Founded in New York in 2012, Paris Forino has earned a reputation as one of the most influential interior design studios shaping contemporary spaces in New York City and beyond. Renowned by real estate developers, hospitality brands, and private clients alike, the firm is celebrated for its bold yet refined use of color, materiality, and finishes, creating interiors that are luxurious, purposeful, and emotionally resonant. Each project reflects a meticulous balance of light, proportion, and texture, with custom millwork, bespoke furnishings, and tactile surfaces thoughtfully orchestrated to elevate every space. Paris Forino’s portfolio spans luxury residential, multifamily, and hospitality projects worldwide, earning recognition as a trusted and visionary voice in its field. With work featured in top publications and admired for its quiet sophistication and timeless appeal, the studio continues to be a trusted and influential voice among developers, architects, and discerning clients alike.
(Image above courtesy of Paris Forino)
Image courtesy of Paris Forino
When you were a kid, what did you dream of becoming? Did any of those childhood ambitions lead you to where you are today?
I was really seriously into ballet as a kid and that was my first aspiration. However, by the time I was about 16 I decided not to pursue that as a career and pivoted to design. I was good at both art and math, so thought it was somehow using both those parts of my brain.
Where and what did you study?
Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design (Honours), University of Technology, Sydney
Was there a specific turning point or experience when you realized that design was your true calling?
After high school I took a gap year and travelled to Europe for one year. (It’s the thing to do in Australia! At least it was back then) I remember being in Paris and walking past the fabric stores. I think it was a Manuel Canovas store and I fell in love with all these beautiful textiles and then really noticed all of the beautiful rooms and interior designs everywhere… That was the turning point!
Image courtesy of Paris Forino
Is there a particular designer, artwork, or design movement that deeply inspires you? How has it influenced your own style or philosophy?
I really take elements from so many different movements and styles and piece them together to create my own… I love elements of classicism, modernism, then more specifically Gustavian, and contemporary American designers. Your eye is always switched on and absorbing everything around you. This really shapes what you design and draw.
Which designers do you love following on social media? What draws you to their work?
- Pierre Yovanovitch, has a wonderfully strong and distinct point of view.
- Flack studios, are doing some great work and I love their Aussie sense of color.
- Ross Cassidy, has a refreshing Joie de vivre which I enjoy.
How would you describe your design philosophy? Has it evolved over time, and if so, how?
I believe great design is about creating spaces that feel effortless and real; sophisticated but easy to live in. I focus on light, proportion, and materials that work together naturally, so every room has a sense of calm and character.
Over the years working on homes, apartments, and hospitality projects around the world, I’ve come to trust simplicity even more. The details still matter as much as ever, but now I’m a little braver with color and texture, always with the goal that the space just feels right for how people actually live.
Image courtesy of Paris Forino
Tell us a bit about where you live: How long have you been there, and how does your environment shape your creative process?
I’ve been in New York since 2003, and both my studio and home here feed straight into how I design; the city’s energy, buildings, and changing light always push me to think about scale and materials in a sharper way. Then there’s our family’s 1920s Dutch Colonial in Connecticut where I escape on weekends. Surrounded by flower and vegetable gardens, plus a water garden, it’s this quiet counterpoint that brings out the softer side; nature’s colors and textures always find their way into the work. The mix of city buzz and that calm really shapes every project.
Which of your projects are you most proud of, and what makes them stand out for you?
We recently finished collaborating on my client and good friend Fredrik Eklund’s (and his family) NYC Pied-à-terre. It was such a joyful process. We have worked on so many projects together and are very simpatico; it is always a joy and when there is joy in the process it reveals itself in the design.
In your opinion, what is the most significant challenge facing the design world today? How do you think designers should respond to it?
I think we can be overwhelmed by the magnitude of things online. Millions of options of things that are little pictures on the screen. Design is so much more than trawling the internet for pictures. I see designers get in a rut. Trawling online… we need to be more measured, more considerate, and really
Image courtesy of Paris Forino
What are you currently working on?
We are currently working on a mix of luxury residential, multifamily, and landmark restoration projects in New York, Miami, and abroad. Alongside these larger developments, we collaborate closely with private clients,
What’s on the horizon for you? Any upcoming projects, events, or goals you’re particularly looking forward to?
We have several exciting high-end residential and multifamily projects across New York, Miami, Washington D.C., and a beautiful villa in Tuscany.
We have private residences in Philadelphia, NYC, Atlanta and are slowly but surely developing an amazing custom furniture line.
What’s a favorite movie, band, or song that has inspired or shaped your creative mind?
I loved watching Twin Peaks back in the 1990’s… definitely an inspiring series!
