It probably comes as no surprise that I have a list as long as my arm with all the names that I would like to profile on All the Best. Amanda Nisbet’s name has been at the top of my list for a while now, so I was thrilled when Tobi Fairley recently introduced us to one another. I have long been a fan of her colorful approach to design, and the beautiful palettes of citrine, jasper and amethysts that infuse her Manhattan home. There is no mistaking her inimitable approach to both life and design. I especially love that Amanda is undeterred by rules, yet she masterfully brings a playful and energetic approach to traditional interiors. As Katharine Hepburn once commented, "If you follow all the rules, you miss all the fun." And, while Amanda may not play by a prescribed set of design rules, she always delivers on elegance and comfort.
Amanda’s work has been published in Elle Decor, House and Garden,House Beautiful, O at Home, Town and Country, Quest, Traditional Home, Home, New York Spaces, New York Home, Hamptons, The New York Times and The Washington Post. An impressive resume, but Amanda takes great pride in keeping both her company and number of projects small to afford personal commitment to each project.
How would you describe your personal style?My style is based in the traditional vernacular to which I have infused distinct colour combinations, clean lines and most importantly humour and whimsy.
What inspires your creativity and designs?
I am forever inspired by my friends, children, fashion, nature and the world around me each day.
Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?
Jeff Koons. I love the exhibition he did at Versailles. Wouldn’t it be fabulous to design a house with him?
Who are your style icons?
Tony Duquette, Oliver Messel, Albert Hadley, my mother, my grandmother, my sister and my father.
What is your most prized possession?I know that our children are not our possessions, but my children are what I love most in this world.
What is the one thing in life you cannot live without?
Laughter and kindness.
What is your favorite luxury in life?
Peonies in abundance, perfume, really strong coffee, great music, but most of all a beautiful and soulful home. I am so happy in my home. I’m a bit of a homebody.
What is your idea of earthly happiness?
Being with my friends and family at home.
Past or present who has most influenced your direction in life?
My parents and my sister.
Who would you most like to meet and how would you spend the day?I like to meet all sorts of people. I am fascinated by what makes people tick. I love to be with people who appreciate and have a zest for life. In my opinion, to spend the day with someone who is inquisitive, thirsty for knowledge and has a good sense of humour is a day well spent.
What books are currently on your bedside table?
To the One I Love Best, Episodes from the Life of Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe) by Ludwig Bemelmans; Billy Baldwin, an autobiography; Inspiration, Your Ultimate Calling by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
What are your favorite cities?
New York for its vibrancy and inclusiveness and Florence for its architecture, history and approachability.
Profile by Ronda Carman
