Designer Nicolas Ghesquière’s Paris home is a sleek shrine to design

The article delves into the concept of personal taste in home design, advocating for spaces that are unique and reflect individual preferences rather than conforming to conventional notions of "good taste." The author, Hanya Yanagihara, editor in chief of T Magazine, contrasts her own maximalist, eclectic aesthetic with the warm minimalism favored by T’s design and interiors director, Tom Delavan. While their styles differ significantly—Yanagihara enjoys kitsch, color, and a sense of delightful disarray, even decay, alongside a packed environment that feels like an archaeological dig, while Delavan prefers disciplined, restrained, and elegant spaces with neutral tones and few objects—they share an understanding that memorable homes possess a distinct point of view. Yanagihara suggests that true memorability in a home doesn't stem from adherence to polite or widely accepted taste, which she considers forgettable. Instead, she champions designs that are interesting, and ideally, even divisive, believing that if a space doesn't elicit strong reactions, it might not be truly distinctive. The piece highlights that the homes featured in T Magazine's Design & Luxury issue, while beautiful, are not designed to appeal to everyone. This intentional unconventionality is presented as a strength, reinforcing the idea that homes should primarily satisfy their inhabitants, regardless of external opinions. The essay touches upon several specific examples of homes presented in the Design & Luxury issue, showcasing a variety of distinctive approaches to interior design. These examples include a dealer's art-filled home in the Swiss Alps, a modern transformation of a 16th-century castle apartment in Antwerp, a restored midcentury house in Beverly Hills, a Guadalajara home celebrating ceramics, a Manila residence blending global influences, a 300-year-old maximalist manor in the Cotswolds, and a retreat on Shelter Island designed for both entertaining and solitude. Each of these homes, despite their diverse locations and styles, embodies the central theme of personal expression and a bold departure from generic aesthetics. The article concludes by encouraging readers to embrace their own unique taste with "élan," or not at all, emphasizing authenticity over conformity in domestic environments. #HomeDesign #InteriorDecor #PersonalStyle #AestheticPreference #Maximalism #Minimalism #LuxuryHomes #ArchitecturalDesign

Robert Stilin, a renowned interior designer, discusses his career trajectory, design philosophy, and personal inspirations. Stilin's journey into design was unexpected, beginning with the opening of a lifestyle store in Palm Beach in 1989. This store, initially a 'prototype,' allowed clients to discover his aesthetic, eventually leading him to interior design projects. He has since become celebrated for creating spaces that are contemporary, sleek, and livable, earning accolades such as AD100 and the ELLE Decor A-List. His monograph, "Robert Stilin Interiors," was published in 2019. Stilin emphasizes the importance of discovery and paying attention in his work. He recounts a pivotal moment twenty years ago when art collector Beth Rudin DeWoody encouraged him to explore design beyond his usual preferences, reinforcing the lesson of not judging a book by its cover, especially in collecting and vintage shopping. This experience broadened his perspective and taught him the value of finding unexpected treasures. Regarding his evolving style, Stilin notes a cyclical shift. Early in his career, while drawn to contemporary modern design, he also appreciated classic and traditional styles. As his life progressed, his focus shifted more towards modern aesthetics. However, in the last five to seven years, he has found himself increasingly attracted to classicism, returning to his initial inclinations. He highlights his enduring admiration for artists like Picasso, Matisse, and Giacometti, despite their overexposure and high value. Stilin acknowledges the impact of fashion on his design tastes, describing himself as a "shopper of everything." He finds inspiration in fashion stores, vintage furniture shops, and art galleries, believing that all visual experiences inform one's aesthetic. He particularly values multi-brand clothing stores that showcase a strong curatorial point of view, likening this to an interior designer's process of finding their own voice within a space. Fashion photography also serves as a significant source of inspiration, contributing to his extensive photography collection. For art collecting, Stilin advises being actively engaged in the world by visiting museums, galleries, art fairs, and design shows. While online viewing is convenient, he stresses the importance of seeing art in person to fully appreciate it. He also discusses the role of patience in his design approach, noting that while clients often seek instant gratification, the reality of creating bespoke items, like a sofa, can take months. He advocates for a balanced perspective, prioritizing health and well-being over material possessions, especially after the pandemic. Stilin believes that a space for an aesthetic person or a collector is never truly finished; it is always evolving. He encourages clients to continue building on their interiors over time, adapting them as their tastes change. He does not believe in buying art simply to fill walls, preferring to wait until the perfect piece is found, even if it takes a significant amount of time. Ultimately, he views home as a sanctuary, a place for recharging and feeling safe and comfortable, an essential aspect of self-care in a demanding world. #InteriorDesign #RobertStilin #DesignPhilosophy #ArtCollecting #HomeDecor #AestheticEvolution #Lifestyle #CreativeProcess

The Designer Show House, a biennial event sponsored by the Village Improvement Association in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, showcases diverse interior and exterior design inspirations across its 6,000 square feet of space and nearly an acre of outdoor areas. This event serves as a platform for regional designers to present their expertise and offers visitors a wealth of ideas for their own homes. One featured space is a sunken living room, designed by Kate FitzGerald-Wilks of Timeless Design in Landenberg, Pennsylvania. This room embodies a West Indies aesthetic, characterized by bold lines, soft sandy hues, and rich textures. Key elements include vintage stick bamboo chairs painted black, adorned with Kuba cloth and Ralph Lauren zebra-stripe pillows on a slipcovered camel-backed sofa. A mid-century hutch is repurposed as a cocktail bar, complemented by sculptural metal and glass console tables flanking the fireplace. Wood mirrors with faux tortoise shell lean against textured wallpaper, while modern sculptures and art blend with antique books and global treasures. FitzGerald-Wilks also designed the dining room, aiming for a dramatic effect with a backdrop of 200 wine bottles and a striking Dolcetti chandelier crafted from shells and crystals, evoking sea glass. An 8-foot-long reclaimed wine rack sits atop a buffet. The room's color palette consists of soft creams and tans, punctuated by emerald green accents in the chandelier and wine bottles. Windows are framed with woven ikat print panels. An airy sunroom, conceived by Alfred Wolf Home (a new venture from Design Center of Rehoboth or DCOR), was designed to create a light-filled, contemporary transition between the house and garden. This involved removing existing French doors and window grills, painting the room in various shades of white and French gray-green, and incorporating textural elements of white canvas, iron, and marble. The family room, also by DCOR, maintained the warmth of its original paneling and fireplace stone, setting the foundation for a soft khaki and cream palette. The room is furnished with herringbone, tweed, and leather fabrics, offset by tortoise shell wood finishes and local tidal scene artwork. Mary Stewart of M. Stewart Interiors in Bear designed the upstairs hobby room, named "Just Us," intended as a shared family space for various pastimes like painting, photography, reading, chess, and Lego building. The room features updated cherished family heirlooms and is painted simply white to highlight paintings by Nadia Zychal. Nile Johnson of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, designed the second-floor paneled library, drawing inspiration from Rehoboth's laid-back yet cosmopolitan atmosphere. This space offers an updated interpretation of a classic library, decorated in layers of sandy tans. Cyndi and Ron Oronzio and Cathie Sheetz of Dreamweaver Interiors of Rehoboth Beach decorated a bedroom and bath, inspired by vibrantly patterned fabrics. They utilized Robert Allen fabrics as wallpaper for an accent wall, building the room's design around this print. The team selected fabrics for their depth, crisp patterns, contrasting textures, and detailed embroidery, incorporating a bright coral pink accent color and rhinestone embellishments for a feminine touch. Brenda Carder of blcINTERIORS of Rehoboth Beach designed a small guest bedroom, combining natural cotton and linen fabrics with metal and reclaimed wood. Crown moldings add formality. To compensate for limited sunlight, the room was kept light and bright, with a deep navy blue accent wall and touches of bright yellow for warmth. The second floor features art by Libby Zando of Zando Designs and Art Affects in Milton, alongside works by award-winning regional artists. Boardwalk Builders of Rehoboth transformed a hallway into a gallery space by adding wainscot paneling, creating an updated cottage aesthetic that visually broadened the hallway. Mark A. Polo of The Urban Dweller in Boonton, New Jersey, designed the master suite, aiming for comfort with soft textural colors ranging from taupe to blue. The furniture is upholstered to enhance the room's softness, featuring taupe draperies of embroidered sheer linen and silk edged in leather and freshwater pearls. Blonde floors are softened by a long-fiber rug. Outdoors, Erin Walls and Justin Bartels of Bella Terra Landscaping in Lincoln repurposed existing flagstone patios and walkways, adding new stones to create a Celtic-inspired design. The layout divides the space into a grand area for social gatherings and secluded nooks for quiet retreats. Creative Concepts Furniture of Lewes and Ocean View furnished the patios as outdoor rooms with bright coastal colors, including a sectional, loveseat, dining area for six, and lounge chairs, inviting visitors to envision themselves in the setting. #DesignerShowHouse #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #RehobothBeach #DelawareDesign #LuxuryInteriors #OutdoorLiving #DesignInspiration

Olivier Reza, the head of his family's eponymous jewelry house, opens the doors to his New York City home in the inaugural installment of Robb Report's "Grand Tour" video series. Reza, whose family has a history in the gemstone business dating back to the 18th century, took over the jewelry brand in 2020. His discerning eye for design, evident in the exquisite accessories his brand offers, extends to the meticulously curated interior of his personal residence. The article highlights Reza's approach to home design, which centers on the concept of mixing pieces from different eras to observe "how they talk to each other." This philosophy is immediately apparent upon entering his home, where the foyer features a striking juxtaposition of checkered black-and-white tiles with a moody, modern blue wallpaper, complemented by an array of art and decorative objects. This eclectic style continues throughout the residence, creating a unique and personal aesthetic. In the study, dark-hued walls and ebony wood provide a sophisticated backdrop for abstract and colorful art pieces. The design incorporates vintage elements, such as 1920s/’30s vases, alongside contemporary items like tableware from L'Objet, showcasing a deliberate blend of old and new. The living room further exemplifies Reza's diverse taste, featuring a curved wooden desk from the 1930s, vibrant blue animal-printed chairs, and textured grey sofas. The space is further enriched by various knickknacks, including a distinctive furry Hass Brothers beast, all contributing to a rich and layered interior design. Reza expresses a deep enjoyment for the process of sourcing these diverse items, whether for his jewelry collections or his home. He emphasizes that "the fun is in the curation," suggesting that the search and selection of each piece are as fulfilling as the final arrangement. This passion for collecting and curating is deeply rooted in his family history, with his father, Alexandre Reza, having established the Reza brand in the 1960s before Olivier moved the family business to its current location on the Upper East Side. The article illustrates how Reza's dedication to exceptional design and his love for unique finds create a home that is both personal and visually captivating. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #EclecticStyle #LuxuryHomes #OlivierReza #NewYorkCity #JewelryHouse #CuratedHome #RobbReport