Drawn Together, Studio DB

Studio DB, a Manhattan-based interiors firm headed by husband-and-wife duo Damian and Britt Zunino, is inspired by the European ideal of an appreciation for the beauty in everyday life the resulting work embraces the juxtaposition and tension between polished and playful, between modern and traditional. In each project, there is a creative mix of materials, unusual forms, and whimsical patterns and colors, all anchored by a contemporary desire for livability and ease. Thoughtful design details also distinguish their work, with tactile and natural materials interpreted in fresh and interesting ways. Examples include exquisite hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper in a dining room, paired with suspended lamps in a variety of geometric forms; the terrazzo floor of a city foyer, incorporating massive chunks of stone slabs and smaller rocks from the client s travel adventures; and a subtly patterned wallpaper applied to the ceiling of an entrance hall to add a note of gentle distinction. The studio organically launched in 2007 after Britt and Damian had worked together on several residential projects. Britt's unconventional background includes work in fashion, editorial styling, interior design, and the action sports industry. Damian s love of planning, construction, and design was fostered during his time at the Yale School of Architecture. The pair s unique experiences and expertise complement each other, bringing a collaborative and comprehensive approach to each scheme. As the duo states in the book s introduction, In the end, it s the dialog, the push and pull between different viewpoints from different eras, that makes the end result more engaging.