The five different cushions are described as ‘ a playful expression of Tara Bernerd’s individual style, each stamped with her aviator print’.

Tara herself explains that,

‘Detail in all design is key, and one of the final elements and the ultimate accessory is the cushion. The Miss. Shady range is very personal; my sunglasses reflect a genuine passion for accessories and a love of travel, with the iconic graphic, the national flag and plenty of colour’

We’re looking forward to seeing them!

To find out more about Tara’s various design projects we recommend her exclusive profile here on t5m.

What do you think of Tara’s designs?

‘I think a home should represent you and you can buy bits and pieces that might be of the moment but if you make your home all about a trend then it goes against what a home should be.’

These opinions also transfer to the art world. Though there may be artists, like Damien Hirst, who enter the public domain over time, Bernerd believes that if we only buy what is fashionable then it will not stand the test of time.

‘I think when buying art, knowledge is key. Do your homework.’

The work instantly sets Bernerd’s creative juices flowing and within seconds you can see she is already conjuring up an image in her mind of the perfect setting for Hodgkinson’s pieces. ‘On a modern and contemporary feel for a home and also for something that maybe isn’t too challenging, there is just something so elegant yet has something rather romantic about it at the same time.’

His one line images taken from life sketches and encased in a canvas of enamel are timely summed up by Bernerd in one word, ’striking’.

‘He had his first show in London this month but he had already had three shows in Madrid which sold out and he only completed the equivalent of his MA last year. So really he was probably more famous than his tutors.’

Jason is referring to Italian painter Michele de Campo. Inspired by the youth generation, his vibrant colours and large canvases left Bernerd in awe. ‘I walked past it and I had to look back’. And from the success of his shows it would seem that she is not alone.

‘I think what is unquestionable about these fairs is that they are overwhelming and if you are overwhelmed it doesn’t mean anything more than you are normal, especially if you don’t know yet what your tastes are.’

From modern to Miro, Bernerd understands how easy it can be to feel at a loss when it’s comes to choosing what to buy from a mishmash of works from a whole spectrum of artists. Her advice? ‘I’d pace myself. I’d go and relax and look through all my books and my brochures and have a good think about it’.

Hannah Berry

Interior designer Tara Bernerd stops in her tracks, walks back a couple of paces and turns to face a piece of art by Fabienne Arietti. When talking to Herroux about this piece of work, Bernerd asks if this artist was influenced by Hodgkins – for he, like her, made the unusual decision of making the frame part of the picture itself.

‘Yes, she does the framing herself and she is very good at that. It’s inclusive of the painting,’ explains Herroux to Bernerd. Bernerd is clearly taken with her style, ‘There is so much there to stand out in a fair like this and I think that says a lot about an artist.’

Following Tara’s father becoming incredibly ill with cancer around his face, she has worked closely with leading facial surgeon, Professor Ian Hutchinson in setting up ‘Saving Faces’, a charity which funds research into new techniques and provides support for families and patients.

Working with charity is nothing new for Tara, whose mother was heavily involved in the work of children’s charity Dr. Banardo’s when Tara was younger.

Tara also speaks about her new project, Give Back, which despite being in it’s early stages will provide apprenticeships and practical support for underprivileged young people.

Tara explains how her aesthetic is masculine with a hint of warmth, and also categorically rules out anything floral or too feminine, saying ‘ I am not a chintz girl!’.

Tara Bernerd exclusively on t5m gives unrivalled insight into the world of design and architecture.

Tara also tells us about what attributes a good designer needs, the number one skill, perhaps unsurprisingly being a ’sprinkling of good taste’. As well as this, Tara also sings the praises of her industry as being one where as you get older your game improves – unlike footballing or modelling.

Each project starts as a brainstorm, before the tasks are assigned to a team by Tara’s partner Thomas Griem who works with either TARGET LIVING’s in house architects or another firm to establish the fundamental architecture and structure of the project. They then return to their round table to talk about the design elements – floors, walls and bathrooms etc, before finally tackling the finishing details from curtains to furniture and everything in between.

Tara explains how each project is ‘organic’ and takes it’s own different shape – a method which clearly works!