The Designer's Journal: Nina Carbone on Creating Timeless, Personal Spaces

Nina Carbone, founder of Nina Carbone Inc., is known for creating spaces that blend personal touches with timeless design. Whether she’s renovating a beach house in Bellport, transforming an Upper East Side brownstone, or designing a retail shop in Washington, Connecticut, Nina’s work is defined by a simple yet sophisticated aesthetic.

Her design philosophy? It’s all about balance. “I’m not precious about things,” she says, “but I love vintage and antique pieces that tell a story.” With a style that’s personal, unfussy, and always timeless, Nina believes that a well-designed space should reflect the people who inhabit it—beautiful, functional, and uniquely theirs.

We caught up with Nina to talk about her design process, which Schoolhouse fixture is her go-to for every project, and how she creates spaces that are as livable as they are beautiful.

Describe your design style in three words.

Personal, unfussy, timeless

What are you working on right now?

Currently working on a beach house renovation in Bellport, Long Island, a total gut of an Upper East Side, NYC brownstone, and a retail shop in Washington, Connecticut.

What does your home say about you?

That I have a 5 year old and slobbery bulldog? In all seriousness, my apartment conveys that I’m not at all precious about things, but I love antique and vintage pieces wherever possible. Also: I don't have a signature style, but love clean lines.

What’s your favorite Schoolhouse product?

The tried and true Alabax! I think its simplicity allows it to be at home in so many different design aesthetics—from midcentury to rustic, playful to utilitarian. And the fact that it takes up to a 150 watt bulb makes it incredibly useful in extra dark spaces.