Home Design: Gatsby Glam

The article discusses a shift in perception regarding the color gray for living room sofas, specifically influenced by Auston Matthews' interior design choices. Initially, the author considered gray to be a dull and lifeless color, unsuitable for their small apartment and generally to be avoided. This perspective was based on four years of experience writing about living rooms. However, Auston Matthews' living room, which is extensively color-drenched in gray, challenged this pre-conceived notion. His space features stone, industrial-style gray walls paired with a gray sofa. The key element that elevates the design, according to the author, is the use of varied textures. The textile material of the sofa contrasts effectively with the harshness of the stone wall, contributing to a modern and sophisticated aesthetic that the author describes as almost boutique hotel-like. The article highlights that despite the monochromatic scheme, the living room does not appear boring. This is attributed to the careful selection and combination of different textures, which add depth and visual interest to the space. The author suggests that Matthews' styling demonstrates how gray, when approached thoughtfully, can create a chic and dynamic environment rather than a monotonous one. The article also includes shoppable recommendations to help readers achieve a similar look. These suggestions include a Latitude Run Aquarine Upholstered Sofa, described as understated yet elegant and versatile. Gray Couch Pillow Covers in a set of four are recommended as an affordable way to introduce gray and varied textures, featuring an invisible zipper for a clean finish. Finally, a Hermes Blanket Avalon III, similar to the one seen in Matthews' living room, is presented as a celebrity-favorite luxury accessory made from Merino Wool and cashmere with whip-stitch edges, offering a significant touch of sophistication. David Harris, Design Director at Andrew Martin, corroborates the author's observations, emphasizing that successful gray sofa styling depends on layering color, texture, and personality through accessories. He recommends using cushions as an easy and affordable way to add impact, comfort, and character, suggesting a mix of textures like velvet, linen, and embroidery for a dynamic, layered appearance. Furthermore, Harris notes that a throw can transform the look of a gray sofa, allowing for seasonal updates. He advises warming the space with earthy tones and chunky throws during colder months and lightening it with fresh whites and soft blues in spring. This strategic use of accessories ensures that a gray sofa remains a timeless anchor for evolving styles, preventing it from appearing bland. The author concludes by inviting readers to share their own perspectives on gray, hinting at a potential change in their own approach to interior design based on Matthews' example. #InteriorDesign #CelebrityHomes #GrayDecor #LivingRoomIdeas #HomeDecor #TexturalElements #SofaStyling #ModernAesthetics #LuxuryDecor

Sabine Getty, an Egyptian-Lebanese jewellery designer, and her financier husband, Joseph Getty, reside in a vibrant four-bedroom apartment in Mayfair, London. The apartment, formerly owned by Sir Paul Getty, is characterized by its explosion of color and cultural influences. Despite Sabine's preference for simple attire like jeans and a white blouse, her home reflects her passion for design through bold hues and eclectic furnishings. Her mother, interior designer Karine Ratl, significantly influenced Sabine’s aesthetic, as much of the Memphis Milano furniture found in the apartment was inherited from her. The Memphis Group, an Italian design movement from the 1980s, is evident in the brightly colored, geometric objects that contribute to the home's edgy, glamorous, and cheerful atmosphere. Sabine's upbringing, spanning Switzerland, Lebanon, and the south of France, has cultivated an appreciation for diverse styles, including Bohemian, minimalism, Mid-Century, and modern designs. This eclectic taste is mirrored in her jewellery line, launched after her graduation from the Gemological Institute of America in 2012, which features playful, glamorous, and edgy pieces that resonate with the vibrant spirit of her home. She notes that her jewellery, much like her interior design, incorporates a mix of different time periods and influences, such as the Italian Renaissance, Art Deco, and Medieval periods. A Renaissance painting in their home provides a historical counterpoint to the predominantly late 20th-century design references. The couple moved into the Mayfair apartment after the birth of their first child. They appreciated the home's original features, such as wooden doors and parquet flooring, and gradually personalized it. Their diverse cultural backgrounds—Joseph being Irish, Italian, and American, and Sabine Lebanese, Egyptian, and Swiss-born—contribute to their shared love for various inspirations, including Moroccan elements collected during a trip to Marrakech. They integrated these new acquisitions with family heirlooms, particularly the Memphis furniture collection. Sabine finds the Memphis style theatrical and humorous, reminiscent of a movie set or Hollywood Regency. Sabine's personal collection of Memphis objects includes pieces from her childhood and later purchases, which she strategically placed to create a joyful environment. These pieces, such as her childhood desk, a 'Palace' chair by George Sowden, 'Kristall' and 'Flamingo' side tables by Michele De Lucchi, and a 'Tahiti' duck lamp by Ettore Sottsass, infuse the home with spirit. The Gettys embrace clashing colors, with orange being a dominant hue. Yellow, Sabine's favorite color, is used thoughtfully as an accent to avoid overwhelming the space. Red touches in lamps often echo the orange found in other design elements or furniture in adjacent rooms. Sabine believes that a rich array of colors blends harmoniously, creating a visually pleasing environment. An example is the custom-made "Burger Sofa," which Joseph humorously likened to ketchup and a hamburger due to its bold colors. The couple also enjoyed designing carpets inspired by their favorite drawings and paintings. Curtains from John Stefanidis, known for their rich colors and diverse prints, are used throughout the home. Ultimately, Sabine emphasizes that her home is not merely an aesthetic display but a space for personalized comfort and positive energy, particularly for her children. She believes that growing up surrounded by color is inspiring and aims to teach her daughter, Gene, about different hues, and also believes objects hold their own history and energy. #SabineGetty #MayfairApartment #InteriorDesign #MemphisDesign #ColourfulInteriors #JewelleryDesigner #LondonHome #EclecticStyle #HomeDecor

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

Maggie Griffin, an interior designer, found her charming 1940s cottage in Gainesville, Georgia, and immediately fell in love with its historic appeal. The house, with its original features, small rooms, and quirky ceilings, perfectly fit her design philosophy of mixing old and new. Maggie's passion for items with history is evident throughout her home, which is filled with inherited pieces like an antique secretary and settee, alongside modern elements such as lucite and parsons tables. Her approach creates a warm and welcoming environment that reflects her personal style. Upon moving into the Gainesville cottage, Maggie and her husband, David, made minimal cosmetic changes. They focused on refreshing the space with new paint, countertops, and a few faucets, maintaining the integrity of the home's original character. The previous homeowner, who shares a friendship with Maggie, had impeccable taste, which facilitated a smooth transition. The cottage's curb appeal, characterized by painted brick, a charming side addition, a gable roof over the front door, and single-pane windows, embodies the quintessential cottage style that Maggie admires. Inside, the original floors and slanted ceilings on the second floor further enhance the cozy, historic atmosphere. Maggie's keeping room, located off the kitchen and breakfast area, serves as the central hub of her home. This multi-purpose space is designed for family gatherings and features a mix of antique market finds and contemporary pieces. The Thibaut wallpaper adds a touch of happiness, and layered rugs provide depth. The breakfast table and server were sourced from Scott’s Antiques, while the chairs are from Serena & Lily. A settee, inherited from her maternal grandmother, has been re-covered in velvet, adding a layer of family history to the room. An acrylic coffee table from Amazon.com offers a practical, easy-to-clean surface, ideal for a home with a young child. The kitchen, though previously remodeled, received Maggie's personal touch. She painted the cabinets and island, incorporating a wooden countertop for warmth and swapping perimeter counters for granite. This blend of finishes and the natural light from a large window over the sink contribute to the kitchen's inviting ambiance. The exterior also received attention, with shutters painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Herbal Escape,” complementing the vibrant spring blooms of her ten bright pink peony bushes, which bring Maggie joy each summer. Outdoor living is a significant part of the Griffins' lifestyle. From April to October, all meals are enjoyed on their back porch, which is furnished with a comfortable sectional for watching football games and a farm table from Scott’s, paired with easy-to-clean metal chairs. This space is designed for entertaining, accommodating both adult dinner parties and neighborhood playdates, and even hosted over 150 guests for a Halloween gathering. The master bedroom showcases Maggie's affinity for blue and white, with the design originating from a remnant bolt of "La Grenade" fabric by Bailey & Griffin, used for the bed skirt. Nightstands, acquired from a friend’s mother, were painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Half Moon Crest.” A custom upholstered headboard, inspired by Bunny Williams, and a bench from Scott’s with a leopard-print cushion from Lewis & Sheron further personalize the space. The bedding combines elements from Pine Cone Hill and Serena & Lily, alongside a custom bolster. An upstairs sitting room features original pine paneling and flooring, creating a charming den for guests. A camelback sofa, inherited from her paternal grandmother, is recovered in navy velvet. A hand-me-down ottoman and bobbin chairs from Pier 1, re-covered in fabric from Scott’s, complete the seating arrangement. The room also includes an IKEA jute rug layered with an antique store find, and a gallery wall displaying a mix of collected art, personal creations, and pieces from artist friends. Her son Henry’s room, located off the breakfast room, features a sophisticated look with Schumacher linen on the headboard and elephant art by Erika Lackey. A dark-blue chest from Scott’s Antique Market, framed alphabet book pages, and discarded turtle shells decorate the space, reflecting a blend of whimsy and personal history. Henry's bathroom includes Schumacher wallpaper, gray-painted trim and vanity, a Target turtle shell, and antique silver canapé dishes with the New Orleans crest. Maggie's background in furnishings and interiors, influenced by her chic grandmothers and mother, led her to a career in design. Her early experiences at Heery’s Too!, a high-end home furnishings gift shop, allowed her to transition from assisting shoppers with small decorative tasks to managing larger design projects, establishing her career as an interior designer who cherishes history and mixes it with modern sensibilities to create unique, inviting homes. #HomeFeatures #InteriorDesign #CottageStyle #AntiqueDecor #HomeDecoration #GainesvilleGeorgia #MaggieGriffinDesign #OldMeetsNew #FamilyHome