Lawson-Fenning’s Earthy New Collection Creates an Everyday Escape at Home

The article explores Arti Ortega's home in Clifton, describing it as a cheerful oasis infused with conversation pieces and a rich narrative. Her residence showcases a vibrant and eclectic design, characterized by a blend of personal artwork, pieces from her clients, and works by celebrated Cuban artists. The living room features a dynamic mix of colors and family collectibles, with a Craftsman-style rocking chair alongside plush sofas around a glass-top table. The fireplace is a focal point, framed by wood painted to resemble tile and enhanced with a faux finish and a custom screen. Each piece of wood on the fireplace bears the name of a deceased family member, serving as a permanent tribute. Built-in shelves on either side of the fireplace display books and collectibles, while sheer drapes adorn the windows and a console holds a flat-screen television. The dining room is equally expressive, with teapots by artist Seth Payne lining the ledge of an ornate mission-style chair rail. Colorful chairs function as host and hostess seating, complementing benches that surround a long, vintage table. A dome chandelier brightens the room, which also features art-lined walls, a rocking chair, and an antique pie safe. French doors open from the dining room to a deck furnished with unique metal pieces. In the kitchen, white painted cabinets are contrasted by striking blue quartz countertops. Bar chairs are neatly tucked under a raised counter adorned with decorative tiles, and whimsical pendant lights illuminate the space. Faux walls provide a backdrop for photographs taken by Arti during her travels to Mexico and Cuba, and shelves are filled with festive collectibles. The master bedroom is designed for comfort and style, with bright linens covering a brass bed. A flat-screen television is mounted above metal art that ingeniously conceals cable wires. A custom-painted dresser showcases various Cuban traditions, and faux-finished walls add depth to the space. Additional collectibles are displayed on another custom-painted chest. The spare bedroom has been creatively transformed into a den, featuring colorful paintings on the walls, a cozy sofa with pillows, and an accent chair. A rustic table holds photographs and a television, completing the comfortable and personalized retreat. Arti Ortega, a clinical manager at Bridgehaven Mental Health Services, shares her 3-bedroom, 1½-bath home with her dogs, Scout and Aidan, the latter of whom also serves as a therapy dog at Bridgehaven. The distinctive elements of her home include original art from herself, Bridgehaven clients, and Cuban artists; faux-finished walls; intricate Arts and Crafts-style woodwork; a screened porch; quartz countertops in the kitchen; custom-painted furniture; and cherished family collectibles. The article also acknowledges the contributions of various professionals to the home's design, including Granite Transformation, Felix Nedaise for tile work, Mary Zoeller for faux finishes, Arnold Holloman for painting, Linda Erzinger for furniture painting and metal work, Seth Payne for pottery, and Linda Sublett for art. This collaboration of personal touches and professional craftsmanship results in a home that truly reflects Arti's personality and experiences. #HomeOfTheWeek #CliftonHome #InteriorDesign #EclecticDecor #FauxFinishes #CustomFurniture #ArtisticHome #FamilyTributes #ColorfulInteriors

Biophilic design, a concept pioneered by biologist Edward O. Wilson in the 1980s, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, particularly among millennial and Generation Z homeowners and tenants. This design philosophy emphasizes the innate human need to connect with nature, aiming to integrate natural elements into architectural and interior spaces. The trend gained significant traction, with visual search engines like Pinterest reporting substantial increases in searches for "biophilic architecture" and "biophilic design bedroom. According to interior designers Brooke Lang and Ariana Lovato, biophilic design extends beyond merely adding potted plants to a room. It involves a holistic approach to design, encompassing layout, lighting, the use of natural materials, and creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor environments. The goal is to create spaces that evoke the soothing, inspiring, and restorative feelings associated with the natural world, thereby supporting physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The renewed interest in biophilic design is largely attributed to a post-pandemic desire for mood-boosting and restorative living environments. The experience of COVID-19 highlighted the profound impact surroundings have on individuals, leading clients to actively seek spaces that promote relaxation and well-being. Manufacturers have responded to this demand, introducing products like Kohler’s aromatherapy shower infusion system, Sprig. Several key trends define contemporary biophilic design. The first is the prominent use of green colors in interiors, from cabinetry and wall colors to even fixtures like toilets. While not a complete biophilic solution on its own, it serves as an accessible entry point for budget-conscious individuals. Secondly, living walls, which are walls covered with living plants, are trending as a classic example of bringing nature directly indoors. These installations are particularly popular among millennials, who are incorporating them into spaces like zen rooms. A third trend is the emphasis on natural, native materials. Homeowners are increasingly opting for authentic materials such as natural stone countertops and hardwood floors, even if they come at a higher cost than engineered alternatives. There's also a growing preference for materials that reflect the immediate natural surroundings, with clients requesting furniture or beams made from local wood and incorporating local greenery. Fourthly, there is a significant focus on landscape design, where outdoor spaces are treated as true extensions of the home. This includes matching indoor and outdoor plant selections and giving transition areas like screened-in porches and outdoor kitchens as much design attention as interior rooms. The integration of large sliding glass doors and glass walls further enhances the indoor-outdoor connection. Finally, the creation of dedicated "zen spaces" and meditation rooms is a notable trend across different demographics. While millennials explicitly request these spaces, even baby boomer clients, though not always using the term "biophilic design," are seeking similar relaxation-focused rooms for activities like meditation, sauna, or steam, indicating a universal desire for the feelings biophilic design aims to cultivate. #BiophilicDesign #InteriorDesign #NatureConnection #HomeTrends #WellnessDesign #SustainableDesign #GreenLiving #ArchitecturalTrends #ResidentialDesign

Clements Design transformed Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi's former Montecito residence into a tranquil urban sanctuary, emphasizing a design philosophy that replenishes energy by engaging all five senses. The mother-and-son team, Kathleen and Tommy Clements, meticulously balanced earthy tones with understated luxury through the careful selection of organic textiles and surfaces. Their approach prioritizes creating positive, creative interiors that promote well-being and a sense of calm. Wellness in design, as highlighted by Clements Design, centers on making intentional choices that foster a restorative environment. This involves crafting spaces that evolve gracefully over time, resisting clutter that could diminish their ability to destress and rejuvenate. The designers stress the importance of an immersive experience, where the interplay of organic materials, sounds, scents, and colors nurtures all five senses, akin to how organic food nourishes the body from within. Louise Grey of House of Grey, a proponent of the wellness trend, advocates for embracing imperfection in design. She notes that there is an inherent satisfaction in elements that are slightly 'off,' advocating for the fusion of simplicity with the natural, weathered imperfections found in materials and objects. This perspective suggests that authentic beauty often lies in natural irregularities. In the serene space created for DeGeneres and de Rossi, Clements Design introduced visual intrigue to complement the calming aesthetic. This included a modern entryway bench upholstered in soft red velvet, an art piece by Anish Kapoor, and strategic placements of greenery. These elements work together to create a balanced space that evokes a sense of sophisticated harmony rather than overt opulence. To replicate an authentic well-being sanctuary at home, the article suggests focusing on natural elements. It emphasizes that organic fibers, textures, and materials, once prevalent, have often been replaced by synthetic alternatives. Reintroducing wood, stone, wax-derived, and plant-based fabrics can re-establish a connection to the earth, grounding individuals in their natural environment and enhancing overall well-being. This design philosophy underscores the profound impact that our immediate surroundings have on our mental and physical states, encouraging a return to natural, mindful choices in home decor. #CelebrityHomes #InteriorDesign #WellnessDesign #OrganicMaterials #ModernZen #ClementsDesign #MindfulLiving #HomeDecor #NaturalElements

The article explores the intricate sourcing and craftsmanship behind Ralph Lauren's home collection, highlighting the brand's long-standing commitment to quality and tradition. As the first fashion brand to establish a comprehensive home collection 30 years ago, Ralph Lauren places significant value on workmanship derived from generational skills and specialized factories. Ralph Lauren emphasizes that a dedication to craftsmanship and the artist's hand cultivates a spirit of beauty and quality. The article details specific suppliers and artisans that contribute to the collection. One such supplier is Joshua Ellis and Co., Ltd., a Yorkshire mill founded in 1767. This mill continues to operate traditional finishing machines for its cashmere and lamb's wool. Its tartan fabrics are incorporated into Ralph Lauren’s men’s and women’s fashion lines, as well as into upholstery pieces for the home collection, such as the Whitehall tartan fabric used in the Duchess salon chair. The example provided is a Duchess salon chair upholstered with Whitehall tartan fabric, priced at $402 per yard for the fabric and $12,945 for the chair. Another featured artisan is Burleigh, located in Stoke-on-Trent, England, established in 1851. Burleigh is renowned for its blue-and-white earthenware patterns like Calico and Willow. It stands as the last English pottery to employ the labor-intensive, 200-year-old method of underglaze transfer printing. The company also produces monochromatic designs, including the Myra Bamboo collection. This specific collection is based on an 1881 Victorian pattern rediscovered by Ralph Lauren’s creative team in Burleigh's archives and is now exclusively manufactured for Ralph Lauren Home. Examples include the Myra Bamboo teapot at $150 and a cup and saucer set at $85. The article also highlights Jean-François Lesage, who leads a decorative home company in Chennai, India. Jean-François is a third-generation member of the illustrious Parisian atelier Lesage, which is famous for producing intricate embroidery for various couture houses, including Worth, Chanel (which acquired Lesage in 2002), and Ralph Lauren’s women’s collections. In 1993, Jean-François Lesage established his company in India, where his artisans collaborate with international decorators such as Peter Marino and Jacques Grange. They create embroidered items like the monogrammed Alisa throw pillow, priced at $695. Other items shown alongside the pillow include the Italian handcrafted One Fifth pedestal end table, valued at $11,600, and the Dakota leather table lamp, hand-tooled by Mexican craftsmen, costing $2,250. These examples illustrate Ralph Lauren's strategy of collaborating with historical and specialized ateliers globally to ensure the authenticity, quality, and artistic integrity of its home collection, mirroring the high standards set for its fashion lines. #RalphLaurenHome #HomeCollection #LuxuryDesign #Craftsmanship #TextileManufacturing #CeramicProduction #EmbroideryArtistry #InteriorDesignSourcing #HeritageBrands

The concept of updating home decor with the changing seasons, much like fashion, is explored. The article highlights that seasonal fabrics and styles are not exclusive to runways but can also influence home aesthetics. Betsy Chapin, a college professor, exemplifies this trend by changing decorative elements in her North Wilmington townhouse five times a year to achieve a fresh, seasonal look. She focuses on easily interchangeable items such as area rugs, accessories, table centerpieces, throw pillows, candles, and dried or silk flowers, considering it an inexpensive method to refresh her living environment and create a warm, welcoming, and comforting mood tailored to different times of the year. The historical precedent for this practice is noted with Henry Francis du Pont, who, as often as four times a year, would change curtains, rugs, and slipcovers in his Winterthur mansion to suit the seasons, sometimes even altering ceramics. Linda Eaton, curator of textiles for Winterthur Museum & Country Estate, explains that du Pont's changes were about balancing colors and adapting items for appropriateness in different seasons. For instance, in the Chinese Parlor, he used green satin drapes with white floral sprigs for winter, dark green damask with blue trim for spring, tamboured mulls with yellow taffeta valances for summer, and yellow taffeta valances and curtains for fall. The article details both the practical and decorative reasons behind seasonal home decor changes. Heavy drapes in winter help reduce drafts and create a cozier atmosphere, while lightweight curtains in warmer months allow for better airflow and natural light. Crisp, breathable fabrics are preferred for summer, and unadorned floors are cooler than heavy wool rugs. Additionally, rotating items seasonally can extend their lifespan, as noted by Meredith Graves, a stylist and co-owner of Found, a shop specializing in antiques and home accessories. Graves mentions that taking up rugs seasonally allows for thorough cleaning and maintenance. The cost-effectiveness of this approach is emphasized, with Chapin finding affordable decor items at craft stores like Michael’s, where she buys silk flowers and glass jars to fill with seasonal elements such as shells for summer or pine cones for fall. Graves suggests grouping accessories, like a gleaming mahogany box with paperweights and pheasant feathers for fall and winter, or sterling silver nut dishes near a seascape painting for summer. She also advises changing candle colors and sizes to match the season. Traditionally, seasonal decor changes involve textiles. Du Pont, for example, reportedly changed his drapes to complement the outdoor views. The article mentions the Port Royal Parlor, which had white cotton curtains with a purple print in summer, 18th-century yellow damask in fall, green-and-gold floral silk in January, and Regency yellow silk damask in spring. While full curtain and slipcover changes can be costly for most, the article suggests more accessible alternatives like inexpensive covers for dining chairs or using throw pillows and area rugs, as Chapin does, often sourcing them from stores like Kohl's. For fall, tapestry or needlepoint pillows are recommended, used sparingly. Cottons and stripes are suitable for summer, while mohair, wool, or cashmere throws add luxury and warmth for cooler nights. The concept extends to bathrooms, with seasonal towel changes, and bedrooms, where summer matelassé can be replaced with darker colors and silks for fall, along with storing and unfurling seasonal rugs. The goal is to make every room feel magical and inviting through these seasonal adjustments. Specific fall fashion tips for home decor are provided, including incorporating burnished oranges, rich reds, golds, and browns, or deeper hues of existing color schemes. Emphasis is placed on texture, favoring warm fabrics like brushed velvet, cashmere, and wool over summer cottons. Suggestions include exchanging a bowl of seashells for fruit, nuts, or pine cones, using more opulent placemats and napkins, and switching to thicker, heavier candles. Even kitchens can embrace the season with themed area rugs, mitts, and dish towels, allowing for a touch of whimsy with items like smiling pumpkins. Finally, changing door wreaths from summer grapevines to pine cones or autumn leaves for winter is recommended. #HomeDecor #SeasonalDecor #InteriorDesign #TextileDecor #HomeAccessories #DelawareHomes #WinterthurMuseum #FashionForwardHome #FallDecor