The Designer’s Journal: Inside the Narrative-Driven Spaces of BHDM Design
Designer Dan Mazzarini of BHDM Design believes that every space should tell a story. Whether he’s crafting a cozy, layered home on the East Coast or bringing bold, dramatic moments to a boutique hotel in NYC, his approach is rooted in narrative-driven design—one that’s crisp, classic, and always livable.
His philosophy? “Spaces have the power to positively impact life,” he says. “I’m always asking clients, ‘What’s the story you want to tell the world?’” It’s this storytelling sensibility that defines his work, blending inspiration from film, unexpected scale, and timeless design elements to create interiors that feel both personal and impactful.
We caught up with Dan to chat about his design ethos, the rule he always follows (and the one he loves to break), and which Schoolhouse pick has become a go-to in his projects.
Describe your design style in three words.
Crisp, classic, livable.
Where do you draw your design inspiration from?
Movies! I’m a sucker for an 80’s/90’s romcom, and all the spaces those characters exist in.
What's your design ethos?
Spaces have the power to positively impact life. I like spaces to be narrative-driven and memorable. I’m always asking clients, “What’s the story you want to tell the world?”
What does your home say about you?
Hopefully it’s a snapshot of my style—simple but layered, crisp, and livable. Nothing is too precious (even though it should always look nice).
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which was made to be broken?
Follow: Always make your bed. Is this a design rule or one my mom made?
Break: Dark spaces make a space feel smaller. I don’t know that I agree—or even that I care. I love dark and moody spaces, and think they always feel perfectly cozy.
What are you working on right now?
A lot—our work spans both residential and commercial and we’re busier than ever in the residential realm, with projects up and down the East Coast. We also have our first ever NYC hotel opening this year, as well as a few projects in California, a hotel in Ketcham, Idaho, gigantic cafe in Chicago and two historic properties in upstate New York.
Do you have any design mentors?
Many, gratefully. My first boss, Robin Kramer, continues to influence how I run my business and treat my team (with kindness and empowerment.) My professors at Miami University instilled in me a love for storytelling, so I channel them each and every day. I’ve also been lucky to be supported and challenged by many peers, vendors, and clients. My goal with design is to never stagnate, and always try to do better—peer encouragement has been key in maintaining that motivation.
What's your favorite (and easiest!) way to create a statement-making moment in a room?
Favorite: unexpected scale, and dramatic moments.
Easiest: dim your lights for instant drama!
Favorite piece of decor in your own home:
I love the mirror we have over our mantle. My husband Andy and I bought it as an empty frame at the Paris flea market, and I added the mirror. It’s crisp and classic—part of my mantra.
Favorite Schoolhouse product and how would you use it?
We love the Sidnie Lamp in all its iterations and finishes—we use it often! It feels like a contemporary classic.