A Collector's Eye: Inside Dobrinka’s World of Design
We recently collaborated with gallery owner and collector Dobrinka Salzman to showcase our new Grand colors - Pencil Gray, Lilac, and Deep Wine - at her gallery, alongside the Gild collection in her Manhattan home.
Stepping into Dobrinka's world is like entering a realm of mid-20th century masterpieces, with a special focus on French, American, and Scandinavian designers.
In this Q&A, we explore Dobrinka's journey, which began with a passion for 18th-century English furniture and its rich craftsmanship. Today, her gallery reflects the same dedication to quality and innovation, featuring works by master designers. Salzman shares her insights on personal style, current projects, and the emotional significance of her curated home. From her favorite spaces to her most cherished pieces of art, she offers a glimpse into the heart of her design philosophy. Whether she’s spotlighting new artists at Design Miami or giving advice on collecting, Dobrinka’s story is one of passion, creativity and an unwavering connection to the beauty in every piece she surrounds herself with.
Tell us a little more about your gallery and collecting, how did it all start?
My gallery is focused on showing French, American and Scandinavian masters from the 1950s and 60s, but it all started with me studying and collecting 18th century English furniture in my late 20s when I was setting up my English Tudor home in CT. I was drawn to the exquisite details, craftsmanship, patina and history each piece came with… Wildly enjoyed the HUNT!
In my gallery, I am still looking for the same qualities - masterful execution and craftsmanship (all the Scandinavian designers, Nakashima) and the progressive ideas of the Mid Century French modernists.
Describe your style in three words…
Only three? Not easy… but I would say - Collected, Creative and Comfortable.
Tell us about a current project you’re working on, or a forthcoming project we should know about?
Very excited to present my artist Christopher Baker, aka The Field Lighting at Design Miami in December, because his light sculptures embody all the characteristics of brilliant design, at least what I believe. Integrity of materials, meticulous execution, original ideas and beauty that steals your heart!
A must have in your gallery or home?
Books, books, books!
What does 'home' mean to you?
The place where I have collected memories, the place where my dogs lounge comfortably on couches, the place where I cook all the time, the place where my kids keep coming back and hang with friends comfortably, the place where I come back every night and share my joys and headaches with my husband and find peace, the place where I have collected beauty that is meaningful to me…I can go on and on, but that pretty much sums it up.
Your favorite room at home?
The family room, where we all come together and share…
A place that means a lot to you?
My home town Plovdiv, Bulgaria. I go back and visit once a year to gain perspective and reset my values… Plovdiv is a place that originates before the Roman Empire with incredible Roman ruins preserved and rich and turbulent history… Still standing, 2000 years later…It gives me strength and its beauty inspires me endlessly!
Your most treasured object, artwork or design piece?
I treasure every object at home, because it is connected to a memory and that has meaning to me, but If I have to choose, I will say my Charlotte Perriand “Forma Libre” table, because I thought it was unattainable. It has an incredible story, but that is for another time.
The best interiors advice you could share?
Have patience and collect pieces you fall in love with, once you have the couch and TV of course :)
Lastly, your favorite Nordic Knots piece and why?
The Grand - Deep Wine, because it surprised me. I am very careful with color and often afraid of it, but Deep Wine felt soothing and gentle, and bold and dramatic all at the same time - love that!
