Inside the Designer Nadia Olive Schnack’s Colorful Home (Published 2018)

This article details the transformation of a 1950s ranch home in Nashville, owned by painter Elizabeth Stern, into a vibrant and personalized living space. The renovation, led by local architecture firm Pfeffer Torode with lead architect Erin Cypress and interior designer Liz Bonesio, focused on enhancing natural light and integrating a distinctive color palette inspired by the homeowner's artistic vision. Initially, the ranch lacked sufficient light and color, presenting a blank canvas for the design team. A primary objective was to open up the internal structure to allow more natural light to penetrate. Cypress achieved this by designing a series of cased openings that connect the private sleeping quarters with the public entertaining areas. These public spaces were conceived to be free-flowing, suitable for parties, pool, and mah-jongg. A significant addition was a sunroom extension off the kitchen, living, and dining rooms, designed with numerous windows and high ceilings to create a seamless connection with the garden and patio, making the outdoors feel like an integral part of the interior. Stern also expressed a preference for minimal recessed lighting. Bonesio addressed this by sourcing various flush-mount fixtures throughout the house, ensuring an even distribution of light without relying heavily on overhead recessed lights, except for a few essential ones in the kitchen. The color scheme played a crucial role in reflecting Stern's artistic sensibility. A recurring earthy, pink-toned terra-cotta, found in the plaster walls of the dining room and reclaimed French _parefeuille_ floors of the sunroom, became a central theme. This warm hue was harmoniously paired with blues, primarily Farrow & Ball Skylight, a pale blue-gray, which served to highlight the warmth of the terra-cotta tones. This deliberate choice of colors created a harmonious and personal atmosphere, aligning with Stern's artistic preferences. The renovation extended to various rooms, each featuring carefully selected details and materials. The living room showcases built-ins painted in a combination of mineral paint and fine paints, flanking an original marble mantel. Custom elements like a Remains Lighting Company flush mount, a Materia's Forchette 24 Chandelier, custom Lee Jofa fabric curtains, and an Erden custom rug contribute to its unique character. The kitchen features an oak island designed without plumbing, along with cabinets painted in Domingue Architectural Finishes' Chapel and Cristallo Azul quartzite countertops. Barber Wilsons & Co. faucets and Balsamo pendants complete the look. The butler's pantry, converted from a storage room, includes a deep Kohler sink for flower arranging, complemented by pendants from Remains Lighting Company and London Silk quartzite countertops. Its cabinets are painted in Benjamin Moore Sandblast and Sherwin-Williams Blustery Sky, with Zak + Fox wallpaper backing Stern’s ceramic collection. The sunroom, referred to as the “catbird seat,” is an idyllic dining area with a Soane pendant, Zak + Fox fabric shades with Bruder trim, and a custom banquette. The dining room, intended for parties, features paneling painted in Farrow & Ball Skylight, allowing for art salon-style displays, and includes a dining table that doubles as a pool table, alongside a piano. The mudroom incorporates a vintage Facebook Marketplace sink with de-plated Chicago Faucets, and walls painted in Benjamin Moore's Seapearl, Pilgrim Haze, and Blue Note, with Currey & Company pendants. The primary bedroom features a Dennis Miller bed upholstered in Rose Tarlow fabric, a Brett Design nightstand, a Soane sconce, and Libeco Home bedding. The guest room uses Peter Fasano wallpaper to inspire a natural palette, with custom beds lacquered in Fine Paints of Europe GC603, Made Goods nightstands, and custom Osborne & Little fabric coverlets. Bathrooms are equally detailed; the primary bathroom includes a gilded papier-mâché Fisher Weisman chandelier, a Victoria + Albert bathtub with Barber Wilsons & Co. tub filler, custom Etamine fabric café curtains, and an Eliko Rugs rug. The guest bathroom, a jack-and-jill style, features a Lacava trough sink, Farrow & Ball De Nimes paint, Tabarka Studio wall tile, a Remains Lighting Company ceiling light, and a Circa Lighting sconce. Lastly, a Hartley Botanic Victorian plant house serves as a greenhouse and potting shed for garden herbs, reflecting Stern's personal touch throughout the entire property. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #NashvilleHomes #ColorPalette #SunroomDesign #KitchenDesign #ArtistHome #HistoricRanch #PfefferTorode

Interior stylist Olga Naiman approached the design of her Brooklyn new-build condo with a philosophy centered on creating distinct narratives for each room, avoiding a singular, uniform theme throughout the entire space. Her approach emphasizes wondrous and surprising juxtapositions, blending diverse shapes, textures, and colors that, while seemingly disparate, coalesce into a harmonious and unique aesthetic. Naiman's design strategy for her own home mirrors her professional work in styling and event design, where storytelling and recurring themes guide the creative process. For her living room, Naiman intentionally combined unconventional elements, such as an Artemide Tizio table lamp placed on stacked cinder blocks alongside a corduroy-upholstered Milo Baughman sofa. This eclectic mix contributes to a sense of the surreal and the sacred, forming a visual dialogue that unfolds as one navigates the apartment. The choice of a Matisse-inspired fabric for window treatments served as the initial design inspiration for the room, setting a vibrant and artistic tone. A cowhide rug was selected for its practicality and resilience, particularly its ability to withstand spills and heavy use, making it suitable for a home with children. A significant alteration made to the living room was the addition of a wall to create a second bedroom, necessitated by the birth of Naiman’s twins. To counteract the potential reduction in perceived space, this new wall was entirely mirrored, effectively creating an illusion of greater depth and expansiveness within the room. This clever design solution maintains an open feel despite the architectural modification. In the kitchen, Naiman implemented creative and cost-effective solutions to personalize the space without a full renovation. She silver leafed the existing cabinets, adding a touch of elegance and shine. Furthermore, she enlisted a scenic painter to apply a distinctive pattern to both the cabinet doors and the underside of the counters, transforming standard cabinetry into custom-designed features. White-painted pegboard was incorporated into the kitchen, serving a dual purpose: it adds another layer of pattern and texture to the aesthetic, while also providing practical storage for hanging pots and pans on the opposite wall. Naiman’s design choices reflect a keen ability to infuse personality, functionality, and artistic flair into a new-build environment, demonstrating that thoughtful interior styling can transform a standard space into a unique and inviting home. #InteriorDesign #HomeStyling #BrooklynApartment #EclecticDecor #OlgaNaiman #NewBuildDecor #CreativeSolutions #PersonalizedHome #SurrealAesthetics

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

Jessica Davis, founder of Atelier Davis and creative director of Nest Studio, shares her current design inspirations, which are heavily influenced by Miami's oceanside landscape and Art Deco architecture. Her approach blends sophistication with a playful whimsy, seeking a balance between intriguing elements and lighthearted touches. Davis draws specific inspiration from the pattern play found in Streamline Moderne buildings and the nautical motifs prevalent during the heyday of steamships. Her color palette, while acknowledging Miami's perpetually warm climate, incorporates grounding browns and moody blues to provide a sense of escape and depth. She describes these as "complex browns with purple or red undertones" and "inky tones that remind me of the turbulent ocean," ensuring they remain interesting despite their moodiness. To offset these deeper hues, she integrates naval-style elements, such as ropelike cord and hardware featuring porthole designs. This circular motif is subtly echoed in her choices of embroidered fabric and printed wallpaper, creating a cohesive visual theme. Davis highlights several specific items that embody her current aesthetic. For textiles, she selects Zak+Fox's Temari fabric for its Japanese-inspired feel and subtle yet provocative colors. Maharam's Firma fabric is chosen for its durability and intriguing weave, mixing blue and purple in a textural wool. The Kettlewell Collection's Vera fabric, a large-scale cotton patchwork, appeals to her for its compelling nature, while Knoll Textiles' Cato fabric in green provides an impactful and unexpected pop of chartreuse. Larsen at Cowtan & Tout's Tanago fabric in ivory is favored for its nubby, nautical texture and durability. In terms of hard surfaces and architectural elements, Davis is enthusiastic about Townsend Harbor Brown paint by Benjamin Moore, appreciating its rich, complex brown tones. She expresses a particular interest in sophisticated glass blocks, specifically the Thickset 90 Endura Glass Block by Seves Glass Block, moving beyond standard wavy 1980s styles. Adelphi Paper Hangings’ Viennese Trees wallpaper, a 1920s pattern, is admired for its blend of architectural and organic Art Deco aesthetics. For stone, she opts for Rosso Luana marble by ABC Stone, seeking a dark and moody, high-impact stone with significant movement, departing from white-background marbles. Custom metal samples with cooler finishes are also incorporated to add to a project's distinctiveness. Her own Nest Studio Aperture handle in waxed white oak is chosen for its integral yet interesting linear and minimal design, suitable for wood cabinets. The Shade Store’s Waterfall woven wood shade in Sienna Almond is included to introduce texture and soften interiors dominated by hard surfaces. A custom textured rug by Marc Phillips, made of wool, serves as a sophisticated yet durable base layer. Finally, nylon cord in gold and blue from Knot & Rope Supply offers a fun element for custom furnishings, and Bilbao tile by Bert & May provides a patterned, muted, and weathered floor option that feels both historic and contemporary. #InteriorDesign #JessicaDavis #AtelierDavis #NestStudio #MiamiInspired #ArtDeco #StreamlineModerne #MaterialSelection #ColorPalette

The author, Natalie Jahangiry, a multidisciplinary designer, discusses the concept that a home is never truly finished and argues that this is something to be embraced rather than avoided. She challenges the common perception that interior designers' homes are perfectly styled spaces, highlighting that this is often an unrealistic and staged portrayal of home living. Jahangiry emphasizes that homes are dynamic entities that evolve with the shifting needs, styles, and life stages of their inhabitants. She illustrates this point with her own experience, detailing how she enthusiastically decorated her home upon moving in two years prior, only to find that changing family dynamics, personal style evolution, and the demands of raising two young children necessitated revisiting and altering previously "finished" rooms. She admits to having multiple half-finished projects and acknowledges the inevitable wear and tear of family life, such as fingerprints and scratches, which contribute to a home's lived-in character. Jahangiry offers several pieces of advice to readers, encouraging them to prioritize authenticity over trends. She suggests that it is perfectly acceptable for parts of a home to remain unfinished and advises individuals to work at a pace that suits their family's needs. She advocates for decorating slowly, making small, incremental changes, and embracing the natural evolution of personal style rather than striving for a fixed, perfect vision. She also debunks the myth that neutral, all-white interiors are always best for resale, asserting that a home should be decorated for present-day living and personal enjoyment. Her perspective encourages a softer approach to interiors, one that celebrates imperfections and views a home as a "living, breathing design" that adapts to its occupants. She concludes by stating that growth, flexibility, and personality are more valuable than perfection in home design, urging readers to let go of the idea of a "finished" home and instead appreciate their homes as they continuously transform and reflect their lives. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #HomeLiving #DesignPhilosophy #FamilyLife #Authenticity #DecoratingTips #EvolvingHome #NatalieJahangiry

This article, presented by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Nahla Madison Home, outlines eight expert-backed techniques to enhance the aesthetic and functionality of key rooms within a home. Tiffany Glasco, President and CEO of Nahla Madison Home, a St. Louis-based luxury interior design firm soon to be featured on HGTV, provides insights into transforming living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms into more sophisticated and inviting spaces. The core philosophy of Nahla Madison Home, as described, is to blend elegance with practical solutions, creating curated designs that uplift the home environment. For the living room, two primary strategies are highlighted. Firstly, layered lighting is emphasized as crucial for establishing ambiance. Glasco suggests combining overhead lighting with table and floor lamps, and sconces, along with dimmers, to allow for versatile mood adjustments. Secondly, the article recommends incorporating a variety of textures and materials to achieve a cozy yet luxurious feel. This involves mixing metals like brass and nickel with soft fabrics such as velvet, faux fur, and chunky knits, complemented by plush throw pillows and area rugs to add depth and richness. In the kitchen, the focus shifts to maximizing display and creating a focal point. Open shelving is presented as an opportunity to showcase fine kitchenware, cookbooks, and decorative items, adding character and enhancing functionality. The second idea for kitchens involves statement lighting, such as a bold pendant or chandelier over an island or dining area, which serves as a central design element. Additionally, updating cabinetry hardware with modern finishes like matte black or brushed gold is suggested as an affordable way to refresh the space. For bathrooms, the article suggests creating a tranquil retreat through natural elements and modern fixtures. Introducing plants or natural wood accents can infuse a sense of calm and bring the outdoors inside, promoting serenity. Upgrading hardware and fixtures to contemporary finishes like matte black or brushed gold is identified as an effective and quick method to modernize the bathroom’s overall aesthetic. Finally, for bedrooms, the emphasis is on establishing a sanctuary for rest and relaxation. Choosing soothing color palettes, including soft blues, neutrals, and greens, is recommended to foster a calming environment, with deeper hues used sparingly for accent walls or wallpaper to add depth without overwhelming the space. The second tip for bedrooms involves layering textiles, such as plush rugs, drapes, and soft bedding in various fabrics, to enhance comfort and create a luxurious feel. Incorporating soothing fragrances is also suggested to complete the peaceful ambiance. The article concludes by noting that Nahla Madison Home extends its expertise beyond interior design to include event planning, home staging, and wedding services, applying the same luxurious and detail-oriented approach to transform spaces for special occasions. Overall, the article serves as a guide for homeowners looking to elevate their living spaces, offering practical and stylish solutions for four key rooms, all underpinned by the design philosophy of Nahla Madison Home. #HomeImprovement #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHome #NahlaMadisonHome #LivingRoomDesign #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #BedroomDesign #HomeDecor

This article highlights the transformation of a 1940s Federal-style house in Nashville’s Belle Meade, which was updated by interior designer Yancey Shearouse of Yancey Seibert Shearouse Interiors. The design drew inspiration from the client Hailey Stone's fashion sensibilities, characterized by bold patterns, bright colors, and chic silhouettes, while also incorporating her husband Bryan's preference for classic, tailored styles. The challenge was to blend these differing aesthetics into a cohesive and personalized living space. The design strategy involved integrating a variety of wallcoverings, fabrics, and rugs featuring floral, geometric, and abstract motifs, with some playful elements like feathers and cowboy boots. These elements are executed in a vibrant color palette encompassing greens, blues, pinks, purples, reds, and oranges. The visual richness of these textiles is balanced by the home's foundational elements, such as hardwood floors, classic white trim, and stately millwork. Family heirlooms and antique-inspired furnishings further ground the design, creating a blend of contemporary and timeless styles. Art plays a significant role in the home's character, reflecting the couple's shared passion for collecting contemporary pieces. Shearouse ensured that the interior design provided an ideal backdrop for these cherished artworks, which are considered central to making the house feel like a home. The article then details specific rooms, showcasing how this design philosophy was applied throughout the 4,500-square-foot residence. In the living room, brilliant blue accents, including a velvet throw pillow, sculptural lamp base, and drapery trim, punctuate green expanses. A diamond-design rug in spicy pinks, oranges, and ambers introduces warmth, complementing Andy Warhol licensed prints. The kitchen features an all-white scheme with a riveted lap seam range hood as a focal point, softened by circular pendants and cane barrel-backed counter stools. Café curtains in the kitchen match the full-length drapes in the adjacent family room, ensuring design continuity. The dining room embraces fun with feathery wallcovering and sumptuous pink drapes, adding a celebratory and whimsical touch to the formal space. Louis Phillipe-style mirrors and Directoire-inspired commodes are updated with crisp white paint, gold leaf accents, and brass hardware. Vintage dining chairs from a Palm Beach estate sale are paired with Bryan’s grandmother’s antique dining table, with the original 1940s crystal chandelier maintained. The entryway introduces the home's color palette through a green and white Anna French wallcovering, a jewel-toned vintage runner, and an electric blue Schumacher ottoman. Federalist architectural details, like fanciful door transoms, were preserved, and art by Angela Chruschiaki Blehm is displayed alongside mixed media pieces. The family room presents a classic arrangement with a contemporary twist, featuring oversized lamps, an abstract painting by AK Hardeman, and a sleek waterfall-profile wood coffee table. High-voltage pinks and blues provide pops of color against a more muted palette. The primary bedroom utilizes ethereal blues for a quietly colorful atmosphere. A Modern History poster bed’s strong silhouette is softened by white linens, floral pillows, and a scallop-framed settee. A gilt-framed abstract by Alexis Walter and Visual Comfort lamps complement the bed’s delicate gold leaf details. Finally, the primary bathroom showcases pattern play with marble mosaic tile flooring and subway tile shower walls. Brass fixtures and vibrant art by Emyo bring warmth against the marble and blue Lee Jofa wallcovering. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #NashvilleHome #FashionInspiredDecor #BoldColors #EclecticStyle #ArtCollection #YanceyShearouse

Nate Berkus, a prominent figure in interior design for 26 years, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of home aesthetics, especially in the context of recent global events. Berkus, who gained widespread recognition after his 2002 debut on 'Oprah,' emphasizes the shift towards authenticity and personalization in design. He notes that the pandemic played a significant role in this change, moving clients away from Instagram- and Pinterest-driven trends to a desire for spaces that reflect their individual stories and needs. This shift has fostered a period of deep creativity, where clients are increasingly seeking unique, layered interiors. A growing appreciation for handmade and one-of-a-kind items marks another key trend. Berkus recalls attending art fairs as a child, where handmade goods were often overlooked, contrasting it with the current demand for such pieces in auction houses and among clients. This renewed interest extends to antiques, where online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, and Chairish have democratized access. Clients are now more informed and actively involved in sourcing unique items from around the world, mixing them with handcrafted elements to create distinctive, personalized spaces. The ease of online shopping and shipping has made it simpler to assemble collections of vintage and antique objects, which Berkus believes are essential for a finished room. The concept of home functionality has also been redefined, with increased interest in separate structures for offices, studios, or guesthouses. This desire stems from a need for adaptable living spaces that can accommodate various activities and provide privacy, especially in a world where remote work and learning have become more common. Berkus highlights the appeal of guest rooms that offer comfort and independence, reducing concerns about proximity and hygiene. Furthermore, he discusses the emergence of 'sanitation rooms' or transitional entries equipped with advanced mechanics, like infrared lighting, designed to keep homes cleaner and safer. This trend resonates with Berkus's long-standing germaphobia, indicating a broader societal concern for health and well-being within the home environment. Social media, initially viewed with skepticism by Berkus, has become an integral part of the design world, mirroring the move towards authenticity. He explains that social platforms now serve as valuable tools for understanding clients' aesthetic preferences and for fostering genuine dialogue within his community of followers. Berkus differentiates his approach from simply reposting beautiful imagery, emphasizing his commitment to sharing his extensive experience, including successes, challenges, and mistakes, through initiatives like 'History Lessons.' This segment delves into the historical context and origins of design movements and objects, connecting personal aesthetic choices to broader cultural narratives. Finally, Berkus observes a shift towards a 'more is more' philosophy, redefined not by excessive spending or material accumulation, but by sentiment, practicality, and thoughtfulness. This means maximizing the utility and emotional connection within a space, designing for a new lifestyle that might include hybrid work arrangements or evolving family needs. The emphasis is on creating homes that are responsive and adaptable, greeting their inhabitants with comfort and functionality, regardless of immediate circumstances. This holistic approach underscores a deeper engagement with the home as a dynamic and evolving sanctuary tailored to individual well-being and evolving needs. #InteriorDesign #NateBerkus #HomeDecor #DesignTrends #AuthenticityInDesign #HandmadeGoods #VintageFinds #FunctionalLiving #SocialMediaAndDesign

Artist Stephanie Dillon and her husband, Reilly, were captivated by a model home in Eden Prairie, which boasted a blend of whitewashed shiplap and shakes on its exterior, creating a timeless and airy aesthetic. The interior featured light-filled communal spaces, each with a distinct character, moving away from conventional floorplans. The color scheme ranged from calming charcoals and pale neutrals to deep greens and rich terra-cotta, evoking a European atmosphere. Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang, owner of West Bay Homes and the designer behind the model, drew inspiration from her travels to Paris, characterizing the style as French contemporary farmhouse. She envisioned the kitchen as a French pastry shop, integrating multiple layers of meticulously detailed materials throughout the 5,000-square-foot residence. The kitchen's design incorporates three types of glazed tiles for the backsplashes, with a small hexagonal tile chosen for its light-reflecting properties, contributing to an elevated visual experience. Dillon, an acrylic and mixed-media artist known for painting her emotions, found a kindred spirit in Vogelgesang, whose design philosophy also prioritized passion and feeling. Dillon retained Vogelgesang to complete the interior design of their new home. The designer expressed enthusiasm for incorporating Dillon's extensive rug collection. Elements like shiplap and painted charcoal, seen on the exterior, were repeated inside on the basement's fireplace wall and the vaulted ceiling of a lounge area adjacent to the kitchen, along with charcoal-colored square tiles extending from counter to ceiling in the kitchen backsplash. This repetition of color ensures cohesiveness and a holistic progression throughout the home, where all environmental elements relate to one another. Vogelgesang skillfully managed the abundance of materials, preventing a busy or cluttered appearance, much like Dillon blends colors on her canvases. Some design choices stand out, others recede, and some shimmer, collectively defining the mood of each space. The materials coalesce into a balanced and proportionate composition, resulting in a home tailored for an artist. Vogelgesang aims to create spaces that are timeless and elegant without being overly delicate or cost-prohibitive. The lower-level bar area features charcoal shiplap around the fireplace, painted in Sherwin-Williams’s Dorian Gray, and steps down into a sunken media room, showcasing the designer’s preferred brass and gray combination. Brass hardware also adorns the front entry doors. Light fixtures, including those from Mitzi on the library ladder, were strategically chosen. The unexpected entry leads to a "dining hall" that functions as a grand foyer, as described by Vogelgesang. This space features nine-inch-wide-plank white oak floors laid in a herringbone pattern, with ceiling beams bisecting its soaring height, allowing ample natural light. The built-in bar features a backsplash of alternating light and dark neutral tiles, custom cabinetry with dental molding, and a marble sink skirt. Open shelving in the kitchen displays two sizes of backsplash tiles from The Tile Shop, with custom alder wood cabinetry finished with a clear whitewashed stain and brass hardware for an enhanced shimmer. The kitchen, inspired by Parisian pastry shops, includes two islands for ease of navigation, with only one housing a sink to allow for uninterrupted dining on the other. The mudroom boasts large-format heated tiles combined with white oak cabinetry, finished in a whitewash stain, offering an industrial concrete look harmonized with French country cabinetry. A basement guest bath incorporates vibrant color through whimsical floral tiles from The Tile Shop on one wall and Sherwin-Williams’s Perfect Periwinkle on the adjacent wall. The library features a bold mix of Sherwin-Williams paints: Canyon Clay on the walls and Gauntlet Gray in a high-gloss enamel finish on the moldings and doors, complemented by chartreuse chairs. A wide-plank whitewashed cedar wall on the rear deck provides privacy. The prep kitchen off the mudroom embraces color with Waverly Classics wallpaper by York, cabinets painted in Sherwin-Williams’s Green Onyx, and a hammered copper sink, showcasing how personal touches can enhance practical areas. The powder room dazzles with an antiqued mirrored glass tile wall from The Tile Shop, a custom white oak vanity with a marble shelf, and Savoy House sconces. The floors throughout the home incorporate patterned ceramic tiles from The Tile Shop. The home's floor plan, while a traditional rambler, diverges into an unconventional layout where the front entry opens into a vaulted foyer and dining room, serving as a pass-through to the kitchen and great room. #HomeStyle #InteriorDesign #HomeTours #FrenchContemporaryFarmhouse #CustomCabinetry #TileDesign #ArtisticHome #ArchitecturalDetails #EuropeanInfluence

The article explores how to recreate the signature cozy and elegant aesthetic of Nancy Meyers' films in living room decor, particularly for the autumn season. It highlights five key design approaches inspired by the filmmaker's iconic movie sets, emphasizing comfort, luxury, natural textures, and a blend of traditional and contemporary elements. The author notes that Nancy Meyers' films are renowned for their effortlessly staged and inviting living spaces, making them a popular source of inspiration for fall decorating. One approach is to combine comfort with a hint of luxury, as seen in a living room by Brad Ramsey Interiors. This style features soft gray tones, tactile materials, and furniture arranged to encourage conversation around a fireplace. Theresa Butler, an interior designer, points out that Meyers' living rooms, such as Jules' apartment in "The Intern," often blend exquisite architectural elements like intricate molding and elegant fireplaces with modern furniture, creating a timeless and balanced design. This aesthetic offers depth without being overly opulent, appealing to those seeking enduring home decor. Another characteristic of Nancy Meyers' style is the use of layered natural textures. This creates a quiet luxury feel, reminiscent of Cameron Diaz's living room in "The Holiday." Theresa Butler explains that these spaces feel lived-in due to the display of personal items like books and photos. In neutral spaces, natural materials like stone and wood, combined with simple ceramic displays, contribute to a rustic yet sophisticated ambiance. Layering rugs and mixing various textures such as cotton, rattan, and metal are crucial for achieving a curated, comfortable, and un-staged look. Simplicity and elegance are central to the Nancy Meyers aesthetic, often featuring a fresh coastal vibe. A neutral sectional paired with tactile soft furnishings, such as throws and pillows with defined patterns, can effectively transition a space for autumn. Noelle Harvey of Sunday House emphasizes the importance of selecting timeless finishes to create a lasting design. Strategic lighting, including pendants, table lamps, and sconces, is also highlighted as a way to enhance a living room's inviting atmosphere, as exemplified by Nancy Meyers' own entryway staging. The article also suggests being bolder with rich colors to emulate the autumnal feel of Meyers' films. Inspired by fall foliage and heavy fabrics, this approach incorporates ochres, burgundy, and cappuccino shades for a cocooning effect. Hannah Oravec of Lawless Design recommends bringing the outdoors in with natural colors and materials like wood and velvet to add warmth. A base of earth tones such as rust, greens, mustards, and beiges can effectively highlight these characteristics, creating a truly autumnal color scheme. Finally, the concept of "overstuffing" with pattern and nostalgia is presented as a way to capture the cozy exuberance often seen in Meyers' traditional farmhouse-style sets. This involves combining linear stripes with intricate floral designs and geometric prints. Katie Rosenfield notes that this trend taps into a desire for comfort, nostalgia, and family memories, evoking a classic American aesthetic associated with overstuffed furniture, blue and white decor, and coastal living. This timeless look, with its blend of comfort and luxury, is ideal for transitioning from late summer into early fall. #NancyMeyers #InteriorDesign #LivingRoomDecor #FallDecor #HomeDecor #CozyInteriors #LuxuryDesign #NaturalTextures #ColorSchemes

Designer Nina Farmer of Nina Farmer Interiors embarked on a project to design a cliffside summer house in midcoast Maine, aiming to draw inspiration from the dramatic panoramic views of the ocean and the picturesque rocky coastline. The design challenge was to create an interior that complements, rather than competes with, the stunning outdoor scenery, providing a sense of solitude and calm amidst natural beauty. Given the first floor's open floor plan, Farmer opted for a tight color palette, introducing patterns and colors primarily through furnishings to avoid distracting from the exterior views with wallpapers. Farmer's design approach included incorporating unexpected moments of color, thoughtfully proportioned to the outside panorama, in areas where one could pause and appreciate the hues. Having previously worked with the clients on their main residence, Farmer understood their preference for a cozy and atmospheric space that felt appropriate for Maine's fog and salt air, steering clear of typical beach house aesthetics. The Scottish origin of one of the homeowners also influenced the design direction, contributing to a unique aesthetic. The design process began with the flooring, where a dining room rug featuring colors not commonly associated with seaside homes became a key inspiration. This rustic red hue was then extended to the living room ceiling, while a bright yellow was introduced in the kitchen cabinets. To establish a strong connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape, Farmer integrated stone tones—including pink and gray—along with evergreen shades and deep, earthy colors, mirroring the large rocks visible from the back of the house. Textural elements such as plaids, flannels, worn woods, and a variety of vintage pieces were used to create a layered, lived-in feel, suggesting a collection of items acquired over time rather than a newly decorated space. The first floor primarily received a refresh of its finishes, with Farmer appreciating the existing character of the brick and board textures while desiring a clean canvas. The second floor, however, required structural modifications. An upstairs sitting room was reconfigured into a primary suite to maximize the spectacular views. Farmer focused on making significant visual and emotional impact with minimal structural changes. The newly designed primary bathroom, lacking windows, became an opportunity for a bold design statement. Here, a sculptural shower was created using Clé zellige tiles in colors that echoed both the landscape and the adjacent bedroom’s palette, featuring a disordered design outlined by a solid line. A vintage 18th-century oak dresser, retrofitted with Belgian Bluestone, updated hardware, Belgrave iron sconces, and a custom patterned mirror, served as the vanity, reflecting the shower’s unique design. Every element of the house, down to the dramatic black dishware in the kitchen, was curated by Farmer, who enjoys considering these small details and their contribution to the home's overall narrative. The informal, asymmetrical chick blinds throughout the house reinforce the relaxed atmosphere, indicating a home designed for comfort and ease. #NinaFarmerInteriors #MaineCoast #InteriorDesign #CoastalHome #DesignInspiration #ColorPalette #VintageDecor #HomeRenovation #LuxuryInteriors

Becky and David Anderson, after living in Los Angeles and Boulder, Colorado, decided to create a vibrant and welcoming home in Minneapolis, near Bde Maka Ska, when they relocated in 2020. The couple, known for their hospitality, aimed for a space where guests would feel comfortable and at ease. Their previous homes were centers for family gatherings, birthday parties, and holiday celebrations, a spirit they wished to replicate in their new residence. Starting with minimal possessions, including a significant abstract painting by a friend, the Andersons enlisted designer Victoria Sass to transform their house into a home that reflected their personality and style. A key element of the design was the incorporation of color, drawing inspiration from Becky's profession as an owner of Bluebird Floral Design and the vivid hues of the abstract artwork. Sass also found inspiration in the earthy tones of Heath Ceramics but prioritized the Andersons' kind, generous, and mindful nature as her primary muse, aiming to infuse joy into the design. The house, built in the early 2000s, already possessed a relevant aesthetic with Scandinavian and Japanese influences, evident in the blond woodwork, frosted glass resembling rice paper, and a soaking tub. Sass made a conscious decision to respect and build upon these existing architectural elements rather than mask them. Her approach involved appreciating the home's history, the owners' story, and adding her unique perspective to create an eclectic and interesting design. Specific design choices included addressing a large paneled wall with a Noguchi Akari light sculpture, which provides a soft glow when illuminated at night and allows the space to breathe without excessive adornment. The dining area features curved Crate and Barrel chairs around a bluestone-and-oak table, suitable for games. The original gray stone fireplace was updated by painting it white, enhancing its texture and integrating it into the clean aesthetic, while drawing attention to the warm tones of the seating. In the vaulted living space, the challenge was to create coziness without losing its airiness or the lake views. Sass achieved this with a pair of sofas: one upholstered in a Japanese shibori-inspired fabric and another in tufted green linen. Moroso quilted armchairs completed the grouping, providing visual and tactile diversity that engages occupants with their surroundings and makes the vastness of the space feel secondary. A zero-waste rug from Winsome Goods, made from textile scraps, was hung as a tapestry above the original maple console, adding movement to the tableau. The kitchen was warmed with subtle colors through a deep green ceramic backsplash, soft sage counter stools, and earthy terra-cotta island pendants. The dining room features pink velvet chairs from Blu Dot and a meandering steel chandelier that fosters conversation without obstructing the view of Bde Maka Ska, while FLOR carpet squares define the area. #HomeTours #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #HomeStyle #ScandinavianDesign #JapaneseDesign #ColorfulInteriors #VictoriaSass #MinneapolisHome

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

The article presents a curated list of Nashville's leading interior design firms, highlighting their unique specializations and design philosophies. These firms offer a range of services from full-scale renovations and new construction projects to smaller room makeovers, catering to diverse client needs and aesthetic preferences. The designers focus on creating spaces that are both stylish and functional, reflecting the individuality of the homeowners. Beth Haley Design, for instance, focuses on modern approaches to remodeling and renovating established homes, emphasizing architectural details, livability, light, color, and texture. Their full-service firm handles projects of various sizes, including construction documents, space planning, and the selection of furnishings, window treatments, accessories, and art. They also have extensive experience in kitchen and bath renovations, and in creating sustainable, functional contemporary and modern designs. Marcelle Guilbeau Interior Design is known for incorporating clients’ personalities into their designs through a collaborative process. They aim to create breathtaking spaces by merging the client's tastes, lifestyle, and aesthetics with the design team's talent. Their approach involves implementing every layer of the design to deliver interiors that truly embody the client’s personal aesthetics, often utilizing natural materials like wool, wood, and stone to integrate sustainability into each project. Sara Ray Interior Design, led by founder Sara Ray, showcases an affinity for clean lines, soft palettes, and subtle textures. Her designs merge classic aesthetics with modern sensibilities, covering everything from full-scale remodeling to space planning, and meticulously addressing details such as paint colors, wall hangings, and accessories. Kate Figler Interiors combines traditional and contemporary elements, driven by a passion for textiles, patterns, texture, and color. They undertake projects from simple room makeovers to complete renovations and new constructions, ensuring each home reflects the client's personal taste and lifestyle with layered and timeless interiors. Of Origin Design Studios, founded in 2016, specializes in modern designs that emphasize the raw beauty of materials such as concrete, steel, leather, and wood. Their expertise in architectural elements and collaborations with local artisans result in unique, layered, and high-contrast creations, offering comprehensive services from construction documents to finishes and furnishings. Brad Ramsey Interiors, led by Brad Ramsey, is characterized by an impeccable eye for detail and a knack for creating curated and collected environments. His design work is intuitive, focusing on integrity, balance, and quality, with projects spanning residential and commercial spaces nationwide. Christopher Todd, with bases in Las Vegas and Nashville, infuses modern sophistication and relaxed elegance into his designs. His Nashville store offers luxury home furnishings and unique items, and he is also known for seasonal décor and event design, and has launched his own wallpaper line. Ashley Meier Interiors specializes in luxurious linens and textiles, offering organic sheets, block-printed bedding, linen duvets, and custom pillows. Her keen eye for fabrics and craftsmanship results in elegant interiors and unique home décor. Stephanie Wallace & Associates, with over two decades of experience, empowers clients to create beautiful, personalized spaces. They maintain the original character of a house while incorporating individual lifestyles, with projects nationwide and a particular interest in equestrian and canine-themed interiors. K Evers Interiors, led by Kathleen Evers, manages projects from planning to management, specializing in residential design. They create sophisticated yet functional environments that integrate client tastes, offering consultations on lighting, electrical planning, cabinetry, furniture, and more. Mark Simmons Interiors, with over 26 years of experience, is known for classic interior designs in Nashville, often with a European flair. The firm emphasizes personal relationships to ensure designs reflect the client's personality and lifestyle, offering a showroom with furniture, lighting, and décor. Providence Interiors, a full-service design firm, is recognized for its storefront offering gifts and home accessories. Co-owners Amber Thomas and Julie Brown merge timeless antiques, traditional pieces, and found objects to elevate design standards. Lastly, Parkes & Lamb Interiors, founded by Blair Parkes and Susan Lamb, provides full-service design, from furniture selection to new construction projects, known for transforming spaces into timeless, refined, and personal homes, including an E-Design service. JL Design, established in 2005, is a boutique firm that creates personalized spaces reflective of clients' unique lifestyles and tastes, spanning classic, urban, eclectic, and contemporary styles to transform houses into authentic homes. #NashvilleInteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDecor #LuxuryInteriors #SustainableDesign #ModernDesign #ClassicDesign #DesignFirms #ResidentialDesign

This article highlights the transformation of a 1,200-square-foot Edwardian home in San Francisco by designer Regan Baker for a client who desired a cheerful living space, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The central element that inspired the home's vibrant personality is a bright yellow spiral staircase, which was formerly plain aluminum. This staircase sets a lively tone for the entire project, influencing the choice of a Jenny Sharaf artwork placed near the fireplace. The design philosophy throughout the home balances bold, colorful elements with serene, monochromatic spaces to allow the more striking features to stand out. The kitchen, initially featuring white Shaker cabinets and stainless steel hardware, was updated with modern white wood handles and cool white stacked backsplash tiles, creating a playful yet restful monochromatic scheme. A built-in dining nook provides extra storage and features a tricolor glass pendant lamp that adds a splash of color, alongside versatile Industry West stools that can be used for additional seating or stored away. Upstairs, the main bedroom renovation addressed structural quirks like a gabled roofline and scalloped ceilings. The water heater was relocated to the garage to maximize living space, and the room was enhanced with millwork, including a shoe cubby and a closet with an integrated vanity. The bedroom's design emphasizes the windows as a focal point, with dramatic drapery on a recessed ceiling track framing the sliding glass doors to a patio overlooking the San Francisco hills. Behind the headboard, a pale blue grid wallpaper offers a calming backdrop, complementing bold mustard-hued nightstands. The newly configured bathroom is designed to appear larger through the use of a wall-to-shower, ceiling-to-countertop mirror with integrated sconces. Mint green and white checkered tiles are strategically used, a pattern motif that reappears in various forms and scales throughout the home, including the bedding, kitchen backsplash, and office wallpaper, reflecting the client's architectural background. Contrasting with the linear patterns, the home also incorporates softer textures and shapes, such as a woven living room rug, a travertine coffee table, and delicate floral wallpaper in the guest bath. These elements provide visual breaks and add depth to the design. In more intimate spaces, wallpaper with smaller prints was introduced to create engaging details, drawing attention away from the predominant white walls in the larger rooms. The overall design successfully infuses personality and cheerfulness into the home, making clever use of color, pattern, and spatial organization. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ColorfulInteriors #KitchenRenovation #BedroomDesign #BathroomDesign #ReganBakerDesign #HomeTour #SanFranciscoHome

The article explores the art of creating design vignettes, which are thoughtful arrangements of objects that add warmth, depth, and a personal touch to a space. Five Nashville interior designers share their expertise, tips, and examples of their favorite vignettes to inspire readers to create their own. Marcelle Guilbeau of Marcelle Guilbeau Interior Design emphasizes that a vignette completes and personalizes a room, giving it meaning and place. She demonstrated this concept in an Airbnb by combining music memorabilia, vintage books, greenery, and a record player to offer a unique 'Nashville experience.' Her advice includes incorporating purposeful objects that can be enjoyed by guests and balancing vertical and horizontal arrangements. Debbie Mathews focuses on achieving earthy elegance through color and textured elements, particularly in a Belle Meade living room with high ceilings. Her vignette, featuring colorful floral touches, sheet moss, tulip bulbs, antique candlesticks, coffee table books, and a bone inlay box on an iron coffee table, illustrates how layers of interest can be built around a common theme. She also highlights the importance of incorporating vintage or antique pieces for richness and depth. Jessica Davis of JL Design highlights casual creativity by pairing a vintage viewfinder with hardback books on a library shelf. She explains that mixing and balancing objects can create a less formal and more inviting display. Her key advice is to be mindful of spacing to prevent clutter and to ensure that selected personal treasures make an effective statement without overpowering the space. Jonathan Savage of SAVAGE Interior Design presents a nuanced, mystical, and elegant vignette in a moody music room. His design features a collection of rock crystal obelisks and upholstered boxes of varying heights, alongside a metal serpentine piece. These items, sourced from around the world, represent the client's love for adventure and travel. Jonathan's core tip for an impactful vignette is to create a 'skyline' by mixing and matching items of different heights. Stephanie Wallace of Stephanie Wallace and Associates underscores the importance of incorporating beautiful things that reflect one's unique style. Her dining room composition, which includes an Italian dog painting, a horse sculpture, antique books, and figurines, is placed on a century-old chest of drawers to define the entry foyer. Stephanie notes that books are essential for adding height, depth, and color to a vignette. She also cautions against overusing vignettes to maintain their visual impact. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #DesignVignettes #NashvilleDesigners #DecorTips #PersonalizedSpaces #VintageDecor #StylingIdeas