflage architectural irregularities, showcasing Brandolini's exceptional talent for imaginative design.

Private Sanctuaries: Bedrooms and Baths with Personality

The four bedrooms are individual expressions of comfort and character, each a unique sanctuary. They are adorned with "cocooning colors" and "eccentric lamps" sourced from obscure online finds. Custom hand-embroidered bed linens by Vis-A-Vis Paris, guided by Brandolini, add a touch of bespoke luxury. The bathrooms, vibrant with Brandolini's distinctive graphic tile patterns, stand as testaments to her belief that "playing with color and tile gives life," proving that creativity doesn't always necessitate a hefty price tag.

A Symbiotic Creative Journey: Trust and Vision

Reflecting on their collaboration, Brandolini expresses admiration for Ross Bacon's "aesthetic generosity." She highlights Amanda's openness to novelty and willingness to learn, emphasizing that both Amanda and Zack Bacon were not deterred by her unconventional ideas. This mutual trust allowed for a truly symbiotic creative journey, culminating in a home that beautifully fuses their shared vision.

A Haven of Connection: Light, Nature, and Renewal

The ultimate success of Brandolini's design lies in its ability to foster connection and a sense of belonging. Ross Bacon finds deep solace in the island's light, describing it as "soothing and hypnotic," often observing porpoises from her bedroom window. She likens their experience to Anne Morrow Lindbergh's metaphor of changing shells from "Gift from the Sea," embracing the idea of renewal and finding a harmonious fit in their transformed coastal haven.