In Conversation with Bari J. Ackerman

Charlotte-based artist and author Bari J. Ackerman, known for her playful use of bold prints, patterns and colors in her interior designs, took a moment to answer some of our burning questions about her work, where she finds inspiration, and the modern maximalist movement.

STIR: Tell us a little bit about your colorful career. When did your love for color and pattern first begin, and where has it taken you?

Bari J. Ackerman: I probably developed my love for color and pattern as a child. My mom enjoyed colorful decor and florals. She painted, sewed and did needlepoint and crochet. Our home was decorated by her cousin, Bernie, who incorporated a lot of florals, greens and pinks in the color scheme. I think I’ve been attracted to it since.

S: What three words would you use to describe your unique style?

B: Maximalist, expressive and eclectic.

^{Ackerman’s divine dining room, using Extra White SW 7006 (257-C1) and Malted Milk SW 6057 (196-C1), proves that bold design doesn’t have to be complicated.}

S: What’s energizing you lately, and what are some of your go-to sources of inspiration?

B: I love going to museums and traveling. I also love hiking and being outside. I have tons of design books and go through them often as well.

S: We’re so on board with the maximalism trend in interiors. How have you seen it evolve, and where do you think it might be headed?

B: It’s interesting. When I started in design in the early 2000s, minimalism was huge and it still is. I designed fabric that was used for modern quilting, and there was a trend toward what they were calling “low volume” designs. This really meant low color value designs. My designs were anything but low color value. I was always mixing and matching pattern, and at that time, in rebellion, I called myself a maximalist. It wasn’t a term that was widely used at the time; I was simply using it to express that I wasn’t into the color desert that was before me.

Since then, maximalism has exploded. I understand the desire for serene design, but for those of us not invigorated by it, color and pattern fills a big void. It makes people happy. I see this trend continuing and growing. At first I think people didn’t know quite how to refine a maximalist design … to curate it.

^{We’re loving this inventive use of green: a Vogue Green SW 0065 (Historic Collection) banister and an artful touch of Arugula SW 6446 (157-C6) in an office.}

I have always felt that maximalism isn’t about stuff, it’s about intentionally layering color and pattern. More is more, but only when it doesn’t completely overwhelm your senses. When you layer intentionally, you get what I call “Curated Maximalism.” I think more people are feeling this kind of design lately—it’s enough color and pattern to make you feel happy and cozy.

S: What are some tried-and-true tips you depend on for playing with color and pattern in the home?

B: Contrast + through line = pattern mixing success. Try mixing a large-scale pattern with a contrasting pattern like a geometric or a ditsy floral, but keep at least one color in common between them. It’s the contrast that creates interest, and the color that will tie them together.

S: Tell us about a time you had to depart from your comfort zone on a project. What was that experience like, and what did it teach you?

B: Designing the butler’s pantry in our kitchen and the primary bath in our last house had me out of my zone with the technical requirements of tile, cabinetry and plumbing. I learned a ton from these projects and am still learning. One thing I always do now is make sure that I know how a project should be done technically from a building standpoint. That way, when I talk to contractors, I know what I’m looking for before hiring them.

_{Ackerman illustrates the maxim of “more is more” in a way that wows without being overwhelming by layering bold patterned pieces against a backdrop of Extra White SW 7006 (257-C1).}

S: What is your favorite part of the design process?

B: Seeing a design go from paper and thoughts to real life.

S: Do you have an all-time favorite Sherwin-Williams shade, palette, or collection? Any current combinations that are speaking to you right now?

B: I’m all about pink and green. One of my favorite pink Sherwin-Williams shades is Malted Milk SW 6057 (195-C1). For greens I love Sage SW 2860 (Historic Collection) for a muted green and Arugula SW 6446 (157-C6) for a nice bright green.

Photos of Bari J. Ackerman by Carley Page Summers. All other photos by Bari Ackerman of Bari J. Designs.