We are pleased to introduce to you this week’s designer spotlight, Anelle Gandelman and Ariella Duker from A-List Interiors. This design duo met while studying together at Sotheby’s Institute of Art, but it wasn’t until 2012, 6 years later, that they founded A-List Interiors. Anelle and Ariella are known for their attention to detail and their ability to seamlessly mix antiques and contemporary art and furnishings in both traditional and more modern projects. We hope you enjoy learning more about them from the interview below.
Why did you decide to become a designer?
Anelle: I’m not sure I ever decided to become a designer…I think the career found me. I went to Parsons School of Design thinking I would study painting but quickly realized the solitary life of a fine artist was not for me. While at Parsons, I landed an internship with a home furnishings company that started my journey towards becoming a designer.Interior design is perfectly suited to me because it requires equal parts left and right brain. I love being creative but also thrive on being an entrepreneur, problem solving, and the challenge of bringing creative concepts to life. But, the most gratifying part of this career is affecting people’s lives in a tangible way.Ariella: Coming from an Art History Background, I was always drawn towards beautiful and original works of art. I took a detour working in fashion, but soon realized my passion for interiors and the decorative arts was stronger when one of my fashion clients enlisted me to to help her design her home. I felt so rewarded after experiencing the challenges and creativity that interior design demanded and it was clear that I had found my passion.
Can you tell us about your personal brand?
Anelle: As our name implies, our brand stands for luxury, quality, and exceptional service. We are known for tailored, inviting interiors filled with custom details and take a very personal approach to each project. Our goal is to create homes that enhance our clients’ lives while making the process an enjoyable experience along the way.
What is your favorite current resource?
Ariella: We are always exploring new resources and often our best “finds” are discovered when we are not specifically seeking…like while traveling. We do, however, currently spend a lot of time at the New York Design Center at 200 Lexington. They have a well curated mix of furniture and specialty design showrooms that make sourcing for projects a pleasure. We are enjoying the new In Collect space on the 10th floor which allows us the opportunity to easily source vintage and antiques from many dealers at once.
What would be one piece of advice you’d give someone starting their own interior design career?
Anelle: Treat your design business like a business.While a career in interior design can appear glamorous, our best advice is to spend time in the beginning developing organizational systems. Every project, large or small, has so many moving parts that it is so easy for essential details to fall through the cracks if you haven’t set yourself up for success.
What is your favorite color pallete to work with?
Ariella: Our color palettes tend to lean towards neutrals and jewel tones, but we like to create contrast in whatever color palette we design. A current personal favorite is navy blues and white with touches of black. The combination of blue & black always looks so chic to me.
