MEET THE DESIGNER

How do you approach design? Think of me as a lifestyle designer, showing people different aspects of living. What is a must-have design element you swear by? I break the rules and don't stick to a formula. I'm a big fan of color anywhere. I'm not the designer who does a white-on-white concept. I splash color on everything and layer pattern on pattern. I get inspired by all aspects of living, from my travels to someone's outfit. Do you have a favorite material? I use wallpaper in every home I do. It creates depth. People think wallpaper is a new trend, but I've been doing it for 13 years. What can you never have too much of? Accessories. I collect clocks, English silver and ashtrays. I don't smoke, but ashtrays represent that glamour of the 1920s through the '50s. I also like collecting books and making them part of my interiors. How would you define your furnishings collection, Barclay Butera Home? It's a line that's classic in scale and pitch, and the tailoring is very European. But I'll put a younger, American flair on classic European frames, reinterpreting them to the way I feel is best for living today. Is there an eco-friendly aspect to it? We're just starting this. Going green is really the future of every industry. Just look at the gas situation! You have strong roots in California, but opened a new showroom in NYC in April. How do you like the East Coast? The D&D Building is imperative—my customers need a showroom in New York. I'm distributed by about 300 showrooms and retailers nationwide, but the showroom gives me a presence with the design trade in New York City just like I have in Los Angeles. About 50 percent of my business is east of the Mississippi in coastal areas. Will you be spending the summer out here? I'll be in East Hampton. I live by the beach in California, and it's ironic I need to go to the Hamptons to enjoy the beach! You studied political science and economics, and even pursued law. Why the change of heart? I really did not like law school. It wasn't a creative outlet for me. I grew up in a very creative family—my mother was a designer. I grew up working for her on and off my entire life. But law school gave me a great grounding in contract law.