Barrie Benson
photo by Paul Costello
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? Somewhere out west, possibly Aspen or Santa Fe, because my husband likes space but I need a little bit of culture.
What are three words to describe your style?
1. One of a kind
2. Joyful
3. Colorful
Tell us about your childhood bedroom? It was a bit of a trainwreck with apple green carpet and a gingham apple green bed. It was very tonal until I decided I wanted the trim to be hot pink and that’s when things really started going downhill. Then I decided I needed a new rug and my mom wouldn’t let me change it, so I attempted to hook my own rug. Needless to say, my personality is not patient!
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? It was a Knole sofa with a matching chair – a ratchet arm sofa that was upholstered in a green brocade velvet with tassels and trim, a club chair, and a tall chair that was so tall that no one could talk to you because it just engulfed you. I borrowed a friend's pick up truck to transport it from Scott's Antique Market in Atlanta and I was so nervous about spending that much money that I started speeding home. I was pulled over and issued an over 25-MPH speeding ticket which ended up being far more expensive than the furniture, so the whole ordeal turned into quite the investment!
I sadly let it go about ten years ago and now I am wishing I didn’t.
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be? There are so many, since it’s hypothetical here are four of my dream houses…Josef Frank…Jean Michel Frank…Albert Hadley…Sister Parish, which is interesting because I think you can see all four of their influences in my work.
No room is complete without at least three lamps.
People think of me as ________, but I am really ___. I am kind of an open book so I’m not sure anything is hidden…
Things you omit from:
A flower arrangement: I’m not too snooty about flowers, I’d probably omit more based on color rather than particular flower. If I had to choose, I think I would have a hard time with a red rose, but it all depends on the surroundings. Generally I tend to like just an arrangement of the same type of flower together, unless it’s a casual summertime bouquet.
An hors d’oeuvre platter: Parsley or curly kale
A bar cabinet: Single bourbon glasses that were given as gifts at golf tournaments or horse competitions.
A song for:
Dinner at home: Currently loving the California Honey Drops
Working at your desk: Band on the Run by the Wings
Going for a run: Gold digger Kanye West…this one still hasn’t gotten old for me!
Biggest Vice? Chocolate and a strong cocktail…often at the same time.
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy? Well true story, one time I had shoulder surgery and was prescribed hydrocodone. Under the influence, I asked an art gallery to bring over an enormous piece of art. Needless to say I was quite surprised when my doorbell rang the next day with their van and the piece at my front door!
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? Absolutely. I think everyone’s clothes should reflect their design sensibility. I like to have pieces that remind me of interesting trips or people. I love wearing a bracelet of my moms or having a chair that reminds me of my grandmother, but I also love to follow fashion. My style is a combination of modern and things from my past, which is reflected both in what I wear and my interiors.
Who is your star crush? Harry Styles…he always has the biggest smile which I love.
If there were a fire, and you could only keep one design book, what would it be? My first edition book by Jean Michel Frank.
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? Being original and creating something different for every client.
photo by Francesco Lagnese
Your Favorite:
Movie: Anything by Wes Anderson
Book: The Power of One
Scent: Roses or rose oil
The fabric you always come back to: Claremont Leopard Bon Marche
Dream project: Working with a client who is an art collector, who understands the need for an architect, has faith in the design process, and likes to collaborate
Meal: Homemade pizza
Drink: Negroni
Hotel: I am going to Cours de Vosges in Paris for the first time in a few weeks and hoping it is my new favorite, wish me luck!
Travel Destination: I love to return to places like Paris and London because the food and decor is always evolving. Next on my list is a return trip to Paris and spring Break in Spain. Maybe a Future trip to Egypt sailing down the Nile.
Artist: There is no way to pick just one, I have dozens. I’d give a right arm to have a Hockney. I also would love a piece by Clare Rojas or Shara Hughes.
A cause near and dear to me: A friend of mine has started a charity called Furnished for Good which provides slightly used furniture to families in need who are buying their first homes. It’s an opportunity that many designers can help with since often times clients are looking to replace perfectly good furniture, so this allows it to be repurposed and provide a comfortable home to those in need.
Thing to collect obsessively: China
Era in the history of design: Early 1900s through the 60’s and 70’s
Museum: I will forever be inspired by the de Menil campus…I love the whole idea of how they created a campus within a small neighborhood in Houston.
Paint Color that always looks great: Farrow and Ball Peignoir
Favorite person to follow on Instagram: Amanda Brooks, Allison Roman, Lauren Santo Domingo
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? Dogs
