Interior designer, art consultant, and stylist Melissa Bowers began her career working as a set designer and stylist for legends such as Helmut Newton and Sonia Rykiel. She went on to hone her craft at Studio Sofield, collaborating on hotel and retail projects for the likes of Tom Ford and Harry Winston, before moving on to serve as Design Director for Miami Beach’s Faena District.

Today, with offices in LA and NYC, Bowers focuses her refined eye on hospitality and residential interiors that celebrate the art of entertaining. Consider, for example, her recent design for Sona, the Flatiron’s hot new Indian restaurant—the brainchild of executive chef Hari Nayak and creative consultant (and star actress-singer) Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Bowers’s seductive composition evokes the Art Deco period in Mumbai, featuring gilded columns and mirrors alongside an artwork program composed exclusively of shoppable works by Indian artists. It is an elegant (and delicious) escape in the middle of the city.

We asked Bowers to share a few of the items on her design wishlist at the moment. Scroll on for her collection-worthy picks sure to elevate any space.

Femme du Barbu by Pablo Picasso

“This reminds me of how Picasso entertained and celebrated life,” Bowers says. “In fact, it inspired me to do a collection of my own for entertaining.”

Cela Midori by Karen Swami

“A masterpiece. Karen Swami is an artist that provokes spirituality, and her process is sublime.”

Tappissier Armchairs by Guillerme et Chambron

“This is where decorative art becomes contemporary art. These chairs are exceptional and add a sculptural element to any space.”

Pistil Mirror by Max Ingrand

“This is such a collector's piece,” Bowers observes. “Building a client's collection is integral to my process, and adding a Max Ingrand piece is a wonderful way to bring in an object that is not only beautiful but also functional.”

Casserole Dish by Emerging Objects

“For me, this is a positive step toward contemporary craftsmanship, giving homage to indigenous materials and traditions while modernizing in a way that technology can be celebrated.”

Tube Cabinet by Christophe Côme

“I was introduced to Christophe Côme by my dearest friend and design guru, gallerist Cristina Grajales,” Bowers tells us. “His artful use of metal and glass calls to mind jewelry.”

Night and Day 186 by Jos Devriendt

“Timeless! From the proportions to the light it emits, it is perfect.”

Thanks, Melissa! ◆