They can be found on the Architectural Digest AD100, Elle Decor A-List and the Luxe Gold List among others. To the world, they are the sought-after design team behind Carrier & Co. – to each other they are husband and wife. This dynamic duo is a perfect match both personally and professionally. They have taken their love of design, as well as for each other and teamed up to take the design world by storm.

Photo by Annie Schletcher

After having graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology they cut their teeth working for a number of prestigious firms before going on to start their own. Known for their work with mega-watt celebrity clients (Jason Wu and Annie Leibovitz to name a few) as well as more under the radar design aficionados, they find their passion in creating homes infused in “personal charm…warmth and joy” as noted by client Anna Wintour in their book: “Carrier & Company: Positively Chic Interiors”. From what drew them together to what gets them excited about their work today, we checked in with the pair to discuss design influences, how they manage to balance elegance with livability and their favorite vintage finds.

Photo by Carmel Brantley

Both Mara and Jesse grew up with a strong appreciation for art and design, so it makes sense that they met at design school. “Mara and I met our senior year at FIT in our Studio class. We were drawn to each other by shared interests…from the start, many of our dates were spent at flea markets and antiquing!”

Photo by Sam Frost

And while their taste and design sensibility mesh together brilliantly, the team notes that one of aspects of their dynamic that makes them work so well together are their differences, noting that Jesse tends to be more of a “big picture” person while Mara can be more detail oriented. “Jesse and I are able to divide certain responsibilities and play into our strengths. These differing approaches are key when working together and help us to create the best possible projects for our clients and partners. We are very collaborative – even when one of us is taking the lead.  Mara is very systems oriented and keeps many of the business elements of the company going. Jesse often oversees the projects that are outside of the city – this works especially well because he drives faster!”

Photo by Christopher Baker

This symbiotic relationship results in outcomes that has been described as a “confident mix of timeless and contemporary design” and that are “characteristically imbued with the personality and style of their owners, while showcasing Jesse and Mara’s core dedication to decor that feels effortless, essential, and light of spirit.” Generating a unique and personalized look for each room and client, often calls for discovery of the perfect vintage or antique piece. “Vintage and antiques are always part of our work – it’s an important part of the magic of the mix as we say.”

Photo by Eric Boman

This spirit of eclectic collection can be found in their own home as well. “Vintage and antique shopping is a favorite past time of ours! Years ago, we purchased a pair of gilded, Italian, Mid Century sconces at the Chelsea Flea Market. These are favorites of ours and something we cannot part with…. We also have many pieces from  Century, Visual Comfort and Lee Jofa collections! We would describe our home as layered, livable and positively chic!” And to those looking to emulate the look, the pair suggests, “Lean towards what you love – a rich patina of a vintage sideboard– a luscious kilim….if you gravitate towards a look it is most likely a perfect way to start collecting.”

Photo by Sam Frost

Another noteworthy aspect of their work is the range of styles they are able to pull off with aplomb. Regardless of the style they are working with, be it bohemian glamour or modern luxe, they approach each project holistically. “It is important for us to showcase any special aspects of a space and, most importantly, we want it to be representative of our client and meet their design and functionality needs. Our goal is always to present a space that is refined and beautiful.” This look of refined beauty has also been aptly described as a combination of elegance and livability, a rare balance they attribute to paying close attention to what clients have a natural affinity for. “This can be achieved by using pieces that you love and are drawn to! Timeless, comfortable pieces layered with beautiful and edited elements create this type of environment.”

Photo by Peter Margonelli

Being the true creatives that they are, when they are unable to find just the right piece, they create it themselves. They have partnered with Century Furniture, Visual Comfort and Lee Jofa to design stunning pieces that they love sharing with clients and enjoy in their own home as well. Not ones to rest on their laurels, they have several new upcoming projects as well. “We just launched a rug line with Loloi earlier this fall! We also have a decorative artwork collection with Soicher Marin launching spring, 2022!”

Photo by Zac Desart

 

Click here to shop dynamic duo’s TLV Favorite Picks.

5 Quick Questions with Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller of Carrier & Co.

TLV: Most beloved pattern?

CC: We have been using our Benson Stripe for Lee Jofa quite often. We always love a stripe and this one is more painterly and the colors are usable in an array of projects.

 

TLV: Is there an era or a design style that you are particularly inspired by?

CC: We are inspired by all eras, to be honest! Though we are often drawn 1940s French designs.

 

TLV: Favorite travel destination for design inspiration?

CC: We are hoping to visit former FIT classmates and friends in Berlin and Copenhagen in 2022! Though, we always find inspiration in our own “backyards” in NYC and Duchess County.

Photo by Tim Lenz

TLV: Is there a dream project that you have worked on or would love to work on?

CC: In the future, we would love to do a boutique hotel or resort/compound.

 

TLV: What are you currently reading / watching?

Mara: The Prophet, Shark Tank, Love It Or List It – all binged!

Jesse: does following up on DM’s count?

Photo by Eric Piasecki

All Photos Courtesy of Carrier & Co. / Profile Photo by Annie Schletcher / Text by Liana Hayles Newton