Talk Shop: John Rosselli // John Rosselli & Associates
Photo by Reid Rolls
ABOUT JOHN
Fifty years ago, John Rosselli opened his first shop in New York City – and it immediately became a destination for those in the world of design. His name has since become synonymous in the industry with quality, unparalleled taste, and a decorative, even whimsical sense of style that helps to create distinctive rooms you can actually live in.
Originally trained as a decorative painter, John has a special affinity for painted finishes. He feels that the artistry in a painted scene or hand-applied surface creates a connection between the craftsman and owner that elevates a piece of furniture beyond its functional value. The artifact creates a relationship, and through its choosing becomes an element of the new owner’s personal story – a sentiment with which we wholeheartedly agree.
Complementing his love of painted surfaces is his appreciation for blue and white ceramics. The combination of colors, Rosselli says, is “invariably happy, and reminiscent of the sea.” From a design perspective, blue and white ceramics also add a shot of color that enlivens virtually any decorating scheme. John’s cabinet of curiosities in his shops always have countless blue and white ceramic gems that one wants to take home and add to the collection.
What John loves most, however, is shopping. When asked if it’s true that he buys something every day, John will only smile. In any case, frequent buying trips to Europe and throughout the world keep his shops full of unique and artfully chosen inventory. And it all works together…the result of a connoisseur’s expertise in selecting pieces from different cultures and eras that share a similar sensibility with a distinct thread of discerning, immeasurable taste woven through it all.
A true design legend, we could not be more honored to present our Q&A with the great John Rosselli. Read below for his thoughtful and informative answers!
Describe your style in three words or less:
More is better.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
My high school art teacher, Barbara Jones, Harry Matlock Antique Dealer, and Bunny.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I began my career freelancing for Dino Levy, an Italian furniture importer. On top of my $100/week salary I made an agreement to select 1 piece of furniture a month. I built up my collection and decided to open up my own shop.
My favorite thing about what I do is the shopping. It is all part of the education.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
Billy Baldwin
What does your home say about you:
My life is very full.
Where do you find inspiration:
Travel, books and magazines.
Who are your style icons:
Oscar de la Renta
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Fresh Flowers, friends, and Home Cooking.
Do you collect anything:
Everything!
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
I tend to start with objects and let those be the frills of the room. As far as rules, break every one of them.
What are you working on right now:
Research, all this time at home has provided me with ample time to do so.
Wardrobe staples:
A crisp white shirt, Loden Jacket, and a pair of colorful socks.
Best interior advice you ever received:
Trust your instincts.
Best career advice you ever received:
Be Ethical.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
I invest in Blue and White Porcelain, and a good style hack is upholstering your walls in burlap when planning to hang artwork.
Your greatest extravagance:
NYC Apartment where I keep a lot of my collectibles
Favorite places to shop for home:
Thrift shops and auction houses.
Most prized possession and why:
My Dogs, what would life be without them!
Your interiors motto:
Use it, and dogs are always welcome!
Your life motto:
Be willing to change with time
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Keep a curious mind and never stop educating yourself
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Pasta
Drink: Vodka
Film: Dodsworth
Hotel: Whatever Bunny Chooses!
City: London, Paris, St. Petersberg
Bedding: Linen
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Earl Grey with a splash of milk
Playlist: Varies, but any of the old standards from Sinatra or Ella Fitzgerald
Weekend Activity: Gardening
Design Book: One Man’s Folly by Furlow Gatewood, but I’m always curious to see what’s new on the shelf
