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Published: 18 Dec 2023
Q&A with Bennett Leifer
Award-winning interior designer Bennett Leifer is known for his historically informed and innovatively executed portfolio of sophisticated spaces. Founding his own design firm in 2013, Leifer’s background in art history and business has instilled a sense of balance throughout his work, seeing mediation between flamboyant flare and liveability throughout. We spoke with the New York-based designer to discover more about his path into the industry and his approach towards design.
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Custom Round Climbing Leopard Artwork
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Custom Round Climbing Leopard by Diane von Furstenberg | Photography: Bjorn Wallander.
Q: Being based in New York, your home city, can you tell us about your path into the design world and your strongest influences?
A: In hindsight it feels like a magnetic force rather than a ‘path.’ I have always enjoyed design, structural compositions, art theory, and had a natural curiosity for how things are made. I feel fortunate to have had my education and work experiences culminate into my dream profession.
Q: By having a background in both business and art history, do you see your practicality and creativity displayed equally in your design schemes?
A: Absolutely. I don’t see how one can separate the two. For a project to be successful, it must be feasible. For a creative vision to make sense upon implementation, it must be producible. I bounce between the creative and management sides of my job daily to ensure long term success of immediate endeavours.
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Custom Climbing Leopard Artwork
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Custom Climbing Leopard by Diane von Furstenberg | Photography: Bjorn Wallander.
Q: How do you approach fusing classic details with contemporary living throughout each project?
A: I don’t necessarily do it in a ‘new way,’ and I am often quoted saying “we don’t need to reinvent the wheel”, but I do it in a more personal way for each of my clients. I think it’s important to learn from past experiences to grow into a better designer, while also listening to what my clients want and adapt to the challenges presented.
Q: Tell us about your process for this Southampton residence. How did the dark blue and white Climbing Leopard by Diane von Furstenberg contribute to the room's design scheme?
A: The natural direction of this project was blue and white. It goes without saying that all the materials used needed to be hardy, yet beautiful, due to continuous bare feet and the elements tracking through the house. Elegance without heavy expectations became our theme and the indigo carpet leading from the foyer into the family room fit the bill perfectly.
Q: During which part of a project do you consider rug design? How does rug choice play into the layering element of a room?
A: The size and feel of the rug are an important part of the first step in project planning, although, candidly, we also have to consider the budgeting, spatial planning, design direction and timeline of the overall project. I work with a very macro view on my projects. Where the rug choice becomes more of a conversation is later in the process as we start defining specific materials and pieces. There must be a nice balance of colour, pattern, and texture in the finished product. Something that worked early in the process may need to be adapted as the room takes shape which is why I love working with custom products.
Q: You used this same design in a Miami residence, throughout this project there is so much pattern play. How do you go about pairing contrasting patterns together?
A: When we embarked on this project, the main goal was to add warmth and an heir of history to a very new and architecturally austere envelope. We worked within the confines of (1) not leaning inappropriately traditional for the space, (2) not leaning too modern in spatial layouts or specific pieces and (3) adding Miami-appropriate references and colours in a manner that was comfortable for both of our clients. The result is a beautifully balanced interior that enhances the incredible structure and views, while adding comfortable references to both clients’ particular styles.
