Designer Natasha Baradaran

Here at Bungalow1a, we are always noticing ingenuity in design: Talented designers that bare the odds in classicism and diverse interiors with watchful eyes. This week we interviewed talented designer Natasha Baradaran, and learned so much about her unique techniques and impressive design secrets.

Recently featured in W Magazine and Town & Country as part of a new guard of up-and- coming interior designers, Los Angeles based Natasha Baradaran is fast on the rise and working on projects worldwide.Inspired by the richness of her diverse cultural background, from Southern California to Italy, as well as her Persian lineage, Baradaranʼs point of view fuses classical, European design traditions with the exoticism of Middle Eastern arts, seasoned with the laid back luxury synonymous with SoCal living. With a goal of creating artistic, elegant spaces that remain livable, Natasha relishes opportunities to mix the “old with the new” and frequently injects unique pieces in unexpected ways. She passionately believes that every residential space should reflect the clientʼs lifetime of experiences; rather than that of the interior designer and mines her client’s homes to find pieces that reflect their signature style.

What inspires you?

The world around me. Especially when I’m traveling, there’s a heightened sense of exploration and discovery… people, music, art, craft, design, food, fashion, nature, city... I do my best to take it all in and allow it to inform my aesthetic point of view. In my interior design work specifically, I’m often inspired by high fashion and jewelry design. There's a real architecture to the faceted shapes of gemstones and the cut of couture. For instance, a hand-painted geometric wall covering, faceted stitch motif on a custom ottoman, and a shagreen wrapped console, all speak to the vocabulary of couture, while a pair of rock crystal pendants can feel like the perfect set of earrings completing the design of a room.

If someone is on a budget but can splurge on only one piece, what should they purchase?  

Integral vintage furniture.  Not only will the piece be something you will be proud of having in your home, it will often retain or increase in value too.

When starting a new project, what is the first thing you do?

I talk with my clients. There is a sensibility to my work, but not a signature style. I try my best to have my clients spaces reflect their life story, not mine.  My work is in elevating the clients’ personal experience. Your life, through the chicest lens possible. 

Is there a classic—a staple—that is always a part of your design…a signature?

Quality of materials.

What are 5 essential pieces that every individual should have in their home?

• Comfortable, well made Sofa- my favorite is with horsehair stuffing.
• Personal Heirlooms and collecting through travel.  We are all happy to be surrounded by pieces that we have a personal connection with… Having a collection of any sort lends itself to a happier home. Recently, my home was photographed in a magazine and I had such a sense of personal pride in the fact that my grandmother’s antique etched silver from Shiraz was featured on the coffee table. It gives my space a sense of history and love.
• Luxurious bedding-Quality bedding.  It will turn your bedroom into an oasis, instead of just the room where you sleep.
• Upholstery fabrics that are inviting and are comfortable, breathable linens, geometric patterns, soft wools.
• Flowers - I love Howard’s Dream orchids when they are in season.

In your opinion, what makes a great room?

A room that effortlessly mixes personality and functionality, but with an exceptional eye for edit. 

Where are the best ways to save money if someone is on a budget but wants high style?  

Pick an interesting color palette- the right color combination can make a room instantly chic. These days, I especially like high gloss walls for a high style look.

What room is your favorite room to decorate, and why?

I love powder rooms—Since they are a space which people experience for short periods of time, one can get away with high drama without it being too overwhelming. I just designed a custom, Venetian plaster gemstone-inspired wall covering for a powder room. In a larger room it might have felt over the top, but in the powder it’s the perfect punch of glam goodness. 

3 ideas for a small living space?

Small rooms are inherently cozy… I refer to them as jewel boxes.  Often, people will feel that they should paint the room white (or a light color,) and not fill the space with too many pieces.   In contrast, I believe that a small room needs to feel cozy and womblike for successful design execution.  With layering of colors, luxurious fabrics, floor covering, and the right art and curiosity pieces, once can create a magical space that’s too comfortable and interesting to deny.  Logistically speaking, natural light and the reflection of natural light (mirrors opposite a window,) can lend themselves to making a small room feel more breathable.

Photos courtesy of Natasha Baradaran