Keri Lederman is a Set Decorator based out of Brooklyn, New York. Keri’s love of decorating was evident at an early age when she used to create small vignettes inside her mother’s antique shop in Nyack, NY, along with acting as her partner in crime when on the hunt for merchandise.
Upon graduating from SUNY Binghamton with a major in English Literature, Keri worked in a variety of capacities within the film industry from production to props. Through these experiences, she developed a greater understanding of filmmaking and the importance each department has in contributing to the final product.
A few years after settling into the Set Decorating department and working for talented decorators such as Leslie Rollins, Ellen Christiansen, and Shelley Barclay, Keri went on to forge her own career as a Set Decorator in television, film and commercials. Her recent projects include HBO’s The Undoing, Hulu’s The Looming Tower, Jennifer Lopez’s soon to be released Marry Me, and the New York portion of Wild Mountain Thyme directed by John Patrick Shanley.
Keri Lederman Project Showcase
Photos are from The Undoing, The Looming Tower, Tales of the City, & Sneaky Pete
Photography Credit: Warrick Page ©2019
Q&A with Keri Lederman
Q.
First investment piece of furniture you purchased?
A.
A mint condition mid century lucite bar cart. I had no where to put it and no actual need for it, but I just had to have it!
Q.
Best way to relax/decompress?
A.
Exercise. People do not normally think of exercise as relaxing, but for me it’s an excellent way to release all the stress we are often under dealing with time and budgetary constraints. I recently bought a Peloton, I’ll let you know how it goes!
Q.
What’s the best thing about shopping in person?
A.
Nothing beats being able to see things in person. I have found it so helpful when I can physically see the size, scale, condition and color of the set dressing I purchase or rent. Whether it’s fabric, wall paper or furniture, all of these things apply and are sometimes not translatable in online photographs.There’s also the rare serendipitous moment when you see something you didn’t know you needed (like a lucite bar cart!).
Q.
What modern design trend makes you cringe?
A.
I wouldn’t say that it makes be cringe, but I am not a huge fan of geometrics prints. I find them busy and overwhelming. I prefer easier more quiet shapes and patterns.
Q.
How do you maintain a work/ life balance?
A.
I don’t…well, I try. It’s tricky. Sometimes work becomes so encompassing I catch what I call a case of ”feature-itis.” When it’s just work work work and you wake up on the weekend and your house is a mess, your mail has built up and there’s little piles of clothes still left in the shape you discarded them in. So to combat this syndrome, I do TM (transcendental meditation) as well as making sure I plan some sort of activity with a friend at least once a week
Q.
Describe your childhood bedroom? My childhood bedroom was so tiny.
A.
I remember my bedroom like it was yesterday, I had a full set of white Campaign Furniture and an orange shag rug. My mom was an antiques dealer, so despite having all new furniture, the decor still had a vintage feel. My bookcase was filled with technicolor children books and an assortment of Stieff stuffed animals, some of which I still have
Q.
You are stuck on an island, you can pick one food to eat forever without getting tired of it, what would you eat?
A.
Mango…fresh or dried, I love it!
Q.
Sweet or savory?
A.
Sweet to a fault
Q.
What’s one thing that is always in your refrigerator?
A.
Some sort of disgusting but organic flavored coffee creamer
Q.
A book that everyone should read?
A.
A book my sister gave me, The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F***
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Q.
What is one Instagram account you can’t live without?
A.
The Dodo, I love animal rescue videos. So triumphant!
