THE EDITOR'S CIRCLE | MASTERS & MUSES | WORLD OF CABANA
The Editor's Circle: Cabana's new online talks are a space for inspiration and connection, inviting our audience into the soul of Cabana, one conversation at a time. Read on for an insight into the first live talk of 2025, with celebrated interior decorator, Remy Renzullo.
BY LUCREZIA LUCAS | HAPPENINGS | 16 JANUARY 2025
Remy Renzullo joined Martina Mondadori for The Editor's Circle on 14 January 2025
It seems only fitting that the inaugural Editor’s Circle of 2025, should be between close friends and kindred spirits, Cabana Editor-in-Chief Martina Mondadori and celebrated decorator, Remy Renzullo. Their conversation – imbued with laughter – led the audience on a journey through Remy’s career, philosophies, and the beauty of interiors that radiate history and personality.
Martina opened the evening by expressing her admiration: “Remy, you’re only 33, and already you’ve had such an extraordinary career. How did this all begin?” Remy’s answer was as unassuming as it was revealing. “I completely fell into it by accident,” he admitted. Growing up in rural Connecticut, he was surrounded by creativity. “My father designed and made furniture, and my mother was a decorator with the most extraordinary taste. I grew up in this mad, obsessive environment, filled with objects, books, taxidermy, and the most curious details.”
A glorious bedroom at Castle Howard, designed by Remy Renzullo and photographed for Cabana Magazine by Derry Moore.
He also credited books as an early source of inspiration. “I always envisioned the interiors while reading,” he said, citing The Wind in the Willows as an early favorite. “It’s set in this madcap English world, full of eccentric characters. You could just imagine the setting perfectly.”
His love for English style, he explained, was deeply rooted in his upbringing, with his grandmother – a devoted Anglophile – playing a central role. “She was extraordinary,” he said fondly. “Her house in Connecticut was swathed in Colefax and Fowler chintz, filled with amazing English antiques.”
With images of Remy’s earlier and more recent projects shown on screen, the two spoke of Benison, Gibbs and Kime, and delved into their shared passion for symmetry, discussing its role in creating harmony within interiors. When asked how he begins putting together a room, Remy reflected, “Robert Kime always said to start with the carpet, but I do the opposite. I walk into a room, and I just get a feeling – it’s often about the palette or the atmosphere.”
The conversation shifted to Remy’s work, including his transformative project at Castle Howard. “It started small, with just a few rooms, but it has grown into an extraordinary partnership,” he explained. Martina noted his treasure-hunting approach, to which Remy responded, “I’m obsessive. If I haven’t found the right piece, I’d rather leave a space empty than settle.”
“You’re one of a kind, Remy,” Martina remarked. “At a time when trendy and contemporary interiors were the norm, you stayed true to yourself and your love for timeless, layered design. That’s why you stand out.”
Highlights: Audience Q&A
As with every Editor’s Circle, the global audience was invited to join the conversation, posing their questions to Remy, which Martina read aloud to him.
As an interior design student that wants to start his own business as soon as possible, what is your one best advice for getting projects and clients?
Remy: I think word of mouth helps enormously; I owe my entire career to a lot of people who've taken chances with me and have been really supportive. Also Instagram was a great way at the start to communicate what was in my head and what my taste was. And I think that's something that's really easy for people to understand... Posting drawings that you're doing, what you're inspired by, the world around you – people really take notice of that.
What are the best ways for beginners to build expertise in interior design outside of formal education?
Remy: Reading is essential. Read books about history, other cultures, and travel. If you can’t travel, look through books and visit museums. When I lived in New York, I visited the Met multiple times a week, and that taught me an incredible amount.
How do you convince clients to wait for the right pieces instead of rushing the design process?
Remy: I use a combination of charm and practicality. I explain to clients that I don’t want them to waste money on pieces that won’t suit their vision or space. Often, if they’re willing to wait, we’ll find something truly special that fits their needs perfectly. Most clients really respond well to that approach and trust me in the process.
Where are your favorite places to travel for inspiration?
Remy: I've had a real love affair with Italy. There's inspiration around every corner – the craftsmanship, the quality of light, the at times decay, the ancient culture. Also I don't know if I'll get there this year, but I've never been to India and it's a place that I am desperately desperate to go to.
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