Atlanta’s David D’Ambrosio wears two design hats. He is an interior designer, known for his classic, livable spaces. The 31-year-old is also the owner of Redefined Home Boutique in the trendy West Midtown Design District.
Background: Growing up, I split the year between South Florida and upstate New York. In college, I studied interior design and interior architecture. When I returned to Miami after studying abroad, I worked for a commercial design firm for three years. To take my career as a designer to the next level, I realized I had to do something big. In 2010, I moved to Atlanta and opened the store.
Store owner vs. designer: In the beginning, it was hard to juggle a store and an emerging design career. Now, it is second nature. I love working with clients. But having a store that I can constantly change as new products come in sparks my creativity.
The store offers: Bella Notte Linens, Lillian August & Hickory White casegoods and upholstery, Noir, plus objects found on my travels. Atlanta companies include: Phillips Scott furniture, Avindy Jewelry, Currey and Company lighting and Kevin Peskin Art.
My design style: Transitional with a mix of classic and modern. I like light neutral linens, clean-lined furniture, found objects, dramatic lighting – and hits of color and geometric pattern.
Where you've seen my work: Elle Décor, Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles, Southern Living, Traditional Home and House Beautiful
Favorite accessories: Utilizing objects that were created for one purpose and using them for another. For example, refinishing iron bowls, used by industrial and construction workers in India, to hang on the wall. Or using old olive and potato bins as pendants in laundry rooms. Other favorites: books with beautiful bindings and organic forms, such as natural driftwood.
Favorite design trick: Layering new objects with old objects and family heirlooms.
Design pet peeve: Misuse of scale and proportion. An undersized chandelier or oversized area rug can make the overall aesthetic of a room feel off.
Biggest design mistake I've made: Sealing the slate floors in my condo in Miami. They turned charcoal-black and were impossible to keep clean.
Favorite room to design: The bedroom. It's intensely personal.
Hardest space: Small exterior patio. It's hard to find pieces that fit with the design aesthetic that the client desires.
Common mistake homeowners make: Buying furniture without a cohesive design plan. I've worked with clients who end up replacing furnishings that were recently purchased because they don't come together to create the look or feel they want in a room.
Favorite Atlanta-area shopping sources: Verde Home; Jimmy Stanton Furnishings; Moattar; and Star Provisions.
Unexpected finds: In small antique shops that are off the beaten path in Alabama and Tennessee.
Favorite design sources:
- Magazines: Kinfolk
- Designers: Atlanta's Suzanne Kasler
- Websites/blogs: Griegedesign.com and blog
Space I would like to design: The Delano South Beach (hotel) in Miami. Even though it's beautiful the way it is, I'd love to have the opportunity to bring elements of home and high style to a place that's already an icon.
Favorite household object: A vintage antler chandelier that I found in an antique store in Miami. It was the only piece I brought with me from my condo in South Beach to Atlanta when I moved here to open my store.
Most recent project: A suite at the Ritz-Carlton Residences in Buckhead.
Up next: My showroom
Find David at:
- Website: www.redefinedhomeboutique.com
- Twitter:
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