Vance Burke

This article features an interview with Vance Burke, a prominent interior designer known for his modern aesthetic that occasionally incorporates equestrian themes. Burke, who divides his time between Santa Monica and Palm Springs, has a rich background in design, having studied in New York and Paris and worked for notable firms like Donghia Associates and Parish-Hadley. He also worked for Jed Johnson, where he gained experience with high-profile clients like Mick Jagger and Richard Gere. Burke emphasizes a collaborative approach to design, working closely with both architects and clients to ensure a fun and stress-free process. The designer shares insights into his philosophy, stating that design is a continuous collaboration. He believes in creating a consistent experience, from the landscaping and architecture to the interior upholstery, rugs, and art, ensuring everything feels cohesive and unique. Burke highlights the importance of understanding and prioritizing client happiness, acknowledging that there isn't a single 'right' solution in design but rather multiple valid approaches. When it comes to integrating equestrian elements into modern interiors, Burke suggests starting with foundational elements that possess an earthy, organic integrity, such as reclaimed-wood floors or rough-cut stone. He advocates for juxtaposing these natural textures with sleek modern walls and a high-contrast, dressage-inspired color palette, perhaps using saddle leather, off-white linen, or dark navy and black accents, along with lacquered surfaces. For accessories, his mantra is "fewer, bigger, better," recommending select pieces like a Deborah Butterfield sculpture, a Susan Rothenberg drawing, minimalist black and white photography, or a Tang dynasty horse to continue the equestrian narrative. Burke also notes that equestrian clients are often passionate about their horses, sometimes prioritizing barn aesthetics over their own homes. Burke discusses the influence of fashion on interior design, particularly in color trends. He cites the 1980s equestrian style with its dark, jewel-toned colors like burgundy and emerald, and patterns such as paisley and plaid. He sees both fashion and interior decorating as a process of reinterpreting the past to create something new, combining classic and modern elements. He praises brands like Hermès for their ability to blend these aspects seamlessly. He also recounts a personal, albeit challenging, horse-riding experience during a ride-a-thon in India, where he rode Marwari horses, which ultimately deterred him from further riding. Looking ahead, Burke is venturing into furniture and fabric design, with plans for a new fabric line currently in its preliminary stages. He also humorously shares his "retirement plan." The interview was conducted by Carol Cohen Hodess, editor at large for Equestrian Living magazine, who has worked with Burke on her own homes. The full article originally appeared in "Equestrian Living June/July 2017." #InteriorDesign #EquestrianDesign #VanceBurke #ModernInteriors #DesignPhilosophy #HomeDecor #CollaborativeDesign #FashionInfluence #LuxuryLiving #InteriorDesign #EquestrianDesign #VanceBurke #ModernInteriors #DesignPhilosophy #HomeDecor #CollaborativeDesign #FashionInfluence #LuxuryLiving