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26 Jan |
Interview with Geoffrey Bradfield Designer, Interviews
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Design icon and South African born Geoffrey Bradfield specializes in creating opulent, elegant and serene interiors. His signature style is the use of Contemporary Art. “Functional Opulence” is the key to his designs, which draw inspiration from the Orient, African Primitivism, and Art Deco. His work incorporates fine art and antiques with modern materials and high tech accessories, attaching the same sculptural value to utility objects as to important pieces of art. Geoffrey Bradfield’s projects list is impressive. Among this roster of projects is the major design overhaul of the Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney estate in Old Westbury, Long Island and the restoration of the late King Hussein’s mansion in Maryland. The New York-based designer has received several times the coveted recognition by Architectural Digest in their “AD 100″ as one of the top designers in the world. Before the interview I read that Geoffrey Bradfield is funny, sophisticated and down to Earth. I agree with this. Enjoy the conversation. I sure did!
image credit: Geoffrey Bradfield Inc, photographer: Peter Rymwid
How would you describe your own style?
If in two words: “Functional opulence.” Having said that, I am a Modernist and the use of Contemporary Art is a significant ingredient in my signature style.
When you were a child and grew up on a South African farm, did you want to become a designer?
I never doubted my choice of career. I never experienced a Saul of Tarsus conversion on the way to Damascus. I always knew intuitively what I wanted to do.
How did you get your first assignment?
My first major assignment was in Johannesburg. I did the apartment of the Impresario, Pieter Toerien. He was my first celebrity client – I was 23 years old and it garnered me a lot of attention. Of course, everything is relative and I was swimming in a very small pond.
Is there a designer that has influenced you?
Past would be Le Corbousier, whom I consider to be the most important influence on my early career. Latterly, I have been very inspired by the world of artists. Great artists have always influenced and inspired my work. I admire their ability to look at the world from fresh and daring perspectives.
image credit: Geoffrey Bradfield Inc, photographer: H. Durston Saylor
What do you enjoy most in your work?
I love the creative process. The lot of an artist can be rather fleeting at times. It’s not a bad fate, as long as you are what you have created. If one’s work has resonance, it will outlive us.
When I look at your interiors I see opulent spaces but I also feel a sense of serenity. How do you achieve this?
I seek serenity in all my interiors. In addition to a disciplined and edited color palette, I think that art brings a lot of that signature to it. I mean we’re not talking great Picassos that are representing the Spanish wars, but art really can introduce a serene presence.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
That I’m still sane!
What inspires your designs?
To some extent, the Art Moderne period of the 1940s. But, it does go far beyond that. I am 90% visual. My visual curiosity and photographic recall affords me an endless inventory of rich ideas to draw on. I am also very intrigued with the advent of technology.
What is your idea what a beautiful home should feel like?
There are many things every home must have, but in the end, I think we all agree the basic requirement is probably comfort. I identify with Billy Baldwin’s quote in the New York Times toward the end of his life: “lately I have been thinking how comfort is perhaps the ultimate luxury.” I believe this says it all.
image credit: Geoffrey Bradfield Inc, photographer: H. Durston Saylor
Favorite books?
Essence of Style by Joan de Jean
The Principles of Aesthetics by Francesco Borromini
Home: A Short History of an Idea by Witold Rybczynski
What does success mean to you?
Success is so relative. Any designer who is passionate about what he does and has a strong point of view is mindful of creating a legacy. But when one has been fortunate enough to be recognized for one’s work, you like to feel not only that you are leaving a footprint, but also that you are giving back.
What’s your advice to upcoming designers?
You have to be able to sell yourself and your talent. It’s amazing how important a personality is. I also value honesty and frankness in an interview. I never intentionally hire down… I like to be challenged by my team.
My signature Design Element question – what are the most important design elements?
Scale, balance, innovation, joy.
Kommentare
39 Kommentare zu “Interview with Geoffrey Bradfield”
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Willkommen
Willkommen auf Design Elements - mein Blog über Interior Design, Inneneinrichtung und Inspiration.
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So inspiring to read the interviews you write, very nice.
Have a great day,
Greetings from Norway, Ingrid
Your interview series is so great, Maria. Always love the answer to your signature question. Especially love Geoffrey’s answer: “joy” … couldn’t agree more. (Those orange lacquer walls sure make me happy … and I remember well the magazine feature of those gray rooms with the incredible lucite furniture. Lust!)
Very stylish! Happy wednesday
His designs are stunning! I enjoyed the interview!
Very talented! I’m in love with the second image – it seems so cosy though sophisticated, ~ xoxo
I love him! That orange room is delicious:-). Great interview too!
You are doing great job with your interviews! Very inspiring to read about Geoffrey’s approach to design. xoxo
His answer to your question “What does success mean to you? ” is incredibly impressive!
What a luxury world it is !!
Greeting from Japan, snowwhite
Love your interview series.
Bradfield style is so chic and luxurious.
Thanks for sharing.
Hugs
Functional opulence – love it!! What a talent!
I love that he added joy to his list of signature design elements. It really does shine through and the lucite furniture with gray and white is so my aesthetic–everything thought I was crazy for doing this in my house, but I love airy and elegant feeling it creates yet still feels comfy. My favorite interview so far!
xo Mary Jo
WOW, his work is amazing! That bedroom is to die for!
I enjoyed this interview (and all your interviews). I really like these interiors –they’re beautiful.
elegant atmosphere….
Geoffrey is a master at capturing
that certain ambiance…
maureen
elegant atmosphere…
Jeffrey is a master at creating that certain ambiance….
gorgeous..
maureen
Great interview! I love the art on the walls!
http://www.styleisalwaysfashionable. blogspot.com
Oh, I love this gentleman’s work — it’s always fearless, decadent and daring.
Cheers, Alcira
nerochronicles.com
MAYBE THE NEED FOR COMFORT COMES AFTER THE AGE OR “40″?
I TOO, FEEL THAT COMFORT IS THE GREATEST LUXURY…
TO HAVE A HOUSE THAT HOLDS YOU WHERE YOU FEEL SAFE, AND HELD, THE SENSE THAT ONE CAN COMPLETELY UNWIND AND LET GO… THIS IS WHEN THE TRUE SELF COMES FORWARD AND BEAUTY CAN TAKE OVER IN A DIVINE WAY…
XXOO
MELISSA
What a fabulous interview; that carpet with the larger than life damask pattern is so perfect. It’s amazing!
Loved hearing more about him and his design process. Thanks for sharing this great interview!
I love the great use of wall space in the first photo. Great designs created excellent:) also congratulations on your Margaret River giveaway you will love the wine.
hi Maria,
One more interesting interview…
Scale and balance… very good point. Great choice of books, I have heard about “Home: A Short History of an Idea” so many times… I have to read it finally.
have a nice day
Anna
I didn’t know his work but I am so glad I do know.. He is so smart and inspirational!
Your interviews are so great!!!
xxx
Maria,
I always enjoy your interviews and I like this one in a special way. I’m not sure why, but it feels even more natural and I like that!
I’m so glad to have your comments back on my blog! Thank you for that, my friend!
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
maria — thanks for the visit at FatScribe. your blog has such great design, and i really enjoy your interview posts as well! i’ll be visiting often! – Jg.
Very inspiring! Thanks for sharing.
Don’t forget to stop by my blog before tomorrow as we will announce the winner of the $100 Lowe’s gift card!
Xo,
E&J
The rug looks amazing sort of 3D-ish. Thanks for the visit at LiveYourStyle! I look forward to reading your blog, it looks absolutely lovely.
The lucite furniture in the lounge is very glamorous.
Hi Maria, love your blog so inspiring do u have a twitter account to follow you?
Totally my kind of guy!
Thaqnks for sharing this interesting interwiev. Feel there´s a lot to learn from the great and successful ones!
Happy weekend!
stunning and gorgeous in it’s simplicity…
maureen
AMAZING!!! his work is so beautiful. great interview.
m.fay
amateur couture
It is good that we can take the loan and this opens up new chances.
People in every country get the mortgage loans from different creditors, because this is comfortable and fast.
Hello
Thanks for putting up, very good stuff, It is pretty ideal for everyone.
Thank you!
Hi there to all
Interview with Geoffrey Bradfield
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