Designer Diaries: Justin Charette Design 🗽

With a sharp eye for contrast and a refined palette rooted in timeless design, New York-based interior designer Justin Charette brings thoughtful elegance to every space he touches. Known for balancing clean lines with layered materials — and recently, for a growing appreciation of color — his projects are as much about mood as they are about meticulous detail.

We caught up with Justin to discuss the evolution of his design style, his recent weekend home renovation in Bellport Village, and why decisiveness is his secret weapon in the design world.

 

 

You’ve become known for a neutral-leaning aesthetic, but lately you’ve embraced more pops of color. What sparked the shift?

"Adding more pops of color was inspired by my clients. I like to stay true to my style keeping things tailored, somewhat graphic, and including black in my projects. That being said. I’ve had some clients that wanted me to infuse color into their projects, and it’s something I’ve really enjoyed doing."

 

 

You’ve just completed a renovation of your weekend home in Bellport Village. How did the design process differ from your Gramercy Park apartment?

"We live in NYC during the week, then our new Bellport home is for the weekend. My creative approach on all projects is very similar. I like to think of the overall vibe I’m trying to achieve.

Typically, I determine how I want the project to feel, and I understand there are many ways to get there. While I’m detail oriented, I don’t get fixated on must-haves — I like to keep up the pace of a project, and to be able to pivot to alternatives, while still keeping the vision in mind."

 

 

Living in NYC must come with its own design influence. How has that shaped your process?

"Absolutely. As a native New Yorker, I’ve always been someone who finds that being decisive and agile are key to success.  I’m most influenced by the pace."

 

 

When it comes to renovation, are you calling up your go-to experts or rolling up your sleeves?

"I trust the experts! I like things to be very meticulous, and I believe, to achieve this, it’s best to work with people who flex these skills on a daily basis." 

 

 

Does your husband get a say in your home’s interiors, or is it all you?

"He leaves it all in my hands!"

 

 

Who are some designers you admire?

"I find the work of Kelly Behun, Peter Marino, and Kelly Wearstler very aspirational and I enjoy it.

That being said, I don’t look to others work for inspiration.  While I’m not reinventing the wheel by any means, I find my work is best when I just follow gut instincts — I often find that looking for inspiration can cause work that feels a bit copycat and not authentic."

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If you weren’t an interior designer, what would you be doing?

"I'd be a Crisis Manager! I exude the P’s essential for that type of work; Predict, Prevent, Prepare, and Perform."

 

It’s said the devil’s in the details. What three design details do you obsess over?

"Cabinet pulls and hardware, of course! Also meticulous paint and grout lines, plus ambient lighting."

 

And finally, who’s your dream client?

"My dream client would be someone who has a love for leather, and would be open to incorporating it in exciting yet sophisticated ways throughout their home."

 

 

Thanks for joining us for a tea break, Justin ☕ Follow Justin Charette Design on Instagram @justin.charette.design for a glimpse into his latest residential projects, sharp detailing, and moments of beautifully layered restraint.