10 questions with Justine Sterling

Take a look behind the curtain.

10 questions with Justine Sterling

Asked by Dering Hall.com 

What’s your go-to classic color choice?

I love warm, neutral greys. My favorite paint color? Benjamin Moore Light Pewter.

Is there a hotel that’s most inspired your work while traveling?

My design sensibility is clean and uncluttered, and I take inspiration from my trips to the Maine coast. In Kennebunkport, Maine there is an amazing resort called Hidden Pond. Hidden Pond and its restaurant Earth have created a calm oasis - it has a cool vibe without being overly trendy. Hidden Pond also reminds me of Babylonstoren, a beautiful wine farm property, in Cape Town, South Africa. The Babylonstoren estate is gorgeous at every turn.

Which pieces of technology do you use to document design inspiration?

I use Pinterest, Instagram and Houzz.

Where do you go to spot new style?

I will always try to visit interior stores and galleries in any new town that we may visit. For instance, I just love K Colette in Portland, Maine. The store is so well curated with beautiful pieces, and it often features new up and coming artisans and suppliers. Every time I visit it always feels fresh, never cookie-cutter.

Do you have a favorite restaurant (for the design and the food, of course)?

I love Sams in Boston. The interior design is French inspired as is the food.

What’s your favorite small museum in the world?

The Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam and the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa. Both of them moved me to tears.

How do you usually start your weekend?

I start with an 8am pilates class, followed by a soy cappuccino and muffin if it's not school sports season. If it is sports season, it's a smoothie on the go to watch T-ball or soccer. There's inevitably a kids birthday party thrown in there too.

Who or what is your biggest design influence?

Currently I love Chango and Co, Kelly Hoppen and Lauren Liess and I have always admired Phillipe Starck. Cape Town (my hometown) in South Africa is a constant source of inspiration and influence.

How do you keep it all together?

Lists, lists and more lists. My color coded iCal calendar. My iPhone's little Notes app also keeps me together. I will even disclose that I have a note called "names" for those times when I just know that I will forget a name. I am the worst at remembering names no matter how hard I try!

Design a garden: groomed or freestyle?

I prefer mostly groomed with a few freestyle elements thrown in for good measure.