One interior designer that I am simply head over heels for these days is Todd Alexander Romano. He is a fellow native Texan who is now based New York. His design career, spanning over seventeen years, was cultivated during his tenure and early training at the venerable New York firms Ingrao, Inc., Saunders & Walsh, and Mario Buatta.
What I adore most is that Todd’s interiors exude an old-world charm, but are still eclectic and youthful in appearance. He is also a master at mixing fine antiques, custom upholstery, interesting art and modern elements to create rooms that are stimulating, yet comfortable. The photos below are Todd’s own New York apartment. It’s still one of my all-time favorites. I can easily imagine a wonderfully chic cocktail—Dorothy Rodgers style—in his amazing living room.
In 1999 he founded Todd Alexander Romano Antiques and Decorations to showcase a diverse and stylish mix of 18th and 19th Century Continental and English Furnishings, 20th Century Classics, Oriental Porcelains and Contemporary Art.
The shop also carries tabletop accessories exclusively designed and produced in Italy for Todd Alexander Romano as well as hand thrown ceramic lamps by Christopher Spitzmiller.
The Todd Alexander Romano ShowroomTodd's work has appeared in The New York Times, Elle Decor, Architectural Digest, House & Garden, Departures, Southern Accents, House Beautiful, Town & Country and Traditional Homes. He has been named to numerous lists of the Top 100 Best Decorators in America.
I will be in New York in April and hope to catch up with Todd over drinks and shop his beautiful showroom. I would also love to meet his Dachsund. Our “first child” was a miniature Dachsund and I still have a great affinity for the breed and their owners.
How would you describe your own personal style?An exciting mixture of 18th and 19th century antiques and decorations, with clean, classic backgrounds using fresh colors and elements that add a touch of whimsy.
What inspires your creativity and designs?
Travel and exposure to new cultures, architecture and design. I love to tour houses and find inspiration almost everywhere including nature and gardens as well.
What is your most prized possession?
My collection of books first and foremost, then my art.
What is your favorite luxury in life?
Travel comes absolutely first and then eating out (as I am an awful cook!).
What is the one thing in life you cannot live without?My family, my friends and Bunny, my miniature Dachsund.
Who are your style icons?
Cornelia Guest, C.Z. Guest, Charles James, Francis Elkins, Michael Taylor, Sister [Parish] and Albert [Hadley] of course, Billy Baldwin, Van Day Truex and Stephen Boudin.
Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?
Albert Hadley
What books are currently on your bedside table?
Love & Louis XIV; Harbor Hill, Portrait of a House; Somerset Maugham, A Life; For the Thrill of it, and Marion Koogler McNay, A Biography.
Past or present what designers have most influenced your style?John Fowler, Francis Elkins, Michael Taylor, Sister and Albert, Billy Baldwin, and Van Day Truex.
What is the only other occupation you would consider?
Developing and selling Real Estate. I love architecture and houses.
Do you see the Internet changing the business of Interior Design? If so, how?
Absolutely! There is so much more information out there and it's available to everyone. The average consumer is far better informed and knowledgeable today.
It has, however taken some of the mystery and magic away from the process...not to mention old fashioned glamour, I am not sure this business is quite as attractive as it used to be and that is due in large part to this over abundance of information everywhere!
