This Designer's Home Is a Masterclass in Curated Eclecticism

Rip & Tan: What initially drew you to interior design? What excites you the most about it today?

Brittany Hakimfar: I was interested in interior design from a very young age—even as a little girl I would always be rearranging the furniture in my room and changing the design. I knew early on that I wanted to be an interior designer and got my degree in interior design from George Washington University right after high school. What excites me about it today is creating environments for my clients to enjoy—not just furniture, but a whole vibe for their families to really enjoy and be excited by every day.

Rip & Tan: You left LA and headed back east a few years ago—how has your design aesthetic shifted since the move?

Brittany Hakimfar: I think that my design is a true blend of both the coasts with some European flair. It is definitely more layered now than when I lived in Los Angeles, and a bit more eclectic. I love to use sourced artifacts and vintage finds mixed with some iconic pieces and custom furniture to create a truly layered and liveable interior.

Rip & Tan: How did your multi-layered design experience shape your approach to launching and leading Far Studio?

Brittany Hakimfar: When my husband, Ben, and I moved back to the East Coast from Los Angeles, I wasn’t sure if my design aesthetic would be appreciated or well-received in our area because it was very different from the typical, more traditional elements of East Coast design. I initially started designing our own homes and homes of friends and family, but I soon realized that my unique approach to design was exactly what a lot of people were looking for— different, fresh, cultured, and layered. Word got around very quickly and soon my husband and I joined forces and opened Far Studio.

Having worked for two well-known designers previously (Mark Cunningham and Waldo Fernandez), I learned so much about how to not only be a designer but more importantly run a design business. The skills that I learned from them helped me create my own approach to running a design firm, from dealing with clients to all of the highs and lows that come from owning and running your own business.

Rip & Tan: What advice do you have for those getting their start in collecting art? Do you have any go-to galleries or destinations when it comes to building a client’s (or your own) collection?

Brittany Hakimfar: Art is so important to interiors and a huge part of designing a space. For me, art is very personal. We buy what we love and don’t think about the value as much as how it makes you feel and the emotions it evokes. We collect a lot of pieces from local auctions or galleries and from our travels. We are always looking on Instagram for new artists to display in our interiors as well. 

Rip & Tan: What are your general guidelines on committing to larger investment pieces, especially for those with kids?

Brittany Hakimfar: If you love it—get it. Ben and I purchased our first investment piece right when we got married and although it was a lot of money for us at the time, it has only gone up in value and continues to be a centerpiece of our home. If your kids grow up around art and valuable pieces they will learn to love and respect them—I truly believe this. We never tailored the design of our homes to the kids, but rather taught them to respect our precious things even from a young age and made sure there were always “kid-friendly” areas for them to have their “things.” 

Rip & Tan: Do you have any favorite design stores or sources that you rely on for projects? 

Brittany Hakimfar: 1st dibs, Monc XIII in the Hamptons, Home Nature in the Hamptons, Galerie Half in LA, and Big Daddy’s Antiques in LA.  

Rip & Tan: How do you know when a room is complete?

Brittany Hakimfar: When you feel like there is nothing more to add.  Once we install the window treatments, wall treatments, furniture, rugs, and lighting, we style the space with accessories, artifacts, and art so that the client gets to experience a fully designed space. It should look like it’s ready for its photoshoot when we leave.

Rip & Tan: What does living well mean to you?

Brittany Hakimfar: Living well means living in a beautiful interior that is both functional and liveable. Everyone should love and enjoy their home, and we help create an environment for our clients to live beautifully and enjoy every inch of their space.