My Favorite Designers Series- Mary Bauer of Bratt Decor

Sherri and Mary's $10K Military Nursery Give-away Contest

As a nursery designer I have the pleasure of meeting some of the world's most talented designers. Not only do I recommend their furniture and bedding to my nursery design clients, but I have the opportunity to exhibit my products along side of them at trade shows as well. I've met some outstanding people who have, over the years become more than just my colleagues- they've become my friends. Mary Bauer of Bratt Decor is not only one of the most talented women in the children's industry, but she's also one of the most grounded, kind-hearted and thoughtful people I know. Her generous spirit is unmatched and as time goes on, I find myself more in awe of her in her many roles as a designer, a wife and mother. After working and playing together over the years, I now count her as one of my most trusted and valued friends. 

 Many consumers don't really stop to think about they story behind the products they purchase and enjoy.  It' a shame, really. Because as far as I'm concerned, the story of the designer, about how the design or product came to be, and what inspired its creation- makes that particular item all the more priceless in my eyes. Mary's story of how Bratt Decor came to be is one of the most inspiring yet. So sit back and enjoy this little interview and peek at the woman behind that fabulous nursery furniture line, Bratt Decor!

Mary with celebrity clients, Mario Lopez and Courtney Mazza

Where is home? Baltimore, MD

When did you first realize you wanted to be a designer and how did you prepare yourself for this career?

I don’t know that I ever “realized” it, it’s just always been a part of who I am.  Even as a kid, I was always creating and designing everything around me to fit my version of beauty.

How did you get into this business/start the company?

I began when I got pregnant with my first child, and couldn’t find a crib that I loved.  So, together with my ridiculously talented husband, I designed one.

What do you adore about your job?

I love seeing something in my mind appear before me in a tangible way.

What do you like the least?

The paperwork.

When you need inspiration for your designs, where do you most often turn?

Nature.  The patterns and colors in just about anything God created are so perfect and inspiring.  What I love about what I find in nature, is the deeper you look, the more time you take, the more beauty is revealed. 

How might your clients describe your "signature look"?

Glamorous and timeless.

Famous clients? Tell us a little about working with each.

I’ve worked with some, and what I can tell you about all of them, is they worry about all the same things any expectant parent worry about. They want a safe, beautiful space where their love story can unfold.

What's the most exciting thing on the horizon for you?

Our newest crib, J’adore.   It’s a crib/cradle combination,  in an oval shape, made of all hand bent wrought iron, and I’m so loving it right now.

What do you know now that you wish someone had told you when you were first starting out?

That I was, for sure, going to make it.  That little nugget of wisdom would have saved me so much worry and sleepless nights.

You've learned your design studio will self-destruct in 60 seconds, what three things will you grab?

My husband, computer, and dog, all of which are generally found lying around somewhere in there.

Mary and Stephen Bauer and the new J'adore Crib/Cradle