Danielle Colding
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? South of France
What are three words to describe your style? 1. Eclectic. 2. Elegant 3. Vibrant
Tell us about your childhood bedroom? Peach peach peach. Vintage twin beds with peach and white floral bedding. Degas’ dancers meets tiger beat posters on the wall and the stereo system with turn table and cassette player always going.
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? The first real investment I made in my home was reupholstering a lot of my mom’s antique furniture. My grandfather’s corner chair and my mother’s caned sofa finally got the attention they deserved.
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be? Axel Vervoordt. I love that his designs are so versatile… from historic chateaus to minimalist Japanese modernism he is a master.
No room is complete without impactful artwork.
People think of me as bad meaning bad, but I am really bad meaning good! But for real, people always see me as having it all together and really I’m as messy and plagued by my own humanity as anyone.
Things you omit from:
A flower arrangement: Excessive leaves so they last longer. Other than that I'm an equal opportunity flower lover.
An hors d’oeuvre platter: Anything that requires a fork and knife.
A song for:
Dinner at home: Ella Fitzgerald, Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered
Working at your desk: Bob Marley, Three Little Birds
Going for a run: Beyonce, Who runs the World
Biggest Vice? Shopping!
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy? Another work tote bag.
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? For sure. I’m an eclectic dresser and not wedded to one style. I love both the classic, minimalist clothes and funky colorful pattern on pattern ensembles. And love statement jewelry: big earrings and cocktail rings are a must!
Who is your star crush? Zendaya. I just love how this young generation of women just refuses to be defined by the world.
What is the thing you would never do on a project, but don’t detest when you see others do it? I don't usually come from a place of never. If I see another designer do something I never thought of it opens my mind to that possibility. I will say I’m in awe of people who use primary colors well and in combination.
If there were a fire, and you could only keep one design book, what would it be? My signed copy of Keith Irvine’s A Life in Decoration. He was my first boss and a great mentor.
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? I want my designs to be enduring. And I want these spaces to not only be interesting aesthetically but to feel really good to be in.
A Few Favorites:
Movie: Coming to America/ When Harry Met Sally
Book: The God of Small Things, Arundhathi Roy
Scent: I like to change that up. Currently, Diorissimo by Dior
The fabric you always come back to: I’m a sucker for a flowing Belgian linen with a fine hand
Dream project: A boutique hotel on the beach
Meal: a fantastic Omakase
Drink: Vodka martini straight up with olives
Hotel: Hotel Costes, Paris
Travel Destination: Any tropical beach anywhere
Artist: Gaugin
Thing to collect obsessively: Design books
Era in the history of design: 1920’s
Museum: The Met, my childhood refuge
Paint Color that always looks great: Benjamin Moore, Gentleman's Gray
Favorite person to follow on Instagram: Bloom and Plume, the best!
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? DOGS!
