Sandra Nunnerley is acutely aware of the enduring nature of interior design . “ Fashion may influence design ,” the New Yorkbased designer is fond of saying , “ but you can ’ t change rooms every season .” W Magazine has called her “ one of the most fashionable designers ” in New York , after all . Nunnerley has cemented her place among the world ’ s top designers . House & Garden UK selected her as one of 10 leading American designers . In 2017 , she will appear on the Architectural Digest France International List , which honors 100 design talents worldwide — a distinction she has enjoyed multiple times . She remains keenly focused on her signature
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style , one that is both modern and timeless , anchored in a sophisticated understanding of architecture , historical periods and art . Her work , which ranges from a glamorous NYC duplex that once belonged to Hollywood producer Jack Warner in the Sherry-Netherland Hotel to a project in Hong Kong to beachfront retreats in her native New Zealand , continues to garner praise for her characteristic style , often described as “ contemporary with a classic twist ,” bringing together period pieces with modern design .
We recently caught up with the ever-stylish , New Zealand-born designer to ask her about her inspirations , what drives her design choices and how she has found her muse “ in the world around us .”
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PHOTOS © JAMIE ARDILES-ARCE |
What inspires you ?
Travel inspires me , as I often discover new artists or modes of expression that are not known at home . Each year , I make a point of going somewhere new . I ’ ve hiked to Machu Picchu in Peru and floated down the Sepik River in New Guinea . These are voyages of discovery , and although you never know exactly what you ’ re going to take home from the experience , they ’ re crucial to inspiration .
How much has your upbringing in New Zealand informed your style or your work ?
My mother was a journalist and ensured that I had a broad cultural education . She would take me to every show that came to town . I had the best of the entire world at my fingertips growing up in beautiful New
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Zealand . My inspiration came from history , art and fashion . I ’ ve always been drawn to the natural beauty of my surroundings and even now tend to gravitate to elegant but simple things .
In what ways has fashion inspired your work ?
I agree with the brilliant French fashion designer Coco Chanel , who has always inspired me , when she said this : “ Fashion is architecture : it is a matter of proportions .”
How would you describe the way you live at home ?
The way I live at home is similar to the way I encourage my clients to think about living in their
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PHOTO © JESSICA NASH |