Can you briefly describe your own personal design philosophy?
I believe that the design of your home should have a strong personal point of view — if it is just decor for decor’s sake or a copy of something you’ve seen in a magazine, it lacks the depth necessary to have any longevity. Be authentic to your own sense of style and (if you can afford it) hire a designer to help you edit and guide you and you won’t want to redecorate every few years.
What’s your thought process like when you’re incorporating art into a space?
I generally don’t think about designing a room around a particular piece of artwork or buying artwork to match the color scheme of a room. Rather, I like the idea of building collections of pieces that really resonate with my clients. It is great when there is a thread that runs through a collection — maybe a focus on color-field paintings or process-driven photography — so there is some cohesion, but don’t be strict about it — just collect what you like and a focus will likely emerge. To me, this approach offers more flexibility for your collection to grow and for your home to evolve. You aren’t restricted in moving work into different spaces, and repositioning just one piece can completely change the mood of a room without having to completely redesign it.
Can you tell us about what you look for in artworks?
I like bold, strong ideas in design and so I also look for this in artwork. I don’t like anything that is too kitch or gimmicky. In terms of emerging artists, I also really look for work that is original and not too referential to other already established artists.
How do you get an idea or feel for your client’s tastes and needs when choosing the artwork, furnishings, and accessories for a home?
The discovery process with clients is one of my favorite parts of a project. I always ask for visual references of what they are drawn to and then we generally spend time exploring and sourcing together in person. Even just hearing their preferences for styles of furniture helps inform me of what styles of artwork they might like.
Do you collect art or any kind of objects yourself?
My husband and I started seriously collecting artwork about eight years ago. It started when we bought two paintings by Paul Wackers on a trip to New York City. We were fortunate enough to visit Paul’s studio on the same trip, which gave deeper meaning to the work. The experience of meeting, or at least corresponding with, the artists whose work we collect is something we both very much enjoy and for us makes the experience of collecting that much richer. Our collection now includes paintings, sculpture, glass and photography — and we are always on the hunt for more!
If you consider purchasing a piece, what kind of things do you look for? How would you describe the kind of art that excites you?
I’m very intuitive — so when I have a gut attraction and an immediate, unwavering certainty I know that a piece is right for me. When you know, you know! I love color, so I do get excited about vibrant and unconventional palettes. I am also drawn to artwork that is architectural in form, subject, or structure.
I'm very intuitive -- so when I have a gut attraction and an immediate, unwavering certainty I know that a piece is right for me.
I'm very intuitive -- so when I have a gut attraction and an immediate, unwavering certainty I know that a piece is right for me.
Alison Damonte grew up in Iowa where wide skies and long summers encouraged her sense of imagination and wanderlust. She received her BA from Washington University in St Louis and then studied design and architecture in Boston and San Francisco. A chance meeting with designer Martha Angus led Alison into the world of interior design. In 2012 Alison founded her eponymous studio. Known for its vibrant, bold residential design and art curation, Alison’s studio partners with clients in a design process that sparks curiosity, encourages exploration, and builds long-lasting relationships.
