Timothy Brown

“ Trust [your] instincts- usually the first thought is the right one.. ”

What are memorable hosting gifts to ensure you are invited back?

Anything. It’s the thought that counts. Flowers, wine, or soap; A general rule of thumb is to bring something that can be used up.

How do you make your guests feel most comfortable?

By creating a relaxed and easygoing atmosphere. I invite everyone to make themselves at home. I’m usually cooking and the live entertainment.

Can you remember your first design project?

Yes, it was a friends’ home in the Hamptons and I helped her spruce things up. It was quite fun and taught me to trust myself and my decisions.

What field of design are you most interested in?

Interior architecture and design. I love the whole process from demolition and rebuilding to decorating the newly renovated space.

What is your process in designing a room or home?

My process always starts with conversations with my clients; it is important for me to hear how they live and what they want to accomplish in regards to their home. Next, I study the floorplans and work out a design plan based on these and what I’ve gathered from conversations with my clients.

What is the best decorating advice you can offer someone?

I believe that my clients always know what they want, even if they say that they don’t; which means it’s key to listen closely to what they are saying. If I was offering decorating advice to someone I would tell them this as well- they already know what they want, they should trust their instincts- usually, the first thought is the right one.

What is your favorite book, magazine, or site on design?

Books by Dagobert Peche and the Wiener Werkstätte, Jacques Grange, Jean-Michel Frank and Andrée Putman.

What does it feel like to wrap yourself in Frette sheets or Frette bath?

Luxurious. There is nothing better at the end of the day than to slide into nice, crisp sheets.

Do you prefer your sheets to be linen, sateen, percale, or poplin?

Percale. I love the feeling of freshly ironed sheets.

What is on your bedside table?

A tizio lamp, a Gunnar Nyland Swedish ceramic tray and a small french bowl that holds my chapstick.