Franco Biscardi, interior designer with Brady Design, shows in a...

Franco Biscardi, interior designer with Brady Design, shows in a Southampton home that he designed. The photo is from Sept. 22, 2015. Credit: Randee Daddona

After visiting an endless number of designer show houses and poring over portfolios, Newsday has pulled together 11 designers, including one husband-and-wife team, who bring beauty and drama to Long Island’s homes. We’ve taken a peek at what they’ve been up to recently and learned a little more about what makes each of them stand out from the pack.

This week, we chat with Franco Biscardi, who works with architect Brian P. Brady of Southampton’s Brady Design.

How would you sum up your design style?

Classical with eclectic elements in serene palettes.

What’s your biggest design influence?

Colors in nature — sand, sun, ocean, etc.

If you could only use one color in a room, what would it be?

Stone. Since art and accessories are as important as anything else, a pale, neutral background would allow maximum effect from them.

What is your favorite DIY tip?

On newly installed drapes and bed skirts, use a spritz of water instead of a steamer to smooth and remove wrinkles. It works as well as steam and doesn’t cause the fabric to stretch as much.

What design trend are you so over?

Black window trim exterior.

What is your best recommendation for home furnishing shopping on Long Island?

The antiques dealers on the North Fork.

What is the cheapest find that you have furnished your house with?

Fabulous counter stools from the Bridgehampton antiques fair for $100 each.

What is one piece in your own home that you couldn’t live without?

My old George Smith sofa.

What is the most unusual space you’ve ever designed?

A ranch in Idaho.

Is there a restaurant or other commercial space that you love the look of?

MONC XIII, a store in Sag Harbor.

What do you usually start with when planning a space?

Pinterest boards/magazine clippings of the clients.

TVs in the bedroom: Love them, hate them, don’t care?

Don’t care anymore — they’re so slim and sleek, they’re hardly noticeable anymore.

Name a book that would absolutely have to be in your library.

“Ask and It Is Given” by Esther and Jerry Hicks.

Do you have a go-to fabric supplier?

Holland & Sherry.

What makes a great client?

Kindness, patience and enthusiasm for the finished product.

Which other designers do you admire?

Victoria Hagan, David Kleinberg.

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