Article by Margot De Boer
A move to Scarsdale into a new home in need of some serious love began Buffy Hersly’s obsession with interior design, ultimately inspiring her to launch her own design company – Buffy Hersly Interiors – following a decades-long career in marketing for some of your fave beauty brands. We chatted with Buffy on her design philosophy, favorite things about the Dale, and more in this week’s Meet-a-Mom.
Tell us about your family and life in Scarsdale, please!
We moved from downtown Manhattan 7 years ago, primarily for more space but found so much more. We have two daughters: Cameron is 14 and Evie is 10 years old. We have met so many wonderful families and built what now truly feels like home here. It didn’t happen overnight – in full transparency – it took a while to acclimate but now I can’t imagine being anywhere else (except maybe on a beach!).
Weekends are busy in our house with the girls’ activities, but whenever we have free time as a family we stroll Scarsdale Village (Bronx River Books is great), the Mamaroneck waterside and Greenwich for shopping and restaurants. My older daughter and I love vintage clothing shopping together in the West village and Soho at favorites like What Goes Around Comes Around, The Vintage Twin and Beacon’s Closet.
How did you get started in interior design and when did you decide to launch your business?
When we moved to Scarsdale, we gut renovated our 1929 Tudor home. We wanted to update it to something more modern and bright but still keep the character and heritage of the home. I fell so in love with all aspects of design from kitchen and tiles to wood floors and furnishings. When we finished, I found myself still obsessing over design and going to showrooms, attending design shows, poring over hotel and restaurant architecture/design and reading everything I could. A few friends started asking for my help with their projects, then they referred me to other friends and things naturally started growing.
I’ve been able to build my business throughout Westchester solely through word of mouth, which is a testament to the amazing group of women that support and encourage each other in Scarsdale; my community here really encouraged me to take this leap. Previously, I was in Public Relations for 25 years, planning global press events, beauty product launches and working with celebrity and beauty influencers while managing large scale budgets for clients, all of which has given me insight into building this business.
What is your design philosophy?
I love creating modern and timeless spaces that are chic but also practical for my clients and feel like “home” to them. My goal is always to create beautiful spaces that can be lived in and enjoyed, and that can evolve and grow with a family over time.
I really like collaborating with my clients, getting to know them and designing for their lifestyle. I also love finding and creating bespoke pieces that make the spaces truly unique. Most recently I created a chic “bar lounge” for a client who wanted a non-traditional space for her living room. I also found a “hip hop” style subway map in one of my favorite NYC record shops that became the perfect accent in an office for a client who has the best record collection on display. I am always thinking of my clients’ spaces, and love when inspiration hits when least expected.
What should someone looking to work with an interior designer know?
I think the most important thing is to find someone you connect with, because so much comes down to having open communication throughout the process. Request a portfolio (or check out Instagram or their website) to see if you are drawn to the designer’s style and general vibe. Then it’s important to have a clear conversation about the structure and budget, how decisions will be made and communicated so that everyone has an idea of what’s needed to get started and keep a project moving.
Can you spill the tea on your favorite…
Book you’ve read recently or Bingeworthy TV show: Shrinking on Apple TV – Jason Segal is hilarious.
Shopping destination (local or not!): Locally – Pamela Robbins and I AM More, virtually – Net-A-Porter, ShopBop and Bergdorf Goodman in NYC.
For home, Current Home (Scarsdale), Clic Home in NYC & East Hampton and Homenature in NYC.
Date night spot: Meritage (a Scarsdale classic) or Orienta in Greenwich
Bagel or brunch spot: Stanz in Larchmont or Sammy’s Bagels in Scarsdale
Ladies night out destination: Meso in Rye
Meal out with the fam: Wood & Fire in Eastchester
Place to treat yourself to something nice: Plushblow for a blowout
Hidden Westchester gem (any place you think we moms should know about!): Scout Beauty in Bedford founded by celebrity makeup artist Jenn Streicher – she carries my favorite brands.