Online marketplace 1stDibs has established itself as a go-to for hard-to-find vintage and antique pieces. But the site's talented team doesn't stop at selling unique furniture and decor. Each year, 1stDibs chooses 50 interior designers and architects 'working at the peak of their powers' to celebrate, says editorial director Anthony Barzilay Freund.
Featuring each honoree and an 'extraordinary room' of their choice, the list represents some of each year's top talent, plus loads of design inspiration. Even better, each designer has curated a shortlist of products to shop on 1stDibs that will help you channel their look with ease. With some familiar names and a handful of fresh faces, it's safe to say this is the best roundup yet. To get an inside look into the spaces they chose to represent their best work, we spoke with several of the winning designers – here's what they had to say.
A look inside the winning spaces
We spoke with four of 1stDibs' 2024 nominees, who shared the inspiration behind their chosen rooms, why they represent their celebrated interior design styles, and what they believe homeowners are seeking in their own spaces this year.
Heidi Caillier
Heidi Caillier – founder and principal of Seattle-based Heidi Caillier Design – has been named a 1stDibs 50 honoree for three years running, earning the title in 2022, 2023 and now, 2024. This time around, Heidi selected a characterful, moody living room (complete with a stunning doorway view through to a lighter entryway) to showcase for the award.
'This home, from head to toe, really embodies my approach to design. I love how the rooms have such a beautiful flow, the feminine and masculine touches, and how the prints throughout work so well together,' Heidi tells H&G.
She describes the home as 'lived-in, warm and sophisticated,' pointing out its tasteful mix of old and new elements. Vibrant color aside, bold patterns, oversized artwork and intricate millwork set this room apart from the crowd. Heidi says it stands out as one of her 'favorite projects to date for incredibly collaborative clients.'
'It's a beautiful 1940 colonial located in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, in the town I lived in while I was in middle school. The homeowners have amazing taste and really trusted us to get creative with print and color. The mix of custom, one-of-a-kind furnishings, and heirloom antiques combined with the charm of the New England architecture make it a really special, timeless home,' she says.
Zoë Feldman
Zoë Feldman, founder and principal designer of her eponymous Washington, DC-based firm, is known for blending timeless tradition with modern charm in her design schemes – and this living room is no exception. Grounded by a cozy checkered rug and pops of bold, primary colors, this space is chic yet still fit for its family's lifestyle.
'I think this home really nails our elevated yet comfortable style. Every room feels livable but super chic. We also love color and really got to express that in this project,' Zoë tells H&G. 'This is the home of a young family who were DC-area transplants from Brooklyn. They wanted a home that reflected their world travels and eclectic style while still working for young kids.'
With a built-in, dark wooden shelving unit and floor-to-ceiling windows drawing the eye upward to delicate millwork and a carefully curated coffee table taking center stage, each detail of this room shines in its own right. Cleverly placed seating and a mixture of lush textures and sculptural decor welcome visitors with open arms.
'The use of color really stands out – the clients were really willing to be adventurous and let us play with color, as well as bold prints and shapes. The Yves Klein blue butler's pantry, the multicolor dining chairs, and the powder room tile and wallpaper combination are a few of our favorites,' says Zoë.
This space doesn't just represent the best of Zoë's work, but also reflects some of this year's most sought-after design features and interior design trends – from bold patterns to an inviting feeling. 'People want to be able to really use every room in the home. While each room in this home is thoughtful and bespoke, none of it feels too precious to enjoy,' adds Zoë.
Bryan O'Sullivan Studio
Bryan O'Sullivan, founder of New York City- and London-based Bryan O'Sullivan Studio, curates gorgeous residential and commercial spaces across the world. And in this Notting Hill home library, his talent and design sensibility both show in full force.
'This room illustrates our bold but considered approach to color, texture and finish – for spaces that are contemporary, elegant and create an authentic glamour. There is a strong and confident use of color and gloss, whilst remaining an inviting and serene space with its careful tonal balance,' Bryan tells H&G.
He adds that the library serves as 'evidence' of how his firm 'always looks to seamlessly mix furniture both new and old, with beautifully crafted pieces blending with classic antiques.' He credits an olive green Rose Uniacke Sofa, a vintage Ado Chale coffee table, a Poul Henningsen light fixture, an upholstered Mats Tseulius armchair, and a Christopher Spitzmiller lamp for pulling the bold yet cohesive aesthetic together with ease.
'The client wanted a unique space that felt both warm and welcoming, with a mixture of texture and color. Bold use of color and elevated intimacy was the inspiration for this room. The room needed to feel welcoming but equally elevated for entertaining, as it sits just off the formal dining room,' Bryan adds.
The space's notable glossy, lacquered finish was hand-applied and courtesy of Matthew Bray & Matthew Collins, and custom joinery and glasswork prove that every detail underwent careful consideration. Bryan says that this room is 'functional and versatile,' working both as a quiet nook and a vibrant entertainment space.
'The client wanted a cozy library room, but also impactful. They weren’t afraid to use color, and wanted something that felt completely different and special to the rest of the house,' he says.
Charles Co.
Vicky Charles, former design director of Soho House, is now the leader of Charles & Co. – a design studio serving A-list clients from offices in New York, London and Italy. A 1stDibs 50 honoree for the first time this year, Vicky selected a Brooklyn brownstone's eclectic yet sophisticated dining room to represent her work.
Vicky says the family living in this space was looking to move from fast-paced Tribeca to more community-centric Brooklyn Heights. After a four-year-long and 'massive' gut renovation, this stylish home was unveiled. A sprawling and colorful gallery wall, sculptural dining table and unique light fixture make this an eye-catching dining area, fit for the whole family.
'The client came with an already impressive art collection and wanted to walk into this room and not identify what design era it was from. French chairs, and an American sofa sit amongst mid-century pieces. Eclectic eras,' Vicky tells H&G.
By 'peppering custom new pieces with antiques' and allowing historic millwork to coexist alongside modern, vibrant art, Vicky was able to craft an elevated space that still feels laid back.
'Homeowners are looking to live in beautiful historic houses, but with modern conveniences. They are looking to have a home which feels lived in and not precious, select furniture pieces that tell a story and have presence, a home which accommodates a family and dogs!' she says.
The full list of 1stDibs 50 honorees
- Area Interior Design
- Ashe Leandro
- Bryan O'Sullivan Studio
- Casa Muñoz
- CASIRAGHI
- Charlap Hyman & Herrero
- Charles & Co.
- Clive Lonstein
- Damon Liss Design
- Darryl Carter Inc.
- David Kleinberg Design Associates
- DUETT INTERIORS
- Elizabeth Roberts Architects
- Elliott Barnes Interiors
- Fern Santini, Inc.
- GACHOT
- Geremia Design
- Giampiero Tagliaferri
- Heidi Caillier Design
- Hines Collective
- Jeremiah Brent Design
- Leyden Lewis Design Studio
- Light and Dwell
- Monica Fried Design
- Nate Berkus Associates
- Neal Beckstedt Studio
- Nicola Harding and Co
- NICOLEHOLLIS
- Nina Farmer Interiors
- Ohara Davies-Gaetano Interiors
- Rachel Laxer Interiors
- Rees Roberts & Partners
- Romanek Design Studio
- S.R. Gambrel
- Sasha Adler Design
- Shawn Henderson
- Sheila Bridges
- Spinnochia Freund
- Studio Ashby
- Studio Giancarlo Valle
- Studio Jake Arnold
- Studio Mellone
- Studio Shamshiri
- Summer Thornton Design
- Tom Scheerer Inc.
- Two Muse Studios
- Wendy Labrum Interiors
- Workshop/APD
- Yellow House Architects
- Zoë Feldman Design
Common threads found in this year's roundup of 1stDibs 50 honorees reflect back the features and feelings homeowners are after in 2024. A timeless, transitional design sense and a desire to experiment with bolder colors, textures and patterns marks many of the year's most successful spaces. And even the most elegant homes are leaning comfort-forward and inviting to all. 1stDibs' list has provided near-endless inspiration for an exciting year of design ahead – plus plenty of shopping material to run with.
