2022 1stDibs 50 Designers

David Kleinberg Design Associates

Curated comfort within the D.C. beltway

Photo by Francesco Lagnese

A Washington, D.C., client met a motivator in New York designer David Kleinberg: Spurred by his deep knowledge of the decorative arts, she researched her way into a connoisseur-level collection that grew to include pieces by Diego Giacometti (a coffee table from Galerie L’Arc en Seine), Les Lalanne (an alligator armchair from Gerald Peters Gallery) and Kelvin & Philip LaVerne (a bronze corner table from Cristina Grajales Gallery), all seen here, in her home’s library. After the installation of perfectly bookmatched rosewood walls, Kleinberg says, there was “a deliberate choice to exclude wall art.” The result is an urbane — and inarguably artful — retreat. 

Photo by Peter Murdock

“Currently everyone needs a refuge, and this room offers that.”
— David Kleinberg

Designer Picks

Philip & Kelvin LaVerne Broken Promises Mirror, ca. 1972, Offered by Donzella Ltd. Shop Now
Philip & Kelvin LaVerne Broken Promises Mirror, ca. 1972, Offered by Donzella Ltd.

“The bronze material of pieces like this Philip and Kelvin LaVerne mirror always has a beautiful patina, often with incised decoration depicting mythological motifs. The combination of finish and poetry in these pieces is very compelling now and has been for many years.”

Pair of Mahogany and Brass Benches Attributed to Gio Ponti, 1950, Offered by Gary Rubinstein Antiques Shop Now
Pair of Mahogany and Brass Benches Attributed to Gio Ponti, 1950, Offered by Gary Rubinstein Antiques

“The Gio Ponti–style benches are pure, elegant and clear in design and function.”

Georges Jouve Glazed-Stoneware Bowl, Mid-20th Century, Offered by L'Art Shop Now
Georges Jouve Glazed-Stoneware Bowl, Mid-20th Century, Offered by L'Art

“These pieces by Jouve are all about the glaze. I have always been drawn to ceramic. The velvet quality of the glaze somehow makes the visual and tactile qualities reinforce each other.”

Aldus Melted Footed Box, 2013, Offered by Maison Gerard Shop Now
Aldus Melted Footed Box, 2013, Offered by Maison Gerard

“This box by Aldus combines wood and gilded elements in a modern way but references eighteenth-century refinement.”

“Affinity,” 1970, by Gino Cosentino, Offered by Lost City Arts Shop Now
“Affinity,” 1970, by Gino Cosentino, Offered by Lost City Arts

“This sculpture by Gino Cosentino is highly influenced by African art and, of course, Alexander Noll. It is all about form and appreciation for the inherent beauty in the wood.”

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David Kleinberg Design Associates
David Kleinberg draws on talents honed while working with some of the foremost names in design, including Parish-Hadley Associates, in crafting spaces wide-ranging in style yet always modern in sensibility. “When looking back, our biggest compliment is the repeat business from our clients,” says Kleinberg, adding, “I strive to evolve and change direction, not to repeat.” This variety is in full evidence in his 2011 book, Traditional Now: Interiors by David Kleinberg (Monacelli Press), a compendium of more than 20 of his residential interiors.
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