Andre Mellone, the New York-based Brazilian interior designer, architect by training, and founder and principal of Studio Mellone, is a 25-year veteran of the city's design community. While his work primarily focuses on the breathtaking interior design of private residences, his studio has developed a complementary portfolio of retail, commercial, and product design projects. This year, Andre graces our Design & Art Advisory Council, and we asked him rapid-fire questions about his go-to spots for creative inspiration, his dream home, recent acquisitions and projects, and more.
How would you describe your own style when it comes to interior design or decorating?
Simple forms and textures arranged in compositions that make sense, starting at Brazilian mid-century and ending at Bauhaus.
What exhibitors are you excited to see at the fair?
Crosta Smith Gallery, Donzella, Galerie Chastel-Marechal, Lobel Modern, Nilufar, and Maison Gerard.
What's your go-to NYC spot for creative inspiration?
What’s your favorite piece of art/design in your own home or collection?
A Joe D’Urso metal and glass coffee table.
Who is your favorite artist to collect?
Anything by the Swedish bronze manufacturer GAB.
If you were designing your dream home, which pieces would you choose?
Eyre de Lanux chairs from Crosta Smith Gallery, Borsani cabinet from Donzella.
What’s your favorite NYC museum?
What is your most recent acquisition?
A vintage Ushida compass set.
What was your introduction to design?
My father is an industrial designer, I grew up around trace paper, markers, and maquettes. I think I learned to draw before I could speak.
What are the first three songs on your “get work done” playlist?
"Symphony no.3:I", "Symphony no.3:III", and "Symphony no.3:VI" by Phillip Glass.
Best design book / podcast / meme / blog / article you’ve consumed recently?
Gae Aulenti by Margherita Petranzan.
What’s your advice to an entry level design collector?
Collect what you love, never collect based on money.
What’s the best design advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t become responsible for things you don’t understand or have expertise on.
What’s a recent assignment or project you’re proud of?
A quick apartment in the heart of SoHo for an old friend and client.
What’s a recent project you found challenging?
Doing an install, remotely on a house in LA, literally telling movers where to place things via FaceTime—never again!
What upcoming project(s) are you most excited about?
We are decorating and advising on architecture on two ground up houses with two of the country’s top architects.
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