Charlene Miranda
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? Maui, Hawaii. Was devastated to see the fire destroy parts of it!
What are three words to describe your style?
1. Warm
2. Timeless
3. Vibrant
Tell us about your childhood bedroom? I shared a bedroom with my sister. We had bunk beds. It was girly, with a lot of color. We had a pink rug and a red dresser. We also had a really cute hammock for all our stuffed toys!
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? The Knitting Chair is on my list to buy, it is a beautiful chair with great proportions and silhouette. Can be perfect in any room!
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be? I would hire Kelly Wearstler. I think she is an icon and her designs are revolutionary. And it would be incredible to be able to witness her design process and collaborate with her!
No room is complete without: Something vintage. It could be a piece of furniture or an accessory. It just adds so much character to a design.
People think of me as only a creative, but I am really also quite good with numbers.
Things you omit from:
A flower arrangement: Baby’s breath
An hors d’oeuvre platter: Crudité
A bar cabinet: Gin
A song for:
Dinner at home: John Mayer, Free Falling
Working at your desk: Tiesto, The Motto
Going for a run: Beyonce Crazy, In Love
Biggest Vice? Designer handbags
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy?
Probably go overboard on cute kids clothes.
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? My clothes vary depending on the day. But I tend to gravitate towards a mix of classic silhouettes and colors and also feminine dresses, depending on the day/occasion. The latter are different from my designs – minimalist and timeless. But they do make a statement and so do my interiors!
Who is your star crush? Bradley Cooper
What is the thing you would never do on a project, but don’t detest when you see others do it? I wouldn’t use mostly/only traditional furniture but see so many designers with traditional aesthetics that make spaces look beautiful.
If there were a fire, and you could only keep one design book, what would it be? Pierre Yavonovitch’s Interior Architecture
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? I would like it to be known for bringing joy to its users! Everything I do is governed by the lives and loves of my clients and my mission is to bring them joy every day, in every way. And I hope I am remembered for happy cheerful vibrant interiors!
A Few Favorites:
Movie: The Notebook - I am a romantic!
Book: Girls Who Run The World, by Diana Kapp
Scent: Chanel Chance, love the floral notes.
The fabric you always come back to: Cotton Velvet, especially for a colorful sofa or chair.
Dream project: A villa overlooking the beautiful blue waters of the Mediterranean in the South of France.
Meal: The Burger at The Polo Bar, one of the best burgers in the City. And I love the look and feel of The Polo Bar.
Drink: Spicy Mezcal Margarita, smokier than a regular marg.
Hotel: The Taj Mahal Palace in Bombay. I used to visit this iconic property occasionally as a kid and have fond memories.
Travel Destination: I love summers on the Italian Riviera, it is the perfect mix of culture, scenery, food and beach time.
Artist: Rothko; and the fact that the colors evoke emotion!
A cause near and dear to me: St. Judes Hospital, children’s causes are dear to my heart.
Thing to collect obsessively: Vintage jewelry, I love a classic Chanel earring!
Era in the history of design: Mid century modern – because we still use these classic pieces in design today
Museum: My daughter (and I) love Museum of Natural History
Paint Color that always looks great: Limewash (Portola) Kingdom
Favorite person to follow on Instagram: Non-design follow, @ViolaDavis- she shares both inspirational and funny things and has made me giggle a lot.
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? Dogs
