Talk Shop: Alessandra Branca
Photo by Douglas Friedman
ABOUT ALESSANDRA
Internationally celebrated for interiors with an inviting flair, Alessandra Branca has classicism running through her veins—her signature style born of a Roman childhood, nurtured through 30 years of experience. Branca blends color, pattern and texture with an abundant sense of joy, a little wink and the wisdom to make it all work in perfect harmony.
Branca’s interiors are livable— designed to reflect and soften our complex worlds. What unifies her work is an overall sense of balance—and the practical magic she casts, turning houses into homes. The hallmark of any Branca interior is authenticity—reverence for quality craftsmanship, finely-tuned proportion and scale, rigorous attention to detail and a focus on the individual client. Everything contributes to the complete vision for a home designed to meet her clients’ needs, supporting and enhancing a well-lived life.
Whether she’s creating a family beach house, a Park Avenue pied-à-terre, a sailboat or a private club, Alessandra delivers a distinct point of view—and a deep understanding of how we want to live, wherever we find ourselves. We are so thrilled and honored to have the talented Alessandra Branca with us this week – we hope you enjoy this interview as much as we did!
Describe your style in three words or less:
Fresh, timeless, exuberant.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
Rome, Paris, and London.
What is your favorite thing about what you do:
I get to be creative everyday!
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
My mother and my husband . . . they cheer me on every day.
What does your home say about you:
Comfortable, welcoming, & a little bit of wink ;)
Where do you find inspiration:
Everywhere … and in everything and everyone.
Who are your style icons:
Nancy Lancaster, David Hicks, Billy Baldwin, and Henri Samuel.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Pasta, a sense of humor, and always have dimmers & candles.
Do you collect anything:
Everything…It’s a problem.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@arielokin, @marco_mansi_, @camillaguinness, @ashleyhicks1970.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
Pretty much every rule otherwise you’re not being creative
What are you working on right now:
A house in LA, a house in Palm Beach, Beach House in Michigan, and all the wonderful new Casa Branca lines!
Wardrobe staples:
Anything Navy + White, and Kaftans.
Best interior advice you ever received:
Don’t get too hung up on things >> let it flow.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest: Great upholstery, lighting, textiles
Save: Rugs, dishes, vintage
Your greatest extravagance:
Face creams!
Favorite places to shop for home:
Casa Branca (of course!)
Most prized possession and why:
My family!
Your life motto:
Do no harm, but take no sh*t!
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Think of your clothing. What feels right? What feels right in clothing usually relates to how you want to feel in your home.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Any kind of pasta
Drink: Negroni Sbagliato
Film: Auntie Mame
Hotel: Trio: Mezzatorre, Il Pellicano, Le Sirenuse
City: Rome
Bedding: Linen
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Cappuccino of Cafe Latte… I love tea too!
Playlist: Anything from k..d. lang to R&B - have to mix it up or you get sick of it!
Weekend Activity: Reading, reading, reading . . .. and being with the ones I love!
Design Book: I have over 2,500! Fundamental books that everyone should read: A House in Good Taste Elsie de Wolfe, Edith Wharton
