Near & Far Aid Designer Q&A Series with Denise Davies, Founder & CEO, D2 Interieurs
How you would describe your design style?
In our seven years of doing business, we have developed a niche by moving young families from New York City to the suburbs. We create environments that are fresh, modern, livable and current. With that being said, we do work with clients of all different backgrounds; for example, we were hired to completely renovate and decorate this midcentury modern house, which is owned by couple who live in NYC and use this home as their weekend getaway. All of our work is carefully tailored to suit each client, using influences of European design and a mix of eclectic styles from around the world. We really work hard to give each client a unique home and I do not use the same things twice. I would say our style is fusing modern sophistication, timeless style and a dash of rock and roll attitude.
D2 projects are easily identifiable (for fans!) thanks to your love of color and playful pattern. Is there a color palette you would consider a D2 signature?
We don’t have a signature color palette per se, color is a very tricky thing to get right. It’s about the hue, intensity, contrast, proximity, balance and value. When designing a room, we choose one color to be used in larger amounts than others. If you try to use equal amounts of every color, the room will look unbalanced. We always have a main, or base color, and then use other colors to add interest. When I am putting together a room, if a color combination makes me slightly uncomfortable, I know it’s right and is going to be a show stopper.
You have a great eye for art! Do you have any favorite local artists that you like to source from for your clients?
Thank you!!! We work with many great local artists. Linda Colletta is amazing and also happens to be our art director. Allyson Monson is our go to for photography. Meighan Morrison is incredible as well. For pottery and wall installations, Jocelyn Braxton is a true genius.
There is so much new construction in town. How was it to help your client start fresh in a mid-century home and apply your own unique spin?
Mid-century design is my favorite. The challenge with this home was to keep the integrity of the midcentury design while bringing it into 2018. I didn’t want the design to be what someone would expect a mid-century home to be, by using all furniture of that genre or style. The house has amazing bones (it was built in the 1950s by a mid-century furniture designer) but needed an update. We gutted the entire house — inside and out — but kept the original details and made it modern and livable for this century. To top it off, we were just nominated for a 2018 CT&CIDA Award in the “Best Design Category.” We are so thrilled that this house resonated with people. This home is truly one of my very favorites and I could not be more excited.
If you could have lunch with someone who has influenced you in your career, who would it be and why?
I have many people who influence me. Kelly Wearstler is a master. She has a very successful business but still keeps true to her style.
ABOUT Denise Davies, Founder and CEO, D2 Interieurs
As D2’s founder and CEO, Denise leads the design and product teams at D2 Interieurs and is personally an avid collector of mid-century modern art, artifacts and furniture. Prior to launching D2 in 2010, Denise had a 20 year career as a fashion executive in New York City, Los Angeles, and Florence. An active member of the design community in Fairfield County, Denise has expanded the D2 portfolio to include over 75 residences in New York City, East Hampton, Southampton, Fairfield and Litchfield Counties as well as throughout New York’s historic Hudson Valley.
Denise founded D2 on the premise that active collaboration amongst designers, artists and craftspeople create signature homes that integrate style and function. By assembling an eclectic and highly trained in-house team, D2’s signature portfolio includes artfully unique and supremely functional living spaces and home products that are accessible to a broad range of discerning clients.
For more information onD2 Interieurs, please follow themon instagram @d2interieurs and visit www.d2interieurs.com.