Upon graduating from The University of Cincinnati’s highly acclaimed College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning with a major in interior design, Kelly Zerbini moved to New York City for an internship at the venerable Clodagh Design — this would be her entrée into the world of high-end and luxury residential design. After her internship at Clodagh, Kelly went to work full-time for Eric Cohler Design. Dubbed the “mixmaster,” Eric mentored Kelly on the art of fusing classic and contemporary elements. In 2011, Kelly became a project manager at Jed Johnson Associates — working alongside Arthur Dunnam. It wasn’t long before the two realized they were natural collaborators and have since executed projects in New York City, Connecticut, Long Island, Michigan, South Florida, and the Bahamas. After 13 years, Kelly was named partner and principal designer of Dunnam Zerbini Design, creating spaces that exude a certain luxurious warmth. Take a look at Kelly’s luxury designs in today’s Designer Friday.
A rhythmic play of circles flows through the space, broken by the bold burst of graphic art for a striking visual pause. Photo by Nick Johnson
Andrew Joseph: Can you describe your design philosophy in three words?
Kelly Zerbini: Curated, functional, distinctive.
AJ: What is your favorite aspect of your job?
KZ: I truly enjoy the process of solving design challenges from start to finish. Each home presents a unique puzzle, and my job is to approach it with a fresh perspective based on the client’s needs. I love that we don’t rely on one-size-fits-all solutions; every project is an opportunity to explore new ideas and make distinct selections. This variety keeps me engaged and excited, as each day brings something new to the table.
AJ: What is the most important skill for a successful designer?
KZ: I’d say the ability to listen to your gut and make confident decisions is key. It’s all about keeping the project moving forward without getting stuck in a loop of self-doubt. If something doesn’t sit well with you, it’s a moment to pause and ask: did I trust my instincts from the start? As designers, we’re like captains steering our projects and constantly looking back can throw us off course. Trusting your choices helps maintain momentum, and that’s how we create magic for our clients!
Soft curves ripple through this space, grounded by a burst of vibrant color that anchors the room with artistic energy. Photo by Nick Johnson
AJ: What is your favorite type of lighting to use in your designs?
KZ: I absolutely love a well-placed sconce! A pair of sconces can work wonders, transforming a room into a cozy retreat and giving wall elevations a finished touch. They’re fantastic for breaking up long walls, defining spaces and creating that soft, intimate glow. Who doesn’t enjoy the charm of turning off the overhead lights and basking in the warm light of a sconce instead? It sets the perfect mood for any occasion!
AJ: How do you incorporate art into your designs?
KZ: Incorporating art early in a project’s development is crucial, especially for clients who are collectors or looking to expand their collection. Defining art locations from the start can significantly influence floor plans and even the proportions of furniture selections. I believe art is just as vital as the surrounding furniture; they need to work together to create balance and harmony in the space. For clients interested in growing their collection during the design process, we’ll map out art walls, ideal sizes and orientations to ensure we’re ready for the hunt. It’s all about creating a cohesive environment where art truly shines!
AJ: What is your favorite design-related quote?
KZ: “The details are not the details. They make the design.” – Charles Eames
This living room channels a quietly cinematic mood, where brassy curves, mod silhouettes, and earthy geometrics turn the entire space into a livable vignette. Photo by Nick Johnson
AJ: What’s your design pet peeve?
KZ: My biggest design pet peeve is when scale is not understood. A beautifully executed design hinges on achieving a balanced and harmoniously scaled room. When elements are out of proportion, it can throw everything off-kilter. Each piece plays a role in supporting the others. It’s all about creating a space that feels just right!
AJ: How do you balance functionality and aesthetics in your designs?
KZ: Striking the right balance between form and function is something I take great pride in. Our clients live in their homes; they’re not just galleries! I’ve invested time in understanding fabric fibers and rug materials to ensure I recommend textiles that are both beautiful and durable. For heavily used upholstery, we often turn to indoor-outdoor fabrics, giving clients the freedom to kick back and truly enjoy their space without worrying about wear and tear.
While I focus on practicality, I also prioritize aesthetics by selecting shapes and forms that feature distinct, thoughtful details. Functionality doesn’t have to mean generic; it can be stylish and unique
AJ: What’s a new hobby/skill that you have learned recently?
KZ: I’m currently in the process of enlarging our garden to make room for cut flowers! This idea blossomed after a trip to upstate New York, where we stayed on a lovely property with a beautiful flower farm. It was such a joy to step outside, create my own bouquet, and bring that natural beauty indoors. There’s something incredibly rewarding about cultivating flowers and using them to enhance the ambiance of my home. It’s a wonderful way to connect with nature and add a personal touch to my space!
Headshot photo by Joshua McHugh.
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