Layered Minimalism by Elizabeth Bolognino

Elizabeth Bolognino, the founder and principal of EBI, is celebrating the 13th anniversary of her interior design studio in 2023. Recently, she has expanded her company from its NYC home base into a national presence, with offices in New York City and Palm Beach, FL. Her signature design style, "Layered Minimalism" is a methodology of creating timeless designs by balancing contemporary and traditional elements.

Bolognino's career began at Yabu Pushelberg & Ralph Lauren, where she designed retail and hospitality stores including locations in Seoul, NYC, and Greenwich. She has designed projects of all sizes, including NYC penthouses, elegant Brooklyn brownstones, Miami Beach properties, and a heritage compound in Greenwich, CT.

How did you first become involved in the world of design? Tell us your story.

I was 22. My first job was at a tech start up where i was named a “Producer”, which ultimately meant sitting in front of the computer all day. That didn’t last long! I used my media and graphic design degree from the University of Georgia to get into graduate school at Pratt. I knew I needed to extrapolate my 2D education to a 3D canvas.

I received my Masters of Science in Interior Design, and went on to work at notable Interior Design firm Yabu Pushelberg, and Interiors for Ralph Lauren flagships.

How would you describe your personal style and what’s the personal signature that makes your projects unique?

Walking that fine line between traditional and contemporary - being timely and timeless simultaneously. My goal is for folks to visit my website and never know what year a project was completed. I love the balance of clean, sophisticated, traditional and relaxed. Right in that perfect pocket.

Are there any specific trends that you’re currently blending in your practice?

Tambour, Oxidized Brass - a little bit of amorphous furniture but only a touch! We try to bring it back with antiques as well. Currently obsessing over George III Sgabello Hall Chairs.

Where do you draw inspiration for your projects?

Nature, art, emotions and music.

What’s the decorative piece you enjoy selecting for your clients and why?

I love selecting kitchen counter stools. You learn a whole lot about a person from what they prefer in a stool. Finish, comfort, swivel/non swivel, foot rest, lumbar support, materials…

What would be your dream project to work on?

A ranch in Aspen or Jackson Hole, or a waterfront property in Palm Beach, Florida.

What do you think it’s going to be the next big trend in interior design?

Furniture is going to become scaled back, minimalistic again. As the economy shrinks, there won’t be as much surplus to devote to furnishings - so the aesthetic of how we design/manufacture is going to mirror that. Form follows function.