Reilly Townsend Dinzebach
photo by Brie Williams
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? Paris.
What are three words to describe your style?
1. Collected
2. Comfortable
3. Unexpected
Tell us about your childhood bedroom? It was pretty preppy... I had a pink and green upholstered bed with matching drapery, and light green walls. And a green lacquered desk with a pinboard of photos and magazine collages – teen vogue, seventeen, cosmo girl – whatever my mom deemed appropriate enough at the grocery store checkout!
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? I bought an oval Saarinen dining table when we finally moved into an apartment big enough to host friends for dinner. It has fit in 3 other apartments since, which is quite a feat in New York. So many good memories are attached to it now, I'll never let it go.
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be?
Jacques Grange
No room is complete without an antique.
People think of me as social, but I am really someone who loves time alone just as much.
Things you omit from:
A flower arrangement: Roses. I love them in a garden though.
An hors d’oeuvre platter: Anything that is more than one bite. I don’t want to make a mess on your sofa and vice versa.
A bar cabinet: Bad tequila. Yes, I’m talking about Casamigos.
A song for:
Dinner at home: Leon Bridges – Coming Home
Working at your desk: Fred again.. – Kyle (i found you)
Going for a run: Armand Van Helden & Prospa – I Want Your Soul
Biggest Vice? Reality TV. Live for the drama.
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy? Today, probably earrings from Lizzie Fortunato. But I am a gemini, so tomorrow it will be something else.
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? Not at all. My brain does not have the capacity to design outfits and rooms simultaneously. My everyday look tends to consist of a simple black pant, tee and blazer or leather jacket. I have more fun with shoes and accessories or for big events.
Who is your star crush? Matthew McConaughey in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.
What is the thing you would never do on a project, but don’t detest when you see others do it?
Minimalism. I wish my own home could be more minimal sometimes, but I don’t have the restraint...too many beautiful things in the world.
If there were a fire, and you could only keep one design book, what would it be? François Halard
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? I hope it feels timeless. And that my clients love the process and feel at home in the spaces we work on together.
photo by Brie Williams
A Few Favorites:
Movie: The Holiday
Book: All time - The Great Gatsby
Recently - Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle ZevinScent: Glossier You
The fabric you always come back to: Holland and Sherry Andes and Schumacher's Rocky Performance Velvet.
Dream project: A brownstone in Cobble Hill.
Meal: Sushi. Or chips and queso.
Drink: Oaxaca Old Fashioned
Hotel: The Lowell, for the family memories.
Travel Destination: Italy
Artist: Mark Rothko
A cause near and dear to me: Any organization that supports animals in need. Two of our three pups are from Animal Haven. If my husband had it his way, we would have a few more...
Thing to collect obsessively: Art.
Era in the history of design: I really love where we are now, taking bits and pieces from each. The moments of juxtaposition are my favorite.
Museum: The Met
Paint Color that always looks great: Farrow and Ball Lime White
Favorite person to follow on Instagram: I can’t possibly pick one.... @tatianahambro @courtneygrow and @megbusacca for the fashion inspo.
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? Both!! Shout out to our pups - Gator, Piggy and August.
