WOMEN IN DESIGN: Muriel Brandolini

For decorator Muriel Brandolini, being true to your style is about keeping an open mind and ignoring what's hip.

Written by Mitchell Owens • Photographed by Carter Berg

Interior decorator Muriel Brandolini.

"If I had to describe my style I would have to stop working."--- Muriel Brandolini, MurielBrandolini.com

ELLE DECOR: What are you trying to bring to design that isn't already there? 


Muriel Brandolini: I don't look at magazines, so I'm not up on what's going on out there. It's part of my gift -- not being aware of what's in. I like to keep my mind free of those restraints. 


ED: How would you define your style? 
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MB: If I had to describe my style I would have to stop working. I always like to surprise myself and my clients, to evolve with the flow of life. 


ED: How has your aesthetic changed since you went into business? 


MB: It's gone from hippie chic to a much more sophisticated, understated approach. 


ED: What are your style inspirations or influences and how are they manifested in your work? 


MB: Right now I'm inspired by contemporary furniture combined with the softness of old-fashioned, traditional fabrics and materials -- damask, silk velvet, and horsehair. 


ED: How is your aesthetic changing with or reflecting all the new technologies in design? 


MB: I don't know anything about new technologies, so my aesthetic must be a reflection of that lack of knowledge. 


ED: What is the most essential element of a room? 


MB: Softness, comfort, a sense of well-being. 


ED: What is your design mantra or motto? 


MB: I don't have one. 


ED: What is the most important thing you have learned about your craft? 


MB: To always keep an open mind. 


ED: People are so design-conscious now. How has that influenced how you approach your work? 


MB: I bring my clients into what I am into at the moment, and we evolve after that. I am constantly changing, so they change with me. We march together. Life's a learning experience. I learn from their questions, and they learn from mine. 


ED: What are your three must-haves? 


MB: A black cashmere turtleneck, a Louise Bourgeois phallic drawing, and a Muriel Brandolini signature chair. 


ED: What's the best decision you have made? 


MB: Keeping my assistants employed as freelancers. Because for them it's a challenge to do better and to be able to walk out when they think it's time. It's like when you get married; you think you own each other. But when you are boyfriend and girlfriend you walk on eggshells.

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