Peggy Berk, owner of the thriving New York City based Area Aesthetics Interior Design, is an award-winning interior designer known for her work with colour and her use of multi-cultural influences to create unique interiors for her clientèle. Peggy, a former President of the New York Metropolitan Region Chapter of the Interior Design Society, currently Chairs the Education Committee of The Sustainable Furnishings Council and is committed to interiors that are not only beautiful but healthy environmentally as well. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Peggy Berk.
- Top Choices Explained -
1) Nick Davis etched bronze coffee table available through Design Lush
2) Liberte sofa by Nathan Anthony
3) Brenda Houston’s agate side table from Bespoke Global
4) Photography by Sheila Smith: “Alley” from her “Rainy Nights in New York City” series
5) Bunny Williams Sapphire mirror from Mirror Image Home
- Transcript -
1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
I believe in statement style. Every interior, whether traditional , contemporary, modern or eclectic, should have a distinct point of view realized by the cohesive integration of all of its elements in a manner that expresses the uniqueness of each client. And, it’s not just a tagline - I’m truly bewitched by color and believe in its transformative power.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
I always pre-interview my clients by phone to ascertain their lifestyle needs, style and color preferences and, importantly, what works and doesn’t work for them in their current environment. It’s the first step in focusing in on and narrowing the creative choices to assure the design is not only beautiful, but functional and comfortable as well.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
I was fortunate to have a mother who loved interior design and brought all of her experiences into the process, creating unique interiors that expressed her individuality. She was brilliant at space planning and, having travelled extensively, taught me about furnishings, antiques, art, and cultural influences from around the world. But most importantly, she taught me that rooms are for lives to be lived in, that a wonderful setting is only a foundation to accommodate and celebrate life as it unfolds long after the designer has left. She informs everything I do as a designer.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
I find so much of the world we live in inspiring – from the undulations of a bell pepper I see in the supermarket, to the haute art, fashion and architecture of this amazingly stylish city I live in, to the way light bounces off the ocean when viewed from the window of an airplane. I am an incorrigible photographer and document what I see on a daily basis. My challenge when starting a project is always to narrow my focus and build around a single point of inspiration which I generally find among my 20,000+ photos.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
Expression through creative endeavors and a passion for exploring new possibilities is a thread that has run through the entire fabric of my professional life and drives my passion for interior design. My best advice: Relegate what you learned in design school to your toolbox, and develop your creative vision from your internal motivation because that’s what will ignite your passion and make you successful.
