Denise Davies founded D2 Interieurs in Weston, CT, almost five years ago, and artist Kerri Rosenthal joined her soon after, becoming the firm’s creative director. The two first met at a basketball game for their sons, and immediately clicked when they realized they shared a common design aesthetic. “The philosophy of D2 is #HappyHomeHappyLife,” explains Davies. “We believe a home should be comfortable, livable and something that makes you happy every time you walk through the door.” Their signature mark: interjecting cheerful pops of bright yellow. “Color is very tricky, and I think that’s why most designers stay away from it,” says Rosenthal.
But incorporating colors and prints comes naturally to Rosenthal, who is a self-taught painter. “In primary living areas, we frequently start with neutral ‘bones,’ such as rugs and furniture, and then layer with colorful accessories, pillows and artwork,” she says. The result is a modern esthetic tailored to each client’s needs and style.
Davies and Rosenthal also custom create many pieces for their client’s homes, which inspired them to launch an e-commerce divison of their website, set to debut later this spring. The offerings will include a collection of rugs, called Shag by D2 Interieurs, and a line of wallpapers, named Happy Walls, based on Rosenthal’s artwork. “We’ve been designing and manufacturing our own rugs for years—we have over 30 different styles, with lead times of only 8 to 12 weeks,” says Davies. The site will also feature curated vintage finds (Davies is an avid collector of midcentury furniture and art), as well as a broad array of lucite mirrors. “Because we love to use wallpaper, especially in our powder rooms, we searched extensively for a mirror that would not compete with the patterns,” says Davies. “This is how our lucite mirrors came to fruition.” The partners believe that one statement piece like this can punch up a room in seconds, without needing to hire a designer. “It’s an easy way to get some D2 style in your home,” says Davies of their foray into the retail market.
D2’s profile is also on the rise with notable collaborations in the worlds of style and design. This spring, Kate Spade will offer limited-edition reproductions of Rosenthal’s artwork on the brand’s website. And her original pieces will hang in the new Kate Spade pop-up in SoHo. Another coup: the duo were among only a handful picked to become ambassadors for home décor company Serena & Lily. Davies and Rosenthal will consult on market trends and products, and their final designs will land on the Serena & Lily website. Still, they’re most excited about being on hand to help host the opening of Serena & Lily’s new shop in Westport, CT (see page 20). “D2 is very vested in the local community, and this is a great way for us to share our vision,” says Davies. d2interieurs.com
Photographs by Jane Beiles