Every designer has had to face a strange demand on a project now and then. This week, we asked five designers—Natalie Barnas, Nancy Davilman, Michelle Gerson, Simone Hirsch and Jack Ovadia—about the most unusual asks they’ve received from a client.
Vroom Vroom
“I had a client who wanted a dedicated sports viewing room (think Formula One Grand Prix afternoons) built within their very large garage. This wasn’t just any garage: It was a stark white space with white floors, almost like an art gallery, designed to showcase his collection of supercars. My challenge was to create a smaller warm and welcoming entertainment area within this expansive, cool environment. To achieve this, I sourced some unique pieces, including a vintage petrol pump. We also incorporated Ferrari motifs into the custom joinery and metalwork, which was definitely a departure from my usual design approach—but it absolutely thrilled the client. On another project, I had a client with a home where everything was round or oval in shape. From the walls to the door handles, it really was quite something. I was tasked with creating a comfortable room just off their kitchen where they could relax and watch TV. The only problem was the curve of the walls, as putting a straight sofa would not have worked. I had to template the sofa on-site and match it to the exact curve of the wall, which wasn’t an easy task. In the end it came out great, but it certainly wasn’t the norm.” —Simone Hirsch, Simone Katherine Interiors, Cape Town, South Africa
Love Thy Neighbor
“I was asked to design a kosher kitchen for a family that doesn’t keep kosher. They live in a neighborhood with many families who do and thought it would be smart to proactively include one in their renovation for resale value. The extra sink and dishwasher were seamlessly integrated into the kitchen design—they’re happily used by the current homeowners now and will be a definite plus when it’s time to sell.” —Nancy Davilman, ND Interiors, Stamford, Connecticut
Interior Neuroses
“Over the years we’ve gotten better at vetting clients, but some are very particular and have given us unusual feedback. For example, one client told us they don’t like how the feathers sound when they lean against the custom sofa they had made. Another client let us know that they didn’t like how the paint felt on their walls—all we could think was, ‘Why are you rubbing your walls?’ One of our most memorable moments was when our client approved walnut wood for their kitchen, and after we installed it they told us that their son had a nut allergy—specifically to walnuts! We had to politely explain that wood is a different protein than the actual nut. It was ultimately a nonissue but definitely caused a stir! Some clients definitely have crazy concerns, but we try to remember that we’re not saving lives and let them know in a nice way that they are being cuckoo. After all, we’re interior designers, not miracle workers! Overall, we’re very lucky, as most of our clients are wonderful and easy to work with.” —Michelle Gerson, Michelle Gerson Interiors, New York
Watch the Time
“When our client requested a hidden room for their prized watch collection, they emphasized that it needed to feel special, concealed and incredibly discreet. The solution came through custom millwork in the shower, tucking a seamless door behind the niche. What looks like a simple architectural detail reveals a private collector’s room, designed for those who know where to look. At first glance, it’s just a fully functional bathroom.” —Jack Ovadia, Ovadia Design Group, New York
Two-in-One Space
“One of the more unexpected requests I’ve gotten was from a client who wanted a formal dining room—but insisted it also function as their home office. They were adamant about it feeling elegant enough to host dinner parties, but also practical for Zoom calls and daily work-from-home life. At first, it felt like two completely opposing goals, but it ended up being one of the more rewarding design challenges. We layered in rich textures and custom built-ins disguised as a buffet and incorporated lighting that could shift the mood from ‘dinner party’ to ‘productive workday.’ It’s always interesting when a client’s lifestyle pushes you to blur the lines between how a space looks and how it actually needs to work. In the end, the space turned out to be one of the most versatile and well-loved rooms in their home.” —Natalie Barnas, Natalie Barnas Interiors, San Diego
