Hanna Li’s Provençal-inspired blend of jute rugs, oak floors and lagoon-colored concrete

This blog post explores the concept of urban eclectic decor, highlighting its key characteristics and offering various examples of furniture and accessories that embody this style. Urban chic is described as a design aesthetic that doesn't require living in a downtown loft but instead focuses on multifunctional furniture, diverse textures, and smaller profiles. The style embraces a mix of old and new, industrial and comfortable, allowing for creative expression and personalization. It encourages blending materials, colors, and design periods to create a unique and lived-in feel. The article showcases several pieces from different retailers that exemplify urban eclectic design. From Art Van Furniture, the Loft II dining table, crafted from solid acacia hardwood with a recycled cast iron base, is presented as an example of multifunctional urban furniture. The 9-drawer Elliott Chest, also from Art Van, is noted for its multicolored mango finish and varied drawer shapes, colors, and textures, emphasizing the style's diverse nature. Art Van's Townsend Queen Bed, with its vintage mahogany finish, is also featured, with a buyer stating that urban decor “really has no rules.” Light fixtures are shown to be both functional and stylish, with examples like the Aspen Chandelier, featuring filament bulbs and a rope-wrapped base, and the industrial-vibe Sputnik Large Chandelier. West Elm contributes to the examples with its Box Frame Counter Marble Table, characterized by a burnished bronze-finished steel frame. The popular industrial storage glass-topped coffee table from West Elm, made of mango wood, offers open shelving and drawers for practical storage. Another West Elm item, the Industrial Bed, is highlighted for its solid wood construction, hand-planed distressed look, and iron base, combining rustic and refined elements. The Industrial Rolling Bar Cart, with its acid-washed, sandblasted metal and electroplating finish, provides a vintage appearance and ample storage, showcasing the fusion of industrial aesthetics with functionality. La-Z-Boy's Urban Attitudes Collection, introduced in 2013, is also featured, emphasizing cleaner lines and smaller profiles in its sofas, love seats, and chairs. The collection includes the customizable Structure sofa, notable for its “party arm” for extra seating, and the Gridiron Stationary Chair, available in numerous fabric options. The Uptown style, also part of this collection, further illustrates La-Z-Boy's take on urban design. The article also touches upon textile influences, presenting Alhambra's Urban Chic textile collection, which draws inspiration from the architectural elements of major cities like New York and Tokyo. This collection offers three color schemes that blend urban tones with metallic touches and vibrant colors. Accessories that complement this style include Nate Berkus's metal Inlay Tray from Target, Target's Angled Metal Mirror in black and gold, and the Threshold rose-gold dipped cement table lamp, all demonstrating the incorporation of diverse materials and finishes. Overall, the blog post illustrates that urban eclectic decor is about thoughtfully blending various design elements to create a distinctive, functional, and personal living space. #UrbanEclecticDecor #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #MultifunctionalFurniture #IndustrialDesign #ContemporaryStyle #DesignTrends #Furniture #HomeAccessories

This article highlights various home decor and furniture pieces, emphasizing unique designs, craftsmanship, and the stories behind their creation. It features a reintroduction of the Lawrence Peabody chair from 1962, now custom-crafted in America from solid teak or wicker with high-density foam cushions and customizable fabric choices. Another piece is Shanan Campanaro's largest rug collection for Eskayel, inspired by Marrakech and the High Atlas Mountains. This collection includes the Kotoubia/Duomo rug, made from Merino wool and silk blend, hand-knotted with varied weave structures and pile heights. The article also presents a whimsical kitchen apron called 'Siberia' by Helen Wilson of Witch and Watchman, depicting a jungle of animals on a crimson Siberica leaf background, offering an eccentric take on chinoiserie. Pillows designed by Sigi Ahl are showcased, crafted from felt made from recycled clothing by Eileen Fisher, as part of Fisher's zero-waste initiative, which has seen over a million clothing items returned. Joana Aranha's Fingerprint Chaise Longue, made from Indian Acacia wood with an extra matte varnish and a linen-cotton blend upholstery, is also featured. Her pillows incorporate hand-sewn gold zippers and a trademark tassel with the 'flower of India' insignia, inspired by a red flower Aranha found in New Delhi. Adriana Hoyos' Rumba upholstered chair is described with its distinctive silhouette, pronounced curves, generous seat, and gold-finish metal studs on a wooden frame, combining comfort, craftsmanship, and design. The Francis desk, named after Hillary Petrie's father, is presented as a simple yet complex piece with intricate joinery, ideal for floating in a room. This custom version is crafted from natural Douglas fir with a clear water-based finish and saddle leather drawers, all made in Egg Collective's woodshop or in collaboration with New York City fabricators. Michael Wainwright's new artisanal dinnerware brand for Lenox, 'Crafted,' introduces the Pompeii collection, which features durable stoneware with charming blue-on-white patterns and gold accents, designed for playful layering and everyday use. The Margot Chest by Bruce Andrews is highlighted for its dazzling emerald green, piano-ribbed front, and silver leaf-covered solid maple base with contoured legs. Handcrafted in America, this piece measures 40 3/4 inches wide, 18 3/4 inches deep, and 44 inches tall from its 12-inch leg. Aoife Mullane's textiles feature foiling on fabric, drawing inspiration from sea glass and pebbles, incorporating glamorous metallic touches in bronze, copper, and silver. Michele Varian's lighting designs are noted for their use of solid, unplated metals like brass, copper, or steel, with sculptural Mala 'bead' pendants inspired by Constantin Brancusi and modern primitive design, which will naturally patina over time. Alexandra Petrache's HALFDROP textile collection, specifically the Layers Yellow pattern, is shown, inspired by antique Romanian rag rugs. This reinterpretation features bold, organically layered patterns in mustard yellow and complementary grays, with hand-drawn lines enhancing fluidity. These 20-inch pillows are made of 100 percent cotton. The Lake Shore Watercolor Console from John Strauss Furniture is presented as a piece of art, featuring a watercolor by Tracy Hiner digitally printed and applied as a veneer to the doors, protected by an acrylic coating. The console has a satin sheen navy lacquer finish, stainless steel legs, and touch-latch doors with adjustable shelves. Lastly, Stacy Kunstel's Chunky Captain Compass Table, designed with Michael Partenio, features a massive turned maple base painted in a glossy custom Benjamin Moore color, Blueberry Hill, and topped with a 48-inch white-honed Carrara marble. Maggie Cruz’s Alexandra Cane Bench, influenced by her Cuban heritage and Miami, showcases Art Deco styling in a coral dust finish with white-washed cane and optic white linen upholstery. #HomeDecor #FurnitureDesign #InteriorStyling #TextileDesign #ArtisanCraftsmanship #SustainableDesign #ModernPrimitiveDesign #ArtDeco

This article explores twenty diverse bohemian (boho) living room ideas, showcasing how this design aesthetic prioritizes individuality and comfort over rigid rules. Boho style is characterized by a mix of patterns, layered textures, and eclectic elements, moving beyond common misconceptions of excessive macramé or cluttered spaces. The featured examples illustrate various interpretations of boho, from glam to Southwestern influences. One example is Elena Reygadas's Mexico City living room, which blends vintage flea-market finds, designer pieces, and Mexican craftsmanship. It incorporates a fringed hammock, antique sofas, and handcrafted objects, creating a layered and artistic atmosphere with natural materials. Jacques Grange's Portuguese villa presents a rattan haven with wicker furniture and hanging birdcages, utilizing playful colors and rustic elements for a relaxed and whimsical charm. Stacey Hill's San Antonio home, designed by Lake | Flato, features an eclectic mix of Mexican Santos, Maasai beads, and antique finds in warm tones, with a notable monumental blue painting adding artistic flair. Rebecca Gardner's Greenwich Village apartment embraces a raucous boho style with saffron silk faille curtains and a paprika-toned rug, curating a whimsical and intimate space. An outdoor living room in a Mexican oasis showcases vibrant, open-air elements and a Careyes-style built-in sofa, complemented by colorful wall art by Saul Kaminer. Nick Fouquet's Topanga Canyon dome house features a geodesic design, integrating natural materials and vintage finds like a Malm fireplace and custom furniture to create a cozy, free-spirited environment. The Miami Beach apartment of Tom Healy and Fred Hochberg, designed by Charlap Hyman & Herrero, offers a bohemian surrealist escape with vintage rocking chairs, biomorphic side tables, and dried grass lamps. A Santa Barbara beach house adopts a relaxed boho style with a velvet green sofa, antique rugs, paisley curtains, and grass-cloth wallpaper, offering a toned-down aesthetic. Christina Juarez's New York apartment demonstrates brilliant boho style with a maximalist approach, drenching the space in color and pattern, including ikats, zigzag rugs, and layered art. An Upstate New York ranch house incorporates modern and vintage pieces, like a Jean-Michel Frank sofa and a Pedro Friedeberg-style chair, with straw marquetry walls and an alpaca rug for organic warmth. John Robshaw’s Connecticut country home living room is dominated by stripe patterns, creating a rich and artistic energy. A New York apartment presents a chintz-boho style with floral-patterned cushions, gold-hued tables, and chintz-upholstered chairs, offering a fresh yet classic bohemian twist. Maryam Montague’s Marrakech oasis reinterprets Moroccan boho with vintage rugs, custom sofas, beaded accents, and antique mirrors against modern architectural elements. Lari Pittman and Roy Dowell's Los Angeles home highlights artistic boho with bold wallpaper as a backdrop to an eclectic blend of cultural art, textiles, and contemporary pieces. William Cullum’s Greenwich Village apartment blends eclectic vintage pieces and bold colors for a glam boho look, featuring 19th-century antiques, personal artworks, and striking textiles. A Southwestern boho living room combines cactuses and natural wood flooring with a teal couch for a relaxed and colorful vibe. A plant-filled sanctuary emphasizes lush plants, neutral textiles, and soft furnishings to create a cozy and calming atmosphere. A bold boho living room uses a macramé wall hanging for texture and a striking red chair to contrast with neutral tones. Kathryn Ireland's Santa Monica home offers a whimsical boho style with eclectic furnishings, including a 19th-century Uzbek textile, French and Mexican antiques, and patchwork rugs. Finally, a paradisiacal living room features a bird of paradise plant and a hanging chair, bringing natural, tropical elements and a relaxed feel to a wood-themed space with abundant natural light.

Following his appointment as creative director at Celine, Hedi Slimane has swiftly implemented his vision, significantly transforming the luxury brand. His initiatives include removing the accent from the brand's 'e', introducing menswear lines, and reshaping womenswear. A cornerstone of this transformation is the global rollout of his new retail concept, driven by Celine's CEO Séverine Merle's strategy to expand the brand's footprint with larger flagship stores capable of showcasing the broadened menswear and womenswear collections. This expansion began in March with a 5,000 sq ft New York flagship and two new addresses in Paris: a remodelled two-storey space on rue de Grenelle for both menswear and womenswear, and the brand’s first dedicated menswear flagship on rue François 1er. By mid-April, new boutiques had opened in major cities including Tokyo, Shanghai, Los Angeles, Madrid, Milan, and London, with a Beijing store slated for later in the year. Each store, designed in collaboration with Celine’s in-house team, possesses a unique character while adhering to common design principles. A strong emphasis is placed on natural stone and bold materials, with massive, richly veined slabs of marble, granite, and travertine adorning walls, shelves, and columns. Basaltina lava stone covers the floors. These materials, with their contrasting patterns, are reflected in large mirrors and steel surfaces, creating a visually dynamic environment. Reclaimed oak, alongside wood and leather furniture, introduces warm brown accents that complement the sleek black-and-white palette. Many surfaces, such as the creamy Bianco Raffaello marble and ginger-veined black granite, are noted for their smooth, tactile qualities, inviting touch and offering a departure from the typical coldness associated with stone. Slimane's architectural style is characterized by rigorous lines, evident in the intersecting seams of concrete floors, parallel shelving, and rectangular metal displays. Despite this precision, the designs maintain a sense of weightlessness; display cases and shelves appear to hover, and materials, like brushed steel and Grande Antique marble, are positioned in close proximity without directly touching. This creates an effect of suspension and delicate interaction between elements. The stores also feature a new collection of furniture designed by Slimane, alongside vintage 1960s and 1970s pieces that highlight French woodworking. Slimane’s furniture, primarily made from light or dark plywood, is minimalist and evokes the simplicity of children's building blocks or primitive thrones, with future plans for retail. A significant aspect of the new concept is the Celine Art Project, which integrates contemporary artworks by established and emerging artists. These pieces, either acquired or commissioned, add another layer of sensory engagement; examples include Rindon Johnson’s yellowed rawhide cube wrapped in rope and Shawn Kuruneru’s ink-and-acrylic paintings that echo the marble patterns. The rue de Grenelle store's centerpiece is a site-specific installation by Oscar Tuazon, reflecting Slimane's commitment to combining global brand strategy with a passion for supporting young talent in music, art, and creativity. #HediSlimane #Celine #RetailDesign #LuxuryFashion #StoreArchitecture #InteriorDesign #MaterialSelection #ArtIntegration #FurnitureDesign

Susan Alexandra, known for its vibrant and beaded accessories, has opened a new store in New York City's Lower East Side, offering a colorful and whimsical retail experience. The store's design, spearheaded by founder Susan Korn in collaboration with Lula Galeano of Studio Galeon and Levi Shaw-Faber of Wiggle Room, transforms the space into a 'pigmented oasis' that draws inspiration from playful, retro aesthetics like '80s roller rinks, watermelons, and bananas. This design ethos extends beyond a mere shopping destination, providing a source of innovative and bold home decor inspiration that can be adapted for various personal styles. The store's exterior immediately captures attention with its bright yellow facade, setting the tone for the interior's vibrant color palette and unique architectural elements. One notable feature is the beaded banana door handle, a whimsical detail that exemplifies the brand's playful approach. Inside, the design incorporates several distinct elements that can be translated into residential settings. For instance, colored-glass bricks are used to create custom archways, room partitions, and corner tables, introducing a burst of color and a disco-like ambiance while minimizing the need for traditional wall hangings. This approach suggests an alternative to conventional wall decor, using structural elements to infuse color and light into a space. Another design technique highlighted in the store is color-blocking the ceiling and the top quarter of the walls, a concept referred to as 'Accent Wall 2.0.' This method creates a dynamic feel in any room and can be further enhanced by painting accent shelves and cubby spaces to match, integrating storage with the overall color scheme. The use of mosaics, described as a supersized version of Susan Alexandra's beaded bags, is prevalent throughout the store. Multicolored tiles in various shapes and sizes are employed to craft custom images and patterns, effectively embedding visuals directly into the walls, offering a creative alternative to wallpaper or paint for personalization. Lighting also plays a significant role in the store's design, featuring bespoke elements such as giant fruit sconces and intricate beaded chandeliers. While these are custom creations, the article suggests that antique and modern lighting fixtures can serve a similar purpose in residential interiors, introducing interesting colors and silhouettes that act as bold decorative choices. An example provided is the Matin wall sconce from Hay, illustrating how specific lighting pieces can contribute to a space's overall aesthetic. These design choices collectively offer a blueprint for homeowners looking to incorporate vivid colors, unique textures, and playful elements into their living spaces, moving away from neutral palettes toward more expressive and personalized interiors. #StoreDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ColorBlocking #MosaicTiles #LightingDesign #RetailSpace #SusanAlexandra #NewYorkCity

Melissa Oholendt, founder of Oho Interiors, has carved out a unique niche in the interior design world with her distinctive “Elevated Cozy” aesthetic. Although she initially pursued a finance degree, her passion for interior design, ignited by a childhood bedroom's Ralph Lauren Polo bears and the challenge of matching navy paint, eventually led her to launch her Minneapolis-based firm in 2019, which now extends its services to Colorado and beyond. Oholendt's early years in business, coinciding with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, were a period of intense, hands-on learning. Without formal design education or prior experience in a design firm, she navigated the complexities of the industry, developing her expertise project by project. This rigorous self-education paid off significantly, leading to her first hire in 2022 and subsequent expansion of her team to seven by the following year, allowing her to focus more on creative direction. The Oho Interiors style is characterized by a fresh interpretation of traditional design, drawing heavily from English and European influences. Oholendt describes her approach as a blend of diverse elements: the vibrant color palettes found in English design, the natural materials and warmth of Belgian aesthetics, and the playful, unexpected curves seen in French and Spanish styles. This eclectic mix contributes to spaces that feel both sophisticated and inviting. Central to Oholendt's design philosophy is the concept of “Elevated Cozy.” She aims to create environments where clients can comfortably relax, kicking off their shoes and enjoying a glass of wine, yet also feel prepared to host an impromptu dinner party. This balance between comfort and elegance is a guiding principle for her team. While they appreciate and utilize a broad spectrum of colors, they also demonstrate restraint, knowing when to employ a neutral palette for a harmonious effect. Her designs often feature rich, deep hues, such as mulberry walls, complemented by carefully selected furnishings like leather ottomans and chintz drapery. A key aspect of Oholendt’s work is her belief in selecting pieces that improve with age, fostering a “nothing is too precious” mentality. This ensures that the interiors not only look beautiful upon completion but also develop character and charm over time, evolving gracefully as they are lived in. This timeless approach ensures that her projects retain their appeal and functionality for years, truly aging to perfection within a dynamic living environment. Oholendt shared insights into her design process, including a cherished antique, hoofed side table she's held onto for the perfect project. She encourages her team to step outside their comfort zones, citing a recent bathroom project featuring pink tile balanced with classic white and black accents, a campaign-style vanity, and polished nickel fixtures. Her dream collaboration would be with Casa Gusto, envisioning a collection of pattern-heavy upholstery and hand-painted furniture. She also expressed admiration for Ellen of Great Florals, known for her delft-inspired pottery, which frequently appears in Oholendt's own home. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ElevatedCozy #TraditionalDesign #EuropeanInfluences #ColorPalette #TimelessDesign #MelissaOholendt #OhoInteriors

This article highlights how designer Suzanne Costa transformed four units in the Parkview at Cambier development, all sharing the same 3,900-plus-square-foot floor plan, into distinct living spaces tailored to each homeowner's unique taste. Costa's initial work involved selecting hand-poured Kinon Surface Design panels for cabinetry and Cambria quartz surfaces, among other high-end finishes. The subsequent challenge arose from the diverse preferences of the well-traveled and culturally astute clients, each desiring a personalized interior. The design process involved an artistic collaboration, with Costa working to integrate existing art collections and homeowner aesthetics into the uniform layouts. For units 201 and 202, she cataloged homeowners' art to inspire design motifs. For unit 301, Costa incorporated the client's appreciation for nature and local art, helping him build a collection of vibrant, biophilic works from Naples artists. Across all units, art served as a central theme, influencing material choices, color palettes, and the overall mood. The prevalence of white walls and a strong emphasis on lighting were consistent features, creating gallery-like settings. Custom kitchen cabinetry, designed by Marcus Jelley and inspired by Japanese pottery, provided a unifying element across the units, yet Costa's approach allowed for significant personalization. Unit 301, dubbed "Where Nature and Art Collide," features a top-floor design rooted in local Naples art, with pieces by Juan Carlos Collada, Tom Manziano, and Diane Whiting. Collada’s *Let the Sun Shine* greets guests in the foyer, while his sculptural totem blurs the lines between natural and man-made elements. The condo heavily utilizes wood, with dark tones like high-gloss rosewood adding a "rich, smoky opulence," contrasting with typical coastal light hues. A custom wine and bourbon bar with Cristallo quartzite, salmon Kravet chairs, and a Vanguard bed with Kelly Wearstler fabric contribute to a luxurious yet natural ambiance. The lanai patio extends this natural theme with a live-edge dining table and cedar ceiling details, reflecting Southwest Florida's sandy palette. Unit 202, titled "The Old World Goes Contemporary," presented the challenge of merging diverse elements from world-traveling owners, including Balinese carvings, Parisian oil paintings, and heirloom furniture, into a cohesive contemporary design. The great room blends a hand-woven Pakistani rug with a Kravet acrylic coffee table and a curved sofa. A stone fireplace displays Asian objets d’art and Murano glass sculptures. Costa meticulously staged the client’s global art collection, using elements like an intricately carved piece on tigerwood shelving and a sustainable fiber wallpaper. The Luxe Light & Home PIRELLI Chandelier 30 in the foyer exemplifies the focus on lighting to highlight artwork. The office combines Parisian oil paintings with an antique desk. The primary bedroom evokes Art Deco glamour with crystal pendant lighting, Spanish hand-embroidered Gianti drapery, and a Kravet Versailles velvet bed in turquoise blue, complementing gold-framed paintings, notably *Romeo and Juliet* from Azerbaijan. Finally, unit 201, a "Black-and-White and Bespoke All Over" design, caters to a Canadian homeowner's modern art and masculine aesthetic. This unit features extensive black wall coverings and large backdrops for a spectacular art collection, contrasted with white furnishings and finishes. The foyer immediately establishes this contrast with an ivory-white grand piano set against white-on-black abstract figurative works. The dining area includes black Phillip Jeffries wall coverings with a technicolor abstract expressionist painting by Arthur Potts. White cerused oak kitchen cabinets by Marcus Jelley and white fabric Barbara Barry chairs maintain the minimalist color scheme, while the painting adds dynamic flair. The bedroom introduces novel neutrals and rich mauve velvet drapery by Kravet. Costa collaborated with Toronto-based furniture designer David Powell to create custom swivel chairs for the bedroom, aligning with the client's lifestyle. Throughout the two-year project, Costa's bespoke detailing and deep understanding of her clients resulted in distinctly personalized spaces. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #SuzanneCosta #LuxuryCondos #ArtIntegration #CustomInteriors #NaplesFlorida #ModernArt #GlobalInspiredDesign

Holly Hunt, a significant figure in the interior design industry, has been inducted into the 2024 Interior Design Hall of Fame. Born in 1942 in San Angelo, Texas, Hunt initially pursued a career in fashion after majoring in English at Texas Tech. Her early professional experience included an executive training program at Foley’s, a Houston department store, and a role as an assistant buyer in millinery, followed by designing for a costume jewelry company in New York City in 1969. Hunt’s pivotal entry into the design world occurred in 1983 when she acquired R.J. Randolph, a struggling showroom at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart. She rebranded it under her own name, HOLLY HUNT, and embarked on a mission to redefine the showroom experience. Her approach was revolutionary for its time, focusing on elevating customer service, improving product display, and introducing transparency in pricing—a practice that faced initial industry resistance. Hunt curated showrooms that resembled actual living spaces, integrating architectural details, artwork, and a diverse mix of products and styles. She championed established designers like Vladimir Kagan and Rose Tarlow, while also discovering and promoting emerging talents such as glass artist Alison Berger and furniture maker Christian Astuguevieille. The company’s sophisticated branding and marketing materials were developed with the avant-garde graphics studio Thirst, all united by a commitment to superior quality. A key collaboration in the early 1990s was with French furniture designer Christian Liaigre, whose sleek, monochromatic aesthetic resonated with Hunt’s own. Hunt’s company became instrumental in manufacturing and distributing Liaigre’s designs in the U.S., influencing American interior design with rich dark woods and creamy textiles. This partnership gained significant recognition when André Balazs's Mercer Hotel in Manhattan opened with Liaigre-designed interiors in 1997. Hunt’s strategic vision extended to expanding her showrooms, notably opening one in the nascent Miami Design District in 1998. Designed by architect Alison Spear, this showroom deviated from conventional layouts, offering a luxury boutique experience accessible to all. Another Manhattan showroom, intended to open in October 2001, was successfully launched just two months after the 9/11 events, demonstrating Hunt’s resilience and foresight. She navigated the 2008 recession by restructuring her company, which led to the creation of Holly Hunt Modern, a collection that surpassed the profitability of her previous collaborations. In 2014, Knoll acquired HOLLY HUNT for $110 million. Hunt remained CEO for two years, overseeing expansions in Dallas and Los Angeles, and continued as a consultant until 2019. During this period, she undertook design projects such as a penthouse at the Surf Club in Miami Beach. Currently, Hunt leads House of Hunt, a Chicago-based interior architecture and furniture studio, engaging in projects ranging from product design, like the Dune sofa for HOLLY HUNT, to comprehensive home renovations. Her career trajectory is marked by continuous evolution and an adaptability to challenges, consistently eschewing rigid business plans in favor of dynamic engagement. #HollyHunt #InteriorDesign #HallOfFame #FurnitureDesign #ShowroomInnovation #DesignEntrepreneur #LuxuryDesign #ChristianLiaigre #DesignIndustry

Joy Williams, an interior designer, recently undertook a hallway makeover for the Adler on the Park showhouse in Chicago, demonstrating that even small spaces can be transformed into engaging and vibrant areas. The original hallway was a mere pass-through with gray walls and light wood flooring, lacking character. Williams aimed to create a space that would encourage residents to pause and interact, rather than simply moving through. The Adler on the Park showhouse is housed within a landmark building, a set of four row homes constructed between 1915 and 1917, designed by David Adler and Henry Dangler. The building underwent a comprehensive renovation and partial restoration, allowing designers creative freedom while respecting its historical integrity. Williams embraced a global theme, intricately weaving together elements from West African and Asian design traditions. Her inspiration for the space was deeply personal, drawing from Chicago's diverse immigrant neighborhoods, the captivating cherry blossom season she experienced in Kyoto, Japan, and her appreciation for West African architectural design and structure. This diverse palette of influences culminated in a unique and inviting entrance hall. Williams' transformation of the hallway was extensive, moving beyond the existing flooring and a black unit door. She introduced bold color to the walls using bright pink and red paints from Sherwin-Williams, complemented by a pink patterned wallpaper by Thibaut. A focal point was established at the end of the hall, where she designed a white and gold credenza. This credenza, adorned with brass urns, palms, a statue, and custom art by a local artist, was inspired by her travels through Morocco. The renovated foyer now functions as an inspiring passage, guiding residents to their respective units. Its welcoming and homey ambiance is intended to enhance the residents' experience, encouraging them to linger and enjoy the entrance hall rather than treating it solely as a transitional space. Williams also shared insights into the project's challenges and budget allocation. She mentioned that varying ceiling heights necessitated a change in lighting fixtures, leading to the substitution of a chandelier with a wall sconce from Hubbardton Forge, a change that ultimately integrated seamlessly into the design. The majority of the budget was allocated to artwork and furniture, including the custom rift-sawn oak credenza painted in Benjamin Moore bright white and gold. Cost-saving measures included purchasing plants from Home Depot, which offered a good selection. Williams' favorite aspects of the completed space are the vibrant color combination and the original artwork. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #HallwayMakeover #GlobalDesign #WestAfricanDesign #AsianDesign #ColorPalette #Showhouse #ChicagoDesign

A two-decade-old Hilltop property, despite its spacious floor plan and proximity to local parks, presented an aesthetic challenge for its new owners. The house, initially characterized by traditional design elements such as sweeping staircases with turned-wood balusters, red-oak-paneled libraries, shimmering chandeliers, arched windows, ornately beaded and beveled cabinetry, and extensive crown molding, was deemed to have a "cupcake-style detailing" that did not align with the family's desire for a softer, calmer, and more welcoming style. To address this, the owners enlisted the expertise of Robin Bryant, lead designer at Factor Design Build, and interior designer Beth Armijo, to undertake a comprehensive aesthetic overhaul. Bryant meticulously preserved the home's structural integrity, retaining architectural features like the arched picture windows, paneled walls, and coffered ceilings. However, she introduced contemporary elements to modernize the space. This included installing sleek new fireplaces and twin sets of steel-framed sliding glass doors in the family room to enhance indoor-outdoor connectivity. The powder room received a bold update with hexagonal tiles on floors and walls, transitioning into a vibrant botanical-print wall covering. The main staircase was transformed by replacing traditional spindles and newel posts with modern metal balusters. _The kitchen, in particular, underwent a significant transformation from its early-aughts appearance. Bryant replaced stainless-steel appliances, a glass mosaic backsplash, and abundant golden oak cabinetry with whitewashed white-oak slab cabinet doors and a backsplash of taupe, ribbed glass tile. A streamlined plaster hood and a modern, folding-panel window were added to one wall, opening to the outdoor dining area. An adjacent wall featured floor-to-ceiling cabinetry with bronze-tinted glass cupboards in aluminum frames, providing an industrial yet sophisticated touch. Matte-white quartz perimeter countertops completed the kitchen's refined backdrop. The centerpiece of the kitchen became a massive slab of Blue Marine quartzite for the island, which introduced a dynamic color palette of robin’s egg blue and gold. These colors were then strategically incorporated throughout the house by Armijo. For instance, a newly created intimate sitting room adjacent to the main bedroom was adorned with a botanical-print wall covering in pale blue and green hues, which extended into the main bedroom's textiles and art. The dining room saw chairs upholstered in smoky blue and vibrant chartreuse, contrasting with warm white walls and trim. The study was dramatically updated with a coat of blackened-teal paint on its paneled walls and coffered ceiling, and the French doors were painted a fresh citron color. Armijo’s intention was to merge traditional structural elements with modern finishes and furniture to achieve a timeless European aesthetic. The selection of new furnishings reflected the homeowners' adventurous spirit, featuring sculptural side tables and playful chandeliers. A curved living room sofa and rounded swivel chairs were chosen to soften the home's rigid formality. Armijo also emphasized the use of diverse textures, incorporating hearty wool rugs, soft sheer and linen draperies, chunky chenilles, wool bouclés, and plush velvets. The design focused on texture and color rather than excessive pattern, drawing visual interest from the architecture's geometries and the furniture's curves. This collaborative effort between Bryant and Armijo successfully transformed the Hilltop home into a vibrant, modern, and welcoming space that reflects the owners' personality and willingness to embrace innovative design. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #ModernRenovation #HilltopHome #CustomFurniture #LuxuryInteriors #ArchitecturalPreservation #TexturalElements

Peggy and David Matthews, celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary, undertook a significant interior design renovation of their Southside Place home, which they built 20 years ago. The initial design of the house catered to their young children, but with their five children now ranging from 16 to 28, and several back home due to the coronavirus pandemic, the family's needs and lifestyle have evolved. Peggy Matthews, who owns Rapid Record Retrieval, a legal support company, expressed a desire to upgrade, redo, and refresh their living space, driven by her love for change. The redesign project was spearheaded by Marie Flanigan Interiors, with Marie Flanigan and design director Melanie Hamel leading the effort. A key aspect of the renovation involved transforming a multi-purpose front room, which had served as a playroom and teenage hangout, into Peggy's personal retreat. This room now features deep blue lacquered walls and built-in bookshelves, a sofa reupholstered in white fabric, a bold geometric rug with chartreuse accents, and a dark blue tufted ottoman. This space allows Peggy to relax privately, though it remains appealing to other family members as well. Peggy's passion for fashion significantly influenced the design choices, prompting the designers to incorporate sophisticated yet functional fabrics inspired by runway trends, including Hermes and Jean Paul Gaultier fabrics. The home's existing art collection, notably Andy Warhol's "Cowboys and Indians" lithographs, served as a primary source of color inspiration. The rich ochers and cobalts present in Warhol's pieces, such as "Mother and Child" in the front room, "Geronimo" in the family room, and "Kachina Dolls" in the hallway, guided the selection of the home's new color palette. Flanigan and Hamel aimed to create a vibrant interior that matched Peggy's dynamic lifestyle, moving away from an all-white aesthetic. The dining room, frequently used for family gatherings, was reimagined with customized de Gournay "Willow" wallpaper featuring delicate branches and a Lindsey Adelman "Branching Bubble" chandelier. Vintage side chairs, discovered on firstdibs.com with garish green frames and old upholstery, were meticulously restored with a gold-bronze finish and reupholstered to complement the wallpaper. The family room was designed with two distinct seating areas to accommodate both large group television watching and intimate conversations, and even includes a designated "dance floor" for entertaining. Minor updates were also made to the kitchen, including replacing traditional island legs with edgier stainless steel ones to match the existing stainless steel counters and range hood. New barstools, combining wood frames with varied fabric on the backs and seats, added warmth. A geometric patterned backsplash was installed after a range replacement, contributing to the updated decor. The breakfast area received new furniture, including a round table that can expand to an oval for larger gatherings. Furthermore, part of the backyard patio was enclosed with large glass panels to create an indoor-outdoor sunroom, offering a climate-controlled space that can be fully opened to the outdoors. This sunroom is furnished with a mix of blue and white patterns in performance fabrics, including a bold Martyn Lawrence Bullard Perennials print on a large ottoman, a striped chair, a solid sofa, and a chevron rug, ensuring durability and a cohesive aesthetic that extends the home's style into the outdoor living area. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #FashionInspiredDecor #LuxuryInteriors #ArtCollection #CustomWallpaper #ModernTraditional #IndoorOutdoorLiving #FamilyHome

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 article provides an intimate look into the Sunfish Lake home of antiques dealer Robert Riesberg and his wife, Christine Hartman, which doubles as both their residence and a by-appointment-only gallery for Riesberg's business. Their Federal-style house, built in 1925, is characterized by a blend of traditional design and warm hospitality, furnished with museum-quality 17th, 18th, and early 19th-century antiques, art, objects, and rugs. Riesberg, with over 50 years of experience, emphasizes buying pieces he would personally want to keep, noting that this passion drives his successful career. The home features a series of formal rooms, including a front parlor with a mahogany drum table, sideboard, and a 1760 cherry New England flip-top secretary desk, with walls painted in Benjamin Moore’s Rosy Apple. A light-filled formal dining room and gallery, added by Riesberg, is used for parties and family gatherings, showcasing French Louis XV rococo console tables with rare brèche d’alep marble from approximately 1760. The exterior of the home maintains its Federal-style architecture, while the kitchen, though the least formal space, is adorned with 18th-century Windsor chairs and Delft tiles depicting manganese figures from the same period. Creative design solutions are evident throughout, such as a small closet ingeniously converted into a walk-in bar with a Dutch door. The sunporch, featuring terrazzo floors and shelves filled with Delftware, opens to a grape arbor, offering a serene space. The fireplace mantel and paneling were custom-designed based on Connecticut fireplace patterns, symmetrically decorated with blue-and-white 18th-century Delftware. The central hallway boasts ash and walnut flooring modeled after traditional French parquetry, complemented by 19th-century oil landscapes, a late 18th-century portrait, and a Regency commode from around 1710. Riesberg’s study, designed with Connecticut inspiration, features millwork painted in a custom green and houses a substantial collection of books and catalogs on antiques, art, landscaping, and architecture. The article also includes five tips from Robert Riesberg and Christine Hartman for incorporating antiques into one's home. These tips encourage individuals to discover their personal taste by visiting various sources like museums and antique shops, and building a file of preferred items. They suggest taking inventory of existing belongings to identify pieces that don't align with one's aesthetic or function, thereby creating space for new acquisitions. The couple advocates for broadening one's scope beyond furnishing a room strictly by a singular period, encouraging the mixing of contemporary furnishings with antique gems to create a space that reflects individual taste and personality. Riesberg advises understanding the craftsmanship of antiques, particularly those made before the machine age (pre-1840), to appreciate their design details and value. Finally, they recommend taking a slow approach to building a collection, emphasizing that a few beautiful, well-chosen pieces are more valuable than a multitude of mediocre ones, and that truly beautiful homes evolve in stages. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #Antiques #FederalStyleHome #VintageDecor #HomeTours #LuxuryInteriors #CollectingAntiques

The article explores six expert-approved methods for styling around a couch to create a cohesive and inviting living room. A couch is identified as a fundamental piece of furniture for relaxation and comfort, making its integration into the overall design crucial. The recommendations aim to help individuals seamlessly blend their sofa with other decor elements, regardless of its size. The first styling tip focuses on lighting. Proper living room lighting is essential for creating an inviting and cozy atmosphere. Strategically placed lights, such as wall lights or side table lamps, can create warm pockets around the sofa, making it feel like an integral part of the room. The positioning of these lights should consider the sofa's placement and height to avoid glare and enhance comfort. Secondly, the article advocates for the use of rugs. Rugs introduce textual interest and can enhance the visual appeal of an otherwise plain floor. Handcrafted rugs add warmth and character, while those made from natural materials like wool or jute ground the furnishings and provide coziness underfoot. Large woven rugs placed partially under the couch can unify the space and protect the floor, while faux sheepskin rugs offer softness and texture. Adding a pouf or ottoman is the third suggestion. These versatile pieces offer additional seating for guests and can serve as storage or footrests. Ottomans can help create visual unity between the sofa and the rest of the living room. Matching the ottoman's upholstery to the sofa or using coordinating colors can enhance cohesion. Interior designers emphasize that a well-styled coffee table or ottoman is essential for anchoring the living area, with options ranging from wooden or marble tables for refinement to ottomans for a soft, elegant touch. Fourthly, the article recommends hanging a mirror or wall art above the sofa. This helps to create a focal point and prevents the wall from feeling neglected due to the sofa's size. A large-scale artwork, a curated gallery wall, or an oversized mirror can reflect light and make the space appear larger. The artwork should be centered above the couch and positioned at eye level, complementing the room's color scheme or adding a bold statement. Introducing a coffee or side table is the fifth tip. Beyond aesthetics, these tables offer functionality by holding frequently used items and unifying various pieces of furniture. Coffee tables are ideal for central placement in rooms with ample space, while smaller side tables can be used beside the sofa to hold everyday items and accessorize a plain armrest. Finally, the article suggests incorporating greenery. Plants add a vibrant contrast and a sense of freshness and calm to the room. Whether a large potted palm, a philodendron, or smaller fresh flowers on a coffee table, greenery contributes to a well-designed space. The choice of plants should consider the home's lighting conditions, and decorative planters should complement the overall aesthetic. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of considering the sofa's position when integrating these additional decor elements to achieve a truly cohesive living room design. #InteriorDesign #LivingRoom #CouchStyling #HomeDecor #LightingDesign #Rugs #Ottomans #WallArt #CoffeeTables #Greenery

The article explores the concept that "good design should make you a little nervous," as proposed by TikTok creator and designer Hans Lorei. It advocates for embracing bold, exciting, and slightly uncomfortable interior design choices to create unique and memorable homes. The central idea is that playing it too safe can lead to forgettable spaces, and a touch of tension or drama is essential for character. This perspective encourages individuals to move beyond aesthetically pleasing but ultimately bland interiors, suggesting that a hint of apprehension about a design decision can be a sign of a truly impactful choice. The article outlines three key areas where this daring design philosophy can be applied. Firstly, it encourages choosing furniture that not only offers comfort but also excites and contributes personality to a room. It challenges the conventional preference for neutral, unassuming pieces, arguing that furniture should serve as foundational elements that reflect individuality rather than merely blending in. The designer emphasizes that furniture should evoke a sense of anticipation and liveliness, suggesting a shift towards sculptural tables, statement sofas, or lacquered side tables as a way to introduce a "nervous tingle" and elevate a scheme, even if it's just one bold choice. Secondly, the piece highlights the transformative power of color and pattern in interior design. It posits that unexpected color combinations, vibrant wallpapers, or a deliberate deviation from matching furniture can make a space stand out from generic interiors. While acknowledging the enduring appeal of neutrals and traditional styles, the author cautions that an over-reliance on blending elements can diminish a room's distinctiveness. For those hesitant to incorporate bold elements, the article suggests starting with smaller accents, such as sculptural light fixtures, richly patterned rugs, or even subtly contrasting ceiling paint and patterned cushions, to gradually add dimension and personality. Finally, the article advocates for upgrading everyday architectural details like railings, fireplaces, and shelving with bold designs. It argues that these often-overlooked elements, typically given basic builder finishes, offer significant opportunities for injecting personality. Lorei suggests reimagining stair railings with more character, designing fireplaces that evoke historical elegance, or transforming mundane floating shelves into visually dynamic alcoves. The article concludes that these seemingly forgettable parts of a home, when given thoughtful and daring upgrades, have the potential to become the true focal points and enduring stars of the interior, ultimately contributing to a home that sparks joy and feels alive. #InteriorDesign #BoldInteriors #HomeDecor #HansLoreiDesign #UniqueHomes #FurnitureDesign #ColorAndPattern #ArchitecturalDetails