Amber Lewis’s New Tabletop Pedestals Are the Secret to Styling Your Surfaces Like a Pro

The article highlights the often-overlooked interior design trend of pedestal styling, as advocated by leading interior designer Charlotte Rey of Campbell-Rey. Pedestals, traditionally Roman architectural features later embraced by Victorians for plant display, are making a significant comeback. Rey emphasizes the versatility and aesthetic impact of pedestals, noting their ability to elevate a room's visual interest and introduce diverse materials like stone or marble. Pedestals serve multiple functions in interior design, offering a way to draw the eye upward and add layers of interest to a space. They provide a dynamic surface for displaying various items, allowing for seasonal or mood-based changes. The choice of material for a pedestal can significantly influence the room's aesthetic, adding a touch of elegance or historical gravitas. Charlotte Rey offers three key design tips for effectively incorporating pedestals into home decor. Firstly, she suggests using classic pedestals to enliven corners in various rooms, including sitting rooms, entranceways, or dining rooms. A well-chosen pedestal, topped with items such as a Murano glass vase, a plaster bust, or a large shell, can create an understated drama and transform the room's atmosphere. She stresses that the displayed items do not necessarily need to be precious; even a simple bouquet of flowers can make a significant impact. Secondly, the article advises using pedestals to display favorite pieces, noting that pedestals, pillars, and columns inherently add a historical aspect and gravitas to a room. Rey shares her personal approach of elevating even inexpensive decorative items by placing them on a pedestal, thereby enhancing their perceived value and visual appeal. She also suggests constantly looking for unique pedestals in antique shops and online auctions due to their potential scarcity. Thirdly, a pedestal can be positioned as a focal point in an entryway. Placing a pedestal table centrally can create an elegant and welcoming impression. This approach allows for seasonal decorative changes or the display of eye-catching objects. However, it is crucial to complement this with ample entryway storage solutions to prevent the pedestal from becoming a cluttered surface for everyday items. The article also provides practical advice on how to decorate a pedestal, suggesting items such as sculptures, vases, or potted plants. It also mentions that adding a lamp to a wall-adjacent pedestal can enhance its decorative impact. Pedestals can be placed in room corners for interest or in pairs flanking doorways for grandeur. Larger pedestals can serve as central decorative focal points in living spaces or entryways, illustrating their adaptability in various home settings. #InteriorDesign #PedestalStyling #HomeDecor #CharlotteRey #DecoratingIdeas #ArchitecturalFeatures #VintageDecor #DisplaySolutions #EntrywayDesign

The article explores the resurgence and innovative applications of lacquer in interior design, moving beyond traditional uses like trays and dressers to encompass a broader range of furniture, walls, and decorative elements. Lacquer, a finish with ancient origins in China dating back to the Neolithic period, is gaining renewed interest, particularly as Hollywood Regency and Art Deco styles, where it was prominent, experience a revival. This trend is characterized by moodier interiors, darker color palettes, and a greater emphasis on patterned and textural surfaces, with high-gloss lacquer adding significant visual drama. Several contemporary examples illustrate this expanded use of lacquer. High-gloss walls, such as those found in the back salon of the Trove jewelry store designed by Tali Roth, demonstrate how a butter yellow or even a seductive red-brown lacquer can create a luxurious and enveloping atmosphere. These walls echo the brand's handcrafted jewelry boxes, which feature multiple coats of clear lacquer and paint. Another innovation comes from Campbell Rey’s collaboration with The Lacquer Company, which showcases a sophisticated use of color on side, console, and coffee tables, employing rich hues like bordeaux red, sienna yellow, chocolate brown, and tonal greens. For those seeking an easier application, Schumacher offers a faux lacquer wall covering in performance vinyl, allowing for a glamorous look in various shades without the complexity of traditional lacquering. Furniture pieces are also being reimagined with lacquer. Ransom & Dunn’s hidden bar, cleverly concealed within a lacquered Roman column, exemplifies neoclassic design principles and functionality, offering bespoke color options. Goop's collection with CB2 integrates black lacquered dining chairs, such as the Genevieve model, and a coffee table with a lacquered top and marble base, nodding to 1930s Hollywood Regency elegance. Tatjana von Stein’s Mise en Scène furniture collection features richly hued lacquer on bar cabinets and tables, combining it with materials like stainless steel, leather, and burr wood for intriguing mixed-material designs. Known Work Studio, founded by Danu Kennedy and Jeremy Levitt, applies lacquer to angular cubes, ottomans, and plinths, lending a contemporary feel to their furniture line which also incorporates aluminum, handblown glass, burl wood, and chenille. Even unexpected colors are being explored, as seen in West Haddon Hall’s Chatsworth pedestal table, where terracotta-colored lacquer is applied to sculptural North American oak legs. The Millwood table from the same brand utilizes ivory lacquer on its dowel-like supports. These examples collectively highlight a significant trend towards embracing lacquer in diverse and innovative ways, emphasizing fresh shapes, bold colors, and dramatic finishes to elevate interior spaces in 2025. #LacquerDesign #InteriorDesignTrends #HighGlossFinish #HollywoodRegency #ArtDecoRevival #HomeDecor #FurnitureDesign #WallCoverings #LuxuryInteriors

Miley Cyrus's coffee table styling, a collaborative effort with her mother Tish Cyrus, serves as a compelling example of personalized home decoration. The design emphasizes a blend of personal interests and aesthetic appeal, transforming a functional piece of furniture into a focal point of her living room. The arrangement on her coffee table incorporates handmade ceramics, art books, and a vase filled with South African Proteas, elements that reflect her life and personality. This approach encourages individuals to curate their coffee tables with items that hold personal significance, rather than adhering to generic decorative trends. The article highlights that while the components on Miley's coffee table—books, trinkets, vases, and candles—are common, their specific selection makes the display uniquely hers. Her choice of books, for instance, directly reflects her passions, and the bowls could be souvenirs from her travels or thoughtful gifts. This deliberate curation adds vibrancy and individuality to the otherwise dark table, inspiring others to inject their own character into their living spaces. The core message is to use the coffee table as a 'blank canvas for personality and charm,' creating 'little moments that feel thoughtful, a bit whimsical, and that invite conversation,' as interior designer Brittany Zimmerman from Bleu Bee Designs explains. Zimmerman further advises that the selection of books should be meaningful, not just aesthetically pleasing. While the color or visual appeal of a book can be a factor, the primary consideration should be its relevance to one's interests, travels, or humor. Arranging books with their spines facing outwards allows for a quick glimpse into the owner's identity. This balance between beauty and authenticity is crucial for achieving a genuinely personal display. The article also provides practical styling tips, such as stacking books in a quadrant on large square or rectangular tables and adding a textured vase in the center to create visual height and keep the focus on the books. The featured products accompanying the article, such as the 'Jaipur Splendor Book,' 'Ebern Designs Riza Table Vase,' 'Jia Jia Bowl,' 'Baies (Berries) Classic Candle,' 'Bulgari: Beyond Time' Book,' and 'Theoden Terracotta Bowl,' illustrate how one can achieve a similar curated look. These items offer diverse textures, colors, and themes that can be incorporated into a coffee table arrangement to reflect individual taste. Ultimately, the article advocates for a personalized approach to coffee table styling, emphasizing that the goal is not to mimic others but to express one's own unique identity through thoughtful decorative choices. #MileyCyrus #CoffeeTableStyling #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #PersonalizedDecor #LivingRoomDesign #DecorativeElements #CelebrityHomes

Interior designer Amber Lewis, known for her California design aesthetic, shares her insights and predictions for 2024's design trends, including her current preferences, pet peeves, and color opinions. Lewis attributes her design philosophy to her upbringing in Hawaii and Malibu, which fostered an appreciation for nature and earthy color palettes. Despite her consistent inclination towards natural hues, she embraces the idea of change in design. One of Lewis's current obsessions is deconstructed, neutral rugs, exemplified by her collection with Loloi, which she notes as a modern interpretation of traditional rug designs focusing on shape and color. Her biggest design pet peeve centers on homes, particularly spec houses, that incorporate traditional elements like plaster, wabi-sabi, arches, or beams without a cohesive design narrative. She emphasizes that design elements should tell a story and be integrated throughout a house rather than appearing as isolated features in a single room. Lewis highlights the importance of thoughtful and unified design, cautioning against the arbitrary inclusion of trendy elements. Regarding furniture, Lewis consistently gravitates towards classic, traditional lines, citing George Smith sofas as a prime example. She suggests modernizing these timeless pieces through subtle details, such as linen slipcovers, skirts, or a baseball stitch for piping, to achieve a more casual and approachable look. For an easy way to refresh a space, Lewis recommends upgrading table lamps with beautiful gathered fabric shades, a small tweak that can significantly elevate an item that might otherwise be common. Lewis also discusses a new style she is embracing, inspired by a 1937 lake house she acquired in 2020. The house, with its original details like hand-painted bunks, scallops, and paneling, prompted her to incorporate cozy, warm upholstery pieces with abundant patterns. She describes this approach as a "chintzy, kind of granny way" that creates a timeless feel, making it appear as if it could have been designed a century ago or in the present day. This demonstrates her evolving taste and willingness to experiment with different aesthetics. Her take on Pantone's 2024 Color of the Year, "Peach Fuzz," is one of dissent. Lewis admits it's an unpopular opinion, but she finds it too similar to "millennial pink," a color she aims to avoid. Despite her personal preference, she acknowledges and respects the process by which the Color of the Year is chosen. Conversely, the colors Lewis plans to incorporate more in the near future are whites with significant yellow undertones, moving away from grayish tones towards warmer brown and yellow-infused whites. She cites "Cream Wave from Dunn-Edwards," which she used to paint her lake house kitchen, as an example of a warm and appealing white. #AmberLewis #InteriorDesign #DesignTrends2024 #CaliforniaDesign #ColorPalette #HomeDecor #RugDesign #SofaStyle #LightingDesign

Side tables, often overshadowed by larger furniture pieces, are essential, hardworking elements in home design. They provide a surface for everyday items like drinks and lamps and can elevate a room's aesthetic. This guide explores a curated selection of the best side tables, each chosen for its unique design, material, and functionality, demonstrating that these often-overlooked pieces deserve significant attention. Among the top recommendations is the Hay Don’t Leave Me Side Table, lauded for its sleek, portable design and affordability. Made from powder-coated steel, it features a convenient handle for easy relocation and comes in seven colors, making it versatile for various functions and spaces. While the handle can sometimes interfere with displaying larger items, its high design at a reasonable price point makes it an excellent overall choice. For those seeking value, the Amazon Palm Beach Spindle Table stands out. Priced under $100, this solid hardwood table boasts a charming spindle-leg design and is praised for its surprising sturdiness and elegant appearance. Available in nine colorways, it offers a budget-friendly yet quality option, though its painted finish is more matte than glossy in person. Assembly is required for this model. The CB2 I Beam Pink Marble Side Table is presented as the best marble option, characterized by its artistic quality and unique veining. Crafted from honed pink marble and finished by hand, each table is one-of-a-kind. Its slim and sturdy design allows it to fit into tight spaces, though its weight makes it less portable. The rounded corners enhance safety, and its sculptural beauty transforms it into a focal point. Inside Weather's Latte Hanna Side Table offers excellent customization, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic Hanna House. This geometric table, made from Baltic birch plywood and American maple veneer, allows customers to choose from two wood finishes and dozens of colors and 18 Wright-inspired patterns for the tabletop and shelf. With each purchase contributing to tree planting, it combines historical design with modern ecological consciousness, requiring easy assembly. The Blu Dot Note Side Table is highlighted for its minimalist metal design. Constructed from powder-coated steel, it is scratch-resistant and durable, featuring a cantilevered tabletop and base with rubber feet. Its slim profile and availability in eight colors allow it to complement various decor styles subtly. This table is a simple yet striking choice that requires minimal assembly. For a sculptural statement, the West Elm Monti Lava Stone Side Table is recommended. Made from a blend of volcanic ash, stone, fiberglass, and sand resin, it offers a unique texture and soft, curved lines. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, its artistic form makes it a showstopper. However, its porous nature means it requires careful maintenance to prevent staining and etching. The Kartell Colonna Green Stool is presented as the best colorful option. This vibrant, near-neon technopolymer stool by Kate Berry doubles as seating, a side table, or a footrest. Its versatility extends to both indoor and outdoor environments, though it comes with a higher price point, making it ideal for color enthusiasts. The Nopo Maho Side Table, handwoven in Mexico from chuspata, represents the best woven option. This fair-trade product supports artisans and preserves traditional craftsmanship. Its spacious top makes it practical for various items, reflecting a beautiful simplicity and cultural heritage. Finally, the Sarah Ellison Freddie side table is praised for its timeless rattan design with brass detailing. Made from natural rattan with a clear lacquer coating, it is durable and easy to clean, suitable for both bedrooms and living rooms. While it has a long lead time and a high price, its quality craftsmanship ensures lasting appeal. When choosing a side table, practical considerations such as design, dimensions, material durability, and assembly requirements are crucial. A side table should be slightly shorter than a sofa arm for comfort and convenience, typically between 18 and 26 inches in diameter. Materials vary widely, from stone to steel, each with its own advantages regarding weight, safety, and maintenance. The article emphasizes balancing aesthetic appeal with practical functionality, ensuring the chosen side table not only looks good but also serves its purpose effectively without excessive maintenance. The article also distinguishes between end tables and side tables, with end tables generally being slimmer and placed at the end of furniture, while side tables are more prominent design features with larger surface areas. Alternative surfaces like stools, stacked books, or bar carts can also function as eclectic substitutes for traditional side tables. Occasional tables are described as small, portable, and versatile pieces used for various purposes as needed. #SideTables #HomeDecor #FurnitureDesign #InteriorDesign #ShoppingGuide #FunctionalDecor #ModernFurniture #SustainableDesign #CustomizableFurniture

Interior designer Amber Lewis, known for her distinctive style and custom furnishings, has launched a collaboration with wholesale home furnishings brand Four Hands. This partnership marks Four Hands's first-ever designer collaboration and provides a wide range of products previously only available as custom pieces. Lewis's Instagram followers and clients frequently inquire about her unique furniture, and this collection aims to make those highly sought-after designs accessible to a broader audience at an attainable price point. The collection includes over 100 products, now available to consumers through Shoppe Amber Interiors, Lulu and Georgia, Scout & Nimble, and Interior Homescapes, in addition to trade channels. Lewis emphasized her commitment to creating items she would personally buy and recommend to clients, focusing on designs that fill existing gaps in the market and offer unique interpretations of classic styles. One featured item is an extra-large cabinet, addressing Lewis's difficulty in finding sufficiently tall cabinets for homes with vaulted ceilings. The Dumont Bookcase, measuring 96 inches tall and made of white oak, is designed to provide appropriate scale for such spaces. Another significant piece is a version of Lewis's bespoke wicker banquette, which had previously garnered considerable attention in her own home. The Senna Dining Banquette, while similar in texture and style to her custom piece, features legs and is offered in various sizes, making it a more versatile option for consumers. The collection also reinterprets classic furniture forms, such as the wingback chair. The Amira Accent Chair maintains the familiar wingback silhouette but incorporates a modern woven texture, reflecting Lewis's approach to designing for longevity by updating timeless styles. A Parisian-inspired chaise, the Demi Chaise, draws inspiration from an antique bistro chair Lewis encountered in France, featuring distinctive curved iron detailing. This metalwork element is also present in the matching Demi lounge chair, which is a favorite of Adam Dunn, Four Hands’s vice president of design. For those who enjoy reconfiguring their living spaces, the Kent Sofa is designed with caster wheels, offering both mobility and an elevated aesthetic compared to standard fixed-leg sofas. Additionally, the collection features artwork from several artists, including Lewis's mother, Lori Marie, who was inspired by Lewis’s collection of vintage oil paintings to create new pieces. This collaboration aims to bring Amber Lewis's signature aesthetic and client-favorite pieces to a wider market, offering unique and stylish home furnishings. #AmberLewis #FourHands #HomeFurnishings #InteriorDesign #DesignerCollaboration #FurnitureCollection #WickerBanquette #AccentChairs #HomeDecor #DesignTrends

Interior designer Amber Lewis recently shared her design philosophy and practical tips on the podcast 'Lipstick on the Rim,' cohosted by Molly Sims and Emese Gormley. Lewis emphasized the importance of creating a home environment that evokes positive feelings, advocating for thoughtful purchases over fleeting trends. She advises investing in items that will be cherished for years, often found in vintage markets or through online platforms like 1stDibs. This approach prioritizes unique pieces with history or character, such as aged books or brass sculptures with a unique patina, over mass-produced decor. A significant portion of a decorating budget, according to Lewis, should be allocated to upholstery. She highlights the enduring value of well-constructed upholstered furniture, such as sofas, emphasizing their longevity. Even when the fabric eventually wears out or becomes dated, a quality frame allows for reupholstering rather than complete replacement, promoting sustainability and cost-effectiveness. This strategy ensures that foundational pieces remain relevant and comfortable over time, adapting to changing aesthetic preferences without necessitating entirely new purchases. Lewis also addressed a common design oversight in living rooms: rug placement. She strongly advises ensuring that all four legs of furniture, especially in a living room setting, rest entirely on the rug. According to Lewis, a rug that is too small or improperly positioned, with furniture legs extending beyond its edges, can make a room appear unfinished and create a sense of imbalance. She extends this advice to dining rooms, suggesting that rugs can enhance the formality of the space, but reiterates the importance of correct sizing and placement to anchor the furniture properly. Beyond permanent fixtures, Lewis provided insights into thoughtful gifting and accessorizing. She suggests moving beyond conventional host gifts like candles, instead recommending unique and practical items such as striking salad servers, elegant cloth napkins, or sophisticated water carafes. Lewis particularly champions the water carafe as an 'underrated accessory,' highlighting its ability to elevate a dining experience and serve as a distinctive present that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Finally, Lewis encouraged a departure from sterile, minimalist aesthetics in favor of timeless patterns and textures. She anticipates a shift towards more tactile and visually rich interiors, predicting that the current trend of hard lines and stark finishes is fading. Her advice centers on selecting classic pieces that can be easily refreshed with new accessories like pillows or artwork. This approach promotes a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, allowing for personal expression through varied textures and patterns while maintaining a sense of enduring style rather than chasing transient design fads. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #AmberLewis #DesignTips #Upholstery #RugPlacement #VintageFinds #ThoughtfulGifting #TimelessDesign

The transition to working from home has highlighted the need for office furniture that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, integrating seamlessly into the home environment. This demand has led to a variety of desk designs that prioritize both utility and style, ensuring that a workspace can be productive without sacrificing the overall design integrity of a room. The market now offers solutions that cater to diverse tastes and practical requirements, from expansive executive models to compact, convertible units, and those that evoke a particular ambiance. These innovations in desk design reflect a broader trend in home furnishings, where versatility and design aesthetics are becoming increasingly important. One such design is the Concord desk from Four Hands. Crafted for durability and efficiency, this desk features an oak veneer with a dark charcoal finish. Its design incorporates four drawers for concealed storage and six open cubbies, providing ample space for organizing work essentials and decorative items. The thoughtful integration of storage solutions ensures that the workspace remains tidy and organized, which is crucial for maintaining productivity in a home setting. This desk exemplifies a balance between robust construction and sophisticated appearance, making it suitable for a dedicated home office or a stylish corner in a larger room. For those with limited space or a preference for a minimalist aesthetic, Resource Furniture offers a shape-shifting flip-down desk. This innovative piece allows users to create a functional workspace in various rooms—be it a den, living room, or home office—and then fold it away at the end of the day. This feature is particularly beneficial for urban living or multi-functional rooms where space optimization is key. The ability to conceal the workspace when not in use helps maintain a clutter-free and polished look, aligning with modern interior design principles that favor adaptable and space-saving furniture. Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams contributes to the luxury segment with the Berkley desk. This desk is distinguished by its exterior, which is wrapped in tiles cast from stingray hide, complemented by elegant metal trim. The design aims to elevate the working experience, making it feel more opulent. Beyond its luxurious facade, the Berkley desk is also practical, featuring deep drawers painted in a vibrant red, adding a touch of unexpected color and offering substantial storage capacity. This desk caters to individuals who seek both high-end design and practical storage in their home office furniture. Made Goods introduces the Isla open shelves desk, designed to evoke a serene, beach-inspired atmosphere. Constructed with a natural rattan frame, a woven basket-weave top, and distinctive flower-inspired gold knobs, this desk brings a sense of relaxation and natural texture to the workspace. Its design is ideal for creating a calm and inviting environment, potentially enhancing creativity and reducing stress. The open shelving design provides easy access to frequently used items while also allowing for personal touches and decorative displays. Another offering from Four Hands is the Oakley desk, which skillfully blends aesthetic appeal with functionality. Made from oak and accented with bolt covers, this desk is designed to be both visually appealing and highly practical. It comes equipped with eight drawers and additional open shelving, offering extensive storage options for a wide array of office supplies and documents. The Oakley desk demonstrates that it is possible to achieve a striking design without compromising on the practical needs of a productive workspace, making it a strong contender for those who require significant storage within a stylish piece of furniture. Completing this selection is the Ella desk from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. This desk features brushed oak combined with refined metal details, presenting an elegant yet contemporary look. Its design embodies modern sophistication, making it a versatile piece that can complement various interior styles. The Ella desk, like the other featured designs, emphasizes that home office furniture can and should be an integral part of a home’s overall design scheme, contributing to both its functionality and its aesthetic appeal. #HomeOffice #DeskDesign #Furniture #InteriorDesign #WorkFromHome #SpaceSaving #LuxuryFurniture #RattanFurniture #ModernDesign

The art of styling surfaces within a home serves as a crucial finishing touch, imbuing spaces with character and a lived-in feel that furniture alone cannot provide. Intentional arrangement of objects and books distinguishes decor from mere clutter. To aid in this, five members of the AD PRO Directory offer their insights for creating designer-worthy vignettes across various surfaces. Casey Howard of Casey Howard Interior Design emphasizes telling a cohesive color story. This involves grouping objects of similar colors together and considering how these palettes transition across different shelves or surfaces. Each vignette, therefore, presents a curated color scheme that harmonizes with others in the space. Garance Rousseau of Maison Garance highlights the importance of playing with scale and height to create visually engaging compositions. This technique involves juxtaposing tall and short items, large and small pieces, and varying thicknesses to introduce dynamic movement that guides the eye. Rousseau also advises utilizing odd-numbered groupings, which tend to appear more modern and visually interesting than even arrangements. Molly Torres Portnof of Date Interiors advocates for embracing negative space, asserting its significance alongside the decorative items themselves. Negative space, or 'blank space,' provides room for decor, books, vases, and artwork to breathe, preventing a cramped or over-decorated appearance. Valerie Grant of Valerie Grant Interiors suggests incorporating a mirror, especially on entry tables, which often provide the first impression of a home's aesthetic. A mirror not only offers a reflective element but also draws the eye into and around the room, enhancing spatial perception. Both Grant and Rousseau recommend integrating art into surface styling to personalize the space and add dimension. Grant notes that artwork enhances the overall look, while Rousseau sees it as an opportunity to discover and support new artists and makers, incorporating living, working artists into the styling process. Natural touches are considered essential by Howard and Grant. Floral arrangements, potted plants, or vases with branches are vital for bringing life into a space. Grant specifically suggests using vases of various sizes and shapes to display fresh greenery or flowers that can be updated seasonally. Brittney Ferguson of Brittney Ferguson Interiors advises a minimalist approach, particularly for entry tables, drawing a parallel to Coco Chanel's advice to simplify. She suggests combining stacked books, a short bowl or candle, a tall item like a picture frame, and a fresh flower arrangement for maximum impact with minimal elements. Finally, Rousseau stresses the importance of collecting items over time rather than acquiring them all at once. This patient approach to curating a collection ensures that vignettes are composed of special, meaningful objects, contributing to a home's longevity and building future heirlooms. A well-executed design, she concludes, relies heavily on its supporting cast of objects, accents, and trinkets. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #StylingTips #DesignVignettes #ColorStory #NegativeSpace #ArtIntegration #NaturalElements #CuratedCollections

This article highlights the design philosophy of Louise Copeland, founder of L.B. Copeland Interior Design, who approaches interiors with a layered approach, blending fresh discoveries with cherished favorites to create elegant and lived-in spaces. Her style is characterized by a mix of old and new elements, exemplified by a vintage wrought iron snake lamp with a pleated silk shade and a studded brass tray paired with botanical wallpaper. Copeland describes her mood board as a combination of "tried-and-true pieces" and new samples, all sharing a common design language that is both "found yet tailored," rooted in tradition but infused with energy. She incorporates classic touches such as an Arts and Crafts–inspired armchair, retro cutlery, and a tufted sofa, balancing these with more feminine elements like a frilly Murano glass chandelier, a rose-toned guipure, and a custom 1960s coffee table with a hand-painted enamel top depicting a pastoral scene. Copeland envisions this eclectic palette as suitable for a character-filled city apartment or a colorful country getaway, demonstrating its versatility. The article then details 20 specific items that contribute to Copeland’s design aesthetic, providing insight into her material and pattern selections. These include a handmade Moroccan brass sofa tray by Habibi Burton, chosen for its detailing and perfect size, and the Hedera wallcovering by Zak+Fox, admired for its scale and unique blue-burgundy color combination. The Athletic Club armchair by Hollywood at Home, from Peter Dunham’s collection, is praised for its quality and updated Arts and Crafts style, particularly its upholstered seat and woven back. The Fable fabric in Fjord by A Rum Fellow is highlighted as a perfect plaid, while the Talisman Loop sconce by Apparatus is noted for its funky, unique design and natural agate beads. Copeland expresses a fondness for vintage French wrought iron snake lamps and frequently uses pleated silk lampshades from Penny Morrison for their bohemian block print and diverse color options. Other notable selections include the Stones of Venice wallpaper by Madeaux, which combines trompe l’oeil and marbled paper to add architectural depth, and the Coral Berry Check blanket by Gregory Parkinson, which transforms a space with its unexpected color combinations. Beata Heuman’s Knot Knobs are cherished for their elegance, weight, and sophistication, while the Margaux Crete guipure trim by Samuel & Sons is a frequently used material, adding a delicate touch to drapery, sofa skirts, or throw pillows. Water’s Edge paint by Benjamin Moore is identified as a favorite for its balance of blue, gray, and green. The Liberty Grandiose Murano chandelier by Ercole Barovier, available on 1stDibs, is valued for its unique blend of aged brass and glass. A sentimental vintage glass necklace belonging to her mother is also mentioned, showcasing a personal touch in her inspirations. Further elements include a rare Philip & Kelvin LaVerne Chan coffee table from the 1960s, admired for its metal carvings and enameled top, and an oversized custom rug from Rug & Kilim’s Block Print collection, chosen for its soft hand-knotted wool and silk, and showstopping designs. The Woody sofa by Highland House is selected for its versatility and interesting lines, suitable for various fabric choices. Waterworks’ Architectonics2 handmade field tile in heather dynamic crackle is lauded for its depth and ability to add unparalleled dimension to a space. Finally, Calacatta Turquoise marble by BAS Stone is a preferred starting material for its special colored veining, allowing for numerous beautiful design directions, and Sabre’s Bistrot flatware in Faux Buffalo with a vintage finish is desired for its classic design and worn metal aesthetic. Each item contributes to Copeland’s ability to weave together diverse elements into a cohesive and rich interior narrative. #InteriorDesign #LouiseCopeland #HomeDecor #EclecticStyle #VintageFinds #MaterialMixing #DesignInspiration #LuxuryInteriors #TextileDesign

The article explores the versatility and benefits of floating desks, highlighting their suitability for both small nooks and expansive open-concept spaces. Floating desks are designed to save floor space while adding visual interest to a room. With many individuals continuing to work from home, upgrading a home office setup has become a priority, and floating desks are presented as an excellent solution due to their aesthetic appeal and functional variety. The article details various types of floating desks, including L-shaped designs for corners, compact shelves, and larger models equipped with ample storage. The article features a curated selection of 11 floating desks, each chosen for specific attributes and catering to different needs. The Modway Kinetic Wall-Mount Office Desk is presented as a basic yet practical option, available in two sizes and finishes, with a sliding surface for adjustable screen proximity. Its design allows a chair to be pushed completely under it, freeing up space. The Modway Render L-Shaped Floating Desk is recommended for corner spaces, offering two drawers and an open shelf for organization, and is available in multiple finishes like oak, walnut, and charcoal. A styling tip is provided, emphasizing that wood finishes do not need to perfectly match to create a cohesive look in a room. The Union Rustic Jolita Floating Desk is highlighted as an ideal choice for very small spaces due to its fold-up design, which allows the surface to tuck away into the base, and its built-in corkboard. This desk arrives assembled, simplifying installation. The Pottery Barn Bedford Modular Desk is introduced as a flexible option that can be used independently or integrated with file cabinets to create a more comprehensive office setup. The Wade Logan Oglethorpe Floating Desk is noted for its organizational features, including shelves, cubbies, and a cable management system, available in six colors. For durability, the For Friend of Family Industrial Wooden Floating Desk, made of solid pine with cast iron brackets, is recommended, offering multiple sizes and robust support. The Homary Modern White Floating Desk provides significant storage with three spacious drawers within a compact design, featuring a lacquered top for scratch resistance. The Pottery Barn Teen USB Folding Wall Desk is recognized for its high-tech features, including two USB ports, device-propping slats, and cup holders, folding away when not in use. A splurge option, the Pianca Ala Wall Mounted Desk, combines two deep drawers, an LED light, and an FSC-certified wood panel for a sophisticated and functional workspace. The Haotian White Wall-Mounted Computer Table Desk is another excellent small-space solution, offering two cubbies and a drawer, with a significant weight capacity. Finally, the Rejuvenation Holgate Modular Floating Desk is praised for its industrial design, modular options, and ease of installation, fitting well into various aesthetics. The article concludes by offering guidance on selecting a floating desk, focusing on key considerations: size, storage, and weight capacity. Size is crucial, determining if the desk can accommodate necessary equipment like monitors and leaving enough space for leg movement. Storage depends on individual needs, with options ranging from simple surfaces to models with multiple drawers and cubbies. Weight capacity is a practical concern, especially for those using heavier equipment, with advice to mount heavier desks on load-bearing walls. The overall assessment is that floating desks are generally a good idea, provided the right model is chosen for the specific space and usage, emphasizing their efficiency in maximizing space. #FloatingDesks #HomeOffice #SmallSpaceSolutions #Furniture #InteriorDesign #WallMountedDesks #SpaceSavingFurniture #WorkFromHome #HomeDecor

The author explores a design philosophy championed by interior designer Amber Lewis, which posits that every room, regardless of its size or function, benefits from the inclusion of a 'tiny table.' This concept challenges the conventional approach to furniture placement, where specific furniture items are typically considered based on style, functionality, or room dimensions. Amber Lewis advocates for these small tables as essential elements that bring character and charm, solving common spatial dilemmas and enhancing the practicality and aesthetic appeal of a home. The article recounts the author's initial skepticism and subsequent conversion to this idea. Inspired by Lewis's Instagram declaration, the author decided to implement tiny tables in various spaces within their own home. The motivation stemmed from a realization that despite efforts to create an illusion of space in smaller rooms by allowing larger furniture 'breathing room,' there was an underlying lack of functional surfaces. The 'chair + table + lamp hack' was a familiar concept, but the author initially feared it would lead to clutter; however, the emphasis on *tiny* tables proved to be the key differentiator. Upon integrating these diminutive furniture pieces, the author discovered their unexpected impact. In the bathroom, a tiny table transformed into a convenient spot for holding a candle and a glass of wine, elevating the bathing experience. In the bedroom, a small table placed beside a reading chair, adorned with a portable lamp, created an inviting and functional reading nook. These additions not only served practical purposes but also imbued the spaces with a more intentional and curated feel. A particularly insightful application was in the powder room, an area often overlooked for decorative or functional additions due to its confined nature. By introducing a vintage bobbin table, the author managed to elegantly house extra toilet rolls in a shell bowl, making an everyday necessity feel more refined. Similarly, an awkward corner in the kitchen, previously unused, became a purposeful display area for a candle and cookbooks with the addition of a tiny table. In the entryway, a narrow tiny table provided a dedicated spot for keys and sunglasses, streamlining daily routines. The author's experience highlights that these small tables are not just decorative accents but functional solutions that can address practical needs and enhance the overall aesthetic of a living space. They contribute to a sense of completeness and intention in areas that might otherwise feel neglected or underutilized. The article concludes by endorsing Amber Lewis's philosophy, emphasizing that even seemingly insignificant design choices can yield significant improvements in both daily living and home ambiance. The practical benefits, such as having dedicated surfaces for everyday items, are underscored as transformative, leading the author to recommend the approach to readers. The piece also includes a curated selection of tiny tables available for purchase, offering readers tangible examples to implement this design hack. These examples showcase a variety of styles, from antiqued metalwork to marble tops and rattan designs, catering to different aesthetic preferences and demonstrating the versatility of tiny tables in home decor. #InteriorDesign #TinyTables #HomeDecor #AmberLewis #FurnitureTrends #SmallSpaceSolutions #FunctionalDecor #StylingHacks #DesignTips

Amber Lewis, a Los Angeles-based designer, has launched her latest furniture collection with Four Hands, featuring over 80 new pieces. The collection emphasizes a layered, lived-in aesthetic, incorporating cozy textiles like shearling and stitched patchwork. A prominent item in the collection is a large oak cabinet, the Harding Cabinet, designed for displaying various curiosities. Lewis highlights the importance of shelves for personal expression, and this cabinet offers adjustable shelves behind sliding glass doors, along with shallow drawers and two roomy cabinets for storage. Key additions to the collection include a canopy bed, a vanity stool, and an outdoor ottoman coffee table, marking a first for Lewis in these specific categories. The Gwendolyn Accent Stool showcases Lewis's focus on new furniture that appears vintage, blending traditional fabrics, such as a whimsical Damask print, with contemporary silhouettes like a hammered bronze frame. This approach reflects her observation of current trends favoring vintage-looking pieces. Another notable material introduced in this collection is lacquered linen, applied to pieces like the Sasha coffee table, Mirabel sideboard, and the Paula 6 Drawer Dresser. This unique paint treatment, while visually appealing, requires careful maintenance due to its sensitive surface, necessitating protection from sharp objects, immediate spill cleanup, and avoidance of direct sunlight to prevent fading. The Jodie Canopy Bed, with its option for a mossy green headboard, is highlighted as a way to incorporate rich hues into home decor, particularly for updating spaces for colder seasons. Lewis also emphasizes the role of candles and scents in setting a home's tone, specifically recommending a peppermint and eucalyptus blend called September. The collection also features functional yet stylish items like the Tova Desk Chair, which boasts a paper cord-wrapped back and a plush foam cushion, and the Camino Ottoman, a patchwork-style ottoman designed for extra seating. The collection reflects Lewis's design philosophy of blending functionality with aesthetic appeal, creating pieces that contribute to a comfortable and personalized living environment. Her selections aim to provide versatile options for various rooms and design preferences, allowing individuals to infuse their spaces with character and warmth. #AmberLewis #FourHands #FurnitureCollection #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignTrends #CanopyBed #LacqueredLinen #VintageInspired

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 role of architectural surfaces in home design has evolved significantly, moving beyond mere aesthetics to encompass performance, responsiveness, and durability. Historically, elements like sculptural lighting or statement furniture captured immediate attention in a home. However, contemporary design increasingly places emphasis on the materials that form the foundational surfaces, recognizing their capacity to make a statement independently. These materials now serve as a crucial link between a building's structure, its visual appeal, and its long-term resilience, especially within the evolving architectural landscape of India. This article highlights five brands that are at the forefront of redefining architectural surfaces, offering innovative solutions for various parts of the home, from facades to interior countertops. Each brand brings a unique approach to material science and design, catering to diverse needs, whether it's enhancing thermal efficiency or creating striking, art-like panels with rich pigmentation. The brands discussed include Schüco, Specta Quartz, Nuance Studio, Valueline, and Royale Impex. Schüco is recognized for its smart facades and glazing systems, embodying German engineering precision. Their offerings, which include doors, windows, and facade systems, prioritize thermal insulation, security, and seamless home automation. These systems are designed with the entire lifecycle of a building in mind, featuring climate-responsive curtain walls and expansive sliding doors that integrate indoor and outdoor spaces. Developed in Germany and adapted for Indian conditions, Schüco's products are suitable for both luxury residences and large commercial projects, combining structural integrity with minimal profiles and smart technology integration. Specta Quartz, on the other hand, specializes in engineered quartz surfaces, providing a refined and design-centric option for various interior applications. Utilizing advanced Bretonstone technology, their slabs are non-porous, scratch-resistant, and aesthetically sophisticated, offering both durability and style. The brand's commitment to innovation is evident in its latest collection of pastel-shaded quartz surfaces, which provide a contemporary finishing touch for spaces like kitchens and luxury suites. Nuance Studio reimagines concrete, transforming it into architectural statements that embrace a brutalist aesthetic with a sophisticated design sensibility. Their proprietary Litheoz technology allows for the creation of thin, lightweight, yet durable concrete finishes, including fluted wall panels and sculptural basins. Nuance Studio offers both ready-to-install panels and custom designs, appealing to architects and designers seeking textural depth and architectural gravity in spaces ranging from powder rooms to entire hallways. Valueline focuses on essential yet often overlooked components of modern interiors and exteriors, such as sliding mechanisms, handles, and bathroom fittings. These hardware systems are designed to enhance spatial interaction and functionality while maintaining clean lines and minimal profiles. Valueline's portfolio also includes Neolith, sintered stone slabs made from 100% natural raw materials. These slabs are known for their visual depth and resistance to wear, making them versatile for both indoor and outdoor use, from kitchen countertops and bathroom surfaces to facades and flooring. Finally, Royale Impex blends traditional craftsmanship with advanced technology in its offerings of natural stones. Operating from a technologically sophisticated facility, the brand provides an extensive palette of over 300 imported natural stones. Through processes like vacuum-treating slabs for enhanced durability and gloss, and utilizing 5-axis CNC machines for intricate detailing, Royale Impex transforms raw materials into refined surface solutions. Their collections, such as the Royale and Lunar ranges, feature a variety of stones, from earthy quartzites to pristine white marbles, catering to demands for exceptional quality and variety in stone applications for wall paneling, flooring, bar counters, and bathrooms. These brands collectively demonstrate how materials are becoming integral to how a space performs, ages, and feels, shaping the future of design. #architecturalSurfaces #homeDesign #materialInnovation #interiorDesign #contemporaryArchitecture #smartMaterials #surfaceFinishes #designTrends #luxuryHomes

The article highlights an interior design trend championed by Rose Uniacke, the interior expert and antique dealer known for designing homes for notable figures such as Victoria Beckham and Jo Malone. Uniacke, through her book 'Rose Uniacke at Home,' advocates for the use of table skirts and tablecloths not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their surprising multifunctionality. The unexpected resurgence of table skirts, which gained popularity recently, is attributed to Uniacke's endorsement. While historically used to dress up tables, Uniacke emphasizes a more practical and discreet aspect: their ability to conceal items. She posits that a tablecloth can effectively hide an 'inexpensive table' or other belongings that one might wish to keep out of sight, especially when entertaining guests. This hidden storage capability transforms a simple decorative item into a utilitarian piece within a modern home. Beyond mere concealment, the article explores the broader impact of tablecloths on interior aesthetics and experience. Designer Matthew Williamson further supports Uniacke's perspective, noting that a textile on a table 'softens the physical experience' of dining or gathering. He also points out that a tablecloth provides an excellent 'platform for color and pattern,' allowing for creative freedom to mix and match flatware and glassware, thereby elevating the overall table setting, particularly for social occasions and party seasons. Uniacke encourages experimentation with fabrics and cuts to suit individual preferences and specific room dynamics. She explains that while a formal dining room might benefit from a precisely cut tablecloth that just touches the floor, a coffee table in a bedroom offers more leeway for 'imperfect experimentation' or the use of antique pieces draped more informally. This flexibility allows homeowners to integrate the trend in a way that aligns with their personal style and the existing decor of different spaces. Ultimately, the article presents the table skirt and tablecloth as a versatile interior design element that offers both decorative elegance and practical advantages, receiving approval from esteemed designers like Rose Uniacke and Matthew Williamson. It suggests that this trend is far from waning, providing a timeless and adaptable solution for enhancing home interiors. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #TableStyling #RoseUniacke #DecoratingIdeas #Tablecloth #ModernHomes #DesignerTips