Friday Fifteen with Friends: Brett Firdman

Published: April 1st, 2016

Some people recognize style in all its forms: they seek it, they travel to it, they wear it, and they live in it. Blogger Brett Firdman, a Los Angeles native now living in Chicago, has an insatiable appetite for all things stylish and tasty, and it’s all there on her website, Her Tasty Life. From the best in fine dining, to holy grail beauty products and covet-worthy fashion, no morsel is off limits. Obsessed with food, cooking, travel and trends, Brett’s focus has always been on the more scrumptious things in life. She adores street food and dive bars just as much as stilettos and champagne. She’s this week’s Friday 15 with Friends.

Name: Brett Firdman
Occupation: Blogger
Best known for: Her Tasty Life

1. Antique or modern? Without a doubt, modern. I’m so drawn to sleek, clean lines and monochromatic decor. Anything chrome and glass are my go-to looks for signature pieces that lend glamour and visual interest to a room. It’s also critical to look for modern pieces with classic bones that will last and maintain style over time.

2. What has inspired or informed your interior style? My family, most definitely. My mom has a great eye for design and use of space and my Aunt, Karen, is an interior designer. Both have beautiful showplace homes that have molded my tastes and style over the years. I still haven’t quite gotten into the vintage pieces as they have, but I’m getting there.

3. Which colors do you use most? A palette of whites, blushes and golds are what I’m drawn to most. If it’s gold or blush, I probably have it… or have to have it immediately. It creates a polished look while still imparting a bit of warmth. It’s no fun to have an unapproachable look in decor. Golds and blushes help balance a cozy feel and a stylish look.

4. Favorite materials or textures? I love mixing wood and metal — washed or distressed woods with gleaming chrome or brushed metal remind me of homes in my native Los Angeles. Beachy, but edgy really calls to me. Layering in fluffy mongolian lamb and fuzzy fabrics takes the edge off makes for nice, sweet nooks. Sweater fabric, boucle and velvet are favorites, too.

5. How do you make your home double as a work space? Luckily, I have a dedicated office space at home. It has an espresso wood and glass desk, a daybed and a great, well-curated book nook in addition to the work space so it feels liveable, worked in and warm. Ironically, I often find myself working at the kitchen table in spite of that nice space… I love being in the kitchen, it always feels like the heartbeat of the home — it makes me happy being there.

6.  What household item could you not live without? My bed! It’s such a sanctuary. With a king-sized bed that has all white Frette bedding and a fab Crate & Barrel linen and polished nailhead headboard, I tried to make it feel as much like hotel living as possible.

7. What household items are a necessity to host a great party? A great bar set up is imperative — a bar cart or lovely side bar helps you serve guests or let guests serve themselves from a well-appointed station that you can replenish easily. Seating clusters are also very key to a successful soiree… I love mixing metal chairs (like bertoia diamond chairs) and small ottomans or patterned poufs with pillows and blankets for an inviting setting.

8. Tips for hosting at home? Tons of candles (white always looks best), great finger-friendly food, creative drinks (do a signature menu of three of your favorites drinks and highlight them with a cute cocktail menu on a chalkboard stand). FRESH FLOWERS bring tons of character and warmth to your home… use small bouquets or nosegays on side tables, serving tables, in the bathrooms and on coffee tables. Of course, music goes a long way. Choose a curated playlist from Amazon Prime or Pandora for hours of hassle-free, customizable enjoyment.

9. Which design website, TV show, or magazine would you be lost without? I love Dwell magazine, Kinfolk (great for folks who love to entertain), Ivy + Piper (great Aussie inspo) and I always managed to get sucked into Property Brothers. I’d love to flip a house someday… what they do with distressed, hideous properties is breathtaking.

10. Design rule you love to break? Mirrored everything. I know mirrored pieces should be used deliberately and sporadically, but I just can’t help myself. I’m so drawn to anything with a reflective, shiny surface. I love the way mirrors make everything look BIGGER and will stick a mirrored piece in just about any room. I don’t think you can ever go wrong with a long, 6 or 8 drawer mirrored dresser, especially.

11. What is your favorite room in your home? I just adore my bedroom. It really is a sanctuary and a transportive space that takes you away. I’ve kept the color scheme monochromatic — grays and whites only, fur rugs, and tons of pillow and soft surfaces. It has high ceilings with beams and I love the airiness of it. It feels exactly like somewhere you’d want to go for vacation.

12. What is your most treasured possession? I have a small, antique Chinese chest that was my grandmother’s. It looks like nothing else in my home but manages to fit in like it was made to be here. I keep special trinkets in it and it makes me feel close it her. I also have a beautiful, custom, handmade dreamcatcher from SandSilkSky that I’m positively obsessed with — it’s from Los Angeles and always reminds me of the vibe and energy from back home.

13. What is your favorite thing about Chicago—design-related or otherwise? My favorite thing about Chicago is the food and hospitality scene — it’s constantly evolving, changing and inspiring. The food here is some of the best and most beautiful — the plating, design and decor all inspires me daily. New hotels – like The Langham – are constantly pushing the modern vs classic design envelope and give me such decoration envy. Half the time I just want my home to embody the look and feel of a restaurant or hotel.

14. To which city or country would you move for the design? Stockholm, Sweden. It’s such a cool looking place… the old, cobblestone streets juxtaposed with ultra modern shops and homes, it’s the epitome of high, hip style meets old world charm. Everything out of Stockholm has a stylish, minimalist look that I really appreciate.

15. How would you describe your style? It’s a very So Cal, Los Angeles based type of style. I love mixing edgy with modern with cozy and soft. Mixing metals, textures, fabrics with a streamlined, monochrome palette. Think: beach house goes to the city. LOL. That’s me!