MEET THE DESIGNER

DANIEL BURNS AND JARLATH MELLETT PUSH INTERIORS INTO BOLD NEW DIRECTIONS

What is your design philosophy? We are out to create a whole new style and vision for the home. We work with our clients based on the fact that they are willing to push the boundaries of what is normally expected into something new and amazing. Do you have a design signature? Our signature is that we don't have one. Rather, we are constantly influenced by travel, design, interiors, music, fashion, video, culture, etc. What we did last year will not be the same next year! What are your favorite materials? Right now, stripped and bleached raw woods, distressed washed leather and velvet and anything found and unusual. Besides your design firm, Jarlathdan, you own an eponymous shop in Amagansett. How did that come about? We spoke about the concept of combining fashion and interiors in a whole new way. We have created the store with the intention of mixing interior and fashion influences as one in the home. The store is a laboratory for what we love. Who has had a profound impact on your work? Bauhaus, Madonna, Tadao Ando, Martin Margiela, ABBA, Contance Spry, Herzog and de Meuron, the Duchess of Gloucester, Jean Nouvel and Betty (the black lab in the store). What do you love about the Hamptons? The beach, grilling, farm stands, walking the dog and fresh air. Jarlath, where did you study? St. Martin's School of Art in London and the Fashion Institute of Technology. And Daniel? I received a BA in interior design and textile design from the Philadelphia College of Textiles & Science and a Bachelor of Architecture from the Pratt Institute. What is your greatest extravagance? Steak tartare at Chez André in Paris, way too many shoes and sneakers, seven iPods, three martinis in one sitting and rooms full of clothes! What might be playing in those iPods? Asobi Seksu (the best Japanese girl band), Nelly Furtado (the best pop album of the summer), classic Carmen McRae and ABBA—undeleted. We always cringe when we see: Anything matchy matchy. We strongly believe: Africa is the future and everything we do should be fun. Describe your clients: Fun, courageous and major people that make a difference. Name a dream client: Dorothy Dandridge.