Having devised spaces for Anna Wintour, Jason Wu, and many other mega-watt-named tastemakers, Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller are two of the biggest talents in the design world today. The husband-and-wife duo launched Carrier & Company after careers with other outstanding firms—more on that below—and have since gone on to achieve every major accolade in the industry, from a spot on the AD100 to the Elle Decor A-List and every major magazine list in between. They also published their own book, Positively Chic Interiors, with a foreword by none other than Ms. Wintour herself.
In addition to all of the above—which would keep any design office busy for seasons on end—the Carriers are also known for their chic product lines—many of which are featured right here on Chairish— for Visual Comfort, Century, and others, as well as their prints for Soicher Marin. And of course, as connoisseurs of incredible vintage shopping themselves, they’ve got great taste, which they put to the test sourcing new Chairish favorites.
We talked with Jesse and Mara about the creation of Carrier & Co, how they continue to find new inspiration, and what drives the design of their favorite products. See what they had to say below, and be sure to shop all their Chairish faves.
Jesse and Mara, how did you both meet and how did you decide to launch Carrier & Company?
We first met as interior design students at FIT. Upon graduation, we pursued careers with design firms that we truly admired, including Thomas O’Brien, Stephen Sills and James Huniford, Jeffrey Bilhuber, and Sara Bengur. After training under these masters for more than a decade, and having started a family of our own, we decided to join forces professionally as well.
How would you describe Carrier & Co’s aesthetic and design philosophy?
Our interiors are timeless, edited, and highly personalized spaces. Our philosophy has always been to listen carefully to our clients and to consider their needs and tastes to create homes that look stylish, effortlessly collected, and ultimately reflect the homeowners.
What is Carrier & Co’s typical process for working with other brands to create new products?
Our process for developing a collection is much like how we approach our interior design projects—we listen to our partners to understand their needs and what might be missing from their offerings. We do extensive research and get to work sketching concepts and developing drawings, prototypes, and finish samples, until we’ve amassed a collection of unique pieces.
What are some inspirations behind the licensed collections of furniture, rugs, lighting and fabrics?
As far back as our design school days, if not earlier, and throughout our careers as designers, we’ve studied and immersed ourselves in the decorative arts. Whether at work, or on weekends, you’ll find us shopping, looking, learning—online, in museums, in shops and furniture fairs and markets, and in our custom workrooms—finding endless inspirations and resources that spark our imaginations.
Shop Carrier & Co's Chairish Favorites
Do you have any design tips on how to decorate with any of your pieces? What are some of your favorite ways to see them utilized?
Our number one design tip is to start with the pieces you love the most, then layer in the rest, considering (and mixing!) scale, texture, color, and pattern. For example, you may start with a rug, or a key piece of furniture in a room—the sofa in the living room, the bed in the bedroom, etc. If the rug has a bold pattern or strong color, then perhaps the sofa or bed should be neutral. If the sofa is low and square, perhaps the chairs have more height and shape. If the coffee table is wooden, then perhaps the end tables are something else. Each decision informs the next, with the goal of creating a balanced interior that doesn’t look too “matchy.” Our collections were designed with that same philosophy in mind, which makes the pieces very versatile and effortless to mix together in a room setting.
What’s a design trend you’re loving right now? And are there any trends you’d be happy to see disappear?
We’re excited to see bright colors and bold patterns return to center stage! Though we could do with a little less “grand-millennial” vibes.
On Chairish & Vintage Shopping…
What do you find most compelling about Chairish?
As a design firm that values and incorporates antique and vintage pieces into our work, Chairish has been an incredible resource. Chairish has made “antiquing” fun and accessible again!
How does sustainability factor into your design choices and love of vintage?
For us, vintage and antique furnishings are the OG recycling! Aside from the history, patina and charm they add to a home, vintage furnishings save so many resources.
Are there any dream vintage/antique “gets” you wish you could have? What’s a dream piece for you?
Our country house is filled with vintage and antique finds—all of them dreams come true—and the result of a lifetime of collecting.
What are three of your favorite pieces on Chairish now (please include links)?
We collect ceramics and this classic Bitossi piece by Aldo Londi is both collectible and fun! We also love this Brutalist-style vase and this wicker urn and pedestal set.
Some Design Favorites…
Favorite way to create a statement-making moment in a room:
Favorite decorating “cheap thrill:”
Paint can transform a space dramatically and on a dime.
Favorite iconic piece of vintage design:
MG Roadster, 1971
Favorite paint color:
Favorite piece of decor in your home:
Vintage Italian sconces that we purchased at the Chelsea Flea when we were first dating at FIT.
Favorite designer or artist from the past you most often turn to for inspiration:
Albert Hadley and Jean Michel Frank
Favorite style icon:
Anna Wintour
Design destination every creative should visit at least once:
Paris
Best piece of career advice you’ve ever received:
If you keep looking, you’ll always find the right answer.
Shop Carrier & Co's Chairish Favorites
Some Lifestyle Favorites…
Favorite vacation destination:
Our home in the Hudson Valley
Favorite restaurant:
Favorite small museum:
Favorite podcast:
The Chairish Podcast, of course!
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow:
@awkardfamilyphotos, @dhwendygoodman, @francesfinds, @voguemagazine, and @chairishbydesign
Favorite hostess (or thank you) gift:
Fresh flowers
Favorite flower:
Peony
Favorite adult beverage:
A Manhattan
Favorite way to unwind at home:
A Manhattan, or gardening upstate.
Favorite entertaining essential:
Collected barware
Lead image: Photo by Zach DeSart