Breaking the Mold With Monika Nessbach & Designbar

monika nessbach founder interior designer designbar charlotte nc

Raised near Köln, Germany, Monika Nessbach harnesses her unique creative perspective to power her studio, Designbar. Influenced by modern and postmodern aesthetics, she crafts compelling interiors that are designed to defy expectations, tell intriguing stories, and stand apart from the rest.

Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Designbar has created interiors for everything from student housing to corporate spaces to jaw-dropping restaurants. Their eclectic and individual approach to each project makes for colorful, texture-rich environments that evoke awe and admiration. And they give more than beautiful interiors to their community, donating regularly to Carolina Boxer Rescue, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty against Animals and contributing to the advancement of women in business. 

Join us as we take a peek inside the creative mind of Monika Nessbach in this edition of Love Happens’ Design Questionnaire.


Lh Design Questionnaire with Monika Nessbach of Designbar


What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Me being outside, sunshine, blue skies, warm wind running through my hair, the view of blue or turquoise waters and sand and good music playing in the background.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Building and running my company.

What profession does your alter ego have?

Travel content creator.

The project you will never forget.

Eight Sushi and Asian Kitchen (way ahead of its time for the location it was in).

Interior of Eight Sushi and Asian Kitchen

Your favorite business tool or resource.

Consulting my network of industry friends and peers.

The most timeless design.

Mid-century modern classic furniture (think Barcelona chair, Noguchi table, etc.).

Interiors by DesignBar for (L-R) Mellow Mushroom, Figo36 Italian NoDa, and The Vintage Whiskey & Cigar Bar

The biggest design faux pas.

Cabinet hardware handles with overhang where clothes and everything else gets stuck when you walk by.

Your design motto.

“Do Epic Shit”

Our publisher, KOKET, makes statement décor. If you were to design a room around one of their pieces, which would it be, and why?

I’d probably use the new myth coffee table. I love a multi-tiered coffee table and anything that incorporates biophilic design. Plus, KOKET is a master when it comes to incorporating Art Noveau-inspired pieces. With it being a center point, it’s perfect to design everything else around it.

myth coffee table koket

Love Happens when…

…you are not looking for it.

Explore more by Monika Nessbach and Designbar

Introduction by Bridget Kitson
All Photos Courtesy of DesignBar


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