Discover Bernerd’s Designs: A Blend of Comfort and Sophistication

Tara Bernerd is a designer who effortlessly combines comfort and sophistication in her work. Dividing her time between Switzerland, Milan, and London (where her studio is based), Bernerd is often found in an airport lounge, waiting for her next flight to a new project.

Her design journey has taken her across the globe. In West Palm Beach, she brought natural colors and materials to Milos, an upscale Greek restaurant. In Germany, she gave the Rosewood Munich a fresh, modern twist, while in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, she turned Maroma, A Belmond Hotel into a stylish tribute to Mexican culture.

Back in Italy, Bernerd expanded her work to homewares. She collaborated with two prestigious Italian brands: Frette for luxurious, graphic throws and pillows, and Medea 1905 for a chic bedroom furniture collection.

After speaking at the recent Forbes Travel Guide Monaco Summit, Bernerd shared her insights on why hotels are the new “lifestyle palaces,” and hinted at exciting projects ahead. When she’s not busy designing, you can likely find her in a charming Tuscan town.

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Bernerd helped Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya elevate its look.

Where do you find creative inspiration?

I’ve been traveling since I was very young. Although I was born and raised in London, I spent much of my time on the move. I’ve been to places like Hong Kong, traveled along the Yangtze River in China, visited New York, and spent a lot of time in Europe, especially Italy and Switzerland.

These experiences sparked a deep interest in me. I became aware of how places evolve and developed a fascination with design. My father worked in property development, which exposed me to many architects, including Norman Foster, a major mentor of mine, Richard Rogers (who has passed away), and later, I became friends with Zaha Hadid. These architectural icons shaped my perspective from a young age.

At my core, I’m an artist. I’ve always loved drawing, and I still do. I wake up each day with a natural urge to see and be surrounded by color. It’s a blend of these influences that have shaped who I am.

Rosewood Munich was given a contemporary makeover.

You’ve said that you love hotels. Why do you love them so much?

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The Evolution of Hotels as Lifestyle Palaces

When you travel, hotels often feel like modern «lifestyle palaces.» This idea stuck with me during my travels.

Looking back in history, we see that grand homes — especially those in England, like the ones in Downton Abbey — left an impression. The ceremony, the theater, and the way these homes came to life every morning and evening, as the curtains were drawn, stood out. In the past, you dressed in black tie and were served a martini. Today, hotels do the same — they create ceremonies and experiences that transport you to another world.

This concept has always fascinated me. It’s what drew me to travel and eventually led me into the world of hotels and hospitality. Perhaps this is my true calling.

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At our Summit, you mentioned that we must be more aware of wellness. How do you incorporate wellness into your designs?

Modern Hotel Essentials: Fitness and Wellness
In the past, hotels may or may not have included a gym. Today, an incredible workout facility is a must-have. Guests expect access to health benefits and wellness options. Spas and the services they offer are also becoming essential.

When planning the layout, it’s crucial to integrate these spaces early on. Think about where the fitness and wellness areas will be and how they connect to the overall experience. For example, in my upcoming hotel near Mount Fuji, we are focusing on nature. While we can’t offer guided walks, the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces is vital. The views and how guests feel in the space contribute to a sense of wellness.

There are many elements to consider when creating the perfect environment for relaxation and health.

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Bernerd is playing an important role with the upcoming Six Senses Milan.

What do you think is the future of hotel design?

Human Nature and the Future of Hotels

Human nature is inherently curious and social, driving our desire to explore and connect. Hotels serve as a perfect solution, offering a space for travel and socialization. This need will remain strong for years to come. The future of hotels lies in maintaining a human touch.

The Role of AI and Luxury Hotels

While AI is becoming more advanced, it’s essential to never overlook the value of personal, human interactions, especially in the high-end luxury hotel market. The ability to quickly and efficiently cater to guest needs remains critical.

Understanding Guest Needs

The key to success in hospitality is truly understanding guest needs. A human element is vital in creating a memorable experience. This approach should extend to the designs of hotels, which should be seductive yet subtle. The materials chosen should reflect sensitivity to texture and tone, blending with the locale. Indigenous materials, like local stones, add a timeless quality to the space.

The Value of Family-Owned Hotels

Family-owned hotels stand out because they build at a slower pace and constantly revisit their designs. They often incorporate personal touches, like art from their travels, making each hotel feel unique. While they aren’t “home away from home,” they serve as lifestyle destinations, where the focus is on care and celebration.

A relationship with Frette has blossomed into a creative marriage.

What made you decide to delve into homewares with Frette and Medea 1905?

We’ve always designed bespoke furniture for hotels and private clients, so creating custom pieces wasn’t new to us. While working on the Six Senses Milan, I met cousins Luigi and Andrea Tagliabue, who were very drawn to my designs.

We collaborated again when they designed furniture for one of my private clients. They asked, “Tara, we want to build collections with you.”

For me, this was an opportunity to celebrate color. The collection is called “Disrupting Architecture” because it reflects my journey and inspirations—from the Chrysler Building, Port Lympne, and Eltham Palace to deco buildings and modernism. I mixed patterns and played with different elements, creating something that disrupts architecture. The graphics that resulted felt just right.

The collaboration with Frette was key. Their legacy, craftsmanship, and artisans helped us create colorful cashmeres and throws, filled with energy and movement. Frette’s history, like Medea 1905, spans over 120 years, and working with such craftsmanship was an incredible experience. It felt like a perfect partnership—something I’d always hoped for but hadn’t found until now.

This work with Frette feels like a great marriage, and I’m excited about the future collections I’m designing with them.

Bernerd’s styles will soon extend from the bedroom to homewares.

When will those launch?

We will add to our colorways now of the collection we already have, so that will come out as people get more and more used to modernism and deco. You don’t have to buy it as a collection — you can integrate it with Frette’s other things or even in your own home.

We will launch later this year or early next year an extension of all of that — we will move in out of your bedroom and into your home with homewares. And the same with Medea, we will extend on the eight pieces.

What are you working on next?

The Six Senses Milan, which will open early next year, is the most marvelous project. And I just feel so honored to be working in the heart of Italy, in Milan, the most designed savvy of cities. It’s a responsibility and such a privilege, and we have really embraced the local feeling of Brera, which has got a very different vibe than other parts of Milan. It’s going to be a wonderful project with a huge emphasis on wellness, some exceptional rooms and suites and a very unusual building because the windows and the views across that area are incredible and unexpected.

We are starting on hotel near Mount Fuji. In the U.S., I’m really honored to be working on a project for the St. Regis in Fort Lauderdale, which frankly will be game changing.

Later on, we’ve got Six Senses Lake Como coming and a Paris hotel. And I’m writing my second book.

When she isn’t working, Bernerd’s dreaming about designs in Tuscany.

What will the book focus on?

It is about hotels. It’s about experiences, living lifestyles and it’s everything from what we might see in a beautiful suite that we can bring back into our own homes. It’s about exploring new places, experiencing different materials. It is about the world of hotels, and it is about the world. It’s traveling with me for a little bit from my eyes.

What are your favorite travel destinations?

There are many cities I like to visit. I really enjoy going to Stockholm, and if I go, I’ll always stay at Ett Hem, which is a wonderful hotel. A friend of mine, Jeanette [Mix], designed that with a marvelous designer.

I travel a lot around Italy, so one of my go-tos is a place called Forte dei Marmi [in Tuscany]. When you can’t find me anywhere, you might see me there on an orange bicycle.