Talk Shop: Brigette Romanek // Romanek Design Studio
ABOUT BRIGETTE
Brigette Romanek – beloved designer to the stars and talented AD100 inductee – had a passion for design from an early age. Her grandmother, who worked in a factory producing magazines, would bring them home for her to peruse. Brigette credits this for exposing her to various cultures, lifestyles, interiors, fashions, and architecture; her love of which only grew as she traveled with her mother, a singer. In adulthood, her passion and creativity blossomed as she pursued her own singing career, became an upscale handbag designer (sold in top retails stores across the globe and carried by Kate Moss, Gwyneth Paltrow, Rihanna, and Demi Moore to name a few!) and then, eventually found her calling as a designer. Brigette’s myriad creative experiences all led to and inspired her to create Romanek Design Studio in 2018.
With her true creative calling discovered, Brigette is passionate about designing livable, luxe interiors. She is honored to have been recognized three years running on the coveted AD 100 Top Designers in the World, Elle Décor A Lists, 1stDibs 50 and The Hollywood Reporter’s Top 20 Designers in Los Angeles. “Every day I have the honor of getting to do what I love,” she says. “I know, for a fact, that a person’s surroundings have a profound impact on their lives. If I can evoke happiness, comfort and beauty through the work we do together, then I’ve done my job.” We could not agree more! Check out Brigette’s Q&A below.
Describe your style in three words or less:
Eclectic, eclectic, eclectic.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
Travel
Research
Beauty
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I approach every project completely open with fresh eyes. My job is to bring together the clients needs, wants, desires and the functionality of the space and make that beautiful. The beginning of the project is such a charge like when a chef discovers a new ingredient and makes an incredible dish out of it. That’s how it feels on every new job and I love that place.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
I don’t have a mentor, but I have people in my life who inspire and encourage me. They are always there to help and give advice.
What does your home say about you:
It says that I love livable lux and that I want you to come in, relax, exhale and enjoy.
Where do you find inspiration:
It’s a cheesy thing that creatives often say, but it’s so true that I find inspiration everywhere. The very fact that I get to see the color red is inspiring and fueling.
Who are your style icons:
Lisa Isener and Rihanna are incredible.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Flowers, candles, music, and great people.
Do you collect anything:
Books
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
I always follow the rule of “Livable Luxe.” All of the rules are meant to be broken.
What are you working on right now:
We’re working on a rug line and another furniture line along with interiors, of course.
Wardrobe staples:
Jumpsuits.
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
I love de Gournay wallpapers!
Best career advice you ever received:
To be passionate about what you’re doing or don’t do it.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
I invest in great sofas because you spend a lot of time on those. I will save on side tables and accessories.
Your greatest extravagance:
My black olive tree in my living room.
Favorite places to shop for home:
Blackman Cruz
Most prized possession and why:
My rose quartz because it was given to me by a very close friend and it’s a piece that’s unusual, beautiful and has a really strong presence. It’s not your perceived notion of beauty, but nevertheless is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. Beauty comes in so many different forms and I apply that to my work.
Your interiors motto:
Eclecticism, eclecticism, eclecticism. Make it beautiful and make it livable.
Your life motto:
Never give up.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Making a mood board is a good idea. You can put together images that you naturally gravitate to and then when it’s altogether, you’ll start to see your style and what makes you happy.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Linguini and clams
Drink: Cranberry Juice - the fake kind
Film: There’s just too many to choose just one.
Hotel: The Greenwich Hotel in New York
City: Los Angeles
Bedding: Frette
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Coffee with cream and sugar
Playlist: Sza Playlist
Weekend Activity: Hanging out with my girls
Design Book: Vogue Living design book
