2022 1stDibs 50 Designers

Fern Santini, Inc.

A Texas tapestry of sight and sound

Photo by Douglas Friedman

What becomes a legend most? In a music town like Austin, it’s pride of place on the wall of a bar room — in this case, a bespoke one, where designer Fern Santini has assembled a photo gallery of pop greats, from Bob Dylan to Johnny Cash. “I believe in designing spaces for family and friends,” the Austin-based Santini says, “places that are comfortable but quirky, full of unexpected things that are a mix of highs and lows.” In the high category: a smoky blue Fontana Arte chandelier opposite top-shelf vintage barware sourced on 1stDibs. The Turkish carpet underfoot and patchworked hide ceiling overhead are an intentional mismatch. “I love the juxtaposition of the patterned ceiling and the antique rug,” the designer says. “Pattern on pattern, and it works.” 

Photo by Lauren Aycock

“I believe in designing spaces for family and friends, places that are comfortable but quirky, full of unexpected things that are a mix of high and low.”
— Fern Santini

Designer Picks

Shop Now
"Mine II: Robert Mapplethorpe & Patti Smith, New York," 1969, by Norman Seeff, Offered by Staley-Wise Gallery

“Legendary work from a legendary photographer”

Shop Now
"Jim Morrison, the Doors, with Model Donna Mitchell," 1967, by Unknown Photographer, Offered by Morrison Hotel Gallery

 “No words”

Shop Now
"Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, NYC," 1972, by Bob Gruen, Offered by Morrison Hotel Gallery

“One of the best of two of my favorites”

Oak and Brass Desk in the Style of Gio Ponti, 1950s, Offered by MORENTZ Shop Now
Oak and Brass Desk in the Style of Gio Ponti, 1950s, Offered by MORENTZ

“Timeless and so easy to mix with other periods”

Imperial Glass Co. Set of 8 Shoji Pattern Rocks Glasses, 1960s, Offered by Sylvia Antiques Shop Now
Imperial Glass Co. Set of 8 Shoji Pattern Rocks Glasses, 1960s, Offered by Sylvia Antiques

“Classic and immensely collectible, mixes with anything. I love mixing all different patterns together for the most interesting bars.”

Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Chandelier, 1950s, Offered by Lost City Arts Shop Now
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Chandelier, 1950s, Offered by Lost City Arts

“I’m a huge fan of anything from Fontana Arte and always love what it adds to a room. The fixture in the photo was also a rare nineteen-fifties piece from them.”

Matt Richmond and Blake Tovin for Symbol Audio Modern Record Console, New Shop Now
Matt Richmond and Blake Tovin for Symbol Audio Modern Record Console, New

“I am a vacuum-tube junkie, so I love this setup from Symbol. Custom walnut cabinet, complete with everything you need for great sound. Have a dinner party, and invite everyone to bring an album. So much fun!”

Turkish or Persian Rug, Mid-20th Century, Offered by J&D Oriental Rugs Co Shop Now
Turkish or Persian Rug, Mid-20th Century, Offered by J&D Oriental Rugs Co

“Love the colors, and there’s nothing to set the mood like a vintage rug. Such great texture and a unique, one-off piece”

Leather Safari Chairs in the Style of Børge Mogensen, 1960, Offered by Galerie Bachmann Shop Now
Leather Safari Chairs in the Style of Børge Mogensen, 1960, Offered by Galerie Bachmann

“Classic styling that works in every setting”

Want to see more?

Explore other beautiful rooms from this project

Tour the Home
Fern Santini, Inc.
Focusing on ground-up projects, Fern Santini works collaboratively, both with her team and with her clients, learning about their tastes and encouraging them to think outside the box. The resulting spaces express the clients’ art affinities, their travels and family histories and, sometimes, their senses of humor. In addition to her residential design work, Santini has created a custom rug collection for Kyle Bunting.
View Portfolio