Ro House Studio
photo by laura sumrak
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? New York City
What are three words to describe your style? Curated, Timeless, Livable
Tell us about your childhood bedroom? I had a canopy bed, that I still have, and the walls were dark green. I remember changing the layout on the daily. The rest of the furniture was from model homes that my grandmother would acquire.
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? I bought an antique French Provencal buffet that was oak with chipped green paint. It was the shabby Chic era. I still have it to this day in my daughter’s apartment.
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be? Windsor Smith
No room is complete without a mirror.
People think I’m tall, but I am really 5’4”
Things you omit from:
A flower arrangement: Carnations
An hors d’oeuvre platter: Crudites/raw vegetables
A bar cabinet: I love wine bottles stored below, but I stay away from having them out unless one is opened. I prefer liqueur on the bar.
A song for:
Dinner at home: R&B, Sade or John Legend
Working at your desk: Country all the way ;)
Going for a run: Nice for What by Drake
Biggest Vice? Eating popcorn at my desk.
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy? Luxury skin care and beauty products on Instagram. This is what I’m obsessed with right now.
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? Absolutely. I firmly believe they go hand in hand. Balance is the key. Ripped Jeans with a dressy top is my uniform…Vintage leather footstools with a Velvet French Chair…perfection…the palette stays neutral so the texture and shapes are forefront …
Who is your star crush? Andy Garcia
What is the thing you would never do on a project, but don’t detest when you see others do it? Colorful Pattern Overload, but never say never.
If there were a fire, and you could only keep one design book, what would it be? I can’t live without my collection of Domino magazines from the early 2000’s.
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? For creating spaces that feel elevated and collected yet never precious.
photo by laura sumrak
A Few Favorites:
Movie: Best In Show
Book: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Scent: I always use patchouli at home. I also use it as an essential oil. Patchouli and anything smokey home and body.
The fabric you always come back to: Vintage inspired mustard velvet
Dream project: Boutique Beach Hotel
Meal: I love to cook and eat anything Italian. I also always have sourdough bread on hand.
Drink: Mezcal, soda, extra lemon
Hotel: The Proper, Santa Monica, CA
Travel Destination: St. Barth
Artist: Peter Lindberg…photography is my favorite
A cause near and dear to me: Anything related to kids
Thing to collect obsessively: Vintage scarves
Era in the history of design: French Eclectic
Museum: MoMA
Paint Color that always looks great: Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
Favorite person to follow on Instagram: Eden Grinshpan (love cooking accounts)
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? My Frenchie Margot, but dogs and cats.
