Designer Spotlight: A Q+A with Tami Wassong

Tami Wassong has built a reputation for creating timeless, layered interiors that blend vintage charm with contemporary sophistication. With over two decades of experience leading her New York-based firm, she crafts spaces that feel both personal and effortlessly functional. We sat down with Tami to dive into her creative process, the art of layering design elements, and how lighting plays a crucial role in bringing it all together.

Kelly: What's a part of your process that clients don't typically see, but that's absolutely essential to the outcome of a project?

Tami: There's a lot of behind-the-scenes work that makes everything come together seamlessly. Clients usually see the final layer: the materials, the furnishings, the styling. But what they don't see is all the planning, layout work, sourcing, and collaboration with fabricators that happens first. We spend a lot of time making sure the foundation is just right—how the floor plan flows, how light moves through the space, and how every piece will function day-to-day. That groundwork is what makes the final result feel natural and effortless.

Kelly: You have a distinct way of layering contemporary, vintage, and bespoke pieces in your designs. What draws you to that kind of blending, and how do you know when a room or project has the right mix?

Tami: I've always been drawn to contrasts—old and new, sculptural and streamlined, raw and refined. Layering is what brings dimension and soul to a space. I love the tension between a vintage object with patina and a crisp, contemporary line. The "right mix" usually clicks when no one piece dominates—it's a conversation, not a monologue. When everything starts to feel balanced, and nothing screams for attention, that's when I know we've got it right. It should feel curated, not fussy.

Kelly: You've spoken about the importance of function and livability in your work. How do you ensure your designs support day-to-day life without sacrificing beauty?

Tami: I firmly believe that beauty and function should go hand in hand. A space should support how people live—whether that means stain-resistant fabrics on upholstered pieces, the comfort of a sofa, how a family uses their kitchen island, or how materials will age over time. I'm always thinking about how a space will be used, not just how it looks. If something looks gorgeous but you can't live in it, it's not doing its job. When a space works beautifully and looks beautiful, it elevates our client's life.

Kelly: You've worked with an incredible range of materials and design eras. What role does lighting play in tying those layers together?

Tami: To me, lighting is a powerful design tool, being the jewelry of the space, and can completely transform a room. When we are mixing styles and eras, lighting is often the connector or the accent that pulls everything together.

Kelly: Are there any Blueprint Lighting pieces you have used - or are dying to use - that stand out to you? What about them speaks to your design sensibility?

Tami: We have used the Torno Wall Lamp and love its clean architectural lines with just the right amount of sculptural detail. Its adjustability allows it to be used in many areas to create an eye-catching look.

Kelly: You've been running your own firm for over two decades now - what's something you've learned along the way that you wish you'd known when you started?

Tami: I've learned that design is as much about people as it is about spaces. Early on, I thought it was all about the creative vision, but the truth is, building strong relationships—with clients, craftspeople, and collaborators—makes all the difference. When you surround yourself with people who share your passion and attention to detail, the work not only becomes better, but also more enjoyable.