Very Handsome Studio, a women-led interior design firm in Houston, Texas, was established in 2020 by Vy Truong and Han Dang. With a unique focus on creating compelling spaces that emphasize storytelling and creativity, they recently crafted the concept for Burger Bodega, a stylish eatery in Houston. Currently, they are working on several promising hospitality and residential projects due for completion this year, in addition to launching a product practice. Learn more about Very Handsome Studio and their Burger Bodega project in today’s Designer Friday.
Experience New York bodega vibes in Houston at The Burger Bodega.
Andrew Joseph: If you weren’t a designer, you’d be a ….?
Han: If I was not a designer, I would be a brain surgeon because I love continual learning and have a fascination with the human brain. The human brain is ever-changing and studies for this field are continuously evolving.
Vy: If I chose a different path from interior design, I would definitely have pursued a career as a dietitian or a psychologist. If I can combine both into one profession that would be the dream. I’m always passionate about learning and understanding how humans work and what part of their choices are dictated by their emotions vs. their brain. I also find comfort in food and drinks, as well as feeding others through cooking. As I’m working in the hospitality design field, seeing people enjoy food as they’re in our spaces brings me joy. If I can help bridge someone’s relationship with food and use food to better their life, I think that would be a great alternative profession to designing food spaces.
Bathed in vibrant Ketchup Red, Mustard Yellow, and Bodega Blue, The Burger Bodega pulses with city energy. The walls are adorned with bespoke props and mirror the authentic charm of a quintessential NYC bodega.
AJ: If you had a superpower, what would it be?
Han: Super memory. Glancing at something once and I can memorize it immediately.
Vy: The ability to hold my breath endlessly. I’ve always had a curiosity for the deep ocean. I’d love to have the ability to explore as far as I can towards the core of the earth. Is it not fascinating that we know more about space than we do our own oceans?
AJ: Which room in the house do you find yourself working from the most? Why? How does this inform your thoughts about architecture?
Han: My office space because I designed everything in order to work as efficiently as possible. Everything I need is within reach and facing the window to my backyard helps bridge the interior and exterior space of my personal life.
Vy: I often switch between my office space and my dining table. When I need to focus, I run to my office where I face a window and everything is designed for my distracted mind to focus. If I would like a change of pace or feel stuck, I move to the dining table so members of my family can lend some inspiration.
To add a local touch to the New York theme, the walls boast vibrant graffiti by local Houston artists, creating a unique fusion of Houston’s flair with NYC-style street art at The Burger Bodega.
AJ: Describe your design style as if you were explaining it to someone who cannot see.
Han: Using a lot of natural materials with sensible texture to create designated areas with dedicated activities.
Vy: I use a dynamic symphony of colors and textures to illustrate a personal story for my client or myself. Scent, touch, sound works harmoniously together to support the visual elements of the space so everyone can experience the story together.
With a distinct focus on residential and commercial projects, we aim to create informed spaces through creative designs and interesting storytelling to produce a provocative outcome that goes beyond just chasing trends.
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