Studio DB is an esteemed NYC-based architecture and interior-design practice headed by Damian and Britt Zunino, a husband-and-wife team. I was familiar with the firm's name, but when a 2016 New York Times piece featured the couple's own personal construction project in Amenia, New York, I really fell in love with their philosophy and approach to designing unique spaces. I just can't get enough of their work!
As you'll see throughout this post, Studio DB's residential projects are extremely design-driven, but their spaces are also practical, warm and sensible. This is something that stems from the couple's own life at home, which includes four young children. Studio DB seems to answer two important questions: "Who actually lives here?" and "How does this space need to function?" - all without sacrificing great modern design. (As a mother of 2 very active boys, design-wants are always balanced against practical considerations, so this approach resonates with me.)
I've been pouring over the firm's recently completed projects. While they incorporate the work of some very high-end brands (like deGournay's hand-painted wallcovering, above), I've seen them use moderately priced pieces as well. They have the talent and ability to mix-and-match, and they place the work of independent makers at the forefront of their designs. That, plus the careful consideration of when to use tile, fabric, wallpaper, and color (or even a neutral backdrop), helps them create homes that don't feel like untouchable or staged showrooms; they read as spaces that you'd actually want to live in and entertain inside for years to come.
Thank you Studio DB for providing so much inspiration. Enjoy!
xx, Batya
For more Studio DB head over here.