20 young Designers

How does living in New York influence your designs?
The numerous number of talented and artistic professionals in New York are what makes my work come to life and speak for itself, i.e., painters, upholsterers, curtainmakers, cabinetmakers, etc. The accessibility to design related showrooms and vendors in New York also influence greatly. They are convenient and the access allows first hand interaction with the products which in turn is very inspiring when creating designs.

Is there a palette you are particularly drawn to, and if so, why?
I personally like blue as a favorite color probably because it is my favorite color to wear, but when it comes to designing an interior space, I always let the client drive me towards the palette they feel comfortable with and then I perfect it.

Did you decorate your childhood room?
My childhood room was not decorated per se. I definitely changed it around at least every other month, but the one thing that stayed consistent were the walls. They were a massive collage of all things that interested me, as well as memorabilia from things I had done. I wish I had photographs of it now so I could look back on it and reminisce.

What three things make a room fabulous?
Color, comfort, and sensibility

How are you incorporating green design into your work?
Many clients are asking for it and so we continuously follow the research and new products that are on the market. Wool rugs and sisal rugs are great. Hemp fabrics are great. Antiques are definitely a way to recycle. Aura Paints from Benjamin Moore are very environmentally friendly as are many other lines of paint. Warm fluorescent bulbs are available now that you cannot tell the difference from incandescent. Avoiding oil paints when possible.

j.d. bell inc.
New York
212/339-0006
jdbellinc.com