David Kleinberg Design Associates
The Poetry of Surface and Detail
In the world of interior design, David Kleinberg is known as a master’s master. One of the characteristics that defines the New York virtuoso is his nuanced understanding of the interplay between architecture and decor. Take this curved entrance hall lined with bookshelves in a Connecticut lakefront retreat recently built by architect Tom Kligerman and his associate Yi Huang for a couple that Kleinberg describes as “ardent bibliophiles with an ever-growing collection of books and graphic novels.” For Kleinberg, the standout feature is how precisely the planks in the wood floor and the bays of the bookcases mirror the line of ceiling beams. A focus on exquisite millwork makes sense for this house, which draws inspiration from the spare, relaxed interiors of Scandinavian country homes, whose few furnishings are chosen to spark a sense of warmth. Here, with just a few pieces, Kleinberg and project designer Terrence Charles generate a similar geniality through their attention to tactility and color, like the wonderful patina of the 18th-century Italian walnut refectory table and the raspberry-hued leather upholstery of the Kaare Klint easy chair that greet entrants. Also notable are two 1stDibs finds dating to the 1970s: the unusual French-made slate table (via Liz Spradling Antiques) and the intriguingly glazed ceramic table lamp by La Borne potters Jean and Jacqueline Lerat (from Renaud Regnier).
