This Glossy Red Room at MSG Feels Like Being Inside a Can of Paint

Red, an inherently emotional and often polarizing color, can be effectively integrated into interior design with careful consideration. While some designers find it intimidating, its strategic deployment, whether in high-gloss finishes or subtle eggshell, can transform a space. Paint and wallcovering brand cofounder Natalie Ebel suggests starting with smaller areas like accent walls or alcoves, but notes that deeper reds like burnt umber or crimson can create a dramatic and beautiful effect, especially when combined with other red shades or warm tones like peach and pink. Patrick O’Donnell, international brand ambassador for Farrow & Ball, emphasizes that selecting the right red shade can infuse an interior, traditional or contemporary, with warmth and drama. He also points out the physiological impact of red, which is said to increase metabolism, making it an ideal choice for social dining areas. This article showcases 20 surprising color pairings that demonstrate red's versatility in home interiors. Examples include combining Burnt Sienna with Pine in a Paris gallery, where oxblood lacquered tables and tonal carpeting are offset by a pine green armchair, and pairing Rose with Ink in a Moroccan-inspired restaurant interior designed by Kelly Wearstler, using deep, inky black to complement a rose tone. Another pairing highlights Cherry with Charcoal in a Madrid apartment by Lorenzo Castillo, featuring Farrow & Ball’s Rectory Red on millwork and dark-stained herringbone flooring. Red-Orange is shown with Neutrals in a Manhattan powder room, where an Élitis wallcovering is complemented by a red travertine sink and tiled floor. Lipstick red is contrasted with Turquoise in a Houston library, allowing a turquoise linen-velvet sofa to stand out against bright red walls. Other successful combinations include Glossy Ruby with Cornflower Blue in a Milanese home, where bold red walls are balanced by a blue ceiling. Pomelo and Black create a vibrant and welcoming foyer in a Manhattan space, while Red and Citrus evoke Pop Art elegance in a powder room. Crimson and Saffron are used in a Veere Grenney project, featuring crimson walls, a velvet daybed, and a contrasting yellow armchair. Salmon and Terra-cotta are combined in a Parisian kitchen with terra-cotta flooring, salmon-painted walls, and vintage red chairs. Red Stripes offer a dramatic impression in a Gramercy Park townhouse bedroom, using ticking-stripe canopies without painting the walls. Lacquered Crimson is applied to walls and ceilings for a high-gloss, impactful look. Tonal Reds in Farrow & Ball shades, along with terra-cotta tile flooring, add drama to a French country home. Further pairings explore Cocoa and Scarlet in a Redd Kaihoi room, where lacquered cocoa walls blend with a scarlet four-poster bed, accented by coordinating throw pillows, rugs, and art. Raspberry Sorbet and Burnt Sienna demonstrate how contrasting two red tones can create an impactful primary suite, even in a white room. Gilt and Pomelo combine an orangey-red tone with gilt wallpaper in a home bar. Glossy Ruby makes a second appearance, paired with “lacquered milk” in a home office designed by Ernest de la Torre. Burgundy is presented with Marble in a powder room, where rich red wallpaper is balanced by gold-toned sconces and marble. Raspberry Damask is matched with Crimson in a Chicago bedroom, featuring a de Gournay damask and deep crimson millwork. Finally, Scarlet Trellis with Ruby creates an elegantly draped space in a New York home, using deep scarlet vines and ruby accents. #ColorPalette #InteriorDesign #RedDecor #HomeDecoration #PaintColors #ColorCombinations #HomeStyling #DesignInspiration

The article explores the emerging trend of incorporating red rugs and carpeting into home interiors, a design choice observed across various stylish homes and design projects. Initially, the author noticed this trend through social media, specifically highlighting Laila Gohar's Upper West Side apartment, which featured wall-to-wall blood-red carpeting and matching furniture. This bold and somewhat irreverent use of red stood out, particularly against the backdrop of traditional design norms. The article then delves into the insights of Pali Xisto Cornelsen, an interior and furniture designer, who was instrumental in Gohar's red-themed apartment. Cornelsen had previously designed a wall-free bedroom for Gohar using Japanese washi paper and suggested a bright-red tatami mat to complement the theme. When Gohar moved, she repurposed the tatami mat as a bed, using its color as inspiration for her new apartment's overall red aesthetic. Cornelsen's own design philosophy, influenced by his work with Raf Simons at Calvin Klein and Jean Royère's use of color, emphasizes the transformative power of vivid colors in a home. He advocates for embracing bold colors like Vidar 0653 from Kvadrat, a specific shade of red he frequently uses in his projects, asserting that they bring unique energy and can be both timeless and funky. Cornelsen's L.A. home further exemplifies this trend, featuring red curtains in Vidar 0653 and matching red carpeting from Melrose Carpet. He notes that neutral-toned furniture in the room benefited significantly from the vibrant red background, making the space feel more dynamic. His personal experience led him to conclude that "you can't do anything wrong with red" in home décor. The article acknowledges that installing wall-to-wall carpeting can be a significant commitment, especially for renters, and suggests area rugs as a more flexible alternative to achieve a similar effect. The author points out the prevalence of red area rugs in other stylish homes, such as those of CAP Beauty co-founder Kerrilynn Pamer and interior designer Madelynn Furlong Hudson, both of whom own the Nordic Knots Grand rug in brick red. Hudson chose this particular shade for its "dull-salmon red" quality, desiring a color that would add warmth while remaining subtle enough to act as a neutral base. Pamer was inspired by Bella Freud's apartment, which featured a coral-y red wall-to-wall carpet, and sought to replicate this "committed design moment" in her own home. Despite the variations in specific red shades, from Cornelsen's intense scarlet to the more muted brick red of Nordic Knots, the article highlights the consistent impact: red floor coverings serve to anchor a space, define its character, and introduce an unexpected, captivating element of color. The piece concludes with Cornelsen's advice for those considering this trend: "You just have to go for it. You have to believe in what it will do to your space. You have to embrace that it will be a bold move," encouraging readers to confidently adopt this striking design choice. #RedRugs #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeDecor #WallToWallCarpeting #AreaRugs #BoldColors #DesignInspiration #PaliXistoCornelsen #LailaGohar

This article details the transformation of a previously dark and uninspiring kitchen diner into a vibrant, sociable space using a bold palette of green, pink, coral, and mustard. The homeowners, who embrace color and maximalist design, collaborated with Pluck Kitchens, known for their birch plywood kitchens with colored laminate veneers, to achieve this dramatic makeover. The initial space, though not entirely undesirable, lacked light, prompting the owners to engage architects for a rear and side return extension. This structural alteration allowed for the creation of a bright, open-plan kitchen diner, alongside a utility room and playroom. The design process involved exploring numerous color combinations through Pluck Kitchens' jigsaw system, ultimately leading to a sophisticated yet fresh blend of coral and green. Key design choices included painting all woodwork in a dark shade to match the aluminium window frames, creating a cohesive aesthetic. Inner cupboards for the larder and crockery were finished in light pink, adding an unexpected pop of color upon opening. The extension features a side skylight that maximizes natural light, contributing to the overall brightness of the area. Considering the presence of a toddler, the homeowners opted for solid aluminium glazing instead of folding garden doors to address safety concerns, ensuring a robust connection to the outdoors without compromising security. The kitchen also showcases unique mustard yellow wall tiles installed vertically, providing an unconventional and protective splashback. A range cooker, offering gas functionality, was a top priority, along with a sociable island equipped with a sink and ample seating. The renovation, which included both the kitchen transformation and the extension, spanned three months and is documented on Instagram. The owners' preference for natural materials is evident in the choice of a pale wood veneer for some drawer fronts, which harmonizes with the flooring. These well-designed drawers offer highly efficient kitchen storage. A significant feature is the Terrazzo island worktop from Diespeker & Co, which the owner admired even before purchasing the house. This material complements the industrial black doors and contrasts with the natural flooring. Brushed gold fittings, such as the tap, were consistently used throughout the space to unify the various design elements. #KitchenTransformation #ColorfulKitchen #MaximalistDesign #KitchenDiner #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #PluckKitchens #SideReturnExtension #TerrazzoWorktop

In a recent project by Studio McGee, a home office in Tahoe Pines exemplifies how deep and dark paint colors can effectively transform small spaces, moving away from conventional light neutrals. The design leverages Benjamin Moore's Dark Olive, a muted olive green, applied not only to the walls but also to the ceiling and built-in cabinets. This extensive application of a single, rich color creates a cocooning and cohesive atmosphere, perfectly suited for a home office. The intentional choice of this dark shade is a direct nod to the natural scenery surrounding the Lake Tahoe home, reflecting the palette of the outdoors within the interior space. The concept of "color drenching" is taken a step further in this design, extending the dark olive hue to a green velvet armchair, which enhances the room's unified aesthetic. This consistent color application establishes a dramatic yet sophisticated focal point, contrasting with the lighter elements introduced elsewhere in the room. The inclusion of a light wooden desk, a sand-colored swivel chair, and neutral sheer curtains serves to balance the dominant dark green. These lighter tones prevent the space from feeling too heavy, contributing to an uplifting and functional workspace. The strategic use of lighter furniture, particularly the desk positioned in the center of the room, provides a visual anchor that breaks up the expanse of dark color, creating contrast and preventing monotony. This thoughtful combination of deep, earthy tones with lighter, neutral elements ensures that the office, despite its small size and dark color scheme, feels expansive and connected to its natural environment. The overall design illustrates how dark, moody colors can be embraced in small rooms to create elegant, sophisticated, and inviting interiors that reflect their surroundings, promoting both comfort and productivity. #InteriorDesign #HomeOffice #DarkColors #StudioMcGee #ColorDrenching #MoodyInteriors #TahoePines #DesignInspiration #BenjaminMoore

At Milan Design Week 2025, Belgian design house NOËL & MARQUET, in collaboration with Milanese design collective studioutte, unveiled Galerie Rouge. This independent showcase presented an evocative, monochromatic installation that reimagined decorative mouldings as sculptural elements. The exhibition, bathed in a bespoke burgundy hue developed with Sigma Coatings, offered visitors an immersive experience highlighting the expressive potential of wall décor. It blended classical inspiration with contemporary aesthetics, focusing on symmetry, texture, and mood to redefine the role of walls in interior design. The core of the Galerie Rouge experience featured a curated selection of NOËL & MARQUET’s three-dimensional wall panels. These panels were presented not as mere embellishments but as distinct design statements, functioning as sculptural and intentional elements. A notable piece was DORIQUE, which draws inspiration from ancient Greek Doric columns, translating this historical symbol into a contemporary context with its vertical rhythm and structured lines to imbue modern interiors with timeless elegance. Expanding on this concept, DORIQUE FLEX, set to launch in May 2025, introduces fluidity by adapting to curved surfaces such as pillars, counters, and rounded walls, thus providing designers with enhanced freedom in spatial arrangement and movement. Further demonstrating the brand's vision, the CANELÉ S and L panels incorporate gentle, wave-like textures that introduce softness to geometric forms. These panels evoke the serene minimalism found in Scandinavian and mid-century design, subtly altering a room's atmosphere by adding depth and calm without being overwhelming. In contrast, the ARC S and ARC L panels offer a bolder and more playful aesthetic with their sweeping curves and smooth surfaces, reflecting the retro-futurism of the 1970s, an era characterized by optimism, rounded shapes, and tactile qualities in interiors. These panels can be used individually or in combination to inject personality into various settings. Collectively, these wall panels articulate NOËL & MARQUET’s belief that surfaces are not merely to be covered but should be celebrated, shaped, and experienced as integral parts of design. Beyond the wall panels, NOËL & MARQUET exhibited a selection of decorative profiles, emphasizing their role as subtle yet impactful design elements that enhance architecture through meticulous detail, establishing visual rhythm and continuity within an interior. Among these were the IL8 and IL12 lighting profiles, which discreetly integrate LED lighting to cast a warm, ambient glow, transforming ceilings and walls into sources of atmosphere and depth, treating lighting as architectural poetry rather than a mere function. The Z52 cornice made a stronger statement with its sharp, geometric lines, forming a clean, linear connection between wall and ceiling, creating dynamic shadows that add texture and definition to a room without dominance. For designers seeking both structure and subtlety, the Z13 and Z1360 chair rails offer versatility, serving to divide color fields, frame specific areas, or introduce layered visual interest, acting as tools for precision and personalized expression. The collection is completed by the FL2 skirting, which provides a refined connection between the floor and wall, grounding the space with elegance. Studioutte, founded by Guglielmo Giagnotti and Patrizio Gola, applied its signature "warm minimalism" approach to the project, conceptualizing NOËL & MARQUET’s components as artifacts. The exhibit functioned as a modern temple of decorative arts, where light, texture, and silence converged into a sensory experience. Galerie Rouge underscored that walls are not merely backdrops but canvases for emotional and architectural narratives, with NOËL & MARQUET reaffirming its commitment to "Create Unique Living Spaces," where intricate details become foundational design elements and traditional forms are reinterpreted with contemporary expression. #MilanDesignWeek #ArchitecturalInstallation #WallPanels #InteriorDesign #DecorativeMouldings #Studioutte #NOELMARQUET #MonochromaticDesign #ProductLaunch

Charleston, South Carolina-based interior designer Angie Hranowsky, known for her vibrant use of color, showcases her distinctive approach in her own design studio. For Hranowsky, color serves as a primary source of inspiration and creativity, a philosophy evident across her diverse projects, from residential spaces to commercial installations. Her design signature is marked by the incorporation of saturated brights, applied through various elements such as paint, upholstery, large-scale art, and especially wall treatments. An example of her bold style is her Charleston home, which features a magenta living room sofa paired with Roman shades in a similar vibrant pink. Another instance is her installation at the design emporium Fritz Porter, where pale peony walls are accented with angular turquoise sconces and emerald green silk drapery. When designing her own studio, which functions as a showcase, a brainstorming hub for her team, and a client meeting space, Hranowsky deliberately opted for a bold aesthetic. She chose turquoise as the dominant color for her office, situated in a 1920s brick building in downtown Charleston. Hranowsky views turquoise as a color that reflects earth, sky, and water, providing constant inspiration. To achieve the desired depth and texture, she enlisted decorative painter Suzanne Allen, who applied layers of pigmented plaster to the walls. This labor-intensive process resulted in a multifaceted, earthy variance in texture and tone, transforming the turquoise from a simple color into an artistic element. Hranowsky made a conscious decision to not paint the entire height of the walls, leaving the upper sections and ceiling white. This choice was strategic, as it created an airy feel and provided a necessary contrast to the rich turquoise below. In decorating a room already featuring such a strong foundational color, Hranowsky employed a formula of adding more color. She strategically introduced fuchsia and golden yellow, hues she considers to have equal value in terms of their dense saturation and jewel-like richness. These colors serve as perfect accents to the turquoise. Her selection of a groovy desk chair and an angular accent chair in complementary colors exemplifies her skill in creating contrasting yet harmonious elements. Additional touches of golden warmth are incorporated through brass light fixtures, yellow-flecked abstract artwork, and fresh Forsythia branches. To maintain visual order, Hranowsky organizes her extensive collection of design resources, including swatches, samples, and strike-offs, by hue. These are neatly stored in assigned drawers within a custom quartzite-topped island, readily accessible when developing new schemes. The only concessions Hranowsky made to a more neutral palette were for the countertop and floors. This choice was deliberate and effective, allowing textiles placed on the island or spread on the floor to stand out without distraction. Although she is her own most adventurous client, the studio is fundamentally designed as a workspace to foster her creativity, ultimately benefiting the homeowners with whom she collaborates. #AngieHranowsky #InteriorDesign #ColorTheory #DesignStudio #CharlestonDesign #WallTreatments #TurquoiseDecor #HomeDecor #ColorfulInteriors

The new Gearbox studio in Montreal, Canada, designed by Patriarche, showcases an innovative approach to office design within challenging architectural parameters. The primary challenge was the building's distinctively long and rectangular floor plan. Patriarche, an agency that practices "augmented architecture" by integrating technical, sociological, and scientific knowledge into its design process, tackled this by employing high color contrasts across walls, ceilings, and furnishings. This strategy serves a dual purpose: it injects energy into the various spaces and aids in wayfinding throughout the office, making it easier for employees and visitors to navigate the expansive layout. The collaboration between Gearbox and Patriarche was a continuation of a successful previous project that had received an award from the Grand Prix du Design, ensuring a high standard of both functionality and aesthetic appeal for the new workplace. The office provides a diverse range of workspaces designed to support different modes of work, accommodating the varied needs of a video game development team. It includes 208 open-space workstations for collaborative or individual tasks, 11 enclosed offices for more private work, 12 dedicated meeting rooms for team discussions and presentations, and 11 lounge areas for relaxation and informal interactions. This variety offers team members the flexibility to choose an environment best suited to their current tasks, promoting productivity and comfort throughout the day. The intentional division of space through color blocking not only creates visually stimulating zones but also subtly guides occupants, ensuring that despite the large and linear floor plan, different functions are clearly delineated and accessible. Beyond functionality, the design draws inspiration from Montreal's Old Port neighborhood, known for its urban and industrial character. Patriarche integrated elements of street art and 90s pop culture into the office environment, moving away from conventional neutral office aesthetics. This creative direction is evident in unexpected details such as stools shaped like tree trunks, a transparent yellow curtain repurposed from a welding workshop, and colored glass doors. These unconventional design choices deliberately reject the notion that office spaces must be bland or understated to foster creativity. Instead, they aim to create an inspiring and dynamic atmosphere that reflects the vibrant and innovative nature of the video game industry, encouraging a more playful and imaginative work environment. The comprehensive design ensures that the Montreal studio is not just a place to work, but a stimulating hub that supports collaboration, focused effort, and creative thinking. #CommercialDesign #OfficeDesign #ColorBlocking #Patriarche #GearboxMontreal #InteriorDesign #WorkplaceInnovation #MontrealArchitecture

Red, a color often associated with drama and passion, can be effectively incorporated into home interiors in various applications, from subtle accents to bold, enveloping statements. Its versatility allows it to function as a vibrant highlight or even a surprising neutral, depending on the shade and context. This article explores thirteen distinct shades of red, showcasing how designers and homeowners have utilized them to infuse energy, warmth, and personality into different spaces. The featured reds range from classic ruby reds, described as a timeless neutral akin to red nail polish by designer Alison Spear, to deeper, more complex hues like Red Delicious, an oxblood shade that evokes memories of Japanese kimonos and pairs well with various blues. Other vibrant options include Dutchlac Brilliant Tulip Red, a daring, playful fire engine red that brightens spaces, and Spring Cosmos, an orange-red that is presented as a bold yet reversible choice for paint due to its relatively low cost and ease of change compared to furniture. These reds are shown applied in diverse settings: unifying irregularly proportioned rooms, creating stylish butler's pantries, and defining cozy library spaces. Further exploration delves into Habanero, a shade reminiscent of dried chili peppers and celebrated for its energetic impact, and Lattice Red, favored by designers William Diamond and Anthony Baratta for its orange undertones that contribute to a happier living environment. The article also highlights the dramatic effect of lacquered red walls, which reflect light and create an illusion of greater space in dining areas, and the rich texture of wool satin in Paprika, used to sheath dining room walls and complement antique art. These examples underscore how material and finish can alter the perception of a red hue. More nuanced reds, such as Cinnabar, a deep red with hints of orange and umber evoking old Chinese lacquer, and Salsa, a corally orange-red that Keith Irvine associates with excitement and tropical drinks, demonstrate the breadth of red's emotional resonance. Lighter, softer shades like Paprika from Portola Paints, with its strié effect, are shown to add warmth and dignity, enhancing the appearance of food and people under its glow. Finally, Chili Pepper, described as a cheerful Chinese red with deep coral undertones, is presented as a color that tempers bold patterns in fabrics when used on walls, creating a relaxing ambiance. Through these diverse examples, the article illustrates that red, in its many forms, offers a powerful tool for transforming interior spaces with dramatic flair. #RedColorPalette #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #PaintColors #RoomIdeas #ColorInspiration #DramaticInteriors #DesignTips #HomeStyling

This article explores 14 innovative ways to infuse color into a country house aesthetic, moving beyond the prevalent white shiplap and neutral tones that have dominated country interior design for the past decade. It provides practical advice and inspiration for incorporating a richer, more vibrant palette. The first suggestion involves drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscape. The article highlights how a home's natural environment, such as proximity to water or lush greenery, can guide color choices, creating a "cocoon-like" and immersive feel. An example cited is a family room painted a rich mossy green, complemented by brown velvet furniture and natural fiber rugs, which extends the outdoor landscape indoors. The second tip advocates for the use of "muddy tones," referencing historical paints made from natural pigments like clay and sand. These earthy hues, including olive greens, deep chocolates, and plummy aubergines, are suggested to reflect the countryside and bring a sense of the outdoors inside, making them particularly suitable for older homes. A soft muddy blue laundry room is presented as an illustration of this approach. The third point emphasizes grounding a space with warm wood elements. It suggests that brown furniture serves as an anchor, providing contrast, clarity, and sturdiness to a room, especially when balanced against more energetic colors or patterns. A pine chest in a bedroom is used to demonstrate how wood can add gravitas. Adding whimsy with wallcoverings is the fourth method discussed. The article categorizes suitable wallpaper motifs into four "Ps": Pastorals (bucolic scenes), Petals (florals, tempered with monochromatic palettes or leafy designs), Plaids (tartans, preppy plaids, and classic checks), and Patchwork (geometric quilt motifs). It advises that more traditional motifs allow for bolder color choices. The "Unexpected Red" Theory, a trend from TikTok, is the fifth idea, proposing that a pop of red—whether a lampshade or an object—can add irreverence and confidence to any room by deliberately not matching. A bright red sofa in an airy living room exemplifies this concept. Sixth, the article suggests incorporating color through painted floors. This is presented as an economical way to add color, especially when walls are kept white. Checkerboard patterns, such as a green-and-white combination, are highlighted for their charm and ability to introduce a burst of color while maintaining airiness. Durable floor-friendly paints and topcoats are recommended. The seventh strategy is to go vibrant with vintage items. Collectibles like Fiesta, Pyrex, or enamelware are noted for their diverse colorways, allowing a room to feel layered and developed over time through the objects it contains. A kitchen with shelves filled with colorful vintage items illustrates this approach. Mind your millwork is the eighth point, stressing the importance of wood elements like wainscoting, beadboard, and V-groove. It explains that wood texture accepts pigment more authentically than drywall, making these architectural features key in adding charm, particularly in new constructions. A robin’s-egg blue V-groove wainscoting in an entryway is provided as an example. The ninth tip is to display book spines as a colorful element. Vintage book series like Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, or _National Geographics_ are mentioned for their visual impact and ability to evoke nostalgia. Considering Colonial-era colors is the tenth suggestion. The article highlights the beauty and timelessness of colors from this period, citing a rich green from the Williamsburg Color Collection by Benjamin Moore used in a bedroom. It also mentions searching historic paint color collections from brands like Sherwin-Williams. Rethinking neutrals is the eleventh point, suggesting that darker shades, particularly brown, can be as versatile as beige. Brown paint is described as rich and luxurious, noting its increasing popularity. A dark brown entry with a bamboo hallstand illustrates this modern approach to neutrals. The twelfth tip draws inspiration from the Shakers, who embraced color in their simple, handmade paints. Shaker traditions are cited for their use of brighter shades for trim work—such as red, yellow, green, or blue—to give millwork a dramatic role without distracting from wall colors or furnishings. A dining room with yellow painted floors is presented as an example. Embracing the “Three Ts”—Toile, Ticking, and Tartan—is the thirteenth strategy. These classic country fabric motifs are said to feel at home even with unexpected color choices. A red toile-covered bedroom is shown to exemplify how these patterns can be both classic and comforting. Finally, the fourteenth tip advises layering on textiles. Blankets and throws are suggested as low-commitment ways to introduce color. Handmade quilts, Welsh blankets, beacon blankets, and tartan throws are mentioned for their ability to bring deep, saturated colors and patterns that can be easily changed with moods and seasons. A bedroom with a blue and white pieced quilt illustrates the impact of textiles. #CountryHouseDesign #ColorPalette #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #PaintColors #VintageDecor #Wallcoverings #TextileLayering

The Xchange Apartment in Kyoto, designed by architecture studio TANK, reimagines traditional Japanese craft techniques to transform a previously "drab" flat into a guesthouse for artists. Principal Naritake Fukumoto drew inspiration from kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with powdered gold, to create a unique flooring aesthetic. For the living room, Fukumoto intentionally selected a type of cement flooring prone to cracking. Once the cracks naturally formed, a gold-colored epoxy resin was used to fill these imperfections, mirroring the kintsugi philosophy of celebrating the beauty in imperfection rather than concealing it. This innovative application transforms what might typically be seen as a flaw into a deliberate and artistic design element. Beyond the living area, the bathroom and kitchen floors, which are slightly elevated, feature another adaptation of a traditional Japanese craft: lacquerware. Instead of directly applying lacquer, the architect used a layer of fiber-reinforced plastic netting covered with transparent resin. This method creates a translucent yet visually complex texture, revealing the underlying glass-fiber layers over the wooden base. This technique not only achieves a distinctive aesthetic but also provides material strength and waterproofing, essential for these utility areas. The choice of materials and methods in these spaces reflects a conscious effort to integrate local traditions into contemporary interior design. The apartment's overall decor maintains a minimalist approach, featuring white walls and simple furnishings. Exposed concrete beams, subtly marked with paint stains, contribute to the raw, artistic ambiance. Practical design elements are also incorporated, such as a pair of mirrored doors that can be opened to form a private dressing area. Glass doors lead to a narrow balcony, offering residents picturesque views of the nearby Kiyomizu Temple and the surrounding five mountains, connecting the interior space with Kyoto's natural and cultural landscape. The design aims to create an intuitive and creative atmosphere, encouraging residents to explore both the apartment's unique features and the city outside. TANK, a Tokyo-based studio established in 2010, is known for its inventive architectural projects that often play with conventional elements and perceptions of space. Previous works include an apartment where carpet sections double as flip-flops and a home featuring floorboards on the ceiling, demonstrating a consistent innovative and unconventional design philosophy. The Xchange Apartment continues this tradition by integrating traditional Japanese repair and craft techniques into its modern design, highlighting the potential for contemporary spaces to draw depth and character from historical methods. The photography for the project was provided by Kenta Hasegawa, effectively capturing the apartment's distinctive details and overall aesthetic. The project team included Naritake Fukumoto as the architect, with construction handled by LOÖWE and TANK, emphasizing a collaborative approach to realizing this distinctive residential space. #KyotoApartment #KintsugiInspired #JapaneseCraft #ResinFlooring #MinimalistInterior #FiberReinforcedPlastic #GuesthouseDesign #TANKArchitects #TraditionalModernBlend

This article details the transformation of a 1980s dining room, which homeowner Alexis Moore described as "dated" and lacking personal style. The original room featured dark red wallpaper, which was a dominant element, and while it possessed some positive attributes like hardwood floors and natural light, its overall aesthetic was considered drab. The renovation was part of the One Room Challenge and was completed in eight weeks. A key challenge identified was the removal of the old wallpaper, which appeared to be directly pasted to the drywall, making conventional stripping difficult. To circumvent this, Alexis opted to paint directly over the existing wallpaper. This involved thorough preparation, including filling holes, skim coating the walls, and priming, before applying Sherwin-Williams’ Hardware, a tan-gray paint. This method proved successful in creating a smooth base. The upper portion of the walls, above the chair rail, was adorned with a vintage-inspired forest wallpaper called “Wedded Woodlands” from Wall Blush. This step was initially daunting for Alexis due to the size of the area and the investment involved in wallpaper, but with assistance from a friend for the initial panels, she gained confidence to complete the rest of the project independently. A significant aspect of the makeover involved sourcing furniture. Most of the new pieces were acquired secondhand, demonstrating a sustainable approach to redecoration. The dining table and chairs were found on Facebook Marketplace, while the buffet was purchased from Habitat for Humanity Restore. Alexis also recouped some costs by selling her old furniture on Facebook Marketplace, highlighting the economic benefits of using pre-owned items. She emphasized that vintage pieces contribute character and a cozy, lived-in feel to a space. Attention was also given to the final decorative touches, with much of the decor, including an oversized antique-looking mirror, also being sourced secondhand. Items that were not secondhand were bought at a discount, such as a lamp from HomeGoods for $30. Alexis advised against settling for items that don't perfectly match one's vision, encouraging a patient search for the right pieces. The completed dining room is characterized by its dramatic and moody ambiance, evoking the feeling of being inside an oil painting, and reflects Alexis's pride in undertaking the DIY project and utilizing secondhand finds. #DiningRoomMakeover #HomeRenovation #VintageDecor #DIYHomeDecor #SecondhandFurniture #WallpaperInstallation #InteriorDesign #BeforeAndAfter

This article highlights various 3D wall art options to enhance home interiors, moving beyond traditional art prints to introduce depth and texture. It features ten distinct pieces, each offering a unique aesthetic and functionality. The Project 62 Gold Decorative Wall Sculpture from Target, priced at $30, presents a mid-century modern feel with its burnished gold, angled metallic leaves that interact with light to create a multi-tonal effect. Despite its delicate appearance, it is noted for its sturdy construction. Next, the Umbra Prisma Decorative Accents, a set of six wire-frame gems available on Amazon for $36, offer versatility in gold, copper, or black, suitable for holding flameless tea lights or air plants, and can even be combined to form lightbulb pendants. West Elm's Floating Brass Shapes Wall Art, originally $249 and now $100, showcases three interlocking, hand-poured metal shapes with a brass finish, designed to be oriented in various ways to evoke different sentiments. The UncommonGoods Fire Escape Shelf, reduced from $129 to $99, merges form and function, mimicking urban fire escapes to provide a unique display for small potted plants. World Market's Gold Metal Leaf Wall Decor, available for $10, introduces a naturalistic touch with its golden, corrugated iron frond, complementing spaces rich in plant life. The Benzara Flock of Birds Wall Installation, costing $92 on Amazon, provides a minimalist, sturdy iron depiction of sea birds, suitable for various decor styles. Pier 1 Imports' Natural Woven Round Wall Decor, priced at $100, is a substantial sunburst-like sculpture, over 3 feet in diameter, crafted from cornhusk to bring natural softness indoors without overwhelming the space. CB2's Graham Wire Wall Art, discounted from $100 to $40, is a brass-plated steel sculpture designed to appear to float, offering a fresh perspective on a blank wall due to its lightweight build and easy mounting. The Home Sweet Home 3D Cursive Wall Décor from AllModern, at $62, adds a brass-colored, hand-scripted touch, ideal for an entryway. Lastly, the Grandin Road Aspen Metal Art, available for $199, is a woodland-inspired metal sculpture celebrated for its airy, naturalistic look, intricate detailing, and high quality despite its higher price point. These selections collectively offer diverse ways to integrate three-dimensional elements into home decor, providing visual interest and adding character to any room. #3DWallArt #HomeDecor #WallSculpture #InteriorDesign #DecorativeAccents #ModernHome #MetallicArt #UniqueShelving #ArtisticDecor

Color drenching, a design technique that involves painting all surfaces of a room in a single color, offers a transformative approach to interior design, particularly in entryways. While traditional advice often suggests light neutrals to make small, light-limited spaces feel brighter and larger, color drenching embraces a bold palette, creating a distinct stylistic tone for the entire home. This method is especially effective in smaller areas lacking significant architectural features, where it can provide a cohesive and immersive experience. One compelling example is an entryway drenching in Portola Paints' Wishing Well, a bold green. This choice not only makes a striking statement but also leverages green's calming properties, making the entrance a soothing transition point. The decision to use this specific shade stemmed from its presence in velvet armchairs in an adjoining room, creating a visual link and extending a sense of boldness throughout the home. This approach highlights how color drenching can unify spaces and introduce a strong design narrative. Another option for color drenching is Sudbury Yellow by Farrow & Ball. This cheerful, buttery yellow paint, when applied to walls, woodwork, and ceilings, eliminates harsh contrasts and makes narrow spaces feel more expansive. Its uplifting quality can instantly brighten an entryway, setting a positive mood upon arrival. Similarly, Farrow & Ball's Selvedge, a mid-tone blue, demonstrates that even in light-lacking entryways, a cohesive, bold color scheme can spark joy and intrigue. This blue, less gray than De Nimes, transforms often-overlooked spaces into captivating areas that are far more engaging than those painted in conventional neutrals. For a more experimental and maximalist approach, Benjamin Moore’s Oasis Blue, as showcased in a grand entrance, can be paired with a similar-colored wall covering on the ceiling. This technique grounds the space and creates an enveloping effect, bringing a sense of unity and richness. Incorporating wallpaper in a hue similar to the paintwork adds texture and depth, making a powerful statement through layered design elements. Finally, Annie Sloan's Cambrian Blue, a mid-tone blue resembling dark denim, offers a versatile and perennially cool option for color-drenching. In a 1930s house, this color was applied to walls, doors, banisters, and woodwork, achieving a beautifully cohesive look. Its ability to complement various elements, such as black and white tiled floors and a grand staircase, demonstrates its adaptable nature and capacity to enhance existing features without overpowering them. The success of color drenching in entryways lies in its capacity to create a strong visual identity and a welcoming, cohesive atmosphere, making it a highly effective and stylish design choice for these transitional spaces. #ColorDrenching #EntrywayDesign #InteriorPaintColors #HomeDecor #DesignTrends #FarrowAndBall #BenjaminMoore #AnnieSloan #PortolaPaints

This article highlights the transformation of a classic Georgian-style home in Cherry Creek into a vibrant and elegant space for a young family. The homeowners, Alexis and McAndrew Rudisill, desired a departure from their previous monochromatic New York City residence, seeking a home that was both magical and whimsical while maintaining sophistication. They enlisted Andrea Schumacher, principal of Andrea Schumacher Interiors in Denver, along with senior designer Nikki Cohn, to achieve this vision. The design process began with the family room, where Schumacher proposed using F. Schumacher & Co.'s vibrant Chiang Mai Dragon fabric for the chairs, setting a bold color story for the entire home. This initial design choice became a foundational element, guiding subsequent color selections throughout the residence. The custom swivel chairs in the family room are designed for versatility, allowing occupants to face either the navy sofa or the television. The room's neutral elements, such as the custom gray tufted ottoman, are given a playful touch with a Kelly green contrast welt, demonstrating attention to detail and a commitment to integrating color throughout the space. The subtle peacock blue from the Chiang Mai Dragon print in the family room inspired the dining room's design. Schumacher extended this color, allowing it to play a more prominent role in the dining area. The dining room walls are upholstered in padded blue Brunschwig & Fils embroidered fabric, an application that Alexis Rudisill noted as both classic and fresh, reminiscent of old Park Avenue apartments but with a contemporary, almost beachy feel. The room is anchored by a custom walnut table and features chairs upholstered in lush velvet, complemented by a modern Modo chandelier from Design Within Reach. A painting by Carol Corell, titled “On the Way,” was chosen by the owners to further personalize the space. The kitchen area features fiberglass Dowel Counter Stools from Modernica at the island, chosen for their aesthetic appeal and ease of cleaning. Industrial clear glass pendants add a modern touch to the otherwise traditional kitchen. Adjacent to the kitchen, the breakfast nook is painted in a bold emerald green, specifically Cat's Eye Green by Benjamin Moore. This choice serves as a deliberate "surprise" at the back of the house, fulfilling Alexis's desire for a home with an edgier aesthetic. Upstairs, the master bedroom offers a serene contrast to the more vibrant communal areas. The design for this space was inspired by Alexis's mother's bedroom, incorporating Osborne & Little wallpaper as a foundational element. The master suite features a soft palette of silver and watery aqua, with glamorous touches like nickel nail heads on the custom tufted headboard and antiqued-mirror nightstands. This quieter scheme maintains elegance while complementing the bolder design statements found elsewhere in the home. Andrea Schumacher emphasizes her personal philosophy that "the more, the better" when it comes to color, contrasting with the calmness of neutral designs. She shares practical tips for incorporating color, such as using green due to its versatility as a neutral color, and paying attention to details like extending patterns onto air vents for a seamless look. The article concludes by highlighting the importance of paint sheen, noting that high gloss offers glamour, while lower sheens provide a more traditional appearance. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #CherryCreekHome #AndreaSchumacherInteriors #LuxuryInteriors #FamilyFriendlyDesign #DenverRealEstate

This article explores the transformative power of paint beyond its immediate aesthetic appeal, focusing on how it can manipulate the perception of a room's size and shape. Interior designers share their expertise on using various paint techniques and colors to address architectural challenges and create desired atmospheric effects. The core premise is that paint can function as an optical illusion, making spaces appear larger, smaller, taller, wider, or longer without physical alteration. One fundamental technique discussed is the use of lighter colors, such as white, pale grey, greige, or complex creams, to make a room feel bigger and brighter. These reflective shades bounce light around the space, which is particularly beneficial for rooms with small windows or low ceilings. While white is a common choice, it's noted that even white changes color throughout the day due to light reflection. Cool color schemes are also recommended as they make walls visually recede, contributing to a sense of expanded space. Conversely, the article challenges the common misconception that dark colors invariably make a room feel smaller. When applied across an entire room, including the ceiling, dark shades can surprisingly create an illusion of greater size. This effect occurs because dark colors absorb light and cause boundaries to blur, making walls appear further away. Additionally, dark colors serve as effective backdrops for vibrant furniture, allowing the room's contents to stand out while the walls visually recede. Dark, warm colors, particularly red-based hues like deep rose pinks or bricky terracottas, are suggested for small, poorly lit rooms to add intimacy and warmth, often paired with softer or darker trim colors instead of stark white. The strategic painting of ceilings is another key aspect. In rooms with unusually high ceilings, a darker color on the fifth wall can visually lower the ceiling height, making the space feel more intimate and cozy. This can be achieved with subtle variations in shade or through dramatic contrasts, though a tonal palette is advised to prevent the ceiling from feeling oppressive. To add height, painting walls and ceilings the same continuous color is recommended. This 'color drenching' technique blurs the line where the wall meets the ceiling, creating an uninterrupted flow of color that makes walls appear taller by not allowing the eye to focus on the division. This also applies to rooms with architectural details like dado rails, where painting them the same color as the walls prevents strong horizontal lines that can visually shorten a space. Color drenching is further elaborated as a powerful technique for camouflaging awkward architectural features, such as sloped ceilings in attic bedrooms. By painting all surfaces – walls, ceiling, trims, baseboards, and even doors – in a single shade, the challenging lines and junctions of the room become less distinct, preserving architectural integrity without accentuating limitations. This approach provides solidity and modernity, transforming potentially awkward spaces into cohesive and sophisticated areas. The finish of the paint also plays a significant role in altering perception. Paint finishes range from flat matte to high gloss, with varying degrees of light reflection. High-sheen finishes, particularly gloss paint, are excellent for bouncing light around poorly lit or small rooms, creating an illusion of depth through highlights and shadows. Gloss on the ceiling can enhance height and introduce an atmospheric play of light. Finally, color blocking and zoning techniques are highlighted as methods to break boundaries and define areas within a room. Color blocking, where paint extends from walls to ceilings in unconventional ways, can create new, unfamiliar volumes. Zoning, especially in open-plan spaces, uses blocks of color to visually separate functional areas, establishing distinct moods and purposes within a larger space. Half-painted walls or wainscoting can also manipulate perception, making hallways feel wider by stretching the space horizontally and pushing the ceiling visually higher with lighter colors on the upper portion. #InteriorDesign #PaintIdeas #ColorPsychology #RoomPerception #HomeDecor #SpaceManipulation #ColorDrenching #GlossPaint #ZoningWithColor

Architect Andrew Magnes embarked on a transformative design journey for a 4,500-square-foot Madison Avenue duplex, which presented both a challenge and an opportunity due to its prime location offering 360-degree views of Central Park. While Magnes typically favors a clean slate approach, the immediate impression of the duplex compelled him to preserve the spectacular perimeter views, making them a central focus of the upstairs design. The downstairs, however, became an arena for comprehensive reorganization, drawing inspiration from Louis Kahn's architectural principles. Magnes conceived a central core for the lower level, housing essential services such as mechanical systems, storage, and stairs. This strategic consolidation freed up the surrounding areas for living spaces. The renovation included significant infrastructure upgrades, with new hybrid HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems installed to modernize the apartment. Ceilings were only lowered when absolutely necessary, maintaining a sense of openness and maximizing vertical space. The kitchen and dining room were designed with an open-plan concept, yet equipped with hidden telescoping doors that offer privacy and sound absorption when desired, providing flexibility for entertaining and daily living. A notable feature in the kitchen is the three-inch-thick glass work counter, custom-cast by Shiny Sparkle Studio and illuminated by interior coves within the elliptical, plaster ceiling, adding a touch of bespoke luxury. A copper backsplash serves as a visual transition to the wet bar, which is conveniently located near a circular media room. The media room itself is a vibrant space, characterized by its blue lacquer walls and a custom Roche Bobois sofa, complemented by a Dedar Milano shade and Lorenza Bozzoli Couture accents. The duplex is connected by two distinct staircases. To the north, an anigre veneer structure provides access to the upper level. To the south, a striking corten spiral stair, designed by Juan Alfredo Design, acts as a sculptural element, linking the lower level to the upstairs primary suite. The primary suite features lavish alba Chiara marble in the shower and sink areas, while the three additional bedrooms each boast their own unique tone of three-dimensional tile in their respective bathrooms, ensuring individuality and sophisticated detailing throughout. Andrew Magnes Architects collaborated with Fawn Galli Interiors to bring the interior design vision to life. Fawn Galli shared Magnes's appreciation for the panoramic views, integrating Central Park's natural beauty into the interior's color scheme and overall ambiance. Galli's design philosophy for the space focused on creating a joyful, fresh, fun, and energetic environment. The walls, painted in warm grey, are enlivened by compounds of colors and patterns, reflecting a desire to infuse the apartment with personality and vibrancy. This collaborative effort resulted in a unique and dynamic living space that harmonizes architectural innovation with a vibrant and playful interior aesthetic, making it an entirely distinctive residence. #DuplexApartment #MadisonAvenue #InteriorDesign #LuxuryRenovation #CentralParkViews #ArchitecturalDesign #CustomInteriors #FawnGalliInteriors #AndrewMagnes

The High-Tech Architecture movement, which emerged in 1970s Britain, was characterized by exposed mechanical systems, structural elements in vibrant colors, and adaptable interiors constructed from lightweight, metallic materials. This style, often called “structural expressionism,” was popularized by architects such as Norman Foster, Richard Rogers, and Renzo Piano. It transformed industrial and factory production elements into an ornamental language, where functionality became the primary aesthetic. These designs paradoxically appeared as technology began to shrink, with the advent of microchips, home computers, and global communication networks. These advancements led to computer-aided design, new material technologies, and rapid prototyping, giving rise to sleek and simple technological aesthetics. Currently, a new generation of designers is reevaluating the meaning of a “high-tech” aesthetic in interior and object design. Moving away from post-pandemic trends that favored natural and organic materials, these designers are incorporating digital manufacturing techniques and processes while playfully engaging with past factory-made components. Harry Nuriev of Crosby Studios, known for his chromatic surfaces, pixelated videogame-inspired furnishings, and digital software-referencing wallpapers, views the past high-tech movement as a "cold engineer’s functional aesthetic." For him, contemporary high-tech design should be centered on the "virtual experience." Nuriev recently coined the term “transformism” to describe his design philosophy, which involves combining existing objects and materials to create a transition from one form to another. His Video Game Stool collection exemplifies this, inspired by the aesthetic of low-quality, downsized furniture files in virtual environments. Nuriev’s "transformist" approach, as seen in his Retro Futurism Collection, transforms streamlined machine-like motifs into soft, reflective textiles, mimicking liquid stainless steel settling into sofas or bedsheets. Other designers are using factory aesthetics as a foundation for broader metaphors in commercial spaces. Masquespacio’s MO Bakery and Espresso Bar in Saudi Arabia draws inspiration from the role of water in baking and coffee brewing, employing metallic finishes to evoke flowing water. Sandblasted pipes extend from a mirrored ceiling, forming booths and reminiscent of the pipes and air ducts of the Centre Pompidou. Curvilinear glass and chrome orbs represent gas bubbles, blending industrial shine with organic forms. This curvilinear approach advances the high-tech aesthetic toward a more streamlined language. This style is also evident in spaces where industrial elements were always present, such as Buero Wagner’s office transformation. The Munich-based architectural studio converted its basement into a workspace, using galvanized steel gratings for custom seating and welded furniture that appears to grow organically from the floor. An aluminum foil curtain provides natural light and privacy, allowing industrial elements like exposed gas pipes and X-Beams to remain visible. The versatile space echoes the flexible, open-plan ideals of the High-Tech architectural era. CHYBIK+KRISTOF’s Modular Research Center for KOMA Modular exemplifies flexibility and ecological motivations. This “innovation hub” for modular building prototypes incorporates elements of High-Tech Architecture and digital design, notably omitting right angles and using rotating containers as structural columns. Constructed from three main modules (roof, container, and floor), the center features shiny load-bearing walls and floor-to-ceiling windows that reflect natural light off perforated metal ceilings. The materials are locally produced, aligning with High-Tech Architecture’s original ecological concerns and emphasizing the structure as a dynamic, adaptable module that promotes human activity. The High-Tech architectural style has also influenced furniture and objects. The Korean design group niceworkshop’s Affordance Series, crafted from polished stainless steel, directly references industry and machinery. Chairs feature industrial lifts instead of legs and roll on steel wheels, while a bench, inspired by an assembly line, rests on a precisely engineered sphere. Oversized bolts and screws are exposed, making joinery and construction ornamental. This collection, aimed at “inducing human behavior and psychology,” encourages users to interact with objects as if they were industrial factory workers, pushing them to engage with the furniture’s mechanics. Founder Hyunseog Oh explains that the series uses elements like conveyor belt rollers and industrial lifts to highlight the interaction between furniture and user. This approach, recalling Le Corbusier’s concept of homes as "machines for living," embodies an ultramodernity celebrated by High-Tech architects. Whether in commercial projects or everyday objects, the familiar motifs of the High-Tech Architecture movement, adapted for smaller scales, continue to reflect a fascination with mechanical workings, extending beyond mere function into decorative expression. #HighTechInteriors #ArchitecturalRevival #CrosbyStudios #Masquespacio #BueroWagner #CHYBIKandKRISTOF #niceworkshop #DesignTrends #IndustrialAesthetics