Profile: Geoffrey Bradfield

Functional opulence, purposeful whimsy, modern art and high tech accessories are all key to Geoffrey Bradfield’s sui generis style.

The South African born designer was a well-established in Johannesburg before moving to New York City in the late 1970s. Initially he worked with the legendary McMillen, Inc. and later as long-time partner of the late Jay Spectre.

Geoffrey has an undeniable talent for capturing the imagination and creating urbane interiors that are lavish, daring, contemporary and sumptuous. Where he truly excels is the orchestration of surprise. The unusual and quirky elements of his rooms never seem overplayed or trite. A perfect example is his Millennium Modern line of furniture, reinventions of traditional forms in Lucite.

His work has appeared in the pages of every leading design magazine including Architectural Digest, Interior Design, Elle Decor, Veranda, Classic Home, House Beautiful, Metropolitan Home and The New York Times. Of course, I was most impressed by his appearance on CNN's Style with Elsa Klensch!

His roster of projects and clients is equally impressive. Geoffrey’s firm played a role in the design overhaul of the Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney estate in Old Westbury, Long Island and the restoration of the late King Hussein's mansion in Maryland. Recently he completed a project for director Oliver Stone's New York residence.

Geoffrey’s answers to my questions are fun and most fitting. They made me smile (and laugh) on more than one occasion.

How would you describe your personal style?
I am a modernist and the use of contemporary art is a significant ingredient in my signature style.

What inspires your creativity and designs?
To some extent, the Art Moderne period of the 1940s. But, it does go far beyond that. I am very intrigued with the advent of technology.

Past or present who has most influenced your direction in life?
Aesthetically, Le Courbusier from the past. Lifestyle, Mr. Henry Mcilhenny of Philadelphia and Ireland. Spiritually, the Reverend Canon David Painter

What books are currently on your bedside table?
Dominick Dunne's Too Much Money and Lady Colin Campbell's Empress Bianca

What is your most prized possession?
Mr. Willoughby, my Yorkshire Terrier

Who are your style icons?
Le Courbusier, Jean-Michel Frank & Gilbert Poillerat

Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?
Renzo Piano

What is the one thing in life you cannot live without?
My Bentley Continental Flying Spur and my driver Carlos

Past or present who has most influenced your direction in life?
Aesthetically, Le Courbusier from the past. Lifestyle, Mr. Henry Mcilhenny of Philadelphia and Ireland. Spiritually, the Reverend Canon David Painter


What is your favorite luxury in life?
A kilogram of beluga caviar and an extra-dry vodka martini from La Grenouille

What is your idea of earthly happiness?
Do you want the truth? In which case, a good roll in the hay. Or, the sanitized version, Saturdays with no prior commitments.

Profile by Ronda Carman