When it comes to interior design, Brooke Voss has one rule: There aren’t any rules.
Sure, she’s a rule breaker—but she’s also an avid traveler, a loving dog mom, and the founder, principal interior designer, and creative mastermind behind Minneapolis-based Brooke Voss Design. Every day, she crafts the big picture, dives into the minute details, and collaborates with the finest architects and builders to create one-of-a-kind residential, commercial, boutique, and hospitality spaces.
For 19 years, she says she hasn’t worked a single day—but that’s what happens when you land a career you love, right? This month, we had the opportunity to better get to know the woman behind the designs. Here’s what Brooke has to say about the new year, her favorite style of architecture (spoiler: it’s all of them), and her favorite piece of furniture in her own home.
What’s your first step in approaching a new project?
I’d like to consider myself an interior design mind reader. Most of our clients are design-savvy and come to us with a general idea or notion in mind. They have an idea of what they like or don’t like, but need help in executing. I love flipping through their design inspiration and seeing what makes their “design heart” skip a beat. I love the process of making their space the very best version of them—not me.
What’s your favorite architectural style?
I sincerely love all architectural styles. I enjoy flexing creative muscles from genre to genre, project to project. At any one time, I can be found working on a sleek, modern home, a Colorado mountain lodge, or a classically appointed Lake Minnetonka estate.
I am always cautious to avoid designing a themed home at the risk of looking contrived and dated. A Mediterranean estate with golden-tumbled marble and forged iron light fixtures in every room is predictable. But a modern Mediterranean estate with sleek millwork, black and white encaustic floors, Calcutta marble, and modern fixtures…well, now we’re talking.
What trend would you love to see die in 2019?
The new year is an opportunity for a clean slate. I’m all for self-reflection and shifting behavior to be happier and healthier in the coming year, but I don’t think a colossal swing in behavior on Jan. 1 is sustainable or recommended—just like I don’t recommend diving headfirst into any interior design trend.
Trends, just like resolutions, blow in as quickly as they blow out. Trends are objective from one designer to the next (what’s ‘in’ and what’s ‘out’) and the line can be fuzzy. I’m steadfast in the approach of mixing materials, genres, and textures with a pinch of ‘this’ and a pinch of ‘that’. A sophisticated interior is one that blends old with new, estate sale find with designer showroom splurge, neutral with a pop of color, modern with traditional. In my mind, the art is in balancing the tension.
How would you describe your individual style in three words?
Curated. Chic. Unapologetic.
What’s your favorite room/thing in your own home?
Aside from my dogs Ruby and Birdie, my adoration for my Knoll Womb chair has never faded. It’s large in scale without being thick, and sleek without sacrificing comfort.
