the voice of Donna Mondi
In the tapestry of our lives, the importance of design in the home weaves a narrative that goes beyond mere aesthetics. It’s an art form that shapes the way we live, influencing our moods, fostering creativity and transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Enter Donna Mondi, a visionary in the realm of interior design, who understands the profound impact that well-crafted spaces can have on our wellbeing. Through her work, Donna explores the dance between functionality and artistry, affording her the power to elevate homes into inspiring sanctuaries.
- How did you find your calling in interior design? What drew you to it?
- My journey into the field of interior design unfolded organically over the course of several years. I can trace it back to my childhood, where I continually redecorated my dollhouse with the help of my Dad, whose engineering background greatly influenced my approach. This foundation in design became increasingly valuable as I began to create custom furniture and interior architectural elements.
After becoming a parent to two children, I decided to return to school as a personal challenge. During this time, I stumbled upon the world of interior design. I started slowly, working with local suburban designers to gain experience and refine my skills. Little did I know that this humble beginning would eventually blossom into a thriving business bearing my name, reaching across the country, and garnering global acclaim.
- How does artistry integrate into what you do on a daily basis?
- I often say that interior design is 10% design and 90% problem-solving. In facing the multitude of challenges that arise during the design process, creativity, a rich pool of resources, years of experience, and keen intelligence all come into play.
Once a problem has been effectively addressed, true artistry comes to the forefront. This involves seamlessly integrating the solution into the overarching aesthetic narrative that the designer has meticulously crafted, turning each space into a work of art. And there is where the artistry lies. Form may follow function, but it is our job to make sure that the form is stunningly beautiful.
- What project are you most proud of and why?
- During the pandemic, we renovated our 1920s co-op located on the iconic East Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. Working within the confines of vintage buildings presents its own set of challenges and constraints, which pushes us to be even more creative. We hold a deep respect for the architectural heritage of these spaces, and it’s a cornerstone of our design philosophy.
For this project, we sought to modernize the space while paying homage to the European influences of the Edwardian building. Our strategy involved simplifying these influences into a fresh and distinctive form. Throughout the home, we incorporated decadent details that evoke the extravagance of 1920s, seamlessly blending the aesthetics of the past with a modern vision for the future.
- What’s your favorite interior design style or era, and how do you incorporate it into your work?
- I must admit that I’m a bit of a design chameleon, as I find inspiration in various styles and eras. If I were to label a couple of my favorites, I’m particularly captivated by French Moderne and a fusion of Brutalist and Bauhaus influences. Incorporating influences of them all creates a tension in our interiors that gracefully straddles the opposing styles of extravagance and restraint.
Incorporating these preferences into my work, I aim for a harmonious blending of elements within our interiors, resulting in a timeless quality. Our approach often involves the
incorporation of modern furnishings, vintage statement pieces, carefully curated accessories, and striking artwork. This combination breathes life and soul into our designs, ensuring they never resemble a catalog with perfectly matched furnishings.
- Can you tell us about a particularly memorable or challenging project that pushed your creative boundaries?
- We recently wrapped up a remarkable three-year project for a new-home build situated on a golf course in Michigan. This home pushed the boundaries of our creativity and skill set in exciting ways. Collaborating closely with the architect from the project’s inception until its completion, we ensured that the original vision for this modern home was impeccably maintained down to the finest details.
This project marked a departure from our typical style, as it embraced a more modern aesthetic. It was truly invigorating to explore a different design approach while preserving the signature drama that our firm is known for. Working within the “less is more” ethos often associated with modern interiors presented us with a unique challenge – making every detail matter.
The interior spaces included a car salon designed to showcase the homeowner’s remarkable Ferrari collection, a striking glass-box living area suspended above an outdoor pool, and an intricate millwork plan that seamlessly integrated elements from each area. This project exemplified the exciting fusion of creativity and precision that our team thrives on.
- I often say that interior design is 10% design and 90% problem-solving.
- In your opinion, what are the key elements that can transform a space from ordinary to extraordinary?
- The key ingredients for turning an ordinary space into something extraordinary begin with the home’s architecture. It’s about uncovering and embracing the inherent character of the space, finding ways to modernize it, or inventing ways to craft your own character when it’s lacking. We achieve this by integrating millwork details, crafting statement ceilings, introducing luxurious furnishings, showcasing unexpected artwork, and using unique hand-crafted materials.
With today’s focus on trends and instant gratification, we’ve traded extraordinary for main stream. Following trends will never be our ethos. Our clients want a unique home with materials that will age well, furniture that will last, and designs that support the way they live.
- How do you balance functionality and aesthetics when designing a space?
- Our approach centers on prioritizing functionality as the initial step in our design process. Once we’ve ensured that a space serves its intended purpose effectively, we then focus on crafting a visually appealing and inspiring environment. Attempting to reverse this order often results in chasing design ideals that may not align with the practical realities of a space. As professionals, we are tasked with delivering both functionality and aesthetics, knowing how to effectively balance and prioritize these two fundamental principles.
- To what or to whom do you attribute your success?
- Is it awful to say my ex-husband? He told me I couldn’t do it. Hence the “ex.”
- Where do you find inspiration in your daily life? Do you have any recommended books, podcasts or publications?
- Travel has a profound impact on my personal style, as it exposes me to diverse cultures, historical architecture, and skilled artisans from around the world. I make it a point to travel globally at least twice a year, often with a group of professional interior designers and architects. These experiences take us behind the scenes to explore historic castles, underground caverns, private residences, and the studios of elite craftsmen.
Discover more of Donna Mondi’s incredible work by visiting her website.
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