DON'T MISS A THING

When it comes to stepping confidently into a new era of design, Kelly Zerbini does so with both vision and conviction. Now partner and principal designer at Dunnam Zerbini Design—formerly Arthur Dunnam for Jed Johnson Studio—Kelly stands at the forefront of the firm’s rebranded chapter alongside Arthur Dunnam.

Her path was shaped early on by formative experiences at the celebrated New York studio Clodagh, followed by Eric Cohler Design, where she refined her eye for timeless elegance. Kelly has mastered the art of balancing classic and contemporary influences, creating interiors that feel both luxurious and deeply inviting. In 2024, her dedication and creative leadership culminated in her official appointment as partner—an achievement that feels less like a milestone and more like a natural evolution.

At Love Happens, we had the pleasure of connecting with Kelly for our latest LH Design Questionnaire. Read on to discover the inspirations, influences, and design philosophies shaping her work today.

LH Design Questionnaire with Kelly Zerbini of Dunnam Zerbini Design

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Golden hour, hanging out in the backyard with the people I love, something good on the grill, music playing, and that easy feeling of gratitude in the air. That’s my idea of perfect happiness.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I see achievement as an evolving pursuit. What matters most to me is showing up fully in the roles I care about most, being a present mother, a thoughtful creative, and a business owner committed to raising the bar. It’s not one moment—it’s the ongoing effort.

Photos by Nick Johnson

What profession does your alter ego have?

My alter ego is a farmer, growing heirloom vegetables and far too many flowers. I own an unreasonable number of ceramic vases and baskets, more than any one person (or farm) could ever justify.

The design you will never forget.

Collaborating with Ingo Maurer on a 22-foot palladium ribbon light for a Palm Beach residence. It took two years to perfect the shape and fabricate, and it arrived as a single piece, hoisted into place by an army of movers.  Mauer even flew a special engineer in from Germany to oversee the installation. It was a true labor of love and precision.

Your favorite business tool or resource.

My digital calendar. It runs the show. If it’s not in there, it doesn’t happen.

The most timeless design.

Diego Giacometti’s furniture. Sculptural and soulful, it has inspired generations of artists and makers to see furniture as more than function.

The biggest design faux pas.

Thinking you can’t mix metals. Watch me.

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

I would design a room, ideally a dining room or a living room with a game table, around the Enchanted Dining Arm Chair. Its faux-bois frame is effortlessly whimsical, and the intricate detailing on the back adds a sculptural quality that’s both elegant and unexpected. The chair straddles the line between contemporary and traditional with ease, and the branch motif on the back serves as a conversation starter, visible from every angle.

Your design motto.

Life’s too short for forgettable spaces. Homes should reflect the people who live in them and tell a story.

Explore more work by the amazing Kelly Zerbini at dunnamzerbini.com

Feature Image by Nick Johnson | All Photos Courtesy of Dunnam Zerbini Design

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The LH Design Questionnaire Series