”When it comes down to my own personal style, I’m into it all,” says Kate Berry, chief content officer of Domino. Her editorial eye gives her a special knack for spotting exceptional finds, envisioning their full potential and then curating them into a cohesive whole. Such was the case with one of her most recent Chairish scores: a burled olive wood chest of drawers by Milo Baughman from the 1970s. We spoke with Berry about her vintage hunting skills, the natural materials she loves incorporating into her Manhattan home, and her favorite design eras.
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Are you usually drawn to more natural textures and elements in your spaces?
For sure. I have a lot of curios from nature so the glossier finish of this ‘70s dresser is a nice juxtaposition. And I like that burled olive wood is lighter in tone and doesn’t feel super heavy.
The chest was designed by Milo Baughman for Lane Furniture in the 1970s. Is he one of your favorite designers?
I like many pieces designed by Milo Baughman, though some can feel a bit oversized for me. Maybe that’s because I live in a small New York City apartment!
Speaking of favorites, how would the ‘70s rank on your list of decades for design? What’s #1?
I love the glam of the ‘70s but don’t know if I have a #1 decade. I’m eyeing a 19th-century Qing Dynasty cabinet but am equally coveting a 1930s Italian wardrobe too.
What’s the most unusual vintage or antique find in your home?
I’m not sure how unusual it is, but I have a 19th-century octopus trap that’s encrusted with shells and other petrified sea life that I love so much. It’s basically a terracotta jug that was extracted from the ocean. But what I find so fascinating is that it became such a beautiful object when mixed with nature, even though it had another life as a functional tool.
Why do you think sourcing vintage pieces is so important, especially today?
I love contemporary design but couldn’t live with everything that’s new. I like to mix things up. And let’s face it: there’s so much stuff in the world already.
