Design psychology with Bespoke only

Hi Melissa and Erika, thanks for joining us today. To kick off, can you tell us more about respective backstories and how you started Bespoke Only?

Melissa: Instead of traditional design training, my academic background was in cognitive psychology. The science behind how people think and act continues to influence the way I approach design till this day. It’s ultimately the curiosity of another's life that brought me to this path. Interior design has served as a vehicle for me to experiment different ways of living and attempt to decipher the common threads that bring harmony into human life.

Erika: Similarly, my background isn’t in interior design, but rather in fine arts and coincidentally, cognitive psychology. My upbringing was not very traditional having been homeschooled, but it was highly influential in how I approach work and life. Being able to travel abroad and live in various countries throughout my formative years really helped develop an open mind and fluid approach to things, with less emphasis on what is considered “standard.” As such, I have delved into creative expressions in my career through fashion, hospitality, and ultimately interior design at Bespoke Only after meeting Melissa through a mutual friend many years ago!

What is fundamental to your practice – your philosophy and your process?

We believe a space is to be felt, rather than looked at. The way we approach design is intuitive and interactive. We do not set out to create a perfect showroom but an inimitable space that is truthful to the inhabitants and their own narratives. We believe design is never “done” - a space is to be viewed as a living thing - it’s expected to grow and to be grown into.

How does your background in cognitive psychology influence your design decisions?

Melissa: I find myself constantly intrigued by how a space can conjure feelings and how design can subtlety influence our behavior, moods and interactions on a subconscious level. That part is really interesting to me - how we can plant a series of subtle hints linked to a certain happy place or fond memories that belong to the individual and create an unreplicable transportive experience.

Can you tell us a little more about how you approach a new project and steps you take to inform your design decisions?

For us, design takes equal parts observation and intuition. We try to bring an open mind with a humble mindset when we first come to every new project. I think it’s often quite clear what the space desires once you remove your own ego and agenda. What’s left to do is to bridge the different needs between the space and the people, and I think we hold a responsibility to both parties to make it right.

What are some of your main sources of inspiration? Are there any specific references you are drawn to regularly?

Melissa: I really like set design. It's a glance of an imaginary world with a clear narrative - be it fictional or not. I just love both the imagination and the historical part of it. Often it’s the small details in the background that really complete the picture of who the characters are and their lives. It almost feels a bit like sleuthing to decode these clues.

Erika: Inspiration often comes to me through emotions conjured by music and movies, like compiling moments rather than just visual cues. I’m also very drawn to dining experiences and seeing the details of how everything comes together - from the weight of the fork to the texture of linens and the presentation of dishes. However, if I had to pick a book that I’m regularly drawn to, it would be Francois Halard: A Visual Education.

Tell us more about the role negative space plays in your projects?

The negative space allows room for growth and evolution. It’s to recognize human life is ever evolving and organic, but not a meticulously posed still life. We are also firm believers that breathing room is what brings us that sense of ease.

Pictured Wide Dome Lights in Mist.