How did you begin your career in design?
From Missouri to Texas to Denver, I grew up quickly at a young age and was always very driven. After realizing the Midwest was not for me or my lifestyle, I settled in New York (for 20 years) which is where I learned first-hand about the retail world. From companies like Bed Bath & Beyond and Restoration Hardware I realised my creative eye and love for people, allowed for growth in the creative space amongst these corporate companies. I knew after some time amongst these larger companies, I wanted to be on my own and I opened my first showroom in lower Manhattan. Years later, in 2015, my business began to grow and felt a full-service interior design practice for residential, commercial, and hospitality clientele was the next step. In addition to the rapid growth of the Bobby Berk brand and his lifestyle website BobbyBerk.com, I was cast on Netflix show Queer Eye. As the resident designer on the show and a member of the Fab Five, it’s earnest and endearing approach gave even more eyes to what was a thriving design business… like a perfect storm.
I think that there is so much more to learn and grow within my own career. I have seen the beginnings of it and each year, I am continuously surprised at how many more avenues I can take it. If it wasn’t for my humble beginnings and rolling up my sleeves, I wouldn’t have a sliver of that enthusiasm in wanting more.
How would you describe your signature style?
I would describe my style as warm organic modern but with a hit of graphic and bold elements. I’m definitely drawn to clean lines, but I try to bring in a lot of natural elements and soft textures to create contrast as well as a level of comfort. I find a lot of calm in the neutral tones this palette brings and at the end of the day my home is my retreat and where I find my Zen so I love having a space that really allows me to unplug visually and mentally from it all. While I lean more neutral in my own home that doesn’t mean that I don’t love working with colour and different styles as I do find myself working on projects in a range of styles, but even if the room is bold and colourful, I always try to incorporate these more neutral components to give the room balance and visual space.
Your best interior design tip?
The number one thing I tell anyone who asks is to swap out your light fixtures. It is one of those things that can literally be done in less than an hour and swapping in new fixtures can make such a huge difference not only visually but from a functional standpoint too. Good lighting can make or break a room – think about when you walk into a space that is either overly lit or way too dark, it really can change your mood and the way that you interact with the space. But the good news is, swapping out your lighting is EASY. You can change out any lighting that is hardwired, whether it’s a pendant, chandelier, flush mount or wall sconce – even if you’re renting. I promise, it’s not that complicated, and you can do it in under an hour!
I also recommend embracing texture and pattern in your space. The worst thing for me is a room that feels totally flat and one dimensional. Bringing in an array of textures through textiles, accessories, rugs, or wallpaper will create depth and make a room much more visually appealing.
What designers inspire you?
There are so many great designers working today. Although it’s very different from my own style, I love the work of Justina Blakeney of Jungalow. She’s got such a unique perspective on design and really inspires me to always seek out new ideas and explore different references. I’m also inspired by a lot of Los Angeles based designers, like Studio Life/Style and Disc Interiors. They both create such fantastic work that really has a refined, Southern California feel. But there are also so many that people may not be as familiar with. The power of social media has brought a new visibility to so many designers around the world that we may not be familiar with previously and I’ve found myself falling into so many rabbit holes on Pinterest or Instagram looking through the work of designers that are new on my radar. I also recently started offering my design services on the platform The Expert (a service which allows you to book a design consultation virtually from anywhere in the world with a designer and get hands on advice in real time) and their entire roster of designers is inspiring to me.
What do you love about your work?
I am continuously reminded about the impact of a functional, organised, and well-designed home that can make a difference in an individual’s day. Sure, design is beautiful and can be elaborate and aspirational, but the one result in any home decor project I take on has the same result. A lasting impression for their mental health.
There is no greater reward in my work inspiring people to create a space they feel worth living in. Be it how to create a more functional kitchen or designing a bedroom that will invite you to shut down and reboot. We often think that design comes with a pretty penny, and while it can be extravagant and costly, I love inspiring those to think differently. From shopping on Facebook marketplace to DIY projects, the reward can be just as fruitful without being too spendy. In the end, the goal is to create a haven that is desirable for the individual. This is guaranteed to help one’s mental health. A happy home is a happy mind.
As someone who has seen the emotional impact when we share the reveal, I also see the client and/or hero being motivated to live a lifestyle that puts themselves first. What a more empowering role, that to inspire others to take care of themselves in a place they can call home.
Greatest budget buy or budget decorating tip?
When it comes to adding those finishing layers of accessories and art to your home, I recommend shopping what you already own before buying anything new. Place all your items in one central location so you can take inventory of everything first and then try things out in different areas. You might be surprised how moving a piece of art, a vase or a few accessories on a shelf can give a room a whole new look.
You can also save a ton of money in the kitchen by using inexpensive Ikea cabinetry and just changing out the cabinet doors and hardware for a more custom look. I have done this in so many projects (including our new office) and you would never know that it’s straight off the shelf.
What’s your favourite way to spend a day in your region/home?
Contrary to popular belief, I am a homebody. I am often seen traveling, filming and constantly doing media tours etc. Now, spending time at home is simply a luxury in and of itself. The newest member of our family, Bimini, has made up for all the travel I’ve done throughout the years and prioritising time with the new pup and husband is one that has grounded me and kept me content.
We have an incredible 360 view of Los Angeles, so whether it’s a workout in the morning to kick start my day, or enjoying cooking in the kitchen with Dewey, our day is filled within our four walls that keep us busy. We love the long walks with Bimini through nature as it makes us get up from our desks to keep our bodies moving. Those extra steps and fresh air work calls are imperative to keep my creative juices flowing and normalise this work life balance.
Want more? Click here for Noa by the Beach: A Noosa Dream Home That Combines Simplicity and Style
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