On the Case

When Mona Ross Berman found herself daydreaming about how she’d redecorate her law office once she made partner, she knew it might be time to retire from the legal profession and pursue her love of interior design. Soon after, in 2004, she founded Mona Ross Berman Interiors. Since then, clients throughout the Philadelphia area, Washington, D.C., Boston and New York have sought out her expertise. The Chestnut Hill resident is known for her fresh ideas, professional approach and close attention to client needs. “People should feel connected to—and inspired by—their environment,” she says. “The best part of my job is helping people live better by making their homes more beautiful, comfortable and functional.”

Personal decorating style: Classic and timeless, but always with a little twist.

Favorite room in her house: It has to be the kitchen. It’s the perfect blend of form and function, and it’s where everyone inevitably congregates during a party.

Most prized possession: A painting of my husband as a little boy that was done by his grandmother.

Designers who inspire her: Victoria Hagan, David Hicks, Billy Baldwin and Kelly Wearstler.

Design advice she loves to give: Invest in the main pieces in a room. Buy well-made pieces with classic lines that you’ll have forever. You can spend less on, and be trendier with, the smaller pieces of furniture and the accessories.

Color she couldn’t design without: Chocolate brown. It’s such a great anchor color for a room, works with so many other colors, and brings warmth and depth.

Design element she loves to incorporate into a space: Beautiful fabrics in rich textures and fun patterns. They make a space feel special, lively and inviting.