Leslie Banker — 52 Weeks of Design

If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? Como, Italy

What are three words to describe your style?

1. Inviting

2. Layered

3. Cheerful

Tell us about your childhood bedroom? I had two twin platform beds, sheepskin rugs, a Bowie poster, Pierre Deux balloon shades, and fluffy duvets. It was perfect.

What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? The first investment piece I ever bought was a Prouvé Gueridon table from Vitra!

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 art, books, and objects that make it your own.

People think of me as vegetarian, but I am really carnivorous.

Things you omit from:

A flower arrangement: Chrysanthemums, carnations, and baby’s breath.
An hors d’oeuvre platter: Anything drippy or big.
A bar cabinet: White claws.

A song for:

Dinner at home: Sun of a Preacher Man – Dusty Springfield
Working at your desk: Never Been to Spain - Elvis
Going for a run: I wouldn’t know.

Biggest Vice? Cheese

If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy?
Caviar from blackrivercaviar.com.

Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? Yes, I love colors, patterns, mixing it up, and platform shoes. I embrace auctions, antiques, and sometimes shop at the Real Real.

Who is your star crush? Cate Blanchett.

What is the thing you would never do on a project, but don’t detest when you see others do it?
Put in a bright white rug (for practical purposes).

If there were a fire, and you could only keep one design book, what would it be? My Jean-Michel Frank book.

For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? Helping people be happy and comfortable at home.