Dan Mazzarini’s breezy blend of gauzy linen, splattered terra cotta and unlacquered brass

The article discusses the new Bedford Park collection from Morris & Co., a textile brand named after the influential British textile artist William Morris. The collection, spearheaded by lead designer Jessica Clayworth, aims to honor Morris's iconic Arts & Crafts designs while introducing a modern and unexpected twist through bold and supercharged color palettes. Clayworth's vision was to disrupt the market by reimagining classic patterns with punchy hues and dramatic color combinations, drawing inspiration from the psychedelic tones of the 1960s and '70s. The development process involved delving into the company's archives to select both well-known Morris bestsellers and lesser-known works by other significant Arts & Crafts designers. The goal was to bring attention to designs that had previously received less recognition and to highlight the contributions of artists like C.F.A. Voysey, Allan Francis Vigers, and J. H. Dearle, who were also impactful during the Arts & Crafts period. The Bedford Park collection features 15 wallpaper designs and 14 fabrics. Clayworth provides insights into several key patterns within the collection. For instance, the popular 'Pimpernel' pattern, originally characterized by soft, muted colors, has been reinterpreted with brighter, stronger colors such as Shamrock and Watermelon. This reinterpretation caters to customers seeking a more vibrant and audacious aesthetic. Another pattern, 'Spring Thicket,' which was Morris's last wallpaper design, has been updated from its original subtle peachy ground to striking bright blues, incorporating a lilac punch to modernize the colorway and enhance the floral and leaf motifs. The collection also introduces designs by C.F.A. Voysey, including 'The Savaric,' which features his signature bird motif. While Morris's designs are often described as structural, Voysey's style is noted for its naivete. The updated 'Savaric' maintains a gentle color palette, such as Garden Green, to align with Voysey's original vision while introducing his work to a broader audience. Voysey's 'Glade' and 'Laceflower' patterns are also part of the collection. 'Glade' stands out with its structural, stylized botanical design and Art Nouveau influence, offering a departure from some of the more elaborate patterns. 'Laceflower' reintroduces Voysey's characteristic birds, integrated within floral stems for a more dimensional effect compared to 'The Savaric.' Allan Francis Vigers' 'Campanula' design, with its dense field of vibrant flowers, is presented in a Sunburst colorway that closely honors the creator's initial vision, with colors slightly enhanced for impact. The wallpaper print for 'Campanula' also pays homage to the wooden printing blocks used during the Arts & Crafts era, reinforcing the collection's authentic origins. Many patterns in the Bedford Park collection are available in both fabric and wallpaper, allowing for maximalist decorating schemes. The collection is designed to evoke a sense of rebellion and statement-making, aiming to impress and inspire awe in observers. #MorrisAndCo #TextileDesign #ArtsAndCrafts #InteriorDesign #Wallpaper #Fabric #WilliamMorris #BedfordParkCollection #ColorCombinations

Ranieri's New Lava Range introduces a novel application and evolution of the glazed aesthetic within the design world, leveraging volcanic stone as its core material. The Campania-based company's innovative approach highlights the material's unique and varied composition through diverse cutting styles, glazes, effects, finishes, and colorings. Each piece of lava stone is a solidified expression of geological formation, characterized by surfaces rich in minerals, apertures, metallic shards, and matte fragments, offering inherent variations in shades, colors, textures, and mineral compositions that make it inherently distinct from other materials. Lava stone's versatility and strength provide a broader range of technical possibilities compared to traditional materials like marble and ceramic. This makes it suitable for a wide array of applications in both interior and outdoor design, including tiles, wall claddings, bar and kitchen countertops, outdoor furniture, bathtubs, sinks, reception desks, spa and wellness areas, and swimming pools, given its natural heat-retention properties. Ranieri's focus on enhancing the stone's inherent qualities marks a significant shift in its utilization, moving beyond ancient applications to contemporary design. The design studio's pioneering treatment of lava stone honors and amplifies its natural state, building upon the rich tradition of craftsmanship in the Campania region. By emphasizing the stone's heterogeneity and rich surfaces, Ranieri has developed a new aesthetic that renders lava an innovative and multipurpose design material. Originating from extreme heat, lava stone uniquely endures the high temperatures required for glaze application, enabling vibrant and diverse color effects. Ranieri's cutting techniques allow for the creation of sculptural, three-dimensional tiles and elements that can be thinly glazed. The brand offers a variety of glaze options, which, in addition to the stone's natural chromatic peculiarities, are transformative. These options include the 'Bare' variant, where the stone is carved but unmanipulated; translucent colorings; and tinted, smooth, and deep colorings. Tinted surfaces apply a sheer veil of color, accentuating the natural scintillations and clefts of the lava. Smooth colorings result in a highly polished, enameled finish with dynamic reflections and varied chromatic intensity, while deep colorings involve dense enamel application, achieving solid, profound, and intense hues unique to lava stone. By challenging conventional perceptions of lava stone—whether used in its raw form or completely covered by enamel—Ranieri’s methodologies introduce new design philosophies. These trailblazing techniques deliberately accentuate the nuances of the magma, recontextualizing and rejuvenating the material for contemporary design applications. #Ranieri #NewLavaRange #VolcanicStone #GlazedAesthetic #InteriorDesign #OutdoorDesign #MaterialInnovation #ArchitecturalMaterials #ItalianDesign

This article offers an exclusive look into the interior design of 'Meraki Beauty & Wellness,' a salon and spa located in Lahore, co-founded by sisters Saba and Fatima. The establishment is presented as a tranquil retreat, offering a complete beauty experience in a Zen-like environment, strategically located away from the bustling commercial areas of Gulberg and near the burgeoning DHA Phase 5. The salon's interior design is characterized by a harmonious blend of modern and industrial elements, creating a stylish yet comfortable space. The designers deliberately moved away from opulent decorations like typical chandeliers and vibrant colors, opting instead for a minimalist, contemporary aesthetic that promotes serenity and inner peace. This approach is evident in the choice of a muted color palette and natural materials, which define the three distinct zones of the salon. The entry from the staircase area is designed as a dark transition space, leading into a lighter, more open main reception and hair styling area. The second floor features grey-shaded sofa seats for manicure and pedicure sessions, alongside separate rooms for makeup and massage. Additionally, three nail art stations are decorated in shades of navy blue, benefiting from natural sunlight and outside views. Strategic lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing the ambiance and highlighting key interior design elements. The second floor, in particular, exudes a bright and cheerful atmosphere. The owners, Saba and Fatima, emphasize the importance of hygiene, client satisfaction, and continuous in-house training, with Saba having completed multiple training courses in skin and hair from Dubai and New York. The waiting area provides ample seating, and the overall artsy design, infused with contemporary touches, is given a warm character through bright pops of pink and purple against a backdrop of black and grey, breaking potential monotony. The interior is also designed to optimize space, incorporating areas for Pilates and yoga classes, along with a small health bar, creating a homely setting for clients. Functionality and ease of maintenance are also key considerations, as demonstrated by the use of leather upholstered furniture and wall panels that are easy to clean. The decor maintains a simple and functional appeal, reminiscent of a traditional living room, yet includes occasional glamorous accents. Wrought iron encased lights contribute to the sophisticated look without being ostentatious, and subtle gold strokes add an elegant touch. Laser-cut separators and the salon's logo in gold and black serve as central design features. The sisters, strong advocates of minimalism, frequently intend to refresh the salon's look to provide a novel experience for their clientele, ensuring every detail is meticulously managed to offer a high-quality, personalized service. The spa area further exemplifies thoughtful space planning with wooden flooring, racks, and display furniture, complemented by planters and cozy sofas that create a soothing ambiance, catering to the city's style-conscious clientele. #SalonInteriorDesign #SpaWellness #LahoreBeauty #MinimalistDecor #ModernIndustrial #ZenEnvironment #PersonalizedService #SpacePlanning #ClientExperience

Dane Pressner, the design director of D’Aquino Monaco in New York, maintains a compilation of samples, swatches, and inspirational images to constantly fuel his design ideas. His current mood board reflects a "moody and dramatic" aesthetic, characterized by saturated hues and diverse textures that, despite their apparent disparity, cohere harmoniously. Pressner emphasizes the importance of storytelling in design, noting that each element in his palette has a narrative, connected by his appreciation for craft, color, and the making process. He seeks to create a serene foundation, then introduces a contrasting element to add dynamism. Pressner details 20 specific items from his current inspiration. These include the "Victoria" fabric in denim by The Sign, valued for its saturated color and tactile quality, and the whimsical "Argo 2" fabric by Raf Simons for Kvadrat, chosen for its incredible color and playful nature. He incorporates "Anaconda Velvet" fabric in Petrol by House of Hackney, drawn to its symbolism of rebirth and transformation, and describes it as both luxurious and "menacing." Wood samples like "Iced Grey Fir" and "Iced Barn Wood" from Barn in the City are included for their "showstopping" potential. Artisanal elements such as glazed lava stone samples by Ian Felton Studio are highlighted for their sophisticated palette and Felton's understanding of proportion. Joseph Algieri’s "Large Cactus Foam Lamp" samples are noted for sparking joy with their unconventional green color. "Judy Stripe" wallpaper by Voutsa creates an illusion of draped fabric, which Pressner imagines Mame Dennis would have used. The "Series 108 Hardware Suite" by D’Aquino Monaco for SA Baxter, inspired by Francine Monaco and vintage automobiles, is praised for its versatility across modern and traditional interiors. Further inspirations include the "Lapis Glaze" sample by Danny Kaplan Studio, which features archaic yet modern forms and stunning new glazes, and metal finish samples by Alexandr Zhikulin of Lanin Design, whose straw marquetry interpretation in metal showcases boundless talent. Minimalist and sophisticated "Maykume Wood Panel" samples in Gris Noir by May Furniture are chosen for their texture and tone. The "C-Thru 2 lamp" by The Alpha Workshops, hand-cast in plaster with an aluminum-leaf faux bois finish, is appreciated for its beauty and the non-profit's mission. Pressner expresses an obsession with Pierre Frey's "Majestic" fabric in Noir & Or. Élitis's "Panama" wallpaper in Dandy is his go-to for natural textures, particularly the wild ones, envisioning an entire room in this black and natural grass cloth. "Raphia Rosace" wallcovering in Polaire by CMO Paris is described as magical, evoking an island ambiance due to its hand-crafted, 3D raffia. Custom hand-knotted zebra-print flat weave rugs by Tai Ping are valued for showcasing visible craftsmanship, which Pressner finds grounding. "Rialet Rug" samples by La Manufacture Cogolin are a "must-use" for their captivating color combinations. "Strata Linea Stone Plank Tile" by Clé Tile is appreciated for its innovative use of repurposed stone remnants, warmth, and color. "Sheepskin Upholstery" in Shadow by Opuzen is a frequently used fabric for its cozy texture and adaptability. Finally, "Armor Side Table Chain Mail" samples in Satin Nickel by Konekt are admired for their paradoxical ability to be both cold and soft, fitting into any decor scheme. #InteriorDesign #DesignInspiration #MoodBoard #TextileDesign #MaterialSelection #ArtisanCraftsmanship #HomeDecor #ColorPalette #SurfaceDesign

The master bathroom serves as a space where designers leverage color and finishes to cultivate a specific mood, tone, style, and personality. While white and gray palettes continue to be prominent, designers are increasingly incorporating color to create unique and personalized spaces. Roshele Allison, CMKBD, CLIPP, NW Home Designers, notes the continued popularity of white and gray, viewing them as the 'new neutral' that offers a spa-like and tranquil ambiance. Karen King, architectural designer at Transitions Kitchen & Bath, echoes this sentiment, observing that these shades remain a benchmark for timeless and classic aesthetics, particularly in painted cabinetry. Richard Ryder, designer/builder at Clearcut Construction, often bases his projects on warm whites, allowing for strategic 'pops' of color to add interest. His clients frequently present inspiration images featuring warm white walls and low contrast between trim and walls. Chelsea Newton, of Chelsea Lauren Interiors, notes that her Southern California clients often prefer neutral colors inspired by nature, emphasizing natural materials like wood and stone. Michelle Fee, a designer at Change Your Bathroom, also finds her clients drawing inspiration from nature, moving away from purely monochromatic white and gray towards warmer tones and earth-friendly colors. Fee observes a growing interest in wood, particularly walnut and teak for furniture and cabinetry, as well as incorporating greenery, either through actual plants or nature-inspired accents like blues and greens, to evoke a restorative and calm feeling. When clients do opt for color beyond white or gray, blues and greens are frequently chosen. These hues are often introduced as easily changeable accessories, but also as more permanent features in cabinetry, tile, or semi-permanent paint applications. Allison highlights the tranquil quality of softer blues and greens, citing an example of a master bathroom with bamboo cabinetry, a green glass countertop resembling water, and green subway tile. Another project incorporated various shades of blue through a custom mosaic on vanity walls and accent walls, illuminated by LED-backlit niches, allowing the client to display international artifacts. Allison encourages clients to infuse personal elements into their designs, even with specific color preferences, ensuring the chosen hues harmonize with the space without being overwhelming. Newton's projects also feature green and blue, utilizing glossy handmade tiles with crackled detailing in master and children's bathrooms. She emphasizes that color and finishes can act as focal points, elevating a room's aesthetic. King notes that clients willing to be bolder are selecting deeper blues and greens, such as the dark navy cabinetry paired with warm gold hardware in a recent bathroom, providing a strong contrast to softer neutrals. She suggests that bathrooms, being more private and enclosed, allow for more daring color choices compared to open-concept kitchens. Ryder's clients also gravitate towards darker shades like dark blue, green, and black for pops of color, often maintaining a 75/25 neutral base-to-color ratio for balance, as demonstrated by a tall black cabinet against a white backdrop in a recent bathroom design. Beyond color, finish selections significantly influence a space, particularly in monochromatic schemes. Allison used large-format dimensional porcelain tile in a white and gray palette to create a focal wall in a 'bathing room' and a unique plumbing fixture to add interest. The increasing availability of tiles with varied finishes, textures, and dimensionality allows designers to personalize spaces. King points out the evolution of subway tile beyond traditional sizes, with options like 4"x12" or 5"x22" and creative finishes such as crackled or inverted bevels. Glossy finishes remain popular for their light-reflecting qualities. Grout color variations can also alter the look, from subtle gray for a refined trim to dark gray for a rustic farmhouse aesthetic. Contemporary designs often feature large-format tiles like 12"x24" or even 13"x40", laid horizontally and stacked with minimal joints to create a simplified, textural, and often multi-dimensional appearance. Allison and Fee's clients appreciate large-format tiles, especially those mimicking natural stone like travertine or marble, offering durability and easier maintenance while making rooms feel more expansive. Fee frequently combines natural and faux materials, such as marble shower floors with porcelain tile walls and floors, to achieve a nature-inspired theme. Matte finish plumbing fixtures, including matte black, brushed nickel, and brushed gold, are also popular for their aesthetic appeal and ease of cleaning, with Newton's clients favoring matte black and patinaed brass, and Ryder often incorporating mixed metals for a sophisticated, complementary look. #BathroomDesign #InteriorColorTrends #HomeFinishes #TileDesign #ColorPalette #NatureInspiredDesign #ModernBathrooms #LuxuryBathrooms

Idarica Gazzoni, an Italian artist turned textile designer, began her journey into decorative arts two decades ago while transforming an 18th-century Milanese palace apartment into a family home. Faced with challenging, stiff Lombard furniture inherited by her then-husband, Gazzoni opted to redirect attention to the walls and ceilings, embellishing them with fantastical trompe l’oeil scenes. Her living room was reimagined as a Napoleonic military headquarters, complete with campfires and tiny soldiers. The sitting room took on the ambiance of an exotic boudoir with a ceiling painted in Cintamani symbols, while the bedroom was transformed into a Scottish woodland, featuring shimmering foliage in the mist. Her unique approach quickly garnered attention, leading to numerous commissions worldwide. These projects included a Mondrian-inspired room in an 18th-century country villa in Parma, a Pierre Loti-inspired Turkish salon in Tel Aviv, a bedroom in Venice reminiscent of a Fabergé box, and a wine bar in Florence adorned with floor-to-ceiling decorative motifs based on vine leaves. Three years prior to the article's publication, Gazzoni decided to pivot from large-scale wall painting to designing her own line of printed fabrics. She established an atelier in her home and named her fabric company Arjumand, a tribute to the Mughal empress whose story of deep love inspired the Taj Mahal. Gazzoni explains that the empress's story resonated with her during a personal period of transition, helping her reconnect with the idea of romance. Arjumand's legendary travels also influenced Gazzoni's creative process, inspiring distinct collections. Her Russia Collection draws from the 17th-century palaces of the czars, while the China Collection is a deep dive into the vibrant culture and colors of southern China's Miao people. The Japan Blue Collection emerged from her exploration of Japan's late-19th-century fascination with indigo blue. Beyond her fabric designs, Gazzoni continues to undertake interior decorating projects globally. She recently completed the interior design for Liza, a prominent restaurant in Beirut, in collaboration with decorator Maria Ousseimi. She also decorated a house in Patmos, Greece, incorporating fabrics from her latest collection. Despite her focus on textiles, Gazzoni admits to a continued inclination for painting walls, even finding herself back on scaffolding for these projects. Her fabrics are available through harbingerla.com. #IdaricaGazzoni #TextileDesign #PatternDesign #InteriorDesign #MilanPalace #TrompeLoeil #ArjumandFabrics #GlobalInspirations #HomeDecoration

The article details the design process and inspiration behind a family home in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, belonging to Alfred and Nicole Eskandar, and designed by Dan Mazzarini of BHDM Design. The homeowners initially connected with Mazzarini after being impressed by his work on American Beech, a boutique hotel in Greenport, New York, where they vacationed. Despite the upscale reputation of Greenwich, the family desired a home that reflected their warm, casual, and adventurous spirit, specifically drawing inspiration from a recent road trip through the American Southwest. This led to a Bohemian design aesthetic, a departure from traditional Greenwich styles. Mazzarini and his colleague, Sarah Peterson Major, crafted a design that incorporates a pale desert palette, reminiscent of Georgia O'Keeffe's Ghost Ranch. A key request from Nicole Eskandar was a consistent color story throughout the home, ensuring a harmonious flow between rooms. This was achieved through a progression of desert tones, ranging from bolder hues in the dining room to lighter shades in the family room. Terra-cotta colors are prominent, appearing in rug patterns and a mural in the dining room, hand-painted by family friend and artist Laura Spinner. The family room features poufs made from vintage kilims, designed to nestle under a six-foot-square custom coffee table used for game nights. The home is filled with elements that evoke cherished family memories and travel experiences. For instance, a wall in the house displays a collection of metal crosses, inspired by Nicole's trip to Mexico and the ones she encountered in Todos Santos. Other family vacation souvenirs, such as animal figurines and dream catchers, are thoughtfully displayed or framed throughout the house. Mazzarini's design approach blends high-end craft furnishings with more accessible finds from stores like Anthropologie, giving the collected keepsakes a timeless quality. The article concludes by suggesting that the family's love for travel will likely lead to future design projects, as their experiences continue to shape their home's evolving aesthetic. #SouthwesternDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ConnecticutHome #FamilyHome #BohemianStyle #DanMazzarini #TravelInspiredDesign

New York–based designer Dani Arps, co-CEO of Artisan, frequently employs a neutral palette in both residential and commercial spaces, utilizing shades of vanilla, cream, and oatmeal, occasionally accented with black and soft hues like sage blue. This color scheme, offering comfort in winter and coolness in summer, aims for a luxurious yet understated dynamism, achieving richness and interest through varied textures and materials. Arps's design philosophy emphasizes the layering of different shades of one color across diverse materials, such as laser-patterned cowhide, ultra-plush corduroy, and thick alpaca, to create a cohesive and sophisticated interior. Her mood board illustrates this approach with elements like Miksi’s Cay Alpaca Rug in Chalk, described as exceptionally luxurious and cloud-like. Calacatta Viola Marble in a honed finish from BAS Stone introduces a vibrant touch with its purple and gold veining, suitable for a striking border or a full wall application. Maharam’s Mohair Extreme Fabric in Lichen adds a rich, counterbalancing texture, ideal for throws or poufs. To ground the palette, Arps incorporates black accents, such as an atypical and abstract objet d’art from Industry West, and a matte black stoneware mug from Lolly Lolly Ceramics, which doubles as a sculptural piece. The selection also highlights artistic and cultural considerations. A print from Barkley L. Hendricks, sourced from The Studio Museum Harlem, represents a broader interest in Black art and portraiture, with Arps suggesting its display in a natural wood frame to emphasize the art itself while supporting the museum. Further textural variety comes from Camira’s Main Line Flax Fabric in Upminster, a light, warm-toned, and appealingly textured base material. Durability and investment pieces are noted with Miksi for Radnor’s Dune Rug in Rock Stone, a resilient cowhide rug with a unique lasered pattern. Lighting and hardware selections contribute to the refined aesthetic. Studio Luddite’s Pell Wall Sconce, featuring bronze framework and stacked leather disks, offers a luxurious look at an accessible price. Petra’s unlacquered brass finish for its Block knob, with its intriguing shape, provides an amorphous touch to cabinet hardware. Apparatus’s oil-rubbed bronze finish, typically for sconces, is envisioned for cabinet hardware or kitchen fixtures, imparting a welcoming, weathered feel. The palette is further enriched by Waterworks’ Architectonics2 Field Tile in Cobble Matte Solid, a calming, handmade-looking tile, and The Hudson Company’s Bare, European Oak Flooring, chosen for its elegance, timelessness, wide planks, and character-filled knots. Additional elements reinforce the material richness and subtle luxury. Artistic Tile’s Abbey Road Onyx Mosaic in Vanilla provides a tone-on-tone effect with multiple white variations, enhancing the sense of space when paired with plaster. Lutron’s Palladiom Keypad in White offers customizable, sleek control for lighting scenarios. Senso’s white plaster wall finish, though trendy, is considered timeless for its warmth and luxury, adding depth to plain white walls. Holly Hunt’s Mane Attraction Hair-on-Hide Textile in Autumn is suggested for upholstery to introduce unexpected roughness to elegant silhouettes, while Schumacher’s Wyatt Corduroy Fabric in Mushroom adds playful graphic dynamism through its texture and vertical/horizontal application possibilities. Arps states that this palette creates a calm atmosphere conducive to both work and relaxation, making it a space she could inhabit indefinitely without boredom. #DaniArps #InteriorDesign #NeutralPalette #TextureLayering #HighEndFabric #HomeDecor #DesignInspiration #MaterialSelection #LuxuryInteriors

This article highlights the work of interior designer Chad Graci of Graci Interiors, focusing on a specific project for a young couple with two daughters in Metairie. The couple acquired a new, in-progress house and sought Graci's expertise to infuse it with a blend of tradition and modern freshness, a style Graci terms "21st-century New Traditionalism." The wife, a long-time admirer of Graci's aesthetic, desired a "grown-up" house that was both rooted in classic design and vibrant and fun. Graci notes a shift in younger generations' interest, where "brown furniture" and antiques, once considered outdated, are now being re-embraced for their depth and longevity. He clarifies that this isn't a recreation of past design but a reinterpretation through a new lens, incorporating more color, pattern, and texture while maintaining classic elements. The house, built by Brett Wynn of Quigley Construction, featured a pared-down traditional architectural style, which served as a white framework for Graci's design. The design strategy involved selecting timeless finishes to prevent the house from appearing too new. Graci employed a serene color palette of cream, celadon, peach, brown, and pale blues, punctuated by unexpected color splashes. This approach allows for easier updates over time, as a neutral backdrop with accent hues is less prone to quickly dating than trendy colors. The client expressed immense trust in Graci's decisive guidance, noting that his choices often surpassed her own initial preferences. The design process was organic, starting with the main downstairs living areas: the kitchen, family room, and a sitting room that also functions as a home office. Graci began by anchoring these spaces with quality upholstered pieces, designed with streamlined forms to maximize comfortable seating for the family. He emphasizes the importance of details, such as the roll of an arm, in setting a room's tone. Key principles in Graci's work include scale, custom designs, and supporting local artists and artisans. The project features furniture and art from local talents like Kathy Slater Designs, Christopher Wynn, Chris Wynn, Amanda Tally, Kevin Gillentine Gallery, and Palm Orleans, as well as contemporary abstract paintings by his sister, Christina Graci. Graci also integrates one-of-a-kind pieces sourced from auctions, estate sales, consignment stores, and even his travels, such as a porcelain Chinoiserie lamp, an African stool, and a Chinese console, to create interesting, layered, and complete spaces that avoid predictable choices. Subtle repetition of shapes and colors creates cohesion throughout the home. For instance, the celadon of the lacquered front door is echoed inside, and the modernist Saarinen dining table's oval shape and dark/light contrast are mirrored in the antique Louis XV-style chairs. Philippe Starck ghost counter chairs at the kitchen island reference the Louis chairs. The master bedroom's blue alcove ceiling color is reflected in a Swedish armoire and a Chinoiserie panel. Contrasting elements, like vibrant long-necked azure blue birds and leopard prints, which Graci considers a new neutral, add lively accents. The design also incorporated the couple's existing pieces, giving them new prominence. A vintage gold velvet 1940s chair from the wife's grandmother found a daring new context in the master bedroom's blue tones, and a mirrored inherited from the same grandmother became part of a gallery wall. Graci balanced aesthetics with functionality and budget constraints. The durable Saarinen table serves as both a dining surface and a children's workspace, and the acrylic counter chairs are easy to clean. A sheer gray basket-weave shade was added to the front door to provide privacy while maintaining an open feel. Graci's expertise lies in mixing high and low-priced items, prioritizing quality, scale, and color in all selections. The client praised Graci for making decisions easy and creating a comforting, continuous, and peaceful family home. #InteriorDesign #ChadGraci #NewTraditionalism #HomeDecor #AntiquesIntegration #ColorPalette #LocalArtisans #MetairieHome #FamilyLiving

Draga & Aurel, a multidisciplinary design studio founded by Draga Obradovic and Aurel K. Basedow, recently unveiled their latest collection of furniture called 'Zen.' This collection, presented during Milan Design Week by the Rossana Orlandi Gallery, builds upon their previous work with the 'Flare series' by exploring the phenomenon of light refractions within furniture pieces. The 'Zen' collection features three coffee tables and a dining table, all meticulously handcrafted from Lucite by artisans in Como, Italy. The tables in the 'Zen' collection are designed to resemble blocks of ice, achieved through a frosted surface treatment applied to the Lucite. This treatment creates a cool, ethereal aesthetic. Inside each table, carefully arranged sheets of pastel-hued Lucite are embedded, capturing and replicating multi-colored light refractions as if they were frozen in time. The unique characteristic of each table, resulting from the handcrafted process and the distinct arrangement of the Lucite sheets, reinforces the idea that these pieces are individual works of art. Draga & Aurel's deep fascination with the interplay of color and light is a central theme throughout their work. They view light as an activator of color through matter, and their exploration of this dynamic interaction is a continuous process. The designers emphasize that their achievements are the result of extensive experimentation and study, utilizing material samples to observe how light behaves when passing through different layers of varying colors, shapes, and thicknesses. This methodical approach allows them to discover the perfect interconnection between color, light, matter, and form. The studio consistently merges artistic vision with functional design, as exemplified by these sculptural tables. Draga & Aurel challenge the notion that functionality and aesthetics are opposing concepts, asserting that their pieces are collectible design objects due to the experimental and artisanal processes involved, yet they always fulfill a practical function. This balance makes their creations viable objects for everyday life. They prioritize in-depth research and the elevation of materials, particularly acrylic resin, which has become a signature element of their style. Their goal is to integrate the material meaningfully into the context of the object itself, ensuring its functional relevance. Looking ahead, Draga & Aurel are pursuing three interconnected directions for their studio's evolution. Their art design project, especially the 'Transparency matters' collection, is expanding their presence in the gallery world, collaborating with prominent partners like Rossana Orlandi, Nina Yashar, and Todd Merrill on exclusive projects. Additionally, they are engaging in new collaborations with design companies, having recently debuted with historic furniture brands Poltrona Frau and Giorgetti at Milan Design Week. Their commitment lies in fostering valuable partnerships that benefit both the studio and the collaborating companies. Finally, their purely artistic side is flourishing through Aurel K. Basedow’s paintings, a growing project that has necessitated the expansion of their workshop to accommodate increased artistic production. #DragaAurel #ZenCollection #LuciteFurniture #LightRefractions #MilanDesignWeek #ContemporaryDesign #HomeFurnishings #ArtisticFurniture #Craftsmanship

Urban Outfitters has collaborated with COAT Paints to introduce an exclusive collection of nine wall paint colors. This partnership brings together Urban Outfitters' youthful aesthetic with COAT Paints' commitment to eco-friendly formulations. The collection features a diverse palette, ranging from vibrant blues, pastel pinks, and a sunshine orange to neon green and various soft neutrals, designed to complement a wide array of interior schemes. The paints are formulated with a water-based, low-toxin, and solvent-free base, emphasizing sustainability. They are also vegan and cruelty-free, aligning with ethical consumer preferences. COAT Paints has achieved Carbon Neutral certification, further highlighting their dedication to environmental responsibility. The collection offers two finishes: a matt emulsion, priced at £40, and an eggshell finish, available for £25. The eggshell finish provides a moisture-proof soft sheen, making it suitable for areas like bathrooms, while the matt finish offers enhanced durability for other spaces. To facilitate color selection, sample stickers are provided, allowing customers to easily test shades on their walls before committing to a purchase. Rob Abrahams, Co-Founder of COAT Paints, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting that the new colors reflect a daring and purposeful edit with a distinct nod to 70s vintage styles, perfectly embodying the Urban Outfitters brand and its customer base. He also underscored the shared values between the two brands regarding sustainability, conscious manufacturing, and innovative product development, such as the Peel & Stick swatches that cater to Urban Outfitters’ fashion-forward audience. The article also provides an extensive list of 31 living room wallpaper ideas, offering readers diverse inspiration for decorating their homes. These ideas span various styles, from fresh floral prints and abstract designs to subtle ombré effects, geometric patterns, and rich botanical motifs. Specific suggestions include using wallpaper to create feature walls, paneling, or even to back shelves, transforming them into decorative elements. The recommendations also touch on practical considerations, such as using striped wallpaper to create the illusion of taller ceilings or opting for smaller, calming patterns for tranquil interiors. The featured wallpaper designs highlight different brands like John Lewis, Graham & Brown, Dunelm, Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, Woodchip & Magnolia, MINDTHEGAP, Paper Library, Cole & Son, Wallsauce, Nat Maks, Forest Homes, Elizabeth Ockford, I Love Wallpaper, Abigail Edwards, Scion, The Curious Department, and Mini Moderns, showcasing a broad spectrum of textures, colors, and artistic expressions. Themes range from rustic and tranquil scenes to glamorous touches and optical illusions, providing comprehensive inspiration for interior redecoration. #UrbanOutfitters #COATPaints #HomeDecor #WallPaint #EcoFriendly #InteriorDesign #PaintCollection #SustainableProducts #ColorTrends

Tim Pfeiffer, co-founder of Seattle-based firm Hoedemaker Pfeiffer, curated a mood board inspired by the rugged enchantment of the West Coast, specifically the California coastline. His design philosophy draws from the diverse landscapes, including redwood forests, ocean beaches, and sandy deserts. The resulting aesthetic is a balanced blend of burnt ambers, oranges, muted greens, and tawny browns, aiming to evoke the vibrant colors and natural elements of the coastal environment. Pfeiffer describes his scheme as warm and vibrant, featuring organic lines and natural materials such as handmade terracotta tile and solid wood. The layers within the mood board reflect the raw beauty of the land and sea. Key elements of Pfeiffer's mood board include a vintage handwoven rug from Turabi Rug Gallery, known for its artisanal quality and natural color palettes. He selected New California Tile in Bracken by Clé, a green-hued tile intended to complement titanium gold stone for a refined bar or kitchen setting. For artisanal decor, Pfeiffer incorporated bespoke ceramic vessels by Takuma Murakoshi, specifically his shigaraki ceramics, which he values for their everyday use and collectible nature. The mood board also features material samples from specialized fabricators and ceramicists. Harriet Industries provides a flame spray on steel sample, chosen for its ability to perfectly complement real bronze and its local fabrication. Stan Bitters Tile in Museum Black by Heath Ceramics is included for its bold, tactile quality and subtle movement, with both Museum Black and Redwood colorways noted for their quiet dynamism. Textile selections are diverse, including Shanty fabric in No. ZFSNYSH-01 by Zak+Fox, made of linen and paper ropes, chosen for its evocation of ocean surf and hillside sage textures. Pat McGann’s Ocean Stripe Warm fabric, woven in India from raw silk and wool, is earmarked for pillows and throws, while Rose Tarlow’s Linden Allée fabric in Copper Beech serves as a beautiful outdoor fabric. Pottery is represented by Elias Scalise Pottery at Housewright Gallery, admired for its wood-fired brutalist ceramic pieces that blend muscular forms with experimental glazes. A vintage Japanese Keyaki display stand from Housewright Gallery is also featured for its organic edge and varied wood grain, highlighting nature's artistry. Lighting is addressed with a Serif Swagged Chandelier Chain Sample in Dappled Brass by Trueing, chosen for its unique dappled finish that enhances the elevated coastal design. Fabric choices continue with Pierre Frey’s Tyrone fabric in Salmonbrown, a pure wool tweed with orange accents, and Teddy Mohair fabric in Acajou, a cinnamon-hued mohair. Designs of the Time’s Pancho fabric in YP22004 evokes an agricultural landscape, adding another textural layer. Material selections for larger surfaces include Titanium Gold Natural Stone by Architectural Surfaces, considered a sophisticated choice for dark kitchen countertops due to its depth and moodiness. Highland Linen fabric in Madras by William Yeoward provides vibrant color and soft texture. Hardware is represented by Sun Valley Bronze’s Fremont Ergonomic Lever in Dark Brown Patina, valued for its haptic experience and the way it patinas over time, offering a sense of lasting quality. Robert Kime’s Russell fabric, inspired by a 19th-century block-print, contributes an earthy color story and playful charm. Gregorius Pineo’s Ramie fabric in Stone Nettle adds texture and moodiness, ideal for cozy spaces. For wood finishes, Meyer Wells's Walnut Solid Wood Finish is selected for its deep, smooth appearance, bringing timeless elegance and sophistication. Lastly, Valverde Tile by Zia Tile, handcrafted cotto tiles, are chosen for their suitability in rustic settings, particularly when paired with black walnut and cedar woods, and De Le Cuona's Tuli fabric in Nectar provides warm colors reminiscent of beach cabin textiles. #TimPfeiffer #HoedemakerPfeiffer #WestCoastDesign #CoastalInteriors #MoodBoard #InteriorDesign #NaturalMaterials #TextileDesign #Ceramics #Hardware

The interior design landscape for 2025 is marked by a bold shift towards expressive and personalized spaces, moving beyond the neutral palettes that have dominated recent years. Presentations at Milan Design Week 2025 and Paris’s PAD 2025 revealed a strong embrace of color, pattern, and experimental forms. While the influence of maximalism persists, there's also a subtle integration of 'quiet luxury' principles, emphasizing comfort, relaxation, and monochromatic schemes. However, the overarching theme is a departure from subdued tones, with designers championing vibrant colors, often inspired by natural elements. Clients are increasingly seeking interiors that not only offer a sense of sanctuary but also distinctly reflect their individual personalities, driving a willingness to experiment with diverse materials, textures, and furnishings. Designer Anne Dereaux notes that a space's uniqueness now stems from a mix of classic and sculptural pieces, handmade objects, or even found items with a narrative, contributing to a holistic sense of well-being. A significant trend emerging is "material drenching," a concept introduced by designer Jake Arnold. This involves decorating an entire room with a single material like wood, stone, plaster, or fabric, moving beyond the color-drenching trend of previous years. This approach adds dimension and an elevated aesthetic, drawing inspiration from historical paneled or plaster-clad rooms but with a brighter, lighter contemporary interpretation. Reflective materials, such as high-gloss paints and strategically placed mirrors, are also gaining traction to add energy and manipulate perception without making spaces feel confined. Furthermore, there is a growing demand for evocative and enveloping spaces where comfort and well-being are paramount. This translates into moodier interiors featuring dark wood cabinetry, plush textiles, and layered drapery, often incorporating bold colors and patterns reminiscent of 20th-century design luminaries like Sister Parish and Mario Buatta. Installations at Milan Design Week, such as Pierre-Yves Rochon's Villa Héritage and Dimoremilano's "La Prima Notte di Quiete" with Loro Piana, exemplify this trend with rich hues, luxurious materials, and inviting elements like conversation pits. Craft-focused furnishings are also experiencing a significant revival, driven by increased consumer interest in quality, uniqueness, and sustainability, especially since the pandemic. The global market for arts and crafts is projected to reach $74.3 billion by 2033. Designers like Laura Lubin highlight the value of handcrafted pieces for their detail, timeless appeal, and ability to tell a story, reflecting a broader movement towards supporting artisans and embracing slow design. Examples include bronze furnishings at PAD Paris and Studio Lugo's work at Alcova Milano, which utilizes traditional Turkish techniques and materials. This emphasis on handmade items also caters to the desire for personalized spaces, with retailers increasingly featuring artisanal craftsmanship and connecting consumers to the makers behind the pieces. Color palettes for 2025 are expanding beyond earthy hues to embrace a full spectrum of nature-inspired greens and blues. Reports from the National Kitchen & Bath Association indicate a preference for colorful kitchens and bathrooms over traditional all-white designs, with designers observing a growing client interest in extending these shades throughout the home. This trend is linked to a desire to strengthen the connection between indoor spaces and the outdoors, providing a calming ambiance. Kathleen Walsh, a New York City-based designer, notes that project palettes are deeply rooted in the surrounding landscape, using softer foundation hues punctuated with vibrant accents. The integration of statement colors with natural materials is seen as a sophisticated approach. Sustainability and durability are central to interior design in 2025, with homeowners increasingly prioritizing natural, long-lasting materials for well-being. Clients are more conscious of material origins, seeking to avoid plastic-based products and opting for furniture designed to endure. Milan Design Week showcased a strong focus on sustainable materials, from cork used in Rockwell Group's "Casa Cork" exhibition to textiles made from mycelium and lighting from waste oyster shells. This trend also involves an appreciation for existing structures, with designers noting a shift towards working with and enhancing current conditions rather than always starting anew, partly influenced by rising construction costs. Finally, sumptuous textures are making a comeback, reflecting a return to romanticism in interiors. While contemporary designs use less chintz, there's a clear appetite for soft, billowing drapery, plush furniture, Venetian plaster, and Moroccan tadelakt, creating luxurious yet inviting spaces that offer tactile comfort and reflect homeowners' personalities and the history of their homes. #InteriorDesignTrends #MilanDesignWeek #MaterialDrenching #Craftsmanship #SustainableDesign #NatureInspiredColors #LuxuryInteriors #HomeDecor #TexturalDesign

The Diesel Black Gold Autumn/Winter 2018 collection, presented in Milan, showcased a distinctive blend of cultural influences, drawing inspiration from diverse free-spirited cultures such as Peru, Native America, Morocco, and India. Creative director Andreas Melbostad envisioned a 'nomadic punk' aesthetic, emphasizing spirituality and bohemianism through various design elements. This approach resonated with a broader trend observed in Milan's fashion shows, where cultural cross-pollination was evident, as seen at Marni, which incorporated Chinese brocades with English tweeds and Masai stripes. The collection's core pieces, including leather jackets, bombers, military pea-coats, and denim pants, were elevated with artisanal detailing. A prominent feature was the incorporation of multi-color Navajo carpet patterns as inserts, adding a rich textual and visual dimension. Detachable Navajo blanket linings were also utilized in separates, providing versatility and an additional layer of cultural reference. Peruvian Baja sweaters were reinterpreted into boxy tunics, aligning with the collection's relaxed yet fashion-forward silhouette. Military quilted garments were meticulously reworked and adorned with Native American stones and beads, further reinforcing the blend of utilitarian design with intricate cultural craftsmanship. This fusion resulted in a collection that projected a definitive uniform for a 'new rave traveller,' suggesting a contemporary take on adventurous and unconventional style. Accessories played a crucial role in completing the clannish mood of the collection. Footwear included fringed laced-up shoes and boots designed to echo traditional moccasins, enhancing the nomadic theme. Sleek Santiago-style boots featured Western buckles, adding a touch of rugged elegance. Bags and belts were crafted with stitched leather and multi-stud motifs, contributing to the overall aesthetic of artisanal quality and cultural embellishment. The collection successfully merged various cultural elements with contemporary fashion sensibilities, offering a cohesive and impactful statement. The Diesel Black Gold label, established in 2007 by DIESEL, was created to function as a more contemporary and fashion-forward extension of the main brand. It is known for its irreverent, youthful energy and luxurious finishes. The A/W 2018 collection continued this tradition by applying high-level artisanal techniques to street staples, showcasing a balance between everyday wearability and high fashion. The photography for the collection was done by Jason Lloyd-Evans, capturing the essence and details of the garments. The article was authored by Dal Chodha, a London-based writer and editor-in-chief of Archivist Addendum, a project exploring the intersection of fashion editorial and academia. Chodha contributes to various international publications on fashion, art, and culture and serves as a contributing editor at Wallpaper*. His academic background includes over a decade of work in academic institutions, and he is currently the Stage 1 Leader of the BA Fashion Communication and Promotion course at Central Saint Martins. In 2020, he released his first book, SHOW NOTES, which combined journalism, poetry, and provocation. #FashionWeek #Menswear #DieselBlackGold #AW2018Collection #MilanFashion #NomadicPunk #ArtisanalCraftsmanship #CulturalInfluences

This article details the transformation of a new-build property into a characterful family home with a country-style charm, achieved through careful planning and a keen eye for design. The owners, who acquired the house as a blank canvas due to its practical benefits and ideal location near family, the countryside, and transport links, embarked on a decade-long journey to personalize their space. They focused on injecting personality into the neutral scheme, ensuring the home reflected their tastes while accommodating their growing family, including a new daughter and two dogs. The kitchen-diner, though small, was designed for both functionality and intimacy, facilitating family interaction during meal preparation and hosting cozy dinner parties. The owners introduced red and green accents to add character and warmth to the otherwise neutral palette. The red provided richness, while the green offered a calming, natural balance. To delineate the dining area, they installed wall paneling and added open shelving made from repurposed scaffolding planks, which not only offered practical storage but also served as a canvas for decorative displays, allowing for personal touches and regular aesthetic updates. The original kitchen lacked personality, prompting a renovation that aimed to blend contemporary style with classic country charm without a complete overhaul. This involved incorporating zellige tiles, replacing standard door fronts with traditional Shaker kitchen cupboard doors, and swapping a stainless-steel sink for a ceramic one. To conceal non-integrated large appliances, green linen curtains were used, contributing to a softer, less cluttered look. The chosen paint for the doors was Farrow & Ball's School House White Estate Eggshell, complemented by angled spotlights in Antique Brass to enhance the desired aesthetic. In the living room, the goal was to create a cozy, multi-functional space, as it was the most frequented area. Wall paneling was introduced to add texture, depth, and a cozier feel to the plain walls. The room was further enriched with layers of natural materials, varied textures, and warm, earthy tones, transforming it into a comfortable and inviting environment. The primary seating in this room is an Otto medium RHF chaise sofa in Taupe Brushed linen Cotton. The bedroom showcases a bolder approach to color, utilizing Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster for walls and wardrobes to create a warm and cozy atmosphere. A luxurious dark green velvet headboard was incorporated to add richness and elegance, making the bed a focal point without significant expense. The unexpected pairing of pink and green hues was a deliberate choice to infuse fresh energy and dynamism into the narrow space, reflecting the owner's personal style and achieving a boutique hotel aesthetic for a calm retreat. Practical elements like sheer linen curtains were chosen for affordability, softness, and diffused natural light. The home office was designed as a calm and creative space, featuring a soft color palette and a blend of different wood tones and grains. This approach aimed to add warmth, texture, and a balanced, natural feel, ensuring a conducive environment for work. For the compact bathroom, instead of a costly renovation, simple updates were made, including a bespoke curtain, vintage-framed artwork, mirrors, and soft towels to introduce color and texture, making the space more engaging. Thoughtful styling is evident throughout the home, particularly with organized living room shelves that display books and objets d’art. Books are often arranged with their spines hidden to maintain an artful and consistent look. Built-in cabinetry, combining Ikea units and MDF, provides both lower storage for children's toys and open shelving for decorative items, adding character and functionality to the room. The daughter's bedroom was designed to be adaptable as she grows, maintaining a neutral scheme with pops of color and playful touches, while incorporating functional and charming storage solutions like peg rails for coats and bags, encouraging tidiness and accessibility for toy storage. Overall, the home demonstrates how a new-build can be transformed into a deeply personalized and character-filled space through deliberate design choices and the strategic use of color, texture, and materials. #NewBuildDesign #CountryStyleHome #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #KitchenDinerIdeas #LivingRoomDecor #BedroomDesign #HomeOffice #FamilyHome

In this 'What I Love' series entry, designer John McClain presents a mood board inspired by the colors of twilight, aiming to create a calm, comfortable, and chic environment. McClain, based in Florida and Los Angeles, believes that the right colors can enhance quality of life, extending beyond mere comfort to influence well-being. His current flat lay, featuring a blend of rich blues and dark grays, is designed to evoke the serene feeling of a warm bath or freshly laundered sheets. The design scheme is characterized by deep earth tones, presented in gradient shades, and naturally tactile textures. These elements range from tobacco-hued porcelain tiles to concrete-colored paint, all selected to reflect the essence of nature. McClain explains that the wood, weaves, and textures within the composition are meant to evoke various landscapes, while the multitonal blues symbolize the sea and sky at different times of the day. This careful selection of materials and colors contributes to a cohesive and evocative aesthetic. The mood board incorporates specific elements that contribute to this natural and serene theme. These include Sherwin-Williams paints in 'Mount Etna,' 'Grays Harbor,' and 'Foggy Day,' which transition from deep blue-gray to the color of wet concrete. Fabric selections feature Ardecora’s Cristalli, a material with small silver beads and metallic threads that create undulating stripes, adding subtle shimmer and texture. The Scandinavia Dula rug by Jaipur Living is chosen for its texture and tone, designed to evoke the comfort of being snuggled in a blanket. Metallic finishes are represented by a smooth matte brass sample from Coppersmith, intended to bring the design to life, and a contemporary metal cabinet pull in champagne bronze by Richelieu, which adds functional elegance. Decorative elements further enhance the mood. An Ashford velvet tape in grey by Texture is selected for its color, texture, pattern, and shine, emphasizing attention to detail. Equipe’s Art Nouveau porcelain tiles in Bone provide a distressed, classic black-and-white floor aesthetic, while the Tobacco variant is slated for an upcoming cottage project. Upholstery-grade leather, specifically Kingdom Leather in Scotch by Barbarossa Leather, adds a stately, rich, and buttery texture, evoking classic luxury. Crossville Studios’ Warehouse Row field tile in Blu Notte offers a unique take on subway tile with an auspicious size and mercurial coloration. Amerock’s Revitalize knob in gilded bronze introduces an elegant concentric circle design. Wallcoverings and flooring reinforce the natural theme. A jute NA202 wallcovering by Seabrook Designs at Wallquest is described as 'organically opulent,' offering a grasscloth texture. Rift-cut, select-grade white oak flooring from Pacific Hardwood is chosen for its timelessness, eschewing trends. McClain also highlights his book, 'The Designer Within,' which offers insights into his design process. Lastly, the Color Wheel mosaic glazed ceramic hexagon tile in matte black by Daltile provides affordable and versatile pattern options, and a Couture Collection mink faux fur throw in champagne by Fabulous Furs adds a luxurious, lightweight, and soft tactile element to complete the harmonious composition. #InteriorDesign #MoodBoard #ColorPalette #TextileSelection #HomeDecor #DesignInspiration #JohnMcClain #LuxuryInteriors #MaterialSelection

This article explores a Washington, D.C., home designed by Zoe Feldman, which showcases a maximalist yet restrained approach to interior design. The residence, owned by a young, fashion-forward couple with an affinity for British style, particularly House of Hackney, challenges conventional design norms by seamlessly integrating bold patterns, vibrant colors, and diverse textures. Feldman emphasizes that despite the eclectic mix of elements, the home maintains a cohesive and surprisingly neutral feel. The dining room, for instance, features a large, square layout adorned with striped Farrow & Ball wallpaper. This bold pattern, rather than being overwhelming, is described as soothing. The space offers a view into a floral-covered foyer, which in turn leads to a chartreuse-colored living room where various animal prints are harmoniously incorporated. Feldman explains that the striped wallpaper in the dining room naturally complements the William Morris Pimpernel print found in the stairwell, with both areas utilizing tame color palettes that subtly prepare visitors for the vibrant chartreuse living room. A key design philosophy employed by Feldman is balancing quirky and traditional elements, ensuring that "everything can’t be the star." This approach is evident in the inclusion of a vintage landscape tapestry in one corner and a human hand-shaped catchall for keys, a signature touch in Feldman’s projects. She stresses the importance of natural relationships between design elements, rejecting the idea of simply throwing disparate items together. The leopard stair runner is highlighted as an example of a seemingly bold choice that functions as a neutral, according to Feldman, who believes animal prints are inherently neutral and can coexist in nearly any space. The living room further exemplifies this adventurous design, featuring nude sketches by a team designer, antique glass mirror panels, and a 1970s tiger-print daybed. The striking chartreuse walls and window trim, painted in a Benjamin Moore hue matched by Fine Paints of Europe’s Hollandlac finish, create the illusion of lacquer without the associated cost and labor. In contrast to the vibrant communal spaces, the kitchen acts as a palette cleanser with its gradient blue cabinetry. Feldman applied various shades of Farrow & Ball paint—Pale Powder for the walls, Light Blue for medium door fronts, and De Nimes for pantry cupboards—to create a calming, smudged effect. The Donatello marble countertops, integrated sink, and backsplash, with their subtle blue veining, enhance this optical illusion. The adjacent family room, described as the "heartbeat of the house," is designed for both the couple and their young children. A TV is concealed behind bifold cabinet doors, painted in Farrow & Ball’s Stone Blue to match the walls and baseboards, allowing for a versatile space that can be active during the day and serene at night. Feldman’s use of antique brass grilling to disguise lower cabinet panels, a technique often used for radiators and AC returns, adds a functional yet decorative touch. The primary bedroom features an upholstered bed frame that is complemented by speckled Matouk Margot print pillows and duvet, chosen to play up the pattern rather than mute it. Feldman argues that small-scale prints can complement larger ones in ways solids cannot. The children’s bedroom incorporates playful pink dinosaur wallpaper from House of Hackney, with the border painted in an icy blue-green, a tone present in the motif, to ensure a cohesive and impactful design. This careful consideration of trim, doors, and ceiling colors maximizes the effect of the wallpaper, avoiding a stark white that would feel out of place. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #MaximalistDesign #PatternMixing #ColorPalette #ZoeFeldmanDesign #WashingtonDCHome #TextileTrends #EclecticStyle

Purple is often considered a polarizing hue in interior design, yet its versatility and beauty are evident in numerous designer-approved spaces. This article showcases 29 different projects where purple has been successfully incorporated, offering inspiration for various room types and design aesthetics. The aim is to demonstrate that purple can be a sophisticated and appealing color choice when paired thoughtfully with other shades, moving beyond the perceptions of it being either too childish or overly glamorous. The article highlights various color combinations that complement purple, starting with a serene lilac paired with pale olive in a child's bedroom, where the olive trim grounds the whimsical purple nautical wallpaper. Another example features a feminine palette of wisteria, mustard, and pale pink in a daughter's room, drawing colors from Pierre Frey wallpaper for a cohesive look. Mauve, dark green, and chocolate brown create a tranquil primary bedroom, with a wallcovering subtly nodding to a wooded view outside. The striking combination of violet and stark white is presented in a tea room, where deep violet from the ceiling to benches contrasts sharply with white trim and a fireplace. A lighter lavender is used with gray in another daughter's bedroom, demonstrating a more subtle application of the color. Further examples include a primary bedroom that balances wine, lavender, terracotta, and cream, layering different shades of purple with warm accents. An elegant home bar features plum with gold accents and cloudy marble, achieving an approachable luxury. The same plum is combined with moss green and cobalt blue in a living room, maintaining a modern yet moody atmosphere. A girl's lounge utilizes muted lilac and guacamole green for a feminine and soothing walk-through. A daughter's bedroom pairs velvety purple with mustard yellow, creating a peaceful and elegant ambiance, especially when enhanced with charming decorative elements. The article continues to illustrate how purple can be integrated into diverse settings. An at-home bar uses aubergine with gold and forest green for a glamorous, boutique hotel feel. A garden-inspired dining nook features grape with ivory and kelly green, offering a cozy yet elevated space. A dining room incorporates gray, bright blue, and royal purple, blending whimsical cloud wallpaper with vibrant accents. A bedroom combines moss green with pale primrose, using fresh purple flowers to brighten the space. A monochromatic approach is seen in a light gray and periwinkle bedroom, emphasizing muted pastels. A contemporary sitting room pairs black with dark gray-purple, creating an intimate mood with contrasting pink and cream elements. Finally, a modern kitchen nook combines charcoal, red, and eggplant, using colorful Zellige tiles to make the space pop. A hallway features baby blue and grape, playfully contrasting traditional elements with sky-blue wallpaper and grape-toned lampshades. A bathroom boldly mixes power purple and tangerine, showcasing a master class in tile decoration. A dining room blends royal blue, magenta, and plum, with purple bursts balanced by rich yellows and vibrant blue chairs. These diverse examples collectively demonstrate purple's potential to be a sophisticated and versatile color in interior design, encouraging readers to explore its various applications in their homes. #PurpleColorPalette #InteriorDesign #RoomDecorating #ColorInspiration #DesignerApproved #HomeStyling #PaintColors #DecoratingIdeas

While the 'quiet luxury' trend has dominated interior design in 2023, featuring muted and pale color schemes, many designers and homeowners are seeking to introduce more vibrant and 'rich' colors into their living spaces without resorting to maximalism. This shift aims for an aesthetic that conveys opulence and depth, moving beyond the subdued beige tones that have characterized quiet luxury. Experts suggest five specific color palettes that achieve this balance, offering alternatives that add character and sophistication. Ochre, an earthy amber, is presented as a historical and versatile color choice. Known as one of the earliest pigments, ochre offers a mellow yet vibrant hue that can serve as an eye-catching accent or a brightening element in spaces like narrow entryways or formal living rooms. Its warmth and sunny associations provide a distinct departure from cooler, understated neutrals, imbuing a sense of richness and history into a room's design. Terracotta, with its warm, sun-baked tones ranging from rich reds to burnt oranges, offers depth and an inviting aesthetic reminiscent of warmer climates. This color can function as a primary backdrop or an accent, wrapping a home in warmth throughout the year. Its natural origins in rich soil lend a grounded quality, and it pairs exceptionally well with ochre due to their shared derivation from natural clay pigments. This combination creates a balanced scheme where the grounded nature of terracotta underpins the vibrancy of golden ochre. Taupe, specifically a mid-brown hue resembling velvety cocoa, provides a luxurious yet classic alternative to lighter neutrals. It can create a neat and tailored or soft and welcoming ambiance depending on the accompanying furniture and accent colors. Decorating with brown, particularly taupe, is favored by designers for its ability to ground a space, offering a calm and comfortable environment that aligns with a classic interior aesthetic. Metallic colors, including chrome, gold, and copper, are making a significant return to interior design after their prevalence in fashion. These shiny accents, when contrasted with dark timbers, provide a sharp silhouette and instant glamor. Used thoughtfully, metallics reflect light, opening up spaces and adding an unexpected touch of luxury without being overtly flashy or mellow. Charcoal, a daring and decadent shade, is an elegant and sophisticated choice that brings drama and verve to interiors. As people become more confident with color, dark and robust shades like black and charcoal are increasingly popular for their ability to add ambiance and a timeless appeal. While a charcoal scheme requires careful editing and the introduction of texture and subtle tonal variations to avoid appearing flat, when executed correctly, it effectively creates a stylish and dramatic environment. Darker colors, in general, are highly effective in creating a sense of luxury and intimacy, anchoring spaces and infusing them with elegance, especially when combined with rich textures. #InteriorDesign #ColorTrends #LuxuryDecor #Ochre #Terracotta #Taupe #MetallicAccents #CharcoalInteriors

This blog post, titled "Rugs That Ripple Like a Stream," is a compendium of cultural insights from T Magazine, featuring an introduction to a fashion designer, a renewal of the Marais district, a discussion on intricate jewelry, an intergenerational fashion collaboration, a look at unique soaps, a culinary exploration of beeswax, and a mini market for time-telling sautoirs. The article begins by introducing Marco Zanini, an Italian Swedish fashion designer, and his collaboration with Märta Måås-Fjetterström, a renowned Swedish textile artist. Zanini, who grew up in Italy, reconnected with his Nordic heritage later in life and developed a passion for Scandinavian design. This led him to discover Måås-Fjetterström's work and eventually collaborate with the company established to continue her legacy. He designed a rug called A Righe, drawing inspiration from traditional Swedish rag rugs and mid-20th-century pottery. The design's complexity lies in each stripe comprising 25 different yarns in complementary tones, creating an illusion of rippling water. Zanini's meticulous process involved hand-picking 1,800 different hues, aiming to approach the beauty of Måås-Fjetterström's original creations. Next, the article highlights the renewal of the Marais district in Paris. Despite initial concerns that pedestrianization would deter art collectors and galleries, the area has undergone an arts-driven renaissance. New establishments like MAĀT Gallery, which represents West African artists, and Atelier Ko floral studio, known for its experimental bouquets, have emerged. The culinary scene has also flourished with new restaurants such as Datil, Géosmine, Guefen, and Magma, embracing a pared-back, natural epicurean style. The district also boasts new luxury hotels like Maison Proust, SO/Paris, and Le Grand Mazarin, catering to diverse aesthetic preferences. The third section delves into the craftsmanship of high jewelry, specifically a necklace from Graff. Francois Graff, CEO of Graff, explains that even seemingly simple pieces, like a double-strand diamond necklace, can require immense effort and patience. Amassing 171 perfectly matched round white and yellow diamonds of varying proportions can take years. This particular necklace, with its graduated diamonds, exemplifies the time and dedication invested in creating pieces that balance opulence and simplicity. An intergenerational fashion collaboration between American designers Dylan Cao and Jin Kay of Commission and the British designer Paul Smith is also featured. Cao and Kay, inspired by Paul Smith's aesthetic since their student days, collaborated on a 22-piece men's wear capsule collection for the &PaulSmith; program. Their design process involved drawing inspiration from Smith's book "Father + Son" and his archives, resulting in modernized pieces like a scarlet bomber jacket, striped track pants, and a vintage-inspired T-shirt. The article then shifts focus to a new wave of luxurious soaps. Brands like Flamingo Estate, Orris, Redoux, and Alex Eagle are creating artisanal soaps with rare flowers, aromatic herbs, and unique ingredients. Richard Christiansen of Flamingo Estate emphasizes the nutrient-rich quality of their soaps, particularly the Jasmine & Damask Rose variety. These soaps are not only functional but also designed to be aesthetically pleasing, with some, like Bridie Hall's creations, even serving as decorative objects. Finally, the piece explores the growing culinary trend of incorporating beeswax into dishes. Chefs like John Shields at Smyth in Chicago and Jackson Boxer at Orasay in London are experimenting with beeswax for its floral aromas and unique texture. Shields uses melted beeswax in savory dishes, while Boxer incorporates it into desserts like canelés and ice cream. Pastry chef Melissa Chou of Grand Opening in San Francisco also uses beeswax to create a sabayon for her burnt honey pie, highlighting its "pure perfume" and the nuanced flavors derived from what bees are currently foraging. The flavor variations in beeswax from week to week are also noted, adding to its appeal for chefs. Completing the article, a "Mini Market" section showcases time-telling sautoirs from brands such as Jaeger-LeCoultre, Van Cleef & Arpels, Piaget, and Chanel, presenting them as the jewelry of the hour. The article also includes corrections regarding a misspelled restaurant name and a misattributed quote, underscoring journalistic accuracy. #MarcoZanini #MartaMaasFjetterstrom #TextileArt #ParisMarais #HighJewelry #FashionCollaboration #ArtisanSoaps #BeeswaxCuisine #LuxuryWatches