Galerie Rouge: an architectural narrative in deep burgundy

Burgundy, a rich reddish-brown shade, is gaining prominence in interior design for its ability to add depth and opulence, evoking warmth and luxury. This article offers six expert-backed tips on how to effectively use this daring color in rooms with limited natural light, emphasizing thoughtful placement, clever color combinations, and creativity. Cassandra Leisz, creative director at Ruggable, advises placing burgundy near natural light sources, such as windows or doors, to balance the light intake and prevent the space from feeling darker or smaller. This strategic placement ensures the darker hue highlights characterful features without overwhelming the room. Lucy Steele, a paint and interiors expert at Valspar Paint, recommends choosing burgundy shades with warm undertones, like 'Wine Cask' or 'Pomegranate Seeds.' These warmer variations contribute to a more inviting and vibrant atmosphere, even in dimly lit spaces. Complementary color pairings are also crucial; balancing burgundy with lighter neutrals such as soft cream or pale grey can offset its depth and create an airy feel. Marianne Shillingford, creative director and color expert at Dulux, suggests painting a feature wall in burgundy and surrounding walls with shades like 'Faded Damson' or 'Scent Bottle' to brighten the room and unify the undertones. Steele further encourages creative pairings, mentioning dusky pink ceilings or light blue accent walls, and highlights the impact of metallics like gold or brass to add visual interest and a lively, layered feel. Layering lighting is another essential tip for incorporating burgundy into darker rooms. Lucy Steele advises using soft, warm lighting from lamps at various heights and angles to diffuse light, allowing the burgundy walls to glow. Reflective surfaces, such as mirrors or candle holders, can significantly brighten a dimly lit room by bouncing light around the space, a point Marianne Shillingford reinforces. She notes that even burgundy paints with a slight sheen, like Dulux Soft Sheen, can aid in light reflection. These techniques collectively enhance the luminosity of the space, making it appear larger and more inviting. Finally, the article suggests incorporating textures to enhance coziness, particularly when starting with burgundy as an accent color. Marianne Shillingford explains that small, dimly lit rooms can leverage burgundy's coziness through prints, furnishings, or painted features that incorporate other colors. Traditional oriental rugs, often combining burgundy with greens and neutrals, serve as an excellent example of integrating the shade without it becoming dominant. Layering soft, tactile furnishings, such as boucle furniture, fluffy throws, and marshmallow-y cushions, further elevates the cozy aesthetic. Lucy Steele concurs, stressing that plush rugs and fluffy textures create a cocooning effect, making living rooms feel both opulent and inviting. These strategies help establish a distinct, comforting zone within the home. #BurgundyDecor #LowLightRooms #InteriorDesignTips #ColorCombinations #HomeDecor #LightingDesign #TexturalElements

Burgundy, a deep and intense red-wine hue, is experiencing a resurgence in interior design, with experts embracing its rich and moody qualities to create luxurious and comforting spaces. Unlike many neutral shades, burgundy offers a depth and intrigue that aligns with a current desire to view homes as havens. While incorporating burgundy might seem daunting compared to other color trends of 2024, designers suggest an 'all-in' approach, often pairing it with related shades like aubergine and bright red. The color's luxurious feel is further amplified when combined with textures such as wool, bouclé, and shearling. This article presents five distinct ways interior designers are integrating burgundy into homes. One approach is color-drenching, exemplified by Albion Nord's media room design. Here, various materials are used to create a layered and opulent finish, where a rich red velvet sofa complements horsehair fabric panelled walls and an antique rug-upholstered ottoman, all within the same deep burgundy tone. The key to this monochromatic scheme is the strategic mixing of textures to add visual interest and warmth. Another method involves layering burgundy with extra red tones, as seen in a hallway designed by Kingston Lafferty Design. The space utilizes walls painted in Farrow & Ball's 'Eating Room Red' alongside a tiled burgundy floor, creating a dramatic and unified palette that is further enhanced by contrasting orange elements in the console and bold red artwork. A third technique highlights the use of diverse materials to introduce burgundy. Miriam Frowein's modern country-style kitchen features lacquered cupboard fronts and painted window frames in 'Eating Room Red.' The inspiration for this scheme comes from the surrounding red brick buildings. The design achieves a unique depth through the combination of smooth satin finishes on the cabinets, natural stone countertops with white veining, and an aubergine and off-white encaustic tiled floor, all contributing to a layered burgundy presence. For those hesitant to commit to a full-scale burgundy transformation, the article suggests incorporating a single feature piece. In a bedroom by Studio Duggan, a bespoke velvet headboard in a rich claret shade acts as a focal point within an otherwise light-colored room, elegantly introducing the trend while maximizing the color's luxurious nature through soft upholstery. This approach also subtly integrates pale blue, another trending color for 2024, on wardrobe doors. Finally, the intensity of burgundy can be amplified using high-gloss paint, as demonstrated in a project by Chad Dorsey Design. A home bar and entertaining space features glossy burgundy panelled walls and a staircase, elevating traditional elements with a touch of glamor. The vibrant color is balanced by mid-century-style furniture and natural wood accents, grounding the bold aesthetic and creating an inviting atmosphere. These examples collectively illustrate the versatility of burgundy, showcasing its ability to create warm, sophisticated, and deeply personalized interiors, whether through extensive application or subtle accents. #BurgundyColor #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeDecor #ColorDrenching #TexturalDesign #LuxuryInteriors #AccentColors #PaintIdeas #DesignInspiration

De Gournay, a London-based design house, specializes in meticulously hand-painted wallpaper, a product that defies quick mass production and commands a waiting period of three to six months due to its intricate craftsmanship. The company's origin dates back to 1986 when Claud Cecil Gurney embarked on a trip to China. His goal was to locate skilled artisans capable of restoring his antique wallpaper. During this journey, he connected with a group of five artists who agreed to collaborate with him. This initial collaboration blossomed into a large team of over 100 artisans, establishing de Gournay as a prominent name in bespoke wallpaper design. The unique designs from de Gournay are crafted by skilled artisans who employ traditional techniques passed down through generations. Each wallpaper panel is created using either rice paper or paper-backed silk, and every detail is carefully hand-painted. An average panel requires the dedicated effort of six artists, accumulating approximately 150 hours of work. These panels typically measure about 90cm in width and 2.5 meters in height. The artistic patterns featured in de Gournay's collections are diverse, encompassing vibrant Chinoiserie scenes adorned with delicate birds and flowers, intricate Japanese and Korean motifs, and detailed 19th-century French-inspired panoramics. De Gournay's exquisite wallpapers have garnered significant attention not only within the interior design community but also in the fashion industry. The design house has engaged in collaborations with renowned luxury brands such as Chanel, Dior, and Aquazzura. A notable recent collaboration involved supermodel Kate Moss, who partnered with de Gournay to create a unique design for her bathroom. This specific design incorporates anemone flowers and beams of light rendered in silver leaf, showcasing the brand's versatility and appeal across different creative domains. The company's commitment to traditional artistry and high-quality bespoke products distinguishes it in a market increasingly dominated by fast production. De Gournay's work represents a dedication to preserving historical techniques while continuously innovating through collaborations and diverse design inspirations. The emphasis on handcraftsmanship ensures each piece is a unique work of art, contributing to the brand's esteemed reputation among interior designers and celebrities seeking personalized and luxurious decorative elements for their homes. #DeGournay #WallpaperDesign #BespokeWallpaper #HandPainted #Chinoiserie #InteriorDesign #LuxuryDecor #ArtisanCraftsmanship

The French Room at the Adolphus Hotel in Downtown Dallas has undergone a significant 16-month renovation, transforming its aesthetic from pastel cherubs and red velvet to brilliant white and expensive gold. This extensive facelift encompassed the restaurant’s three primary areas: the salon, the bar, and the dining room, each now boasting a contemporary and ornate appearance. Historically, The French Room maintained an elegant but somewhat dated charm, characterized by faded colors and pleated window curtains. The renovation aimed to bridge the gap between its traditional elegance and modern appeal, seeking to attract a broader clientele while retaining its prestigious identity. This required a substantial effort from the renovation team to update the decor without entirely discarding its foundational character. In the salon, the space largely retains its original architectural essence, featuring extensive carved dark wood trim and molding. The room is adorned with various artworks, and a single chandelier casts a soft, iridescent glow. Modular seating arrangements provide flexibility for accommodating different party sizes, ensuring comfort and adaptability. The bar area has also been updated, adopting a much dimmer lighting scheme that evokes the ambiance of a high-end speakeasy. It is distinguished by deep blue walls, classical paintings, and a brass ceiling. Silver trays filled with cocktail elixirs are meticulously arranged on a dark stone bar top, enhancing the sophisticated and intimate atmosphere. The dining room, often considered the heart of The French Room, maintains its original architectural framework but features extensive interior design changes. The former crushed red velvet chairs have been replaced with elegant Bergere dining chairs upholstered in pristine white fabric. Thick pleated tablecloths are set with pure white china plates, accompanied by a single glass and a gold candleholder. The previous artwork and wall coverings have been substituted with clean white and gilded flourishes. The heavily ornate molding and trim are now coated in semi-reflective gold paint, featuring classic French-style framing. Additionally, a few booth seats have been incorporated to offer guests more private dining options. Chef Michael Ehlert presides over the culinary offerings, presenting a refined take on French cuisine with dishes that blend traditional flavors with modern plating techniques. The menu, which is seasonal, includes items such as snails with pommes dauphine and watercress, seared foie gras, and consommé chartreuse. To conclude the dining experience, guests can select from The French Room’s traveling dessert cart, providing a sweet finish to their meal in this renowned Dallas establishment. #FrenchRoom #RestaurantRenovation #DallasDining #AdolphusHotel #LuxuryInteriors #FineDining #InteriorDesign #HotelRenovation #DallasRestaurants

This article highlights a vibrant renovation of a French Eclectic luxury home in Preston Hollow, challenging the contemporary trend of all-white interiors. The residence, originally built by Hawkins-Welwood, underwent a comprehensive interior makeover driven by the owner's desire to create a 'happy house' for her three daughters. Instead of conforming to minimalist color schemes, the owner embraced bold and diverse colors throughout the 6,967-square-foot property, aiming to evoke joy and happiness from the moment one enters. Compass Real Estate listing agent Julie Provenzano emphasizes that every design decision was made to spark joy. The owner remained steadfast in her vision, believing that the bold colors passionately defined the home's character, even when preparing to sell. Provenzano notes the practicality of this approach, stating that colors can be easily changed by a potential buyer, and even a dramatic hot pink kitchen backsplash is simply paint covered with an acrylic material, making it reversible. The renovation included significant structural changes, such as moving walls and dramatically vaulting the ceiling in the family area. Custom features, like a mantle with hidden storage, were incorporated to enhance functionality, especially for a mother of three. Throughout the home, spectacular light fixtures and high-end finishes complement the vibrant color palette, which is presented as the primary focal point of the design. A standout example of this fearless use of color is observed in the formal dining room, where a unique paint application is compared to a 'Razor Fade haircut,' suggesting its innovative and striking nature. The residence features six bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a powder bath, each offering unique design elements. The master bedroom, for instance, is painted in hues reminiscent of rich chocolate and a perfect latte. The master bath, while incorporating white, includes a practical, sensible bathtub, diverging from the often impractical vessel tubs. The playroom showcases a custom bookcase with a bright, almost school bus yellow interior, providing a clever pop of color against a neutral gray room with white walls. This intentional splash of color is designed to captivate children, while also being easily modifiable for future owners, though the article encourages its preservation. Provenzano describes the property as a "happy house" and a unique opportunity for buyers seeking a distinct aesthetic. Listed by Provenzano at $2.5 million, the home at 6446 Glendora Avenue is presented as a space where imaginative dreams can come to fruition. The article underscores how the renovation celebrates individuality and a joyful approach to home design, moving beyond conventional trends to create a truly personalized and uplifting living environment. #FrenchEclectic #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #BoldColors #LuxuryHome #DallasRealEstate #PrestonHollow #HappyHome

This article details a sophisticated Art Deco-style home in Sydney, designed by Greg Natale, which departs from his signature black-and-white interiors to embrace a softer palette of pink and grey. The design was heavily influenced by the owners' European travels and their desire for a classic yet modern and streamlined home, leading to a strong French Art Deco theme. The primary design cue came from the bleached-oak parquet flooring chosen by the owners, Vince and Melissa Ciolino, setting the tone for the entire house. The palette is described as a 'youthful romance' between pink and grey, a combination that resonated with Natale from his teenage years in the 1980s and inspired his career in interior design. The home's exterior features a curved facade with Juliet balconies and ornate ironwork against a stucco finish, while the interior minimizes right angles, emphasizing curves throughout. The renovation transformed a humble stucco bungalow, retaining only the original front two rooms behind the new curved facade. The expanded home now includes two lounge rooms, four bedrooms, a study, a grand dining room, and a well-appointed kitchen with a butler’s pantry, catering to the owners' love for entertaining. The ground floor layout features an entry that leads past a media room, study, and laundry, opening into an expansive L-shaped formal living, dining, and kitchen area. An informal living addition at the rear of the house encloses the pool. Melissa's request for a light and airy feel, combined with the pale herringbone parquet, led Greg to propose pink walls with white joinery, further solidified by an artwork with blush hues intended for the dining area. This choice created a fresh and uplifting atmosphere. Brass accents are strategically used throughout the kitchen and living room shelving, adding a vibrant 'pop' against the softer tones. The design incorporates luxurious materials such as Carrara marble for the doorstep, fireplace, bathrooms, and benchtops. Terrazzo floors and charcoal furnishings introduce the grey elements that complement the pink, forming the glamorous combination Natale envisioned. The Art Deco influence is evident in every detail, from the sensuously rounded facade to the curved fireplace, the seamless wall-to-ceiling transitions without cornicing, oval bookcases with elongated arches, and a spectacular spiral staircase. Natale further innovated with ceilings, incorporating raked designs and coffered inserts with rounded edges to break up white expanses and enhance the curved motif. The furniture selection deviates from traditional heavy Art Deco pieces, opting instead for modernist furniture, particularly 1950s Italian designs. This choice aims to provide cleaner profiles that beautifully offset the architectural detailing, creating an eclectic and unexpected scheme. Natale notes a growing trend among clients for softer palettes, moving away from monochrome, and expresses his enthusiasm for incorporating more pink into his designs. The project showcases Natale's ability to evolve his aesthetic while delivering a sophisticated and welcoming home that celebrates both classic Art Deco elements and modern, youthful romance. #ArtDecoHome #GregNatale #InteriorDesign #PinkAndGreyPalette #CurvedArchitecture #LuxuryInteriors #SydneyHome #HomeRenovation #ModernistFurniture

Artist and architect Inés Esnal has unveiled her Prism installation, transforming the lobby of a new residential building in New York City. The artwork utilizes colorful elastic ropes to create intricate triangular formations that serve to filter light, producing a dynamic interplay of vivid colors and optical illusions. This installation provides a stark and compelling contrast to the lobby's existing concrete walls, injecting an element of artistic vibrancy into the otherwise stark architectural setting. The Prism installation is characterized by its use of stretched elastic ropes, meticulously arranged to form geometric patterns. These ropes, varying in color, intersect and overlap, creating a complex web that interacts with the ambient light. As light passes through these colored strands, it is fractured and dispersed, casting a spectrum of hues across the lobby space. This optical phenomenon changes throughout the day, depending on the angle and intensity of natural light, offering a constantly evolving visual experience for residents and visitors. The design intention behind Prism is to introduce an element of surprise and visual engagement within a functional architectural space. By contrasting the inherent rigidity and monochromatic nature of concrete with the fluidity and vibrant palette of the elastic ropes, Esnal challenges conventional perceptions of lobby design. The installation effectively redefines the entrance area, transforming it from a transitional zone into an immersive artistic environment. Esnal's work often explores the relationship between art, architecture, and human perception. In Prism, she employs principles of geometry and optics to manipulate space and light, thereby creating an illusory depth and movement within a static structure. The triangular shapes formed by the ropes evoke the concept of prisms, which are known for their ability to refract light into its constituent colors. This not only imbues the space with aesthetic appeal but also invites viewers to contemplate the scientific and artistic principles at play. The installation aims to enhance the sensory experience of the building's occupants, offering a momentary escape from the urban environment. The selection of elastic ropes as the primary material allows for flexibility in form and an ethereal quality that belies the material's strength. This choice also contributes to the lightweight and seemingly gravity-defying appearance of the artwork, further emphasizing its illusory nature. The vibrant colors chosen are intended to evoke a sense of energy and warmth, counteracting the potentially cold aesthetic of modern concrete architecture. The overall effect is one of harmony between the artistic intervention and the architectural context, demonstrating how art can profoundly alter and enrich built environments. #ArchitecturalInstallation #PublicArt #LobbyDesign #InesEsnal #OpticalIllusions #ElasticRopeArt #NYCArchitecture #ColorTheory #GeometricArt

Designer Garrow Kedigian's Montreal townhouse, built in 1923, showcases a bold and sophisticated approach to interior design, emphasizing dark colors and rich textures. Kedigian, known for putting a unique twist on neutrals, transformed this L-shaped corner townhouse into a luxurious and inviting home. The design seamlessly blends modern and traditional elements, incorporating various design styles and materials across different rooms. The exterior of the 1923 townhouse sets the stage for the refined interiors. Upon entering, the staircase immediately captures attention with an Antilocarpa carpet from Stark, which pays homage to Canada's fur-trading history. This dramatic stair runner is described as both contemporary and classic by Kedigian. The architectural details of the staircase are highlighted by trim painted in glossy Benjamin Moore Black. Reproductions of Géricault's artworks are strategically placed throughout the home, adding a touch of classical artistry. The living room exudes a warm and cocooning atmosphere, achieved through walls and moldings painted in Benjamin Moore's Rattan, a warm beige hue. Simple gold details are incorporated to enhance the sense of luxury. This space features a vintage coffee table by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, and a custom sofa upholstered in Rogers & Goffigon's Biarritz fabric. Seating options include an armchair covered in a Pierre Frey velvet and another in a Chelsea Editions fabric. A Lotus floor lamp by Barbara Barry for Circa Lighting and a Stark rug complete the elegant ensemble. In contrast, the sitting room introduces a deeper color palette. Here, red leather nailhead trimming from Samuel & Sons creates the illusion of wall paneling. An antique Gustavian sofa is upholstered in vintage raw silk, adding to the room's character. The Jalen chandelier from Arteriors provides illumination, while the trim is painted in Benjamin Moore's Branchport Brown, further enhancing the rich aesthetic. The dining room strikes a balance between modern and traditional design. It features a chrome-and-glass table from Andrew Martin, paired with Louis XVI–style Marilyn chairs from Global Views. Curtains made from Rogers & Goffigon's Pirouette fabric and a Stark rug define the space. A vintage buffet in the dining room serves as a display for books and decorative items, including a unique table lamp fashioned by Kedigian from a candlestick. The walls of the dining room are painted in a captivatingly dark Benjamin Moore's Caribbean Teal, creating a dramatic backdrop. An antique crystal sconce, a find from a Paris flea market, and a side chair upholstered in Chelsea Editions fabric contribute to the room's sophisticated charm. The butler's pantry features a golden-hued Splendour wallpaper by Catherine Martin for Mokum, complemented by bold swaths of black paint, adding a touch of glamour and functionality. The writing room, embellished by artist Rajiv Surendra, utilizes chalkboard paint by Rust-Oleum, offering a creative and functional space. The master bedroom, painted in Benjamin Moore's Alfresco, showcases Kedigian's preference for blue. An antique four-poster bed is transformed with a canopy made from Kravet Couture's Cadence fabric. The bed is adorned with pillows in fabrics by Etro, Templeton, and Garrow Kedigian for Peter Fasano. Joshua Tall tables by Jayson Home flank the bed, and a custom bench is upholstered in Etro's Enrico. A Stark rug anchors the room. A Daisy G mirror by Worlds Away adds a whimsical touch to the bedroom decor. The guest bedroom provides a warm ambiance with walls painted in Benjamin Moore's Terra Mauve. It features a pair of 18th-century beds upholstered in Pierre Frey fabric, Gluckstein Home bed linens, and a Lattice Bone C-Table from Pier 1 Imports. Kedigian's home reflects his innovative use of color, texture, and a blend of design periods to create a distinctive and luxurious living environment. #InteriorDesign #MontrealTownhouse #DarkColors #GarrowKedigian #LuxuryHome #EclecticDesign #BenjaminMoore #VintageFurniture

This article highlights the remarkable transformation of a Paris apartment, meticulously redesigned by the interior design studio Uchronia, founded by Julien Sebban. The project’s objective was to convert a classic Haussmann apartment, which, despite its elegant proportions and original features, was perceived as 'cold, pretentious and beige,' into a vibrant, 'architectural jewellery box.' The clients, a couple working in couture jewellery, provided Uchronia with a distinctive brief inspired by Fabergé eggs, aiming for a home that would reveal a 'treasure trove of jewels.' The redesign centered on injecting personality and color, moving away from the apartment's former staid aesthetic. Uchronia meticulously integrated various gemstones as a guiding principle for the design, selecting malachite, sapphire, opal, pearl, ruby, tiger-eye, and peridot for their unique colors, patterns, and textures. These choices influenced the specific ambiance and decor of each room, creating a cohesive yet diverse interior narrative. The studio's approach involved a significant amount of experimentation, particularly in developing custom dégradé walls in collaboration with Atelier Roma. This innovative technique creates an ethereal background, with color gradients that seamlessly merge into sheer silk curtains, producing a dynamic and 'alive' effect as they flutter. Beyond color and texture, the apartment's functionality was reimagined to accommodate the clients' social lifestyle, with a focus on creating convivial zones suitable for both intimate gatherings and large parties. The layout of the apartment was largely maintained, preserving its inherent Haussmann elegance, while custom furniture, drapery, vintage pieces, and art were introduced to redefine the spaces. Noteworthy design elements include low-level seating in the living room, inspired by Moroccan desert nights, and a dressing room strategically positioned to allow interaction with guests from the adjacent platform bed. The dining room features a unique marbled resin table, designed by Julien, which evokes malachite and can be reconfigured from a two-person setting to accommodate up to twenty guests. Lighting plays a crucial role in the apartment's design, with light being refracted through various materials such as fabric and colored glass, and bouncing off lacquered surfaces. This deliberate manipulation of light creates an effect akin to being inside a fantastical kaleidoscope, contributing to the apartment's overall enchanting and dynamic atmosphere. The project underscores Uchronia's innovative approach to interior design, blending historical elegance with contemporary vibrancy and bespoke craftsmanship to fulfill a highly imaginative client brief. #ParisApartment #UchroniaDesign #ColorDrenching #OmbreWalls #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #GemstoneInspired #CustomFurniture #HaussmannApartment

This Upper East Side apartment, designed by S.R. Gambrel, showcases luxurious interiors on 79th Street. Each room is designed to be distinctive while contributing to a cohesive aesthetic, featuring a vibrant color palette, unique wall decor, ornate light fixtures, and distinctive floor textiles. The formal living room, situated at the front of the home, is bathed in natural light from expansive windows. It employs neutral tones for its furnishings, carpet, and fireplace, with an emphasis on uncommon shapes, including an oblong chaise-sofa combination and a pair of Art Deco mirrors framing the fireplace. Adjacent to the formal living room, a sitting area presents a dramatic contrast with shiny deep purple walls and a bright red ceiling. This space is further enhanced by a brightly colored abstract painting positioned above the couch. A second, softer living room maintains a focus on surprising design details but with a more understated approach. This room incorporates marble-like patterns in both the carpet and window treatments. A cool blue sofa provides a focal point, set against elegant gold wallpaper. The dining room, located at the opposite end of the second sitting room, features a modern orange table paired with an Art Deco chandelier, maintaining the apartment's blend of contemporary and classic elements. The kitchen extends the orange color theme from the living room, contributing to a modern and graphic aesthetic. It features Tetris-like floor tiling, which is complemented by a light marble island and a modern light fixture. Additional rooms within the residence continue the theme of unique luxury, including a sitting room adorned with fur and a bathroom finished in marble. The overall design throughout the apartment emphasizes a rich interplay of colors, textures, and forms. #UpperEastSide #LuxuryApartment #InteriorDesign #SRGambrel #VividColors #ArtDeco #ModernDesign #HomeDecor #ManhattanRealEstate

Art Deco, a style characterized by geometric patterns, animal prints, and glitz, continues to captivate over a century after its inception. While genuine Art Deco residences from the 1920s and '30s are rare, many individuals seek to infuse this historic style into modern homes. This article showcases seven distinctive homes that either preserve original Art Deco elements or are inspired by its opulent aesthetic. One featured residence is designer Wesley Moon's Park Avenue apartment, where gilded wall panels, reminiscent of Paris’s Restaurant Le Gabriel, utilize customized wallpaper to create a delicate and neutral backdrop for salon-style art. Moon’s approach involves reinterpreting classical elements for contemporary times, as seen in a marble fireplace mantel embossed with python scales and turquoise molding, a collaboration with Cocobolo gallery director Benjamin Wiener. The apartment blends Old World grandeur with modern sensibilities. In Melbourne, interior designer Greg Natale transformed a 4,000-square-foot penthouse into a lavish space inspired by the owners' luxury watch and jewelry business. Natale infused the formerly minimalist apartment with jewel tones, particularly pink and maroon, creating a grand entrance with mirrored panels and arches. Sculptural Kelly Wearstler lights and a postmodern Art Deco rug further enhance the glamorous and sultry ambiance, reflecting both the owners' and Natale's love for luxury. Washington, D.C.-based interior designer Lorna Gross reimagined an 1870 row house in Georgetown, drawing inspiration from the golden age of travel and the Orient Express. The client, a writer and historian, desired a home that evoked the feel of a bespoke train car. Gross installed antique furnishings and lighting from the 1930s on the first level, creating an Art Deco-period atmosphere in the long and narrow space. Antique chandeliers were re-envisioned, and wall coverings provided a warm setting for a mix of antique and contemporary pieces. In a New York City high-rise, designer Alexander Doherty and architect Danielle Albert undertook a dramatic renovation of a top-floor unit. To achieve a unique and refined interior, they reworked the layout, extended the living space, and increased ceiling height by relocating ductwork. A lake-like depression in the ceiling, covered in 24-carat gold leaf, adds glimmer and enlarges the room. Doherty selected Art Deco and modernist pieces from Paris galleries and international auction houses to furnish the space, creating a style that complements the contemporary glass structure. A Dublin home, designed by LyonsKelly, transforms an unassuming 1930s semi-detached house into a spacious, arching gallery. The design firm created a unified architectural and interior vision, resulting in a three-story house with a basement. The procession of rooms on the ground floor, with formal areas at the front and family spaces overlooking the garden, embodies an Art Deco spirit while maintaining a timeless appeal. Celebrity chef turned interior designer Travis London found his ideal home in a 1940 Miami town house. The property featured pristine original Art Deco details, including a fireplace, travertine floors, and interior arches. London embraced the home's character, using it as a canvas for self-expression and a showcase for his design business, Studio London Co. The dining area, for instance, features Jonathan Adler chairs in pink velvet around a brass Boca do Lobo table, exemplifying a chic and grown-up aesthetic. Finally, a Chicago co-op in a prestigious 1920s building underwent a significant transformation by Jessica LaGrange. Moving away from its dated decor, LaGrange guided the design with the building's history, creating a high-contrast home. A custom terrazzo-and-bronze circular design, inlaid in the foyer, serves as a focal point, radiating like a sunburst and setting an Art Deco-inspired yet exceedingly modern tone for the art-collecting couple's pied-à-terre. #ArtDeco #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #LuxuryHomes #ArchitecturalRenovation #DesignInspiration #ModernArtDeco #HistoricHomes #GlamorousInteriors

This blog post explores the transformation of a historic colonial revival home dating back to 1895 in Newton Center, Massachusetts. The owners sought to update their property with a glamorous, sexy, and elegant aesthetic, while simultaneously restoring and enhancing its original architectural features. The project aimed to integrate sympathetic interior décor with a contemporary flair from the 2020s. Before addressing the design details, the primary challenge involved removing uncomplimentary architectural additions from the 1940s, 80s, and 90s, particularly a deteriorating 1980s kitchen. Designer Cecilia Casagrande was commissioned to address these challenges, focusing on enhancing the home's original architecture while adapting it for modern living. Her approach successfully blended original period details with quirky and glamorous contemporary touches. The kitchen redesign, for instance, drew inspiration from the client’s Turkish Iznik pottery collection and antique rugs, transforming a drab 1980s space into a bright, open area. The design incorporated a mix of midcentury, antique, and modern elements, evident in pairings like a midcentury side table with a modern bed frame, or a curved sofa with modern lamps. The breakfast nook features an antique pedestal table and vintage dining chairs, harmonizing with the updated kitchen. The cabinet colors, specifically Farrow & Ball’s Paean Black and Benjamin Moore’s Yorktowne Green, were inspired by the blue hues of the Turkish plate collection. The kitchen also boasts vintage rugs from Afghanistan, brass taps by Barber Wilson, and handmade tiles from Winchester Tile in England, along with green stone accents, contributing to a worldly and earthy feel. The living room, characterized by intricate wood detailing and an impressive bay window, features walls, trim, and ceiling painted in Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue. This bold color choice maintains the modernity of the ornate trim while creating a cozy Victorian parlor ambiance. Natural walnut elements on doors and trim are highlighted with a clear poly finish. The room includes a midcentury vintage sofa upholstered in mohair blue velvet, complemented by a rounded Jonathan Adler Danner sofa and Kelly Wearstler lamps to create a “sexy vibe.” Midcentury furnishings, such as a reupholstered Thayer Coggin swivel chair and a new Thayer Coggin Roxy chair, along with a round midcentury pi-coffee table and Moroccan inlaid side tables, contribute to a global aesthetic through eclectic accessories sourced internationally. A vibrant artwork by Hunt Slonem in a gilt frame and a vintage carved sideboard add glamour to a corner of the living room. The dining room reflects the clients' vision with quirky contemporary elements like Cole & Son Leopard Walk wallpaper and a stag chandelier sourced from Germany. Iconic midcentury Saarinen chairs and a stunning Suzani tablecloth complete the eclectic and joyful space, which is described as Victorian modern. The upstairs landing serves as an inviting seating area, utilizing natural light from an original gothic-detailed 1895 window and featuring French-style armchairs and a chess set. The primary bedroom showcases pastel pinks, blending antique, vintage, and modern furnishings. Brass elements, such as Sarreid chests, an antique mirror, and an Alexa Hampton ceiling light, add character. Walls are painted in Farrow & Ball's Middleton Pink with trim in Dove Tail, while House of Hackney and Timorous Beasties pillows, a modern champagne velvet bed, and a faux sheepskin swivel chair balance the vintage pieces. The bathroom features a Penhaglion cast iron tub in unlacquered brass, a striking choice for the historic home, complemented by classic marble tiles, Timorous Beasties curtains, and brass accents, offering a modern twist on traditional design. The homeowners expressed satisfaction with the transformation, noting that each room was thoughtfully designed and inspired by their existing collections, making the renovation a collaborative effort from architectural restoration to fabric selection. The project successfully honored the home's original features while introducing contemporary humor and subtle updates. #HistoricHomeRenovation #ColonialRevival #InteriorDesign #BoldColorSchemes #VictorianModern #KitchenDesign #LivingRoomDecor #BedroomIdeas #BathroomDesign

The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Watson Library showcases an international array of architecture books, focusing on the styles and philosophies prevalent in the 1920s and 1930s, including Bauhaus and Art Deco. These selections illustrate a significant period of innovation in architectural design, color theory, and interior decoration. The exhibit highlights how architects and designers of the era explored new aesthetic principles and applied them to various building types, from residential homes to grand public spaces. One featured book is a German handbook from 1929, which serves as a guide to Bauhaus design and color theory. It delves into the psychology of color, its impact on spatial perception, and the aesthetics of house surfaces, alongside typography. The handbook's plates, characterized by muted colors, function as color charts, perspective views for house plans, and guides for exterior paint colors, embodying the distinctive Bauhaus style. This publication underscores the era's focus on integrating art and craftsmanship with functional design. Another German publication, "Farbige Gestaltung durch Keimsche Mineralfarben" from 1929, is a polychromatic booklet showcasing vibrant exterior paint products. It illustrates these paints applied to whimsical, imaginary building facades that span industrial, residential, Classical, modern, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles. This demonstrates the wide-ranging application of color in architectural expression during this period, moving beyond simple utility to artistic representation. The display also includes "Architektonisches Gestalten" (1933), a German architectural book dedicated to Rudolf Steiner and the Anthroposophical Society. This volume focuses on the second Goetheanum, their recently completed headquarters designed by Steiner, and the work of other architects in his circle across Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. The book features essays, floor plans, and black-and-white lithographs of interiors and exteriors, offering multiple views of the Goetheanum campus, notable for its unique rounded forms and absence of right angles, reflecting Steiner's distinctive architectural philosophy. Polish Art Deco architecture is represented by an issue of "Rzeczy Piękne," published between 1925 and 1932 by Kraków's Museum of Science and Industry. This specific volume centers on the Poznań Exhibition of 1929, an annual industrial fair. The publication's distinctive cover and numerous lithographs and cyanotypes showcase the Art Deco period, featuring pavilions representing municipal and manufacturing interests. These include bentwood furniture from Thonet, bookbinding by Piotr Grzywy, and metalware and decorative items from the Museum of Science and Industry's collection, highlighting the era's decorative arts and industrial design. Finally, the exhibit presents "Le Lido des Champs-Elysées," a glamorous advertising booklet from 1928 for the private Parisian club designed by René F. Berger. Inspired by the Lido of Venice, the club aimed to bring the resort's amenities and style to Paris, attracting European royalty and luminaries. Black-and-white photographs within the booklet highlight the club's Art Deco decor, including the swimming pool area, marble bar, dining areas, gaming rooms, pergolas, Turkish baths, and beauty parlor. Murals by Carlo Cherubini adorn the club, and the embossed cover features gilded lettering and a colored engraving of the pool area, capturing the opulence and distinctive lighting of the period. This publication exemplifies the use of Art Deco in creating luxurious and sophisticated interior spaces. The Watson Library's holdings extend to contemporary architects like Norman Foster, Zaha Hadid, Herzog & de Meuron, and Renzo Piano, indicating a continuous interest in architectural evolution. #ArchitectureHistory #ArtDeco #BauhausDesign #ArchitecturalBooks #InteriorDesign #ColorTheory #RudolfSteiner #MuseumExhibition #MetropolitanMuseumOfArt

French-Mexican architect and designer Hugo Toro undertook his largest private home project to date: the revitalization of a historic 1911 house on the Left Bank of Paris. This sprawling residence, spanning over 10,000 square feet across six floors, had remained vacant for more than 15 years and was in a state of considerable disrepair upon Toro's initial visit in February 2022. The house featured ornate gilded plasterwork suffering from water damage and mold, with paint peeling from the walls, revealing a fusty Empire red beneath. The brief from the French family acquiring the property was to bridge the gap between the building's historical integrity and contemporary living, respecting its original character while infusing it with a distinct modern vision. Their sole specific request was the inclusion of a fish tank, leading to the installation of a two-and-a-half-ton aquarium in the family room. To achieve this, Toro embarked on a process of unearthing the house’s inherent charm. This involved restoring original elements such as the Art Nouveau curves of the window frames and uncovering a more muted, authentic color palette by meticulously scraping back layers of old paint. The renovation resulted in a blend of classic Parisian grandeur, characterized by soaring high ceilings, expansive windows, wainscoting, meticulously restored moldings, and traditional herringbone floors. This opulence is juxtaposed with a lively 1970s aesthetic, conveyed through a warm amber-hued palette, rich tactile materials, and statement furniture featuring curved, organic shapes. Toro, who admits to appreciating the playful spirit of the 1970s, incorporated this influence to create a vibrant yet elegant atmosphere. Aluminum accents, used for doors, door frames, and cabinetry, were strategically placed to define volumes, add modern polish, and provide a contemporary contrast to the warmth of the wood paneling. The renovated house now boasts six bedrooms, six bathrooms, a swimming pool, a spacious rooftop terrace, and a garden. The interior design showcases several bespoke elements by Toro, including a serpentine sofa in the living room, a seven-meter-long Murano glass chandelier illuminating the central spiral staircase, and a custom platform bed in the principal bedroom designed to create a transitional moment for bedtime. The principal bathroom features a swirling green onyx washbasin and tub, reflecting a luxurious and distinctive material choice. Toro's artistic flair extends to several of his own paintings adorning the walls, which, while distinct from his architectural work, share a common thread of rich texture and a sepia-toned, enveloping palette, influenced by his French-Mexican heritage. The ground-floor family room, designed for comfort and interaction, includes a plush caramel-velvet sofa by Toro, Michel Cadestin’s Yoga chairs, a round glass coffee table, an arcade game, and a football table, demonstrating a commitment to creating a functional and enjoyable family space. The dining room features 1959 Böhlmarks chandeliers, a custom-made rug, and tables designed by Toro, complemented by 1950s chairs by Arne Jacobsen. In the office, a chair by Nacho Carbonell is paired with Maurice Calka's 1971 Boomerang desk. Every aspect of the home's design is intended to immerse and inspire, fostering a warm and interactive environment for its occupants, suitable for year-round use and reflecting the family’s passions. Toro emphasizes that the goal was not merely to create an aesthetically pleasing image but an engaging space that truly invites living and interaction. #HugoToro #ParisianMansion #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #ArchitecturalRevitalization #FrenchArchitecture #ContemporaryDesign #HistoricHomes

Australian designer Greg Natale's firm undertook the makeover of a narrow 19th-century town house in New York, drawing inspiration from the art deco era as seen through 1970s European cinema. The project, located on Manhattan's Upper East Side, was commissioned by repeat clients Leticia Francini and Stephen Ninnes, who sought to infuse their new American pied-à-terre with the color, pattern, and layering reminiscent of maximalist European restaurants. The four-story, mixed-use property includes a ground-floor retail space, which was converted into a white-box studio for their Art With Love Foundation, offering free workshops in Renaissance painting techniques. Natale's design approach for the 3,330-square-foot residence involved painting rooms—walls and ceilings—in a rich palette of blush, plum, terra-cotta, and various greens. Colorful shades of veined marble, such as Calacatta Viola, Rosso Levanto, and Verde Alpi, are extensively used on floors, walls, countertops, a fireplace, and to frame portals and doors. The intricate stonework was facilitated by the clients' relationship with an Italian quarrier, who cut the marble in Italy and sent masons to New York for installation. An exterior intervention included reinstating a historically appropriate double street entrance, with two doors defined by fluted limestone pilasters, leading separately to the art foundation and the residence. Engineered oak flooring in a herringbone pattern, designed by Natale, is used throughout much of the home, creating a vivid and welcoming interior within the narrow 12½-foot-wide brick building. The town house, previously renovated in the 1970s, retained its general layout but was stripped to the studs. The living spaces, including a sitting room, kitchen, and dining room, are situated on the middle level, flanked by two two-bedroom floors to accommodate the clients' five adult children. Mirror paneling, especially an art deco-inflected arrangement of bronze- and smoke-hued rectangles in the dining area, enhances the sense of space. The dining area also features a starburst molding centered on an 1980s Murano-glass chandelier, a modern interpretation of Italy's Liberty style. Murals play a significant role in setting the European tone, with an embroidered linen-and-silk mural based on Henri Matisse’s Jazz cutouts in the second-floor hallway and a wallpaper blowup of Wassily Kandinsky’s 1935 painting Deux points verts in the living room. The furniture selection combines vintage and contemporary Italian pieces. The living room features a Gianfranco Frattini 1970s Sesann sofa and Arnold Madsen 1944 Clam armchairs, complemented by a concrete-framed Iris mirror by Shawna and Matt Heide and a custom Anna Bonino paper pendant fixture. The dining area includes Dirk van der Kooij’s recycled-plastic Meltingpot table and Juliana Lima Vasconcellos’s Giraffe chairs. The main bathroom showcases Italian rationalism with a complex inlaid-marble shower pattern, while the adjacent bedroom features Mehmet and Dimonah Iksel’s hand-painted White Blossom wallpaper and Vincent Darré’s Neofutur headboard. A notable feature is the dressing room, connected to the main bedroom by marble-encrusted portals, designed to resemble a high-end boutique with sculptural marble-slab dividers forming open closets. #GregNatale #NewYorkTownHouse #ArtDeco #EuropeanCinemaInfluence #MaximalistDesign #MarbleInteriors #VintageFurniture #CustomMurals #InteriorRenovation

Interior designer Sarah Vaile demonstrates the effective use of vibrant, all-over color in a client's Lincoln Park brownstone, transforming a previously overlooked pass-through into a magnetic family lounge. This project highlights that saturated hues can be both dramatic and livable when balanced thoughtfully. Vaile emphasizes that embracing bold colors means going beyond a simple accent wall, choosing instead to fully immerse a space in a chosen hue. One key takeaway from the design is the gallery-style approach to art. Vaile advises against shying away from adding more elements to a room that already features a bold color. In this case, a diverse collection of art, varying in media and scale, not only adds visual interest but also offers a welcome contrast and relief from the intense red walls, preventing the space from feeling overwhelming. This strategy shows how multiple strong elements can coexist harmoniously within a vividly colored room. Another crucial aspect is the choice of lighting. Instead of opting for a traditional statement chandelier, Vaile selected a cozy lantern fixture. This decision introduces an element of surprise and intimacy into a room already defined by its striking color. The lighting choice contributes to the overall mood and adds another layer of unique character, ensuring the room feels welcoming despite its boldness. The design also incorporates touches of neutrality to ground the vibrant palette. Natural wood flooring and the preservation of original unpainted crown molding are highlighted as essential elements. These favorite touches of Vaile's, particularly in historic homes, provide a significant contrast to the red walls. The neutral tones offer visual respite and ensure that the historic charm of the brownstone is maintained and integrated into the modern, colorful design. Whimsy is introduced through specific decorative elements, such as the use of palms. Vaile explains that the palms evoke a British Colonial aesthetic, contributing to a sense of regality and escapism. This element adds personality and a narrative depth to the space, aligning with the room's overall dramatic yet inviting atmosphere. It showcases how decorative details can enhance the thematic coherence of a bold design. Finally, Vaile employs a practical and aesthetically pleasing technique: glossing up surfaces. When lacquered walls are cost-prohibitive, applying a lustrous sheen to cabinets or other surfaces creates visual interest and a sophisticated finish. This "high-low" trick allows for the achievement of a luxurious look and feel without incurring excessive costs, demonstrating an intelligent approach to budget-conscious yet impactful design. These elements collectively illustrate how to create a dynamic, livable, and visually stunning space using an all-in approach to bold color. #InteriorDesign #ColorTheory #BoldHues #HomeDecoration #DesignTips #ResidentialDesign #LuxuryInteriors #HistoricHomes