An interview with designer, Charlotte Barnes

Photographs by ChiChi Ubiña

Where did you grow up?
I was born in Philadelphia and spent my youth just outside Philadelphia and New York.

What influences did you have growing up that made you become a designer?
For as long as I can remember, I have been in the company of family and friends with an extraordinary visual presence. Some of my earliest memories are of my Grandmother’s antique furniture; her classic taste was exemplified perfectly through her traditional décor.

My aunt, Leigh Ponvert, has made some of the most significant contributions to my style and artistic decisions. I spent a great deal of my childhood in the many houses Leigh created and all of these houses (among other things) contained an anthology of exquisite, unique objects and furniture. Leigh would take an 18th century French chair and add zebra skin to it; she had such a creative approach to everything. The combination of these two women’s style had a lasting impression on me as a young girl and I became almost instantly attracted to visual decoration of both the home and the individual.

Tell us a bit about your business.
Like in any business, referrals and repeat clients make for success. I have had the great pleasure of working with several of my clients on a number of different projects in various locations.

We are a full service interior design firm with long-standing relationships with both clients and vendors. Our resources and great artisans allow us the ability to create and find special and unique art, antiques and objects, and deliver well-made soft furnishings and upholstery.

Recently we acquired and renovated a new design space where we have combined my studio/office and shop, which features assorted upholstery, mirrors, tables etc that we have designed and selected antiques, accessories and vintage furniture from Sentimento and BK Antiques in New York. Also included is contemporary art and photography represented by Julie Reid. The design of the space exemplifies my traditional roots and exudes a modern clean ambiance for easy, simple living.

Lastly and most importantly, I couldn’t be “me” without a great team. We have a great team in and out of the office and in most cases our relationships span a decade or more.

What would you consider your design style?
My design style is deeply routed in the classics, with a clean, modern edge. I have a passionate love for objects, which is certainly re-enforced in all of the rooms that I design. All of my projects include both modern furnishings and traditional antiques; with the goal of creating a timeless, intimate feeling for the client. I like to design a space that stimulates all five senses; the furniture, fabrics and objects we (the client and myself) choose are all strategic in ultimately creating a space that is for and about the individual and their house. It’s not about one single feature of a room; it’s about the feeling the room evokes as a whole.

How long have you been designing? Where did you study?
I started re-arranging my bedroom when I was about 12! The best introduction I had to the design business was through my work for Ralph Lauren Womenswear, it was there that I was introduced to the idea that fashion was not just about the clothing, it was about a lifestyle. I began working for Ralph in the United States and after a few years was transferred to London where I was exposed to fascinating people and places that were collectively inspiring to me. Being immersed in such a visual environment was my best education; I utilized every chance I got to learn, and in doing so I was taught.

How do you define “home”?
I define a home as being surrounded by things that you love, that make you feel good. I actually believe the age-old adage: Home is where the heart is.

What are some questions you ask your clients before you begin a project?
I first ask them to tell me why they chose to hire a decorator or designer. We then discuss their ultimate goals for their house as I need to understand how they hope to use their house and how they like to entertain, etc. I love to see the furniture or objects they have collected and try to understand how involved they would like to be in the entire process. It’s as important to me to know what they don’t like, as much as what they like.

Who are some designers that have influenced your work, and how?
Elsie de Wolfe, I loved the way she mixed exotic elements in classic rooms. My first big decision when decorating my first house, 25 years ago, was to do leopard dining room chairs, which I still love today. David Hicks for his strong use of geometrics, while maintaining a style that has remained current for the past several decades. My favorite vendors are Quadrille and China Seas. Robert Kime, for his sense of English laid back formality; it is always executed so gracefully in casual layers throughout each room. I adore his textiles and lighting; there are very few rooms that I haven’t used a little something either inspired by or from him to “layer” up the rooms I decorate.

What are some trends we should look out for in design? Any particular colors?
Trends have never been a priority of mine. An interior space should not reflect a trend; it should withstand the test of time.

How does your home design reflect in what you wear?
I dress in a tailored modern way, much like the houses I design, with white or blue jeans nearly every day, under a well cut blazer. Just like my rooms, I like to decorate myself with fundamental pieces accompanied by the right accessory. You don’t need much if you choose well.

Who is your dream client and why?
I firmly believe that you are only as good as your client. If a client hires you and is passionate about the project, it will be a wonderful collaboration. My dream client is someone who is just as enthusiastic as me about creating a space that is physically, emotionally and visually appealing to the person who lives in it. My dream client is thrilled about the fact that I am going to have a lasting impact on creating their special private spaces.

Charlotte Barnes Interior Design and Decoration LLC
173 Davis Avenue
Greenwich, Connecticut 06830
203-622-6953 phone
203-552-1160 fax
www.charlottebarnes.com