Photos: My Favorite Room with Liz Tew

This article, published by T Magazine, showcases a curated selection of inspiring bedroom designs from around the world, ranging from minimalist sanctuaries to maximalist experiments. The collection features various designers, artists, and homeowners, highlighting their unique approaches to creating personal resting spaces. Each entry provides a brief description of the featured bedroom, often detailing specific design elements, furniture, and artistic influences. Featured bedrooms include that of interior stylist Colin King's Brooklyn apartment, which incorporates a 1950s pietra dura artwork and pieces from Roman and Williams Guild. Federico de Vera's family home in the central Philippines showcases a repainted 1970s children's bed with a bedspread made from Ilocos region's native *inabel* cloth. Fashion executives Carlo Alberto Beretta and Jacopo Venturini's Milan apartment features a blend of global textiles like an Uzbek suzani, a Ghanaian bedspread, and a Peruvian carpet, alongside 1950s Italian armchairs. The collection also includes a guest room in Tivoli, N.Y., designed by Adam Charlap Hyman, characterized by Laurel Trellis wallpaper, a WB Form Cloud Lamp, and vintage Ikea furniture. The Bali home of Maison Kitsuné co-founder Gildas Loaëc and stylist Romy Ishii Loaëc presents a linen-draped bed, embodying an airy sanctuary. In Sweden, the bedroom of designer Ingegerd Råman and artist Claes Söderquist features an oak bed designed by Söderquist and glass vessels by Råman. Further examples include a guest room in Dar Zero, the vacation home of Jamie Creel and Marco Scarani in Tangier, Morocco, adorned with a marigold headboard and a patchwork tapestry. The lofted bedroom of architect Robert Finger and designer Robert Remer’s Wellfleet, Mass., cottage includes a portrait study by Adelaide Newhall and a family quilt. A maximalist experimental bedroom in Brussels, shared by artists Jaime le Bleu, Line Murken, Salomé Sperling, and Sijmen Vellekoop, highlights custom-designed and built elements, including a stainless-steel wrapped bed and ceiling-mounted paintings. The article also features the preserved bedroom of writer Anaïs Nin in Los Angeles, which has remained largely unchanged since her death in 1977. Textile designer Nathalie Farman-Farma’s Greenwich, Conn., guest bedroom combines a Japanese lamp, an antique French bed, and an American crocheted blanket, with walls and curtains in Décors Barbares' cotton percale Zénaide. Architect Valerio Olgiati’s Villa Além in Portugal showcases one of its nearly identical bedrooms. Designer Tiffany Howell’s Los Angeles home is represented by a bedroom featuring deep, saturated colors, including Portola Paints' Joshua Tree and an ink blue quilt. Architect and furniture designer Harry Nuriev’s Paris apartment includes a unique bedroom with mobile phones reimagined as mirrors and a duvet cover made from underwear. The upstate New York home of fashion stylist Thomas Christos Kikis and film producer Derek Curl features an Indian block-printed ceiling, Robert Kime wallpaper, and various rugs. The historic Lilla Hyttnäs, home of artists Carl and Karin Larsson in Sweden, displays Karin’s woven drapes. Guido Toschi and Massimo Rausa’s home near Turin, Italy, features a guest bedroom with 19th-century Piedmontese beds and roller-stamped pink walls. An artist’s house in Harlem presents a primary bedroom with a quilted curtain by Adam Pogue and a 19th-century Azerbaijani rug. Finally, the apartment of architects Carla Chávez and Nicolás Viteri in eastern Quito, Ecuador, and architect Rodolphe Parente’s Parisian apartment with custom brass-and-wool headboards are highlighted. The Milan apartment of interior designer Nicolò Castellini Baldissera and writer Christopher Garis showcases an 18th-century Genovese bed surrounded by souvenirs and portraits. #InteriorDesign #BedroomDesign #HomeDecor #GlobalInteriors #ArchitecturalDesign #LuxuryBedrooms #Styling #FurnitureDesign

Drew Cauley, a designer from Design Resource Gallery, identifies his breakfast room as his favorite space within his home. This preference stems from his intentional design choices aimed at fostering a seamless connection between the indoors and the natural environment outside. The room's aesthetic is heavily influenced by a large landscape mural that serves as a focal point, bringing elements of nature directly into the living space. Complementing this visual feature are various natural wood accents, carefully integrated throughout the room to enhance the organic, outdoor-inspired ambiance. Cauley's design philosophy for this room emphasizes comfort and tranquility, creating an inviting atmosphere for daily routines. The selection of materials and finishes is deliberate, contributing to a sense of warmth and natural beauty. The natural wood elements, for instance, are not merely decorative but also tactile, grounding the room in organic textures. These choices collectively create a harmonious environment that supports relaxation and a connection to the natural world, aligning with the designer's vision for a personal sanctuary within his home. The breakfast room functions as more than just a dining area; it is a space designed to uplift and inspire, reinforcing the importance of natural light and organic design in daily life. This room exemplifies how thoughtful interior design can significantly impact well-being and daily experience by blurring the lines between indoor comfort and outdoor serenity. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #BreakfastRoom #LandscapeMural #NaturalWoodAccents #DesignPhilosophy #DrewCauley #DesignResourceGallery

Katie Szymanski, a therapist and entrepreneur, partnered with interior designer Leah Ring of Another Human to transform her 1920s Mount Washington home in Los Angeles. The primary goal was to create a living space tailored entirely to Szymanski's individual preferences, focusing on vibrant colors and personalized room functions. Szymanski reconfigured the traditional layout to better suit her lifestyle. A guest bedroom was converted into a walk-in closet, featuring floor-to-ceiling curtains made from a 70s-inspired Kristy Stafford fabric. This space not only serves as a functional closet but also as an optimal location for recording audio. Another guest room was repurposed into a home office and sunroom, designed for relaxation and listening to music. The largest space remained the primary bedroom. A significant aspect of the design was the extensive use of color, a hallmark of Ring's design philosophy. Each room was assigned its own distinct palette, carefully chosen to evoke specific moods and feelings. Despite the individual color schemes, Ring ensured overall cohesion, as many spaces are visibly connected. For instance, the kitchen features periwinkle cabinetry and a matching hood, utilizing Benjamin Moore's Summer Blue. The secondary bathroom incorporates teal tiles and paint, accented with pink stone. The living room is adorned in peach tones, while the sunroom boasts two shades of pale green for walls and trim. Szymanski's background in studio art informed her appreciation for the emotional impact of aesthetics. She noted that the chosen colors in her home contribute to feelings of happiness and energy. Beyond color, the design integrated various patterns, including a daisy-patterned tile arrangement in the primary bathroom, a Lisa Corti quilt in the bedroom, and a House of Hackney floral wallpaper in the dining room. Initially, Szymanski questioned her bold design choices, concerned about potential partners' opinions. However, a friend's advice affirmed that the right partner would appreciate the home because it reflected her personality. During the renovation, Szymanski began dating someone, and while she made no significant design changes, she did add a desk to the sunroom to accommodate separate workspaces. Her partner reportedly finds the home to be a "coziest, happiest place," despite its vibrant aesthetic contrasting with his own preference for more muted tones. #HomeTour #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #LosAngelesHomes #PersonalizedDesign #LeahRing #KatieSzymanski #VibrantInteriors #RoomTransformation

The article offers a detailed photo tour of the great room in the McGee home, highlighting its design process and key elements. This great room serves as the family's primary living space, combining formal and casual living styles. The design prioritizes an open-concept floor plan while maintaining distinct room identities. Upon entry through a barrel arch, the ceiling height dramatically increases from 10 feet in the entryway to 25 feet in the living room, creating a sense of grandeur. Crucial to the room's structure and aesthetic are the large Douglas fir wood trestles, which required precise craning during installation. A significant design challenge involved seamlessly matching the wood trestles with white oak floors, a task successfully achieved through custom staining by Killowen Construction and Lemco Design. The fireplace wall, initially designed as flat, was enhanced by building out the firebox to introduce dimension, with the break extending vertically to the ceiling. Custom steel-door built-ins flank the fireplace, crafted by the same artisan responsible for the banister, providing both storage and aesthetic appeal. Shiplap on the back of these built-ins connects to similar detailing in other areas of the home, such as the mudroom, laundry room, dining room, and master bedroom, creating a cohesive design language. These built-ins serve as a backdrop for a mix of new decor pieces from McGee & Co. and vintage finds, adding character and depth to the space. The integration of a large Samsung Frame TV above the fireplace addresses both functional viewing needs and aesthetic concerns, appearing as framed art when not in use. The height of the TV is strategically placed to ensure comfortable viewing from various points in the open-plan space, including the kitchen. The custom-built fireplace, constructed from natural stone sections, adds significant visual weight and texture to the room. The natural imperfections in the stone contribute to its unique character. A 72-inch diameter chandelier, suspended between the exposed trestles, was chosen for its substantial size and simple shape, ensuring it complements rather than distracts from the architectural elements. The furniture selection began with a strategic space plan to optimize flow and functionality. The Hale Sofa, over 100 inches long with a bench seat, serves as a central piece. Its Crypton fabric is highlighted for its cleanability, a practical feature for a family home. Floor outlets were incorporated under the sofa to discreetly manage lamp cords. Pattern mixing in the pillow combinations, using various textiles, adds visual interest and layers to the seating arrangements. The Reese Curved Sofa, upholstered in velvet, introduces a contrasting shape and texture, balancing the taller-legged Hale Sofa. Its curved design ensures it is aesthetically pleasing from all angles, particularly for those walking behind it. A faceted pedestal in the corner adds a sculptural element, elevating the room's formal-casual balance. The Beckett Chairs, featuring a wood frame and caned back, introduce additional wood tones and a visually light seating option without bulky arms. The design of these chairs allows the caned detail to be appreciated upon entry. Textile layering is crucial for creating atmosphere, exemplified by combining a vintage rug with a Girona Woven Rug. The layered rugs create a warm, creamy look, with the jute rug's stripe adding detail. The article advises using rugs one size apart when layering. Overall, the great room's design combines architectural strength, thoughtful material choices, and practical family-friendly features with elegant aesthetics.

This article presents a comprehensive guide to creating cozy and inviting living rooms, emphasizing timeless design principles over fleeting trends. The central theme revolves around making the living room a comfortable hub for family gatherings, entertaining friends, and daily life. It highlights the importance of selecting appropriate furniture, such as leather sofas laden with pillows and blankets, plush armchairs, and upholstered ottomans, to foster a relaxing environment. The article delves into various design elements and strategies that contribute to a cozy aesthetic. These include the use of soft fabrics, warm wood tones, and the incorporation of antique and vintage finds, along with personal items like artwork and collections. Natural materials such as wood-paneled walls and stone fireplaces are frequently mentioned as key components for achieving warmth and character. The importance of a fireplace as a focal point is particularly emphasized for enhancing the cozy atmosphere. Several specific ideas are provided to inspire readers, beginning with the selection of right-sized furniture to optimize space, particularly in smaller living areas. It suggests creating comfortable corner perches, such as rustic daybeds with plaid cushions, for enjoying views or quiet moments. The use of moody color palettes, specifically grays and blues, is recommended, often inspired by elements like vintage oil paintings, complemented by velvet and wool fabrics to create a rich, accumulated-over-time feel. Further suggestions include giving the living room a lodgelike ambiance with features like moss rock fireplaces and wool blankets, and imbuing storybook charm through thick pine-paneled walls, ceiling beams, and unique fireplace grates that inspire woodland motifs. The integration of reclaimed materials, such as 1800s mill beams and salvaged log skins, is highlighted for instantly adding age and character to new constructions. Arranging facing sofas to create multiple gathering spaces and layering a mix of textiles, including stripes, gingham, and florals, are also presented as effective techniques. Other ideas involve embracing cabin vibes with fieldstone fireplaces and leather sofas, layering in personal collections on bookshelves, and maintaining natural wood walls. The combination of leather and wood furniture against newly plastered white walls is suggested for a calming backdrop. The article also touches on using richly colored fabrics from heritage brands to balance rusticity, and creating a collected-over-time look with mismatched vintage seating. Additionally, it advises hanging vintage finds like salvaged banners and displaying art in a salon style with floor-to-ceiling libraries. Finally, the piece recommends layering textured stripes, incorporating rustic accents, and maintaining a neutral color palette with exposed natural materials to achieve a serene and inviting living space.

Teal, a captivating blend of blue and green, is emerging as a prominent color trend in home decor, offering a fresh alternative to traditional blue and green hues. This versatile color, reminiscent of the sea, can transform any space into a calming oasis or an energetic hub. Whether opting for a subtle accent or an immersive wall-to-wall application, teal introduces an element of unexpected sophistication and charm. One approach to incorporating teal is to embrace it fully, as demonstrated by Janie Molster's design, which features various shades of teal on walls, artwork, and upholstery, complemented by gold accents for a vibrant and cheerful ambiance. For such a bold statement, Benjamin Moore's Teal Ocean is a recommended paint color. Alternatively, a darker, richer teal can evoke the serene depth of the ocean, as seen in Julie Rootes' butler’s pantry. Here, a deep teal wallpaper and paint color create a sophisticated backdrop, harmonized with white marble countertops and gold fixtures; Clare's Sublime is a suitable choice for this effect. For those seeking a less intensive transformation, painting kitchen cabinets in a soft, subdued teal can refresh a space with minimal effort. Tasmin Johnson's design illustrates how a gentle teal can instill a calm atmosphere, ideal for a kitchen. Behr's Heron offers a similar soft and soothing tone. Bathrooms provide another excellent opportunity to introduce teal, even in smaller doses. Nina Farmer's design incorporates a muted, dreamy sea-green accent with black, white, and mixed-metal details, creating a modern yet romantic aesthetic; Benjamin Moore's St. Lucia Teal fits this description. Teal can also be incorporated to enhance vibrant and eclectic spaces. Kristen McCrory's design ties together a medley of bold colors and patterns, including a hot pink mantle, checkerboard curtains, and a navy velvet couch, with a subtle, watery teal shade on the walls. Benjamin Moore's Innocence is a minty teal that can achieve this effect. In kitchens, a bright and upbeat splash of teal on cabinets can instantly enliven a neutral space, as shown in Regan Baker's design, which pairs intense teal cabinets with wooden floors and textured backsplashes; Farrow & Ball's St. Giles Blue offers such a spunky hue. Even small spaces can benefit from a moody teal. Zoe Feldman's bathroom design uses a deep green-blue shade to make an alcove feel warm and inviting, enriched by elegant gold accents; Benjamin Moore's Jade Garden is an appropriate choice for this chic effect. Children's rooms are ideal for experimenting with color. A design by Zoe Feldman showcases a blend of deep teal cabinets balanced by a lighter blue on an adjacent wall, with pink accents and simple bedding. Benjamin Moore's Caribbean Blue Water provides an oceanic teal for such a playful yet balanced look. Teal's hybrid nature makes it an excellent complement to other blue and green tones, as seen in a living room design by Regan Baker, where a refreshing teal with hints of pale blue and minty green blends seamlessly with deep green chairs and a slate blue couch, creating a relaxed and comfortable ambiance; Behr's Tahitian Sky is a fresh, airy option. Lastly, a targeted pop of teal, such as a teal archway in a dining room designed by Leanne Ford, can make a significant impact without overwhelming the space, providing a funky yet refined transition. Farrow & Ball's Chinese Blue is suggested for this refined effect. These diverse applications demonstrate teal's versatility in creating unique and inviting interiors. #TealPaintColors #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ColorTrends #PaintInspiration #RoomDecorating #DesignTips #HomeRenovation #AccentWalls

Taylor Swift, renowned for her meticulously crafted aesthetics and mood boards associated with each album, extends this dedication to her multiple homes. Her private residences, including a Tribeca townhouse, an L.A. mansion, a Nashville condo, a Kansas City estate with Travis Kelce, and a Rhode Island holiday home, are all carefully designed to reflect her unique personality and experiences. While public glimpses into her homes have become less frequent, social media and her 2020 Netflix documentary "Miss Americana" reveal a diverse and unconventional interior design style. Swift is not afraid of color, as evidenced by her Nashville condo's rainbow fantasy kitchen, which features a hand-painted backsplash reminiscent of Van Gogh's "Starry Night," baby yellow and blue cabinets adorned with flowers, and a red architrave leading to a cloud wallpaper-clad hallway. Her Tribeca loft also boasts crimson-red walls, demonstrating her comfort with bold hues. Beyond color, patterns are a significant element in her decor, appearing on pillows, rugs, and chairs. Her tastes span from old-world motifs with Latin American, Asian, Arab, and European influences to animal prints, dots, and stripes. Wallpaper is also extensively used, creating distinct atmospheres in each room. Antiques play a crucial role in Swift's home design, adding charm and character. Her interiors are filled with unique finds such as old radios, grandfather clocks, weathered chests, and worldly relics, which she reportedly enjoys curating from antique shops. The singer's love for candles is also prominent, with specific preferences like Byredo's Tree House and Le Labo's Encens 9 and Santal 26. She often displays these candles in thrifted mason jars. As a self-proclaimed "cat lady," Swift's homes are filled with cat-themed decor, including paintings of her cats as historical figures, cat teapots, ceramic cats, cat bookends, "I hope you like cats" doormats, and cat-shaped pillows, reflecting her devotion to her three kittens: Meredith, Olivia, and Benji. Oriental rugs are another ubiquitous feature in her homes, providing warmth, density, and a connection to tradition and culture through their symmetrical patterns and bold colors. One of the most eccentric elements is the multi-colored silk-draped ceiling in her Nashville condo, seen in "Miss Americana." This majestic arrangement, typically associated with grand events, hangs over her dining room table, complemented by an imposing crystal chandelier. Star lanterns, both traditional paper ones in her Nashville condo and modern glass and brass versions in her L.A. home, add a whimsical touch. Literature also heavily influences her spaces, with books, including large art and lifestyle volumes and antique copies, found throughout her homes, adding character and an intellectual aesthetic. As a prolific songwriter, pianos and guitars are essential fixtures in every home, including two Steinway & Sons grand pianos from the early 20th century in her New York and L.A. residences. Velvet upholstery, particularly in shades of violet, maroon, and caramel, is another preferred material, lending a touch of luxury to her couches and armchairs. Finally, personalizing her spaces with memories is paramount, as Swift adorns her walls with gallery collections of photographs of herself, family, friends, and cats. She creatively mixes photographs with various artwork and memorabilia, using frames of different styles, sizes, and orientations to create visually engaging displays. Bone inlay furniture, an ancient Indian technique, introduces an unexpected oriental influence, appearing on ottomans, console tables, and smaller decorative items, showcasing intricate geometric patterns. Ultimately, Taylor Swift's interior design philosophy emphasizes individualization, encouraging homeowners to find their signature style and experiment to create a home that is uniquely their own. #TaylorSwift #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #CelebrityHomes #EclecticStyle #Antiques #ColorfulInteriors #PersonalizedDecor #LuxuryHomeDesign

This blog post details the bedroom decor of Hoang-Kim, emphasizing the creation of a personal sanctuary through thoughtful design choices and comfortable furnishings. The author highlights the importance of a good night's sleep and attributes her improved sleep quality to her Leesa mattress. She mentions having owned the Leesa mattress for nine months and notes a significant reduction in nightly awakenings, contributing to a more rejuvenated and positive disposition. The mattress, described as comfortable, has also maintained excellent condition with no sinking and its gray cover has been successfully washed. The partnership between Leesa and west elm is introduced, enabling customers to experience Leesa mattresses in west elm stores nationwide. For those in Hampton Roads or New York City, Leesa also has dedicated stores. The author received a personalized in-home design service from Jenny at the Virginia Beach west elm store. Jenny's expertise is showcased through her ability to integrate the author's preference for pink into the bedroom decor while maintaining a neutral and cohesive aesthetic. The base of the bedding ensemble is a white silk-wash quilt, complemented by pink and white shams in the same material. To add texture and visual interest, velvet and Mongolian fur pillows were incorporated. The designer also provided practical advice on how to properly insert pillows into cases to achieve a polished look. The article provides specific details on the decorative items and furnishings used in the bedroom. These include a studded headboard, blush velvet pillows, a shadow box, a marble candle, various west elm bedding items such as the white quilt, pink euro sham, pink sham, white sham, a silver throw, and a Mongolian fur pillow. Other decor elements mentioned are a marble dress stand, a gold planter, and a trinket dish. The author also shares her outfit details, consisting of a sweater dress, Saigon Tassel Earrings, and a Tory Burch Belt. Overall, the post serves as an inspirational guide for creating a personalized and comfortable bedroom space, emphasizing the benefits of quality sleep and interior design. The collaboration between Leesa and west elm is presented as a convenient way for consumers to explore and purchase the featured products, reinforcing the idea of a well-designed bedroom as a vital personal sanctuary. The visual elements complement the textual description, offering readers a clear idea of the aesthetic discussed. #BedroomDecor #LeesaMattress #WestElm #HomeInteriors #LifestyleBlog #BedroomDesign #SleepQuality #HomeDecor

Interior designer Susannah Talley, after moving from a 3,000-square-foot carriage house in Prides Crossing, Massachusetts, downsized to a 475-square-foot studio on the Upper East Side, which she affectionately refers to as her “treehouse.” This transition occurred 27 years ago. In 2008, Talley's experience with small-space living gained an additional dimension when she discovered an abandoned dollhouse and undertook its restoration. This project, detailed in her 2015 self-published book, *The Dollhouse: A Love Story*, became a shared creative endeavor with her husband, Truman “Mac” Talley, during his illness. The living room of Talley’s studio is designed to evoke the ambiance of a country home, featuring family portraits and comfortable chairs arranged around a decorative fireplace. This fireplace ingeniously conceals a flat-screen TV. The armchairs are upholstered in a mixed “Tree of Life” patterned fabric from Jofa, complemented by wall-to-wall carpeting from Patterson, Flynn & Martin. Talley offers practical advice for maximizing small spaces, such as utilizing floor-to-ceiling mirrored walls in strategic locations to create the illusion of greater depth. She emphasizes the importance of selecting furniture that is appropriately scaled for the space, advising against oversized sectional seating due to its potential to overwhelm a room and complicate the placement of reading lamps. Instead, she recommends comfortable club chairs paired with well-positioned reading lamps and movable ottomans over traditional sofas. Upon entering the studio, the inviting decor immediately conveys Talley's expertise in creating beautiful and welcoming environments. A notable design element is the decorative fireplace, which, upon closer inspection, reveals a crackling fire image displayed on a flat-screen TV. Above the fireplace hangs an unsigned family portrait. Talley ingeniously converted a closet space into a functional bar area. This space features checked skirting fabric from Schumacher, wallpaper from Cole and Sons at Jofa, and paint from Farrow & Ball. Talley advocates for varying wall surfaces through different wallpapers and paint colors to create the perception of distinct rooms within a small area. She also prefers wool wall-to-wall carpeting for its ability to hide dirt, eliminating the need for guests to remove their shoes, which she considers an imposition. Another clever design solution within the studio is a functional dressing table integrated into a deep window sill near the bed. This was achieved by inserting a “sandwich of decorative wallpaper within two curved pieces of glass,” with decorative trim providing a finished edge. Hidden right-angle brackets offer structural support for this feature. The dollhouse, found abandoned on the street, was a significant project for Talley. She recounts her immediate connection to the dollhouse, seeing it as an answer to her desire for a creative project. She meticulously sanded away crayon and marker scribbles, drilled holes for lighting using Christmas-tree lights, and painted the exterior a deep eggplant shade to harmonize with her apartment’s decor. Together with her husband, Mac, she embarked on furnishing and decorating the dollhouse’s rooms. Talley sourced miniature items for the dollhouse from The Tiny Dollhouse Store on East 78th Street, acquiring objects like a two-inch dog bed, a thimble-sized bunch of bananas, and a fist-sized baby grand piano. The dollhouse kitchen is meticulously detailed, complete with tiny pots, pans, plates, cookbooks, and a miniature bottle of wine. The dollhouse's boudoir features a black-and-gold japanned bed and matching chairs, a gift from her sister. The walls are adorned with deep pewter-blue damask, and the floor is covered with navy-blue felt serving as wall-to-wall carpeting. A purple cocktail coaster from India was repurposed as a bedspread, and an upside-down beaded votive holder functions as a perfectly scaled bedside table. A painting by Talley’s daughter, Expressionist painter Isabelle Peabody, hangs on the wall. The dollhouse also includes a miniature menagerie of four-legged friends, completing the domestic scene. This project became a poignant and creative outlet, providing a miniature world within their real-life small space. #homeDesign #smallSpaces #interiorDesign #studioApartment #dollhouseRenovation #decoratingTips #creativeLiving #upperEastSide #SusannahTalley

Brooklyn-based photographer Sharon Radisch transformed her 653-square-foot studio apartment, located on the 39th floor with views extending to the Verrazzano Bridge, after two years of living with an open layout. Her lifestyle, which includes leisurely Saturday mornings spent reading and engaging in various creative pursuits like painting and furniture design, emphasizes calm and intentionality within her space. The apartment, despite its relatively small size, felt expansive due to its views and a full kitchen, which was a significant draw for Radisch when she moved in October 2020. The primary challenge was to create separation within the open studio plan without making the space feel cramped. Radisch initially experimented with a fabric sheet and tension poles before embarking on a DIY room divider project. She constructed a freestanding structure using a lightweight corrugated PVC roofing sheet, applying one coat of primer and two coats of Benjamin Moore's 'Mediterranean Teal' paint. This wavy, faux wall was then supported by stone lamp bases and poles, effectively delineating a bedroom nook from the main living area. The choice of teal was the result of 20 swatch tests, aiming for a soothing dark blue-green hue. To ensure visual continuity and prevent the room divider from appearing as an isolated accent, Radisch extended the teal paint to the surrounding walls of her bedroom nook and a portion of the living room. Despite this bold color application, she describes her overall style as minimalist, emphasizing her desire to avoid an entirely beige apartment. This careful integration of color contributes to a harmonious aesthetic throughout the living space. Radisch's approach to decorating extends to her art display, which she curated to maintain a sense of flow and dynamism. Inspired by a Guggenheim exhibition, she intentionally utilized negative space between smaller artworks in her living room, even mounting one piece near the ceiling. This unconventional arrangement guides the eye upwards and around the room, making the space feel more open and connected rather than divided by a horizontal line of art. A cherished possession is an announcement card for Jean-Michel Basquiat’s second art show, which holds significant personal value to her. Further demonstrating her creative and resourceful decorating techniques, Radisch innovatively displayed a plug-in pendant light in her bedroom. Instead of a single swag, she employed multiple cord holders to create a zigzag pattern, adding visual interest to a pointed corner. She also transformed an awkward hallway space next to her kitchen, leading to the bathroom and closets, into a gallery-like area. By painting this section an inky black, she embraced its lack of natural light and enhanced the contrast of framed artworks. Her bathroom, which she felt was too sterile, was enlivened with green paint and a more casual arrangement of art, reflecting her belief that she is happiest when art is omnipresent. These design choices highlight Radisch's ability to personalize a small rental, making it functional, aesthetically pleasing, and a reflection of her artistic personality through thoughtful DIY solutions and strategic color and art placement. #SmallSpaceLiving #DIYHomeDecor #StudioApartment #InteriorDesign #RoomDivider #TealPaint #HomeTour #ArtDisplay #MinimalistStyle

The article details the creative and personalized apartment of Brooklyn-based photographer Sharon Radisch, focusing on how she transformed her 653-square-foot open studio into a dynamic and comfortable living space. Radisch's Saturday mornings involve tranquil reading sessions in her living room, where she moves between various spots to maximize natural light. Her rescue dog, Ray, named after Ray Eames, shares her calm demeanor, never causing spills on the miniature marble plinth serving as an unconventional coffee table. Radisch is a multidisciplinary artist whose creative pursuits extend beyond photography to include painting, furniture design, and exhibition installations. A significant selling point of her apartment, which she found in October 2020, was its full kitchen, a rarity in her New York living experience, alongside 39th-floor views stretching to the Verrazzano Bridge. After two years in the open studio layout, Radisch sought to introduce separation. She ingeniously crafted a room divider as a DIY project, foregoing costly contractors or furniture makers. Her process involved initially experimenting with fabric and tension poles before constructing a freestanding structure. She applied primer and two coats of 'Mediterranean Teal' paint to a sheet of lightweight corrugated PVC roofing, propping it up with stone lamp bases and poles. This specific shade of blue-green was chosen after 20 swatch tests to ensure a soothing effect. To maintain visual harmony and avoid a stark accent wall, Radisch extended this color into her bedroom nook and parts of the living room. Despite this bold color choice, she considers her style minimalist, aiming to avoid an entirely beige apartment. Radisch meticulously curated her artwork display to enhance the sense of flow within her apartment. Inspired by a Guggenheim exhibition, she strategically incorporated negative space between smaller artworks in her living room corner, even mounting one near the ceiling. This arrangement guides the eye organically upwards and around the room, counteracting a perceived horizontal line and opening up the space. Among her cherished possessions is an announcement card for Jean-Michel Basquiat’s second art show, acquired at auction, which she values deeply for its historical significance over monetary worth. Even her bedroom's plug-in pendant light is unconventionally hung with multiple cord holders, creating a zigzag pattern to add dynamism to a challenging corner, despite a minor injury during installation. Her approach to transforming an awkward space next to the kitchen, outside the bathroom and closets, exemplifies her artistic vision. She painted this area an inky black, embracing its lack of natural light, and displayed framed artworks to accentuate the contrast with white mats. A sculpture on a low side table further defines this gallery-like section. For her clinical-feeling bathroom, she introduced green paint and less precious artworks, arranged without strict symmetry, reflecting her belief that art should be ubiquitous. Throughout her apartment, Radisch demonstrates a thoughtful and creative approach to design, transforming a small open-plan space into a personalized and inspiring home filled with artistic expression and functional innovation. #InteriorDesign #StudioApartment #DIYHomeDecor #RoomDivider #SmallSpaceLiving #ArtisticHome #BrooklynApartment #ColorPalette #MinimalistStyle

Actress Dichen Lachman has transformed her open-concept kitchen and living space into a welcoming area designed for gathering and conversation, blending modern architecture with elements of old-world charm. Her philosophy behind the design is to create a home that is both progressive in its open layout and rich in character, reminiscent of older homes that encourage social interaction. Lachman achieved this by incorporating personal touches and unique pieces that reflect her aesthetic preferences and family-oriented lifestyle. One significant personal project involved refinishing her kitchen table. She meticulously stripped down a modern table to expose its natural wood, a process she describes as revealing the inherent character of the material. This hands-on approach allowed her to infuse the space with a sense of authenticity and warmth that mass-produced items often lack. The exposed wood grain of the table now serves as a focal point, inviting people to sit down, share meals, and engage in discussions. Lachman's home embraces an eclectic collection of literature, suggesting a cultivated environment where intellectual curiosity is valued. The presence of diverse books indicates a space that is not only visually appealing but also mentally stimulating, encouraging residents and guests to explore different ideas and narratives. This collection adds to the overall character, making the house feel lived-in and rich with stories. Despite its chic and sophisticated appearance, the home is designed to be child-friendly, ensuring that it is comfortable and safe for all ages. This balance between elegance and practicality is a key aspect of Lachman's design philosophy. She aimed to create an environment where children can play and explore without compromising the aesthetic integrity of the space. This approach makes the home accessible and enjoyable for every member of the family and their visitors. Overall, Lachman's favorite room exemplifies a thoughtful blend of contemporary design and traditional sensibilities. Her focus on creating a communal space, combined with her commitment to personalizing furniture and curating meaningful objects, results in a home that is both beautiful and functional. The design choices emphasize connection, comfort, and the enduring appeal of natural materials, making the open-concept area a truly favorite and inviting space. #HomeDesign #InteriorDecor #OpenConcept #DichenLachman #CharacterHome #FamilyFriendlyDesign #DIYFurniture #EclecticStyle

Idina Menzel, the celebrated Broadway star, has transformed her Nederlander Theatre dressing room into a tranquil sanctuary, blending city glamour with the calm of a redwood forest. Having spent extensive time in dressing rooms throughout her career, Menzel emphasized the need for comfort and a homey atmosphere. This desire took on new meaning for her role in 'Redwood,' a musical she co-conceived, where her character, Jesse, seeks healing in California's redwood forests after profound loss. The role demands significant physical and emotional endurance, with Menzel climbing and swinging from a massive tree on stage while delivering powerful vocals. Instead of seeking complete detachment from her character off-stage, Menzel chose to deepen her immersion by surrounding herself with elements of Jesse's world, finding sanctuary in the theatrical space. To bring her vision to life, Menzel enlisted ELLE Decor A-List designer Young Huh. Huh was inspired by Menzel's dedication, including her real-life experience climbing redwoods, and aimed to create a space that reflected Menzel's spirit of discovery and authentic experience. The dressing room design masterfully navigates the constraints of an old New York City theater, dividing the compact space into two distinct zones. One area features a vanity, designed to be bright and functional for hair and makeup, adorned with personal touches like family photos and meaningful accessories. The adjacent lounge area offers a moodier, more meditative ambiance, serving as a peaceful retreat. A striking scenic wallpaper depicting a winding road through redwoods dominates the lounge, symbolizing Menzel's character's journey of overcoming grief and finding healing in nature. The centerpiece of the lounge is a green velvet couch, chosen by Menzel specifically for its comfort and suitability for naps. This is complemented by antique French chairs, thoughtfully selected by Huh for their small scale and beauty, ensuring the room remains spacious enough for visitors without feeling cluttered. Among the unique accessories are two baby redwoods, strategically placed between the chairs, and a one-of-a-kind Philip Crangi lamp, admired by Huh for its earthy aesthetic. Through this collaboration, Menzel and Huh have created a personal ecosystem within the theater, a space that nurtures both the artist and her character, allowing the spirit of the redwoods to flourish in the heart of New York City. #IdinaMenzel #DressingRoomDesign #YoungHuh #RedwoodMusical #InteriorDesign #CelebrityHomes #TheatricalDesign #NatureInspiredDecor #HomeSanctuary

This article delves into the personal style and wardrobe of interior designer Suzie McAdam, presenting it as part of "Tales From My Wardrobe," a series that explores the fashion choices and cherished pieces of stylish individuals. McAdam's approach to fashion is characterized by a blend of historical appreciation, storytelling, and an embrace of the unexpected, mirroring her professional philosophy in interior design. Her wardrobe features silhouettes with a bohemian feel, often incorporating vintage references, tailored elements, or items that convey a sense of pre-existence and history. McAdam's daily attire typically follows a consistent "uniform," primarily consisting of denim with a 1970s cut or subtle print, paired with a distinctive blouse or shirt. This formula serves as a reliable foundation for her everyday look. In contrast, evenings allow for a shift in her style, where she opts for more dramatic pieces. These might include bold necklines, interesting textures, or silhouettes that experiment with proportion, reflecting a ritualistic enjoyment of dressing up. Among her current favorite wardrobe items is a feather-trimmed two-piece ensemble from La DoubleJ. She admires the brand's use of patterns and colors, finding it challenging to select just one piece from their collection. The green silk two-piece, despite its dressy nature, offers versatility as the trousers can be worn separately, making it a mood-lifting and adaptable choice. Another recent favorite is an Etro jacquard corset, featuring an Elizabethan-style neckline. She wore this piece to the Creators Awards in Paris, pairing it with a silk skirt and velvet Jimmy Choo pumps, noting its theatrical and romantic quality that influenced her demeanor during the event. A deeply sentimental item in her collection is her grandmother's fur coat. McAdam views this coat as a symbol of heritage and sustainability, having had it reconditioned to ensure its continued use and preservation. It holds significant historical and emotional value for her, offering a tangible connection to her grandmother each winter. Hats are a consistent accessory in McAdam's wardrobe, regardless of the season. In summer, she favors wide-brimmed straw hats, particularly those from Anthony Peto. During winter, she often chooses a classic wool trilby, which she finds an easy way to inject character into her outfits. Beyond these specific items, her preferred brands include Alligne, Ulla Johnson, Ganni, and Maria De la Orden. Currently, she expresses a desire for Simone Rocha's "coronation dress." For discovering unique fashion pieces, McAdam enjoys exploring the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen in Paris, also known as Clignancourt. She describes it as a dream destination for vintage enthusiasts, where one can find an array of silk blouses, embroidered jackets, and occasional couture pieces among the extensive offerings. The process of searching and digging through the market is part of the appeal, often leading to discoveries from dealers who possess in-depth knowledge of the items' histories. Conversely, the least "fashionable" item she owns is a Barbour coat, which she considers a practical necessity given her lifestyle with two young boys and a dog, often involving time spent outdoors in the rain. Her Instagram handle is @suziemcadam, and the article also references her home, described as a whimsical and historic residence in Dublin. #InteriorDesign #PersonalStyle #FashionWardrobe #VintageFashion #BohemianStyle #DesignerSpotlight #FashionHistory #SentimentalValue #SuzieMcAdam

The article highlights the transformation of a formal sitting room in the 2023 Whole Home, located in Hinsdale, Illinois, designed by Caitlin Wilson. The room, characterized by ornate moldings and trim, initially appeared outdated. Wilson’s vision for the space was a sophisticated setting suitable for a ladies' tea, drawing inspiration from the elegance of the television series Downton Abbey. She emphasized preserving the home’s historic features rather than stripping them away, as she had observed in other remodel projects of older homes. Wilson’s design approach involved using complementary colors to enhance the existing architecture, creating a distinctly feminine aesthetic. The color palette primarily features pink, with subtle touches of blue and green. The designer's intention was to revive the home's original grandeur through the strategic application of color, celebrating its inherent character. This focus on color was central to her design philosophy for the project. Beyond aesthetics, the design also prioritized practicality. Despite the room’s considerable size, Wilson incorporated functional elements such as swivel chairs and furniture pieces equipped with casters. These choices enable easy reconfiguration of the space, allowing it to adapt quickly for various family events and gatherings. This functional flexibility ensures that the elegant room is also highly usable for everyday life and special occasions. Specific design details are provided, including the paint choices: the walls were painted in Farrow & Ball's Pink Ground, and the trim in Wimborne White. The living space includes comfortable seating with two ottomans and four chairs, two of which swivel. The fireplace surround is adorned with framed chinoiserie prints and three-dimensional brass butterflies. Instead of a conventional gallery display, Wilson opted for framed intaglios, which are reproductions of incised art popular among 18th and 19th-century travelers, sourced from Statuette. A bookcase from Serena & Lily houses decorative vases, which are rotated between the mantel and tables. The article also lists the suppliers for various furnishings and decor items within the living room. Sofas, a loveseat, and a swivel chair were provided by Lee Industries. Lounge chairs, other swivel chairs (with fabric specified), art, accessories, pillows, and rugs were all from Caitlin Wilson’s own collection. Ottomans, tables, and the bookshelf were sourced from Serena & Lily. The fireplace screen and wall sculpture were by Claire Crowe, while fabrics were supplied by Fabricut. Lighting was provided by Visual Comfort & Co. This comprehensive list of sources underlines the curated and high-quality selection of elements used in the room’s design, contributing to its overall elegant and practical ambiance. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #LivingRoom #CaitlinWilson #DowntonAbbey #HistoricHomes #ColorPalette #FunctionalDesign #LuxuryInteriors