Since leaving Sweden two decades ago, Martin Brudnizki has wooed the interiors and architecture worlds with his flair for creating comfortable yet deliciously refined rooms. His trademark philosophy of “minimalism deluxe” is on show in landmark institutions such as The Club at The Ivy in London and the Soho Beach House in Miami, not to mention private residences around the world. Brudnizki first launched his award-winning design studio in London and has since opened the doors to a New York studio.
Why did you become an interior designer?
Martin: I’ve always been interested in buildings, and growing up I was fascinated by the craft and detail of Scandinavian design. In 1990 I moved to London from Sweden to study interior architecture. That was my first official step toward becoming a designer.
Describe your design style.
Martin: I design to the specific function, particular building, and distinct geography of the project. I see each new client as an opportunity to create something completely unique.
Where do you find inspiration?
Martin: I find inspiration in everything around me, from fashion to food to architecture. My mother has always been a great inspiration; she has a great eye for design and is exceptionally elegant. In terms of particular designers, my admiration is with Dorothy Draper. No one quite matches her panache and exuberance.
How do you approach each project?
Martin: I always start by looking at the history of the space. Then I think about how to integrate this with the specific way the space needs to function. I consider who’s going to be using it and how to make it as comfortable as possible for them. Good design is about balancing aesthetic, function and comfort.
How do you appeal to the senses in your designs?
Martin: Design is all about the senses. It’s about texture, depth and quality of material. The use of light is particularly important — we always look at every material we’re using in daylight. But it’s important that design doesn’t only appeal to the eye — touch is another extremely important sense, as is sound. All are greatly affected by an interior environment.
What are you currently working on?
Martin: We’re working on lots of international projects, including six different hotel concepts in Shanghai, Jeddah, Mumbai, London, New York and Chicago. We’re also working on a restaurant in Toronto and one at the Limewood Hotel along with some residential projects.
Tell us about one of your favourite projects.
Martin: 34 Restaurant, in Mayfair, that we finished this year. Everything in it is bespoke, right down to the door pulls and banquette detailing. It’s an incredible feeling crafting a space and being able to specify to such precision.
What would be your dream project?
Martin: I’m about to launch a line of products, which really is a dream come true. It’s wonderful to be designing something with a purpose that is an expression of my own aesthetic.
Describe your perfect bathroom.
Martin: I think bathrooms should be comfortable spaces, almost like any other room in the house. Heavy stone baths are always beautiful, as are rainwater showers.
Nestled against Berlin’s storied East Side Gallery, the Locke hotel designed by Grzywinski+Pons is a vibrant blend of ...
Moves are underway to reimagine a once-residential project in Abbotsford, Melbourne, with developers proposing an office-led redevelopment to ...
Plans are currently on exhibition for an exciting new mixed-use project in Stirling, just 150 metres from Perth’s ...
In the heart of Mayfair, Annabel’s has undergone a fanciful transformation by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, with an ...
The booming population in South-East Queensland, paired with increasing demand for household goods, continues to fuel the rise ...
Specifier Source is brought to you by the same company that publishes Home Design, Grand Designs Australia Magazine, Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly Magazine, Outdoor Design Source, Build Home, CompleteHome and many more.