In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
Brenda Mickel believes in the classics—and she’s not afraid to play with them. Based in San Francisco, where she’s a design director at The Wiseman Group, she traces her appreciation for distinguished, enduring forms and palettes to the neoclassical architecture of the Washington, D.C., area where she grew up. After studying at the University of Georgia and New York’s Parsons School of Design, she began her career as an interior designer at firms in Greenville, South Carolina, and Atlanta until recognition for her stellar work resulted in opportunities on the West Coast. If Mickel’s cross-country odyssey informed her curriculum vitae, her extensive travels abroad are what refined her personal aesthetic. The characteristic styles of Italy, France, Russia, India and Morocco are especially resonant to her, and their influence is evident in her mood board.
“Designs that stand the test of time tie my flat lay together,” says Mickel. Her bespoke approach to traditionalism can be seen in her choice of mosaic tile with a Greek key motif, artisanal straw marquetry in modern emerald green, and a lush pomegranate print in metallic cotton that could be straight out of the Renaissance. “Each element is thoughtfully selected to create a sophisticated, one-of-a-kind look,” she explains.
Tactile materiality complements Mickel’s mix of patterns, be it ribbed bronze, carved limestone or tufted wool. Icelike cast glass filters light, while an eglomise mirror and glazed sky-blue tile reflect it. “The combination of favorite colors, rich textures and custom items from carefully considered vendors are what make a project truly special,” she says. Below, the designer describes each of the pieces that make up her elegant assortment.
1. LEOPARD PRINT HANDWOVEN SILK FABRIC BY SCALAMANDRÉ
“This fabric strikes the perfect balance between historical reference and modern relevance. The handwoven silk animal pattern is luxurious in quality and acts as a versatile neutral that elevates any design scheme.”
2. CUSTOM WOOL-AND-SILK AREA RUG BY V’SOSKE
“The beauty of this carpet is its customizable weaves and varied textures, which offer a new level of sophistication.”
3. CUSTOM RIBBED BRONZE FINISH SAMPLE IN MEDIUM OIL BY TUELL + REYNOLDS
“The texture, quality and durability of the bronze, combined with the freedom to customize anything I want, gives me confidence in the outcome every time I work with this company.”
4. FEZ FABRIC BY CHAPAS TEXTILES
“I’m passionate about pieces with fantastic texture, made to order with incredible attention to detail. The quality and ability to layer patterns and colors make each fabric from Brooklyn-based handweaver Tara Chapas feel truly special.”
5. CUSTOM WOOD FINISH IN VERT 5 BY JALLU
“I’ve always loved the ancient technique of straw marquetry. The way the colors come together and how each pattern varies make every piece so personal and unique.”
6. CUSTOM EGLOMISE MIRROR IN CHAMPAGNE GOLD ON PEWTER BY SIMES STUDIOS
“The eglomise mirrors from this Chicago studio can be designed to fit any aesthetic, whether contemporary or traditional, showcasing the creative process.”
7. CUSTOM CARVED JAALI IN LIMESTONE BY STUDIO GRAY
“I love working with texture and materials like limestone—steeped in history, yet used in a modern format. It’s the perfect balance of durability and timelessness.”
8. CUSTOM CAST GLASS BY CHRISTISON LEWIS
“With multiple uses, from furniture to architectural needs, cast glass offers beautiful depth and the ability to create anything the material allows.”
9. MELAGRANA FABRIC IN MIDNIGHT BLUE AND SILVER BY FORTUNY
“I’m drawn to designs that are timeless and classic—like a simple cotton background featuring silvered pomegranates that add an unexpected yet beautiful touch.”
10. MOROCCAN TILE IN AMALFI BLUE BY DA VINCI MARBLE
“I love how the hand-painted fabrication, with its historical references and the rich sheen of its irregular glazing, brings depth and interest to any space.”
11. BUALDALA 165-01 FABRIC BY CLAREMONT
“I’m drawn to designs that are elegant, sophisticated and of the highest quality. The shopping experience at this classic British textiles company is unlike any other, and I absolutely love the rich ethnicity of ikat and the craftsmanship of handwoven fabrics.”
12. CUSTOM HONED STONE MOSAIC TILE IN NERO MARQUINA AND THASSOS BY NEW RAVENNA
“The Greek key is one of my favorite designs; it harks back to ancient history, and the timeless elegance of black-and-white will never go out of style.”
