Transform Your Space with Sarah Z Designs

Sarah Sherman Samuel, a renowned designer, transformed a 5,000-square-foot former medical device and technology brand office in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, into her new design headquarters and showroom. The space, which previously housed a concrete company, required significant renovation to accommodate her growing design business, warehousing for her SSS Atelier products, and a showroom for display. Samuel recognized the potential despite the initial condition, which necessitated extensive construction, including the removal of old carpet tiles and dropped ceilings. One of the initial modifications involved applying a coat of epoxy to the floors and brightening the exposed black ceiling with Farrow & Ball’s dusty pink 'Setting Plaster' paint. Samuel then implemented various innovative design solutions to personalize the office. She utilized IKEA kitchen cabinet boxes topped with wood countertops to create shared desks, adding electrical staples and using curtain hooks to attach her 'Painterly Stripe Linen Fabric' from Lulu and Georgia for a soft, skirted effect. A similar method was employed for the sink skirt in the bathroom, where adhesive Velcro allowed for easy fabric changes, complementing her 'Checkerboard wallpaper'. For the kitchen and sample library, Samuel integrated her Semihandmade DIY Quarterline Shaker-style cabinet fronts. The kitchen cabinets were painted in Benjamin Moore’s 'Riviera Azure', while the sample library, a dedicated space for mood boards and material clippings, also featured these custom cabinet fronts. To introduce warmth into the large office space, Samuel installed Stuga’s 'Happy Hour' unstained white oak planks on the walls of the kitchen and seating area, and around the base of a built-in L-shaped bench, making it appear more like furniture. Additionally, Samuel embraced a bold color choice by drenching an alcove, formerly a private office and now her sample library, in Sherwin-Williams’s 'Rookwood Dark Red'. This dramatic use of color showcases the impact of a full immersion in a single hue, offering a striking contrast to the typically light and bright preferences of some clients. While awaiting the installation of final office lighting, the renovated space already reflects Samuel's design philosophy, serving as an inspiring environment for her team and a testament to her creative vision. #SarahShermanSamuel #OfficeDesign #InteriorRenovation #IKEAHack #DesignInspiration #CommercialInterior #DIYDesign #ColorPalette #TextileDesign

This article highlights a brand-new, two-story, six-bedroom, 7.5-bath property with 7,416 square feet of living space, designed by Emily White and Kristy Craig Anderson of Dwell Home Staging and Market. The home, built by Halo Homes, is a contemporary new build that served as an ideal canvas for a "livable luxe" design, characterized by a vast open floor plan, sleek iron and glass details, and custom wood cabinets and flooring. The primary goal of the interior design was to create a quiet, minimal, and luxurious feel, while also tempering the sleek architectural elements and high ceilings with soft textures and organic details to ground the space. The designers achieved a modern, organic vibe using a color palette of crisp whites, creamy taupes, and tans, accented with contrasting black and charcoal elements. A key design principle was to ensure that the furniture and decor played a supporting role, allowing the coveted Davis Islands waterfront view to remain the focal point of the property. The living room, for instance, features on-trend curved boucle accent chairs, which introduce a soft element that mirrors the curved lines of the arched doorways and dining room chairs. These dining chairs are also designed to swivel, offering optimal views for television watching. The living room's design is anchored by a down-filled sectional in a fresh off-white performance fabric from Dwell Home Market, chosen for its versatility in accommodating both upscale entertaining and family movie nights. The property's exterior amenities emphasize its prime waterfront location. It includes a designer saltwater pool, an outdoor kitchen, and a private dock, all strategically positioned to face the waterfront. The deep-water dockage is specifically highlighted as a desirable feature for yacht owners. The home is situated on one of Davis Islands' most sought-after streets, and its design maximizes the surrounding natural beauty. Sweeping bay views are visible from nearly every massive window throughout the residence, ensuring that the scenic environment is an integral part of the home's aesthetic.

This article explores ten chic decor ideas inspired by Rachel Zoe's personal bedroom, offering readers practical suggestions to recreate a similar glamorous aesthetic in their own spaces. The inspiration is drawn from an exclusive image featured in Zoe's upcoming book, "Living In Style." The first suggestion focuses on establishing a strong foundation with a canopy bed, emphasizing its ability to create a sense of luxury and defined space within a bedroom. This element serves as a central focal point for the overall design. Next, the article highlights the importance of incorporating texture through a faux fur throw. This addition introduces softness, warmth, and visual interest, contributing to a rich and inviting atmosphere. To personalize the space, the article recommends expressing individual style with a fashion print. This allows for the integration of artistic elements that reflect personal taste and add a unique touch to the decor. Fresh cut flowers are suggested to invigorate the room, with an emphasis on single-variety bouquets in white, such as calla lilies, hydrangeas, or roses. This detail adds a touch of natural elegance and freshness. The fifth idea involves playing with pops of color through decorative pillows. This strategy offers an opportunity to introduce vibrant hues and patterns, enhancing visual appeal and comfort without overwhelming the space. Providing plentiful seating with chic chairs is another key recommendation, ensuring both functionality and style. This allows for comfortable areas within the bedroom for reading or relaxation. To organize accessories stylishly, the article suggests utilizing a mirrored tray. This item combines practicality with a touch of sophistication, reflecting light and adding a decorative element to dressers or nightstands. Honoring tea time with a designer kettle is presented as a way to introduce an element of refined living. This detail contributes to a luxurious and thoughtful atmosphere within the bedroom. Adding ambience with a scented candle is advised for creating a calming and pleasant environment. Scent plays a crucial role in setting the mood and enhancing the overall sensory experience of the room. Finally, the article suggests looking to Lucite for lighting solutions. Lucite lamps offer a modern, clean aesthetic, providing illumination while maintaining a light and airy feel to the decor. #RachelZoe #BedroomDecor #GlamStyle #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #LuxuryLiving #DecorTips #FashionInspiredHome #StylishLiving

Property expert and presenter of 'New Life in the Country', Sarah Beeny, advocates for traditional homes with distinct rooms rather than open-plan layouts, advising first-time buyers to consider houses with walls. Beeny believes that while open-plan designs are popular, they do not necessarily lead to greater happiness. She bases this advice on her personal preference for maintaining separate spaces from her husband, Graham Swift, even within their own home, an ongoing renovation of a 22-acre sheep farm. Beeny explains that the ability to have a personal space where one does not constantly see or hear their partner is beneficial for relationships. She emphasizes the importance of being able to "shut the door" when desired, highlighting the value of privacy and individual retreats within a shared living environment. This perspective challenges the modern trend of removing internal walls to create vast, communal living areas, suggesting that such designs might neglect the human need for occasional solitude and personal boundaries. Beeny's candid remarks stem from her 18-year marriage to Graham Swift, acknowledging that like any couple, they experience "ups and downs." Despite potential disagreements, she recalls a pivotal conversation with Graham, where he pointed out that since divorce was not an option for them (due to their shared commitment to their four sons: Rafferty, Charlie, Laurie, and Billy), they had to choose between being "miserable" or having "a laugh" within their marriage. This philosophy underpins her belief in creating a home environment that supports both togetherness and individual well-being. Her Channel 4 program, 'Sarah Beeny’s New Life in the Country', documented her family's move from London to Somerset in 2018 to renovate a farm. The show featured her sons prominently, and despite a viewer's inquiry about whether the filming process was intrusive for them, Beeny confirmed they enjoyed it and that a second series was in production. This indicates a consistent family dynamic that, despite the demands of filming and public life, values both shared experiences and personal space. Ultimately, Beeny's advice is rooted in the practical and emotional benefits of a home design that allows for both connection and individual retreat, promoting a balanced family life. #SarahBeeny #OpenPlanLiving #HomeDesign #PropertyAdvice #FamilyLife #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #CelebrityNews #HousingTrends

Sarah Sherman Samuel, known from Magnolia Network's "Inspired Interiors," offers insights into her eclectic interior design approach, emphasizing her diverse background as a graphic designer, artist, and furniture maker. She discusses the distinction between designing for high-end clients, including celebrities like Mandy Moore, and personal projects, noting that personal endeavors often involve tighter budgets and more hands-on experimentation. Samuel highlights the unique aspect of her show, which showcases the integration of her interior design work with her studio art and decor creation. She believes that working across various mediums enriches each aspect of her creative process, encouraging viewers to explore new skills and grow. Samuel's graphic design and studio art background significantly influence her interior work, leading her to incorporate graphic shapes, forms, prints, patterns, and a strong emphasis on art in her spaces. The interview delves into practical design tips for homeowners. Samuel suggests sourcing vintage pieces from flea markets or vintage stores to make a significant statement on a budget. For art, she encourages homeowners to create their own pieces or use color and paint to achieve a bold impact. When designing children's rooms, Samuel advises against overly themed decor, instead recommending abstract designs with playful colors and forms that can evolve with the child. To create a warm and welcoming home while incorporating modern elements, she stresses the importance of natural materials like warm woods and natural stones, which add softness and texture even in minimalist aesthetics. Samuel also addresses the challenge of combining different aesthetic sensibilities within a shared home. She argues that differing styles can lead to a more interesting and storied result, advocating for a balanced approach where both partners' preferences are represented without one dominating. The key is to find common denominators in material or color and build upon those shared elements. Regarding upcoming design trends, Samuel anticipates a rise in moodier, richer colors, such as deep-colored kitchens and jewel-toned walls, in 2023. She concludes by explaining her philosophy that good design solves a problem, often helping couples or families navigate conflicting styles. Her advice is to identify overlapping preferences and then gradually introduce individual elements that share common traits, thereby fostering a cohesive yet unique living space. Samuel's overall message underscores the value of experimentation, natural materials, and the harmonious blend of diverse influences to create truly inspired and functional interiors. #InteriorDesign #SarahShermanSamuel #EclecticStyle #HomeRenovation #DesignTips #MagnoliaNetwork #DIYHomeDecor #BudgetDesign #NaturalMaterials

This article explores the transformation of an old Victorian-era house in Toorak, Melbourne, into a modern and art-filled family home by interior designer Zoe Murphy. Acquired in 2017 by Zoe and her husband, Ben, the house, after 35 years with its previous owner, presented a significant renovation opportunity despite its well-loved but dated 'beige' interiors. Zoe, the principal of Zoe Murphy Creative Office, saw the potential for a grand transformation, noting the house's strong foundational 'bones.' The extensive renovation, initiated in 2020, involved restoring heritage features while adding a contemporary extension to the rear. Architect Cera Stribley collaborated on reconfiguring the internal layout, including bedrooms and bathrooms. A classic grey and green color palette was introduced, complemented by kit-kat-style bricks and tiles. Luxurious materials such as marble were utilized in the bathrooms, and timber floorboards were installed in the kitchen, living, and dining areas to add warmth. Bedrooms were enhanced with sumptuous carpets and built-in robes, making them more comfortable and functional for their children, Myra and Roy. Zoe's expertise in decorating was crucial in revitalizing the property. As a stylist for Living Edge, she skillfully combined period elements with modern art and iconic furniture, creating a vibrant and distinctive family residence. This approach was evident when the house was marketed for resale in late 2022, eventually selling for $4.9 million in December. Zoe described her style as playful and somewhat 'art house,' characterized by bright, cheerful spaces and large blocks of color. She emphasized her preference for collecting sculptural and functional furniture pieces that met these criteria. One significant change was the new extension, which incorporated floor-to-ceiling sliding doors in the living room, dining area, and kitchen, maximizing natural light. The kitchen featured joinery designed by Zoe and installed by Exclusive Cabinets, painted in Dulux 'Deep Rift,' with marble supplied by Signorino. A marble kitchen island was paired with Rigmarole counter stools, designed by Zoe’s brother, Rodney Eggleston. Other notable kitchen elements included a BD Barcelona Design Gardenias vase from Living Edge, a Brodware kitchen tap, and timber veneer by Elton Group. The living room's color scheme was inspired by the Rotazioni rug by Patricia Urquiola for CC-Tapis from Loom Rugs. This space also showcased art like 'Me and the Landscape' by Clare Brodie, PGH Bricks, a Grazia & Co Ivy coffee table designed by Clare Cousins, and a green Jardan sofa, alongside a Flos Snoopy table lamp. The library blended old and new aesthetics with iconic Togo sofas from Domo, HK Living coffee tables from House of Orange, a Gan rug from Hub Furniture, and a Gubi pendant light from Surrounding. The Muuto Compile Shelving System displayed a collection of books and art objects, including a Jeff Koons Balloon Dog. The formal sitting room, also known as 'the library,' featured Dulux 'Timeless Grey' walls, highlighting Zoe's art collection, designer furniture, and a grand mirror. Artworks included 'Ruins' by Stefan Dunlop, curtains by Esenar, and a Monkey Side Table from Living Edge. The living room maintained a family-friendly and colorful ambiance, reinforced by a yellow Roly Poly chair by Faye Toogood for Driade and B&B Italia’s Tufty Time sofa. The bathroom adopted a soft grey-green color scheme, using Dulux 'Lyttelton' for walls and cabinets, with kit-kat-style tiles mirroring the downstairs interiors. Fixtures included a Snelling wall light and Brodware tapware, with wall and floor tiles from Signorino. The separate formal dining room was adorned with a large painting by Paul Ryan, sculptures by Ramesh Mario Nithiyendranthe and Nabilah Nordin on the buffet, and a Troy Emery sculpture on the dining table. Blue Bold chairs by Big-Game for Moustache Editions served as artistic furniture pieces, with walls painted in Porter’s Paints 'Grey Goose.' The backyard was redesigned for a Zen, low-maintenance aesthetic and now includes a garage, replacing a previous pool that had occupied most of the outdoor area. The article also mentions a segment on 'The Block' where contestants Shelley Craft, Alice Stolz of Domain, and Liberty from House 5 visited Zoe Murphy's former home for inspiration. Liberty, who had received criticism for her styling, found the home's sophisticated yet family-proof design inspiring, particularly appreciating the integration of modern twists within a period home. Despite differences in budget, Liberty noted that Zoe's use of varying shades of green demonstrated that successful styling relies on combining décor and color effectively, rather than just financial expenditure. This visit is expected to influence future styling in House 5 on 'The Block'. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #VictorianArchitecture #Toorak #ZoeMurphyCreativeOffice #ModernInteriors #ArtFilledHome #LuxuryDecor #HomeStyling

The article explores the eclectic home design aesthetic, which involves blending various periods and styles to create a unique and layered look. Designer Sarah Cooper of Cabell Cooper Design advocates for this approach, describing her own personal style as a juxtaposition of old and new, high and low price points, and diverse colors and textures. Cooper emphasizes that eclectic design is about achieving harmony from seemingly disparate elements and encourages experimentation and personalization. She suggests that homeowners should incorporate pieces found from various sources like flea markets, auctions, estate sales, garage sales, and personal travels to reflect their individual personality, moving away from the notion of cookie-cutter design. Cooper provides a breakdown of five key tips for achieving a harmonious eclectic interior. The first tip suggests starting with a neutral foundation, such as white or light-colored walls, to serve as a blank canvas. The second tip involves introducing a colorful anchor furniture piece, such as a sofa or dining table, which can be either modern or antique. The article highlights an example of a repurposed Duncan Phyfe dining table painted in high-gloss cobalt blue, surrounded by silver-framed Louis XV chairs upholstered in blue velvet. The third tip focuses on utilizing patterns and colors through accent pieces like rugs, pillows, and wall art, noting that geometric shapes and animal prints can add visual interest. The fourth tip suggests incorporating various finishes, including wood, iron, metal, glass, and acrylic, citing an outdoor bar design that combines black wrought iron with wood/rattan seats and a vintage glass mirror. Finally, the fifth tip recommends using lighting to add an interesting layer of design, such as pairing modern table lamps with a vintage chandelier to enhance the interior. By following these guidelines, individuals can create a distinctive and compelling design scheme that truly individualizes their home. #EclecticDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #SarahCooper #CabellCooperDesign #DesignTips #Furniture #ColorPalette #Texture #Lighting

Zara McDermott, known for her social media presence and documentary work, has been giving her followers glimpses into her new home, showcasing innovative decorating solutions. A particular highlight from a recent cooking video was a gold and glass table lamp, which garnered significant interest from her fans. McDermott revealed that this lamp is a rechargeable, wireless model purchased from Amazon, currently on sale for £16.99, reduced from £24.99. This rechargeable table lamp offers a practical solution for illuminating spaces lacking nearby plug sockets or where users prefer to avoid visible wires. Its versatility makes it suitable for various areas within a home, such as hallways, windowsills, bathrooms, and kitchen counters. It can also provide temporary ambient lighting for dining tables or outdoor settings, provided it's not raining. The design of the lamp is described as chic and sophisticated, featuring a gold base and stand complemented by a rose-inspired fluted lampshade, designed to cast light effectively into room corners. Functionality-wise, the lamp is fully dimmable, offering ten different light intensity settings to adjust the illumination level as needed. Users can select from three light colors: warm, natural, and white, by simply tapping the base. The device is powered by a standard Type-C cable, eliminating the need for battery replacements. Customer reviews largely praise the lamp for its aesthetic appeal and functionality. One reviewer noted its expensive look despite its affordable price and highlighted its ease of use and three color settings with adjustable brightness, particularly appreciating its ambient light for a hallway. Another shopper found it handy and pretty, ideal for dark areas. However, some feedback indicates that the lamp might not be suitable for all lighting needs, with one customer suggesting it functions more as a night light rather than a primary table light due to its brightness. A comparison was drawn to a more expensive Dunelm version, which reportedly offered a longer battery life. Nevertheless, the Amazon Rechargeable Table Lamp remains available in the sale, presenting an accessible option for those seeking a stylish and portable lighting solution. #ZaraMcDermott #HomeDecor #RechargeableLamp #Amazon #InteriorDesign #LightingSolutions #SmartHome #AffiliateMarketing #Dunelm

This article highlights the design philosophy and execution of Los Angeles-based designer Sarah Solis in transforming a Hancock Park home into a Mediterranean villa. The clients, a young artistic family in the entertainment industry, sought a home that would foster creativity and evoke a European vacation feel. Solis focused on restoring and enhancing the home's original Spanish architecture, which included features like exposed beams and arches that had been previously concealed. She also added more arches to maintain architectural integrity, particularly at the entrance and between rooms, aligning with the 1920s Spanish and Mediterranean home styles. A central aspect of Solis's design approach is storytelling, employing an intuitive method to styling. She created a cohesive yet vibrant home by blending rich colors, various woods, velvets, metal, and tiles, aiming for both comfort and elegance. Solis emphasizes the significant role of texture in shaping a home's experience, illustrating this with the use of velvet red sofas for luxury and leather chairs for a formal touch in the dining area. The kitchen achieves casual elegance through a wood and metal combination, while the bedroom offers an ethereal feel with soft linens and subtle patterns. This combination of diverse materials allows the space to be suitable for both entertaining and relaxation. The designer notes that the strategic use of materials helps soften strong colors, as seen with the bright red velvet sofa in the living room, which makes it more luxurious and inviting. Artwork was another crucial element, selected to be visionary and reflective of the clients' artistic backgrounds. Solis sourced unique, original pieces for nearly every room, ensuring they harmonized with the existing color palettes and added depth. The goal was to create an inspiring yet livable space, avoiding a 'too precious' feel and promoting a sense of relaxation throughout. Given the home's California location, indoor-outdoor living was a priority. Solis capitalized on the abundant natural light by installing layered window treatments—woven shades topped with fabric—to control light levels while adding an organic touch. The master bathroom features a massive copper tub positioned to face the sunlight, further blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. The patio area mirrors the interior's aesthetic, incorporating similar textures and tiles for the fountain and built-in bench, which was updated with Moroccan zellige, thus creating a serene and cohesive outdoor environment. Solis concludes that these small, thoughtful details are instrumental in elevating and enlivening the entire space. #MediterraneanDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #SarahSolis #LuxuryLiving #TexturalDesign #ArchitecturalRestoration #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ArtisticHome

Susanna Salk's eighth book, "Decorate Fearlessly: Using Whimsy, Confidence and a Dash of Surprise to Create Deeply Personal Spaces," serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals seeking to inject personality and boldness into their interior design choices. The book, released by Rizzoli, compiles the work of 83 prominent designers, showcasing a diverse array of styles from modern and traditional to casual country and city chic. Salk's philosophy revolves around the idea that decorating should be a fearless and enjoyable process, encouraging readers to draw inspiration from various sources and adapt design concepts to their own spaces. The book is structured by room type, covering living rooms, dining areas, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways. This organization allows readers to focus on specific areas of their homes and discover relevant design solutions. Salk, who considers herself more of a stylist than a professional designer, has a background working for notable publications like Elle Décor and House & Garden. She emphasizes the importance of training one's eye to recognize and appreciate different design elements, akin to a "triathlete's muscle." In her research for "Decorate Fearlessly," Salk extensively utilized platforms like Pinterest to collect inspiring images. She highlights the work of designers such as Alex Papachristidis, whose vibrant and layered Manhattan apartment interiors are featured. Papachristidis's design, including a library with dark walls and an all-over chevron pattern rug, exemplifies Salk's message of confidence in layering textures and patterns. Salk personally adopted Papachristidis's dark wall concept in her own bathroom, demonstrating the practical application of her "copying is acceptable" philosophy. The book also showcases the sleek and uncluttered aesthetic of New York-based architect Annabelle Selldorf, particularly her work in fashion designer Jill Stuart’s penthouse. Selldorf’s design, featuring custom tables, classic Thonet bentwood chairs, and vintage light fixtures by Carlo Scarpa, illustrates how a mix of modern and formal elements can create a sophisticated yet warm environment. Salk points out that the interplay of spirals in a Sue Williams painting and the chair backs, along with the unexpected light fixtures, demonstrate a fearless approach to combining elements that don't traditionally match. Marian McEvoy, former editor-in-chief of Elle Décor and House Beautiful, provides another perspective on fearless decorating. Known for her DIY approach and use of a glue gun, McEvoy's Hudson Valley cottage is filled with her handiwork, including custom upholstery trim, curtains, and lampshades. Her living room, featuring a Ralph Lauren Home sofa enhanced with black and red trim and mirrors reflecting a bold color scheme, underscores the idea that decorating should bring happiness and delight. She advocates for personalization and the creative use of color, demonstrating that fearlessness can be achieved through hands-on involvement and a confident use of color. The work of New York decorators Miles Redd and Jonathan Adler is also featured, highlighting their chic and bold use of color. Salk specifically praises Adler's fearless use of color, exemplified by a child's bedroom design that features a single magenta wall contrasted with white walls. This approach offers a manageable solution for parents who want to incorporate bold colors without committing to an entire room. Ultimately, Salk's book aims to empower readers to overcome paralysis in redecorating by encouraging incremental changes, such as painting a wall or adding a patterned pillow, rather than feeling pressured to undertake a complete overhaul. She believes that small, confident steps can lead to deeply personal and rewarding spaces. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DecorateFearlessly #SusannaSalk #DesignInspiration #BoldInteriors #AlexPapachristidis #AnnabelleSelldorf #MarianMcEvoy

Sarah Peake, founder and creative director of Studio Peake, shares insights into her distinctive interior design philosophy, influences, and showcases three notable projects. Peake's journey into interior design began with an interest in textiles and pattern cutting, followed by foundational experience with renowned designers Alidad and Todhunter Earle. These early experiences instilled in her the importance of meticulous detail and the ability to manage large-scale international projects, shaping her holistic approach to design. Peake's design ethos emphasizes the contextual relevance of each interior, steering away from a fixed style. Instead, she advocates for a collaborative vision that integrates her creative input with the client's preferences and the inherent characteristics of the space. Her work often features bold use of color, diverse materials, and patterns, alongside a harmonious blend of contemporary and antique furnishings. A core principle is to ensure the space reflects the client's personality, and she finds creative inspiration when tasked with incorporating existing client possessions or adhering to specific color constraints, believing that such limitations can foster artistic innovation. Inspiration for Peake is drawn from a myriad of sources, including clients, the architectural context, historical periods, and even natural landscapes. She maintains an extensive library of books for research and frequently captures visual cues from her surroundings. Her typical color palette leans towards blues and greens, often warmed with wood, yellow, or gold tones, which she finds relaxing and neutral, particularly suitable for bedrooms and bathrooms. However, she stresses the importance of variety, ensuring that while certain colors anchor a design, others are introduced to create dynamic schemes. Material selection focuses on natural elements such as wood, linen, and bouclé wool. She appreciates the versatility of stone, from Italian marble for a luxurious feel to English limestone for rustic charm. Her designs are further enriched by the strategic use of contrast, juxtaposing natural textures with vibrant lacquers and brass accents. Finishing touches are crucial to Peake's designs, frequently incorporating items like curly Gotland sheepskins or richly textured bouclé, either as upholstery or cushions. Swedish flatweave rugs are another signature element, with Peake actively seeking original pieces or commissioning new ones from traditional Swedish factories. Beautiful ceramics, particularly organic shapes with unique glazes, are also a passion. For Instagram inspiration, she recommends following Studio Giancarlo Valle, Pierre Yovanovitch, and Meta Coleman. Peake highlights three key projects that exemplify her work. The Parsons Green house involved transforming a blank canvas with Victorian features into a contemporary yet layered family home, blending modern art with antique rugs and bespoke elements like a tiled fireplace. The master bedroom in this project features a calm palette with Edward Bulmer 'Celadon' paint and a Vanderhurd rug, while the guest bedroom showcases vibrant colors and custom-designed beds. The Vauxhall cottage project, her first solo endeavor, involved restoring a Georgian cottage, transforming an industrial aesthetic into a cozy, colorful home. This included a kitchen refresh with new limestone flooring, painted joinery, and antique handles, complemented by soft furnishings. The master bedroom in Vauxhall features 'Fencing Blue' paint, Pierre Frey fabric, and a pre-existing painting by Venetia Berry as a color anchor. The small box room was dramatically transformed into a bed nook, utilizing V-grooved MDF paneling, Edward Bulmer 'Fair Blue' paint, and Ottoline Devries wallpaper. Finally, the Barons Court apartment, an Edwardian mansion block flat, required a fresh, modern update while honoring its traditional elements. This project features a dramatic layout with a freestanding Water Monopoly bath as a focal point, a study with traditional panelling and a mid-century modern light fitting, and a bedroom with Lewis & Wood wallpaper and a mix of antique and contemporary furnishings. Each project demonstrates Peake's skill in blending diverse elements to create unique and personalized living spaces. #InteriorDesign #StudioPeake #SarahPeake #HomeDecor #DesignEthos #ColorPalette #MaterialSelection #RenovationProjects #LuxuryInteriors

This article features an interview with Zoe Feldman, a Washington D.C.-based interior designer known for creating warm, characterful, and personal homes. Feldman, who trained at Parsons School of Design, emphasizes the importance of understanding a building's architecture as the foundation for her design approach. She believes that the 'bones of a building' set the tone for the interior, which she then enhances with bold colors, rich textures, and carefully selected art. The discussion begins with Feldman's initial assessment of a space, focusing on its inherent architectural qualities and whether it requires added warmth or soul. She describes her personal design philosophy as naturally warm, casual, and approachable, qualities she strives to infuse into every project. When working with new builds that often lack character despite soaring ceilings, Feldman's strategy involves creating coziness by framing areas to give them distinction and purpose. This might include adding moldings or slightly lowering ceilings to make open-concept spaces feel more intimate and functional, ensuring each area serves its intended role. Feldman views homes as a form of self-expression and guides clients by exploring their existing collections, such as vases, records, art books, or travel souvenirs. She believes that highlighting cherished analogue objects makes a home more conversational, inviting connection and dialogue among visitors. Being surrounded by such items, according to Feldman, creates a sense of wonder and warmth, making a living space feel like a rich tapestry of one's life experiences. Color plays a significant role in Feldman's designs, and she encourages clients to overcome their fear of using it. Inspired by artist Mark Rothko, who used bold shades to evoke emotion, Feldman suggests incorporating colors that resonate personally. For instance, blue for calm in a bedroom, pink for happiness in a sitting room, or green for connection to nature in a kitchen. For more cautious clients, she introduces color through upholstery or artwork, or by dedicating bold hues to specific, briefly experienced spaces like dens, dining rooms, or powder rooms, where a strong statement won't overwhelm the entire home. Texture is another subtle yet powerful element in Feldman’s work. She shares her current favorites, including mohair rugs for their softness and comfort, and cashmere for its luxurious feel, particularly in a buttery camel tone. She acknowledges that some choices, like cashmere sofas, are not practical for every household, especially those with children and pets. However, she advocates for using materials that suit the client's lifestyle. Lightweight wool drapes are also favored for their ability to catch light beautifully and adapt to different seasons. The interview also delves into art sourcing, where Feldman, with her background in art dealing, highlights its transformative power. She advises against matching art to a space but rather considering how it responds to the room, and she often plays with scale, using oversized pieces for dramatic effect or small, delicate ones to invite closer inspection. She encourages people to embrace art without intimidation, stressing that cost is not a barrier and that the key is to acquire pieces that evoke love and personal connection. #InteriorDesign #ZoeFeldman #HomeDecor #ColorPalette #TexturalDesign #ArtInDesign #SoulfulInteriors #DesignPhilosophy

This article celebrates Suzanne Tick's induction into the Interior Design Hall of Fame, highlighting her multifaceted career as a material innovator, textile designer, and artist. Tick's work is characterized by a forward-thinking approach, integrating sustainability, advanced technologies like 3D knitting, and concepts of transparency and digitalism into woven surfaces for commercial interiors. Her textile brand, Luum, for instance, launched its 'Fabric of Space' collection with patterns inspired by celestial phenomena, coincidentally aligning with the public release of images from the James Webb Space Telescope. Throughout her four-decade career, Tick has collaborated with prominent brands such as Tarkett, Tandus Centiva, 3form, and Skyline Design, creating a diverse range of products including upholstery, drapery fabrics, high-performance carpeting, broadloom, cement-tile, LVT flooring, and etched glass panels. Beyond her commercial endeavors, she maintains an active fine-art practice, producing tapestries and experimental handweavings for clients like the Gates Foundation and BlackRock. Before establishing her independent studio and Luum, Tick served as an in-house design lead for Knoll Textiles, Unika Vaev, and Brickel Associates. However, she values the autonomy and risk-taking opportunities afforded by her entrepreneurial path. This independence has enabled her to innovate, as seen in Luum's pioneering contract industry fabrics made from postconsumer-recycled biodegradable polyester and discarded garment waste. Her journey began in the early 1980s after earning textile design degrees, where she quickly sought to understand the entire production process, learning everything from fiber sourcing to pattern implementation, an experience that shaped her holistic approach. Sustainability has been a cornerstone of Tick's philosophy, encompassing raw material development, structural innovation, and manufacturing method revitalization. At Luum, the focus is on developing new fibers and constructions, resulting in distinct fabrics. Her handweavings also incorporate novel and salvaged materials, such as dry-cleaning hangers, shredded ledgers, and cut-up paint sample discards. Tick attributes her salvage mindset to her upbringing, influenced by her father's scrap-metal business and her mother's creative pursuits and Eastern philosophy interests. Meditation has also profoundly influenced Tick's creative process and studio culture. After a period of personal dissatisfaction, she embraced Vedic meditation seven years ago and now teaches it, crediting it with enhancing collective creativity and clarity within her design teams. This practice has also reinforced her commitment to social responsibility, leading to free weaving workshops and involvement with The Light Inside, an organization teaching meditation to prison inmates. Tick's dedication extends to environmental stewardship, evidenced by her role in creating Resolution, the first solution-dyed panel fabric for Knoll Textiles, and her studio's textile waste recycling efforts. Her work consistently pushes boundaries, merging technology, craft, and human ingenuity to promote circularity in design. #SuzanneTick #InteriorDesignHallOfFame #TextileDesign #MaterialInnovation #Sustainability #LuumTextiles #KnollTextiles #SkylineDesign #VedicMeditation #ArtInstallation

Suzani, a traditional Persian quilt design, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity within home interiors. This style, characterized by intricate embroidered patterns of vines, leaves, flowers, and fruits like pomegranates, draws inspiration from ancient Greek, Ottoman Empire, and Afghani designs. These patterns are typically hand-stitched onto solid neutral cotton or silk backgrounds using natural dyes derived from indigo, pomegranates, and walnuts. Historically, suzanis were crafted by women as part of their dowry, using a needle-like tool called 'suzan' (Persian for 'needle'). These textiles were commonly used for chair backs, stool cushions, and pillows. The creation process involved a 'kalamkash' (local designer) who would divide the design among family members to be embroidered simultaneously. In Minneapolis, designer and collector Talin Spring of Spring Finn & Co. showcases a collection of rare, antique suzani quilts, primarily from Uzbekistan, dating back to the mid-20th century. Spring, who is originally from Istanbul and grew up in Marseille, travels globally to source these high-quality, hand-embroidered pieces. She suggests using suzanis as decorative wall hangings or, in smaller fragments, as upholstery. Her collection is available for viewing by appointment at her studio, with prices ranging from $450 to $1,300. Beyond antique pieces, suzani-inspired fabrics are accessible through online retailers such as onlinefabricstore.net and housefabric.com. Major home goods retailers like Pottery Barn and Pier 1 also offer ready-made suzani-inspired items, including curtain panels, kitchen accessories, rugs, and quilts. Examples of readily available suzani-inspired home goods include duvet cover sets, throw pillows, accent runners, salad plate sets, area rugs, grommet curtains, armchairs, and peel-and-stick wallpaper, providing consumers with various options to incorporate this trending design into their homes. #HomeDecorTrends #SuzaniQuilt #InteriorDesign #PersianTextiles #HomeDecor #TextileArt #EthnicDecor #BohemianStyle

The blog post highlights a significant shift in interior design trends, moving away from the previously dominant straight lines and minimalist aesthetics influenced by Scandinavian and Japanese styles, towards an embrace of curves and organic shapes. This transition is prominently showcased through examples from 'The Block,' a popular design show. Designer Shaynna Blaze notes that for a long time, architects and designers favored straight lines, and she herself wouldn't have predicted the resurgence of curved elements a decade ago. However, she now expresses a fondness for this evolving trend. The article points to several instances where contestants on 'The Block' have integrated curves into their designs. Luke and Jasmin are particularly noted for their innovative use of curves in both their bathroom, featuring a curved wall and a circular skylight to create a warm and organic feel, and their kitchen, where a gentle curve in the wall connects different areas of the house. Daniel and Jade further exemplify this trend with their Christian Cole curved benchtop and dining area, echoed by a curved living room wall. Sarah and George also softened their large Dolomite stone island bench with a curved corner, demonstrating the versatility of this design element. Shaynna Blaze attributes this renewed interest in curves to a desire for something different, following a period where architectural design had become somewhat monotonous with its emphasis on simplicity and rigid structures. She observes that around two years prior to the article's publication, curves began to subtly appear in elements like doors, leading to the current widespread adoption of the style. Beyond mere fashion, Blaze suggests a deeper reason for the shift towards softer, more organic living environments: the uncertainty of the current world. Drawing on her knowledge of design history, she indicates that periods of adversity often correlate with a societal move towards more fluid and comforting forms in design, serving as a counter-reaction to austerity. These organic shapes are seen as reflecting nature and contributing to a sense of comfort and less rigid living. Block contestant Sarah also expresses her enthusiasm for curves, appreciating their aesthetic appeal and the visual interest they add to a space. She views the introduction of curves as a welcome change from the long-standing prevalence of strong, angular architecture in homes, finding it a 'cool' inclusion. The article concludes by reinforcing the idea that curves are not just a fleeting trend but a meaningful design movement, possibly reflecting a broader cultural shift towards seeking comfort and organic beauty in challenging times. #DesignTrends #InteriorDesign #TheBlock #ShaynnaBlaze #HomeInspiration #CurvedDesign #OrganicShapes #ModernInteriors #RenovationTrends