Over iced coffees at Du Jour in Haverford, Berman dished to me about her aesthetic (colorful, a bit funky, yet still classic), her favorite clients (Doron is one of them), and whether or not Bravo’s Million Dollar Decorators is how it really works in the world of interior design (yes, the problems portrayed in the show really do creep up, but—as is de riguer with reality shows—they’ve clearly been amped for dramatic effect).
Mona Ross Berman’s design of a Jersey shore beach house in this month’s House Beautiful makes use of expansive neutrals with many bursts of colorful accents in coral, yellow, and turquoise.
Though color is used boldly throughout the home, it is not a jarring experience to travel from room to room because the same tones repeat themselves in all the spaces. Berman was cautious not to make all her choices ultramodern, however, because she wants the design to have longevity for her client. For example, classic picture molding, simple window treatments, and eclectic furnishings balance out the bright paint colors so the design as a whole doesn’t feel as if it comes from only one era. Other creative solutions include treating sliding barn doors that hide the laundry area with a strong color to function as artwork on the wall and highlight their beachy texture.
Mona, eager to infuse a fresh and fun vibe, knew just how to attack the space to pull together a cohesive design—which can now be characterized as a gentle mix of high-end accessories and affordable retail items, family heirlooms next to custom-made furniture, and vintage antiques paired with modern art.
