David Samuel Ko’s kid-friendly mix of striped fabrics, splatter-glazed tile and chunky carpets

Designer Sarah Sherman Samuel collaborated with West Elm to create a unique kids' room that functions as both a bedroom and a play area. The project began with a graphic rug and evolved into a space designed to ignite children's imaginations through playful shapes, layered patterns, and expressive colors. However, the true essence of the room lies in what was deliberately excluded, leading to four key design principles that Samuel applied. First, Samuel emphasizes that "less is more calming." Instead of cluttering the walls with art or using overwhelming patterns, she opted for simple geometric elements like painted striped walls, circular windows, and sweeping arches. These features create serene focal points, allowing children's eyes to explore without being overstimulated, and providing moments for rest and pause. This approach fosters a sense of calm and encourages open-ended imaginative play. Second, the design incorporates strategic use of scale to add drama. Samuel suggests going vertical with elements rather than keeping all furniture at a uniform height. In this room, twin canopies and tall arched nooks draw the eye upwards, making the space feel grand, especially for a child, and offering playful hiding spots. Despite the verticality, essential items like books remain easily accessible at a child's level. Third, a streamlined color palette makes a strong statement. Samuel drew inspiration from her daughter's favorite color, blue, using various shades and patterns like stripes and scallops in striking cobalt. To prevent the space from feeling monotonous, she balanced these vibrant hues with neutral, textured materials such as grasscloth wallpaper, natural wood bookshelves, and lidded rattan baskets. This careful selection of materials helps to ground the energetic color scheme and provides practical, hidden storage solutions, which Samuel considers essential for organization in her own home. Finally, the design avoids over-committing to a specific theme. While themed rooms might appeal to children, their preferences often change rapidly, necessitating frequent redecorations. Samuel advises against elaborate themes like astronaut or princess rooms. Instead, she recommends starting with a single beloved item, such as a favorite toy, book, or piece of art, and building the room's aesthetic around that. She views a child's room as an extension of the broader home design, albeit with an added touch of whimsy, ensuring longevity and adaptability as the child grows. #SarahShermanSamuel #KidsRoomDesign #WestElmCollaboration #InteriorDesignTips #PlayfulSpaces #ColorPalette #ScaleInDesign #MinimalistDesign #HomeDecor

In contemporary interior design, achieving a richly layered aesthetic through the strategic use of pattern and texture has become a common goal. However, an excessive application of bold colors and prints can easily result in a space that feels chaotic or childish. Interior designer Natalie Kraiem emphasizes that subtlety and a well-thought-out strategy are paramount to successfully integrating diverse patterns and textures. She posits that a room rich in textures and patterns stimulates visual interest, encouraging observers to explore its various elements. While acknowledging the appeal of monochromatic designs, Kraiem insists that even these should incorporate a variety of fabrics and wallpapers to maintain visual engagement. Kraiem applied this philosophy when decorating the bedrooms for her two children, Andree, aged eight, and Eli, aged ten. She meticulously selected items from Fabricut's extensive collection of wallcoverings and fabrics, drawn to their global sourcing and high-quality materials. For Andree’s room, Kraiem aimed to create a “garden in the sky” theme, employing a gentle palette of colors, patterns, and textures designed to harmonize, much like a carefully planned botanical arrangement. Key elements in Andree's room include soft sisal wallpaper extending to the ceiling, sheer linen Roman shades, and a bench upholstered in pink mohair. Conversely, Eli’s room was conceived to be streamlined and sophisticated, achieved by introducing varied textures. Kraiem fostered a “boy’s cave” atmosphere by applying brown wool wallpaper to both the walls and ceiling. This was complemented by a velvet grid-patterned bed frame, cotton throw pillows, and a bench adorned with an embroidered stripe. Despite the distinct appearances of the two bedrooms, Kraiem employed a consistent design principle: limiting the color scheme to two or three primary colors while utilizing numerous shades and a wealth of textures to create impactful statements. Her approach underscores a willingness to embrace diverse patterns, particularly subtle ones, in children’s rooms, without fear of overcomplication. #InteriorDesign #KidsRooms #PatternMixing #TextureLayering #HomeDecor #Fabricut #NatalieKraiem #DesignStrategy

Studio Dass, a design firm based in Portugal, created a modern and comforting nursery room within the Parque Principado shopping center in Oviedo, Spain. The primary objective of this project was to establish a dedicated, private space where parents could attend to their children's needs, such as changing diapers or feeding, in an environment that is both clean and comfortable. This approach acknowledges the unique challenges parents face while shopping and offers a practical solution to enhance their experience. The design successfully translates the intimate and trusting relationship between parents and children into a physical space. The nursery is characterized by its cozy ambiance, achieved through the extensive use of natural wood surfaces and subtle elements inspired by nature. This integration of organic materials aims to create a soothing and visually appealing environment that resonates with both adults and young children. The color palette and material choices contribute to a cheerful and bright atmosphere, which is essential for a space catering to families. A standout feature of the nursery is a gracefully swooping white wall, which not only serves an aesthetic purpose but also offers practical benefits. This wall, along with the changing counter, is constructed from Corian, a durable and non-porous material known for its ease of cleaning and maintenance. The choice of Corian underscores the importance of hygiene and practicality in a public nursery setting. The dynamic form of the wall adds a modern architectural element, preventing the space from feeling sterile or overly functional. Beyond just catering to infants, the nursery also provides a designated area for older children to play. This thoughtful inclusion ensures that the space is versatile and can accommodate families with children of varying ages, allowing parents to focus on their infants while their toddlers are engaged. The overall design prioritizes both functionality and aesthetics, demonstrating how a commercial space can incorporate elements that foster intimacy, love, and trust, ultimately enhancing the user experience within a busy shopping center. The project by Studio Dass showcases a contemporary approach to public facility design, particularly for family-oriented spaces. It emphasizes the importance of creating environments that are not only practical and hygienic but also emotionally resonant and visually stimulating. The use of modern materials like Corian, combined with warm natural elements, results in a nursery that is both cutting-edge and inviting, setting a new standard for parental amenities in commercial establishments. #StudioDass #NurseryDesign #InteriorDesign #CommercialDesign #FamilyFriendly #ModernDesign #Corian #ParentingAmenities

The perception of interior design, particularly as presented in media such as magazines and Instagram, often showcases rooms styled to perfection, devoid of everyday clutter. These meticulously curated spaces, achieved through careful camera angles and the strategic placement of decorative items like flowers and books, give the impression of an ideal, yet perhaps unattainable, domestic environment. While some individuals maintain homes with such rigorous discipline, there is a growing trend towards a more lived-in and comfortable aesthetic, marked by the concept of 'layering'. This emerging approach in interior design emphasizes incorporating soft, textural elements that soften the sometimes stark edges of a minimalist or overly designed space. Key components of this trend include plush cushions, luxurious throws, deep-piled rugs, and upholstered footstools. These items serve not only to enhance comfort but also to introduce warmth and tactile interest. The upholstered footstool, for instance, is presented as a modern, more inviting alternative to the traditional coffee table, suggesting a shift towards functionality and coziness over rigid formality. Materials such as fleece, mohair, and cashmere are highly favored for their inherent softness and ability to contribute to this layered aesthetic. This trend draws parallels with Scandinavian interior design principles, particularly the concept of _hygge_. In Scandinavian homes, especially during winter months, interiors are transformed through the addition of textiles and ambient lighting, like candlelight, to foster a sense of warmth, community, and simple pleasure. A recent development in this trend is the launch of a new collection of wool and cashmere cushions and throws by interior designer Tara Bernerd, in collaboration with Frette, a renowned textile brand. These items, characterized by simple graphic patterns and a vibrant color palette, draw inspiration from a mid-20th-century aesthetic. This collaboration highlights the versatility of layered textiles, offering an effective way to easily update a room's mood and inject a tactile quality. Furthermore, these soft furnishings play a crucial role in absorbing sound, addressing the common issue of echoes in sparsely decorated, minimalist interiors. The feature, initially published in _Country Life_ magazine, underscores the evolving preferences in home decoration towards more inviting and adaptable living spaces. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #LayeredInteriors #TexturalElements #Hygge #ScandinavianDesign #UpholsteredFurniture #LuxuryTextiles #TaraBernerd #Frette

The article details the evolving children's room in the London home of stylist and brand founder Sarah Corbett-Winder, specifically focusing on her five-year-old son, Lyon. The home, shared with Lyon and his siblings Nancy (4) and Celeste (2), prominently features stripes throughout, a design element Corbett-Winder considers timeless and cohesive. This aesthetic extends to the children's playroom, which initially served as a shared space for Lyon and Nancy. Corbett-Winder incorporated Lyon's preference for green into the playroom's design, using a forest-hued paint below the dado rail. The room underwent a significant transformation when it became Lyon's dedicated bedroom following the arrival of Celeste. A key feature of this transformation was the creation of a unique bed. During the pandemic, Corbett-Winder and her husband, Ned, constructed a high bed from scratch using materials from a local hardware store. This DIY project, initially a practical solution during lockdown, involved Lyon's participation and was finished with durable chalk paint, offering a custom piece at a fraction of the cost of a store-bought version. The bed evolved further when Lyon desired a "big boy" bed. Instead of discarding the handmade structure, Ned ingeniously adapted it to accommodate a new bed frame underneath. This created a cozy, cocoon-like sleeping area for Lyon and a top bunk that could be used by his sisters or even their sausage dog, Margaret, for sleepovers. This accidental design choice became the focal point of the room, showcasing a resourceful approach to interior design by repurposing existing elements. Another example of repurposing is the dresser in Lyon's room. A pre-owned piece from the couple's previous apartment, it was modified by Ned, who removed the internal dividers to create larger compartments suitable for children's toys. Corbett-Winder then painted the dresser in a gloss finish, giving it a fresh appearance and new functionality. Baskets of various sizes were added to organize the contents. The room's design continued to develop as Lyon matured. An "afterthought" decision to wallpaper the ceiling introduced a circus-like atmosphere. Rattan animal heads have become a recurring theme, with the family collecting them during vacations, allowing Lyon to connect memories with the decor. An armchair, previously used elsewhere in the house, found its permanent spot by the window, serving as a reading nook. A throw was added for comfort, a splash of color, and to help extend the chair's lifespan, acknowledging the natural wear and tear from children's activities. The room is designed not only for the children's enjoyment but also to be aesthetically pleasing for the parents, demonstrating a balance between child-friendly elements and adult design preferences. #KidsRooms #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #DIYProjects #StripedDecor #SpaceEvolution #RepurposedFurniture #ChildrensBedroom #FamilyHome

The article details the design of a 6,600-square-foot home in Miami for a couple in their sixties, the Talwars, designed by MONIOMI, a firm founded by Ronald Alvarez and Monica Santayana. The design approach is characterized by a fearless use of bold colors, layered textures, and unexpected materials, aiming to create vibrant, energetic, and lively spaces. The collaboration between MONIOMI and the Talwars spans several years and multiple properties, culminating in their current "forever home" overlooking PortMiami. The Talwars, who have lived globally, desired a home that could comfortably host their grown children, grandchildren, and extended family, emphasizing the importance of family gatherings. They also enjoy entertaining, necessitating a layout conducive to hosting friends. The Miami residence is a result of combining two units, with one side dedicated to common areas like the foyer, kitchen, breakfast nook, living room, dining room, and family room, all centered around a distinctive bar. The other side of the home houses the bedrooms and a serene sunset lounge, offering expansive views of Biscayne Bay. Throughout the home, subtle references to the Talwars' Indian heritage are integrated through color palettes and pattern play, intentionally avoiding an overtly ethnic feel. The design prioritizes family togetherness, evident in dedicated spaces like the breakfast table and various terraces and balconies designed for family hangouts. Each bedroom is uniquely tailored to reflect the personalities and needs of their children, while also anticipating future family growth, including grandchildren. A significant element of the design is the incorporation of traditional Indian artistry through two custom chandeliers, located in the kitchen and foyer. These pieces were created in collaboration with Klove Studio, based in New Delhi. The foyer chandelier, part of Klove's Goa collection, holds special sentimental value for the couple, referencing the city where they first met and spent meaningful time, thus bringing a piece of their personal history into their home. Alvarez expresses pride in how the home encapsulates both the Talwars' spirit and MONIOMI's design philosophy, particularly their signature use of bold colors and material combinations, while maintaining a warm and inviting atmosphere for multi-generational family use. Santayana advises approaching color carefully in design, suggesting that if not working with a professional, one should choose a preferred shade and explore its various tones (lighter for brightness, darker for depth) rather than mixing too many contrasting colors. This method helps achieve a harmonious and impactful aesthetic. #MiamiHome #EclecticDesign #MONIOMIDesign #BoldColors #LayeredTextures #IndianHeritage #FamilyFocusedDesign #KloveStudio #HomeDecor

This article details how Christina Bryant Herbert, founder of the home brand St. Frank, designed her son France’s nursery in her New York City rental apartment. Unlike traditional nurseries filled with new furniture and pastel colors, Christina opted for a sophisticated, personal space utilizing hand-me-downs, vintage finds, and globally inspired textiles from her own company. The nursery also functions as a guest room, with a full-size bed proving useful during the challenging newborn phase. The design approach began with a versatile foundation, involving a soft blue wall color chosen to complement an existing upholstered bed and suitable for a baby's room. For furniture, Christina prioritized character and sustainability, sourcing most items secondhand from platforms like Chairish and 1stDibs. This choice reflects a preference for vintage pieces that can adapt over time, though a new crib was purchased to ensure safety. The overall aesthetic is layered, allowing elements to be easily relocated if the family moves. A key design decision involved using statement curtains instead of wallpaper, a practical choice for a rental apartment. Floor-to-ceiling drapes in St. Frank’s Teal Vines Suzani fabric, featuring a traditional Turkish tree of life embroidery, provide a significant visual impact. These panels offer flexibility as they can be re-hemmed for new windows or even repurposed for upholstery, a more permanent solution than wallpaper. This approach allowed for a strong pattern without the commitment of a landlord-unfriendly alteration. Christina emphasizes the use of forgiving fabrics, particularly washable natural fibers like cotton and linen, often in vibrant patterns that can conceal stains. An example is the Shell Psychedelic Kilim fabric, a Turkish flat-weave replica, used to reupholster a chair. This choice demonstrates a practical yet stylish solution for a child's room, ensuring durability and ease of maintenance without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. The selection of such textiles is crucial in creating a functional and beautiful nursery that can withstand daily use. Textiles and toys are treated as art within the space. An antique kantha quilt, which inspired the founding of St. Frank, hangs above the changing table, along with a vintage American quilt from Christina’s own childhood nursery displayed on a high shelf. While these are cherished pieces, they are positioned out of the reach of playful toddlers. Additionally, stuffed animals are displayed on lower ledges, and unique items like an antique doll’s chair, found by Christina’s mother, are mounted on the wall as decorative elements. This creative use of objects adds personality and a sense of history to the room. Finally, the nursery features a generous arrangement of pillows on the guest bed. Christina, who typically has limits on pillows in her main bedroom, enjoys the freedom to pile them on a bed that isn't frequently made, highlighting the room’s dual function and offering a designer's abundance of textiles. This detail contributes to the overall cozy and layered feel of the nursery, blending practicality with a rich, curated aesthetic that is both personal and adaptable. #NurseryDesign #KidsRooms #HomeDecor #VintageFinds #TextileDesign #RentalDecorating #SustainableDesign #GloballyInspired

Textile designer Aelfie Oudghiri's Brooklyn townhouse, shared with her husband, Hicham, and daughter, Mirah, serves as a living showcase for her eponymous line of bedding, soft goods, rugs, and furniture. Housed in a former industrial pencil factory, the 1,800-square-foot space reflects an easy, comfortable, and effortlessly stylish aesthetic deeply rooted in Oudghiri’s upbringing. Her parents, both builders and developers, introduced her to the transformative power of design early on, and an oversized Kerman rug from her childhood ignited her passion for textiles, inspiring her eventual career. Many pieces in her home are samples from her company, allowing her to live with and test products before their official launch, ensuring they are practical and durable. Oudghiri's journey into design began with an e-commerce store in her teens, focusing on products made by other young women, which taught her the foundations of design. Her childhood dream, however, was to design bedding, driven by frustration with the gendered, corny, or poor-quality synthetic options available at the time. Her early sketchbooks are filled with bedding concepts, foreshadowing her future in textile design. When designing her home, the living room was the starting point, prioritized for its comfort, openness, and suitability for entertaining. Her Moroccan husband influenced the layout, seeking a space reminiscent of a Moroccan salon with ample seating for guests. This led to the inclusion of a mint green sofa from CB2, praised for its durability, and another from ABC Carpet & Home. Oudghiri approaches home design with a lack of inherent attachment to spaces, a common sentiment in New York, preferring to evolve the design slowly. Her access to her own home decor line means her apartment is filled with a complementary array of her designs, from bath mats and pillows to poufs and tables, all serving as practical testaments to their wear and tear resistance. A key design element for Oudghiri was baby-proofing and creating a kid-friendly environment for her daughter, Mirah. The massive, open layout allowed for a play-friendly space free from hard obstacles or fragile items. The open and industrial nature of the former factory presented challenges in making the space feel cozy and welcoming. Oudghiri overcame this by strategically using rugs and artwork to soften the industrial brick walls and warm up the cold aesthetic. Her favorite aspects of the home include the exposed beams, high ceilings, abundant wall space for art, and the intricate texture of the floors. A design element she recommends for readers is foregoing a traditional coffee table in favor of side tables and poufs. This decision, initially driven by an inability to find a beloved coffee table, later proved invaluable for creating a large, open play area for her daughter. Visitors often comment on the home's established feel, assuming Oudghiri has lived there for a long time, despite only a few years passing, indicating the successful integration of her personal style and products. #TextileDesign #BrooklynHome #HomeTour #InteriorDesign #ColorfulDecor #PatternMixing #KidFriendlyDesign #IndustrialConversion #DesignerHome

The intersection of fashion and home decor is becoming increasingly prominent, with designers extending their creative vision from clothing to interior spaces. This trend has seen luxury and established houses like Ralph Lauren, Dior, and Louis Vuitton offering home goods for some time, but in 2025, newer and particularly Black fashion brands are embracing this expansion. Victor Glemaud, known for his knit materials and exquisite patterns, recently unveiled a collaborative rug collection with Patterson Flynn. This collection is characterized by warm tones and abstract yet classic patterns, influenced by Glemaud's travels to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and Dakar, Senegal. The designs feature artistic animations of fish, turtles, and lizards, alongside floral motifs. Glemaud emphasizes that his design DNA translates naturally between fashion and home, highlighting the importance of respecting artisans and craftspeople in these new ventures. Similarly, Chuks Collins has ventured into home decor through a collaboration with Lush Decor. His collection, which was presented alongside his Fall/Winter 2025 fashion line, includes linens, duvets, and shams. Collins views home as an extension of oneself and a sanctuary, believing that personal style and home curation are intertwined. His designs incorporate intricate prints and craftsmanship, drawing inspiration from themes of renewal and healing. He foresees a continued integration of fashion and home design, aligning with Pinterest’s 2025 trend predictions for “Surreal Soirees,” which feature fanciful prints of fungi and wildlife. Sade Mims, founder of Edas, a brand known for its vibrant accessories, also delves into home decor. Her work aligns with the “Mix And Maximalist” trend, utilizing bold colors and textures. Mims designed a side table in 2019 and is planning more homewares, including an incense holder. She initially aspired to be an interior designer and always saw the potential for fashion and interior design to intersect, despite earlier industry resistance. Mims expresses her happiness at the current shift, where creatives are encouraged to explore various realms of design without being constrained by traditional industry blueprints. She believes that the fashion industry's constant search for innovation has led to the successful integration of home styling, particularly for Black designers, given the rich history and aesthetic storytelling embedded in Black homes. This natural progression reflects a broader understanding that both fashion and interior design ultimately aim for self-expression and embodiment. #FashionDesigners #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #BlackDesigners #VictorGlemaud #ChuksCollins #SadeMims #FashionTrends #CollaborativeCollections

The design process for Wren's room, the oldest daughter of the McGee family, incorporated her specific request for a white and gold color palette while aiming for a timeless and playful aesthetic. The room features a foundation of low-pile, soft "Sumana" carpet in "Sand" from Stanton, providing comfort suitable for a child's space. To address a lower ceiling and add visual interest, a statement wall was created. This wall features paneling on the bottom half, painted in Grey Owl by Benjamin Moore, balancing a cool tone with a warm, beige floral wallpaper from McGee & Co. on the upper section, introducing charm and femininity. A significant design challenge was an off-center window, which was rectified by integrating built-in bookshelves above a desk, extending into a window seat. This window seat includes a custom cushion from Etsy, a classic wicker sconce, and patterned pillows, collectively establishing a balanced and inviting focal point in the room. Wren's vintage desk chair adds a unique, personal touch to the study area. For the main furnishings, Wren's preference for white and gold was central. A white "Northcott" bed from McGee & Co. is flanked by gold sconces, reinforcing the chosen color scheme. The introduction of light pinks and blues, along with varied patterns and textures, contributes to a playful yet cohesive atmosphere. A white-reeded dresser, aligning with design elements found elsewhere in the McGee home, provides practical storage and visual continuity. This dresser is accessorized with an oversized textured lamp, a book basket, and faux greenery, completing a thoughtfully styled vignette. The adjoining bathroom was a collaborative effort, with the vanity custom-crafted by Killowen Cabinet Co. based on sketches detailing curved elements, flush inset drawers, and specific countertop designs. A vintage floral painting, a treasured find, became a central decorative piece, contrasting with Wren’s request for a white, gold, and pink bathroom. To fulfill this, terracotta tiles from Clé in a subtle vintage rose hue were chosen for a border and shower area, providing a touch of pink without being overly juvenile. Gold fixtures from Kohler Co., including a faucet and showerhead, complement the golden accents. Gold pill sconces from McGee & Co. and a silver, Venetian-style mirror are incorporated, blending modern and classic design elements effectively. This careful selection of materials and colors ensures the bathroom is both appealing to a child and adaptable as she grows. Overall, Wren's room and en-suite bathroom exemplify a design strategy that blends a child's personal preferences with sophisticated and enduring design choices, creating spaces that are both functional and aesthetically rich. #KidsRoomDesign #BedroomDecor #BathroomDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #CustomFurnishings #Wallpaper #Lighting

Kim Scodro Design's dining room at the 2024 Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas is a multi-purpose space designed for modern entertaining, drawing inspiration from a 1948 Vogue photograph by Cecil Beaton. The vision behind the room was to create a space where contemporary women could enjoy cocktails and dinner without leaving the house, reflecting a shift in how dining rooms are utilized today. The design journey began with a photograph of women in glamorous gowns, which informed the room's elegant and colorful aesthetic. The color palette for the dining room was directly inspired by the gowns in Beaton's photograph. Scodro collaborated with The Shade Store to produce horizontal stripe curtain panels using beautiful silk fabrics that serendipitously matched her vision. Gracie contributed an ethereal botanical wallcovering, complemented by a matching Benjamin Moore paint color on the ceiling, enhancing the room's sophisticated atmosphere. The dining table, from Hickory Chair, is adorned with candy-colored Ginori 1735 china, adding a touch of playful luxury. Antiques played a significant role in furnishing the space, with pieces sourced locally from Wolf-Hall and Legacy, including striking pastel glass chandeliers. These elements contribute to the room's timeless elegance and character. Custom design details, such as a box-pleat armless chair and bespoke silk pinstriped built-in banquettes, were incorporated to maximize comfort and visual appeal. Scodro expressed that the room embodies her personal style, characterized by a sense of beauty and comfort in every detail. The design successfully merges traditional dining functionality with a dedicated bar area, offering a seamless transition from pre-dinner cocktails to a full meal. This approach acknowledges the evolving role of the dining room as a versatile hub for social gatherings and relaxation. The overall design is a cohesive blend of historical inspiration and contemporary needs, creating a luxurious and inviting environment that is both visually stunning and highly functional for entertaining guests. #KimScodroDesign #KipsBayDecoratorShowHouse #DallasDesign #DiningRoomDesign #VogueInspired #InteriorDesign #LuxuryDecor #HomeDecor #EntertainingSpace

Kit Kemp, co-owner and creative director of Firmdale Hotels, shares her design philosophy and tips, coinciding with the opening of her pop-up at Bergdorf Goodman. Known for her distinctive and whimsical approach to interiors, Kemp emphasizes creating rooms that are engaging and fun, rather than timid. Her work at Firmdale Hotels has established her reputation for crafting unique and inviting spaces, leading to her recent collaboration with Bergdorf Goodman. The Bergdorf Goodman pop-up showcases a comprehensive collection of Kemp's designs, integrating various elements she has developed over the years, including furniture, fabrics, lighting, homeware, and fragrances. This initiative addresses frequent inquiries from her audience about where to purchase her distinctive pieces, marking a significant step in making her designs more accessible. The pop-up is divided into three distinct spaces, each characterized by its own color scheme and personality, yet maintaining a cohesive aesthetic that is uniquely Kemp's. Kemp offers practical advice for incorporating color into home interiors, suggesting that hesitant individuals can start with a statement chair. She explains that by adding a vibrant piece, such as a wing chair, and then coordinating it with cushions, one can gradually introduce color into a room without it becoming overwhelming. Her philosophy is that color should contribute to a sense of calm and harmony, rather than creating a chaotic environment. She also provides quick and easy design tips to enliven a space. A notable suggestion is to use decorative plates as artwork, hung with black felt behind them to enhance their visual impact. Kemp credits Picasso with this technique, indicating its timeless appeal. When it comes to lighting, she advises viewing light fixtures as sculptures, and using fabric on lampshades to dramatically alter a room's focal point, underscoring that only a few focal points are necessary for an effective design. Folk art serves as a primary source of inspiration for Kemp, influencing her overall design aesthetic. Her process for discovering emerging artists is rooted in natural curiosity and a desire for tactile engagement with art, preferring hands-on experience over digital browsing. Among her favorite pieces in the pop-up are bespoke candlesticks and bird baths, which she repurposes for indoor display, highlighting her unconventional and playful approach to design. The article is accompanied by several illustrations showcasing various nooks and displays from her Bergdorf Goodman pop-up, including hand-painted plates, a bespoke 'Pippa sofa,' and a display of signature-style gifts. #KitKemp #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #BergdorfGoodman #FirmdaleHotels #DesignTips #ColorInDesign #FolkArt #WhimsicalInteriors

The children's room offers a unique opportunity for homeowners and architects to apply creative design solutions that encourage play, exploration, and learning. This article highlights 16 innovative children's rooms and play spaces that exemplify modern kids' room design concepts, ranging from practical reading nooks to adventurous climbing walls and indoor swings. These designs demonstrate how to integrate functionality with fun, creating engaging environments for children. Several examples illustrate these principles. One playroom effectively utilizes slanted ceilings in Beijing’s Starburst House, featuring mountain-shaped wall cushions that complement the architectural lines. An outdoor play cubby with a kid-sized deck was designed by FGR Architects for Bloomfield House in Victoria, Australia, offering a dedicated area for children's enjoyment. A Tribeca loft showcases a theatrical nursery with gray and yellow curtains that can be used to create a stage, adding a playful element to an otherwise sophisticated apartment. In Melbourne, the Tower House incorporates a netted children’s study, where Oxley netting allows kids to read and relax with views of the garden. A Wicker Park abode features a "rope room" designed by Perimeter Architects, presenting a unique challenge in using slack materials for an active play space. The home of Dwell founder Lara Hedberg Deam includes a child's room with bold patterns and an indoor swing, using Marimekko bedding to enhance the vibrant atmosphere. An environmentally friendly kids’ room in a Harlem townhouse features a custom play area with a reading nook, a loft bed with a secret passageway, and ample storage, all designed by a theatrical set designer. In New Jersey, a child's bedroom incorporates bridged bunk beds, a creative solution to connect two sleeping areas with a Venetian-style arched bridge. A Brooklyn brownstone conversion includes a Harry Potter-worthy play area under a staircase, complete with an egg-shaped nook and soft pebble pillows. Scenario Architecture designed a London Victorian terrace house with a children's bedroom featuring a climbing wall and a fireman's pole for accessing a hidden eave spot. In Los Angeles, a child’s bedroom is designed to resemble a home’s exterior, complete with custom carpeting, millwork, a reading nook under the stairs, a mini door, window, and a magnetic chalkboard wall. A cottage in the English countryside includes a plywood climbing wall in a child’s bedroom, emphasizing kid-friendly and affordable materials. An Austin bungalow renovation includes a green reading nook cleverly integrated into a dormer, providing a cozy space with treetop views. Architect Bergendy Cooke designed a kid-friendly home in Queenstown with a combination bunk bed and playhouse for her daughters, allowing for both independent and collaborative play. Another design features a reading nook accessed via a climbing wall and rope lead, adding an adventurous element to the room. Finally, an Orcas Island retreat includes a secret chute leading to a ball pit, fulfilling the owners' desire for a playful and adventurous environment for their children. #KidsRooms #ChildrensPlaySpaces #ModernDesign #InteriorDesign #PlayfulInteriors #CreativeKidsRooms #HomeRenovation #ArchitecturalDesign #ReadingNooks

In a world often dominated by minimalist trends, embracing kitsch in home decor offers a delightful antidote, infusing living spaces with joy and personality. Kitsch, often misunderstood, celebrates the unconventional and is characterized by vibrant, eye-catching colors such as bold pinks, zingy greens, sunny yellows, and electric blues. Incorporating these colors through elements like a brightly colored sofa or vividly patterned cushions can immediately elevate a room's mood. Patterns are fundamental to kitsch design, with polka dots, stripes, florals, and geometric shapes coexisting harmoniously. To prevent a cluttered feel, it is advised to select a cohesive color palette that allows diverse patterns to blend seamlessly. For example, a floral wallpaper can be effectively paired with striped curtains or polka dot cushions, provided the color scheme is unified. Experts in this style, such as House of Hackney founders Frieda Gormley and Javvy M Royle, are known for their bold, eclectic designs that skillfully merge traditional decor with modern flair, showcasing how to master this aesthetic without overdoing it. Kitsch often evokes a sense of nostalgia, drawing inspiration from past eras. Incorporating vintage furniture, retro accessories, and antique trinkets helps create a space that feels both familiar and unique. Items like old vinyl records, vintage cameras, and mid-century modern furniture are excellent choices for cultivating a kitsch-inspired ambiance. The key is to select pieces that exude a playful, glamorous, or dramatic feel, adding character and charm to the home. Art serves as another powerful medium for expressing this aesthetic. Vintage posters, pop art, and even framed comic strips can inject fun and personality into walls. Gallery walls, featuring various styles and sizes of art displayed together, are particularly effective. Additionally, quirky elements such as neon signs or collections of kitschy figurines can bring a smile to anyone’s face and enhance the overall whimsical atmosphere. Beyond aesthetics, kitsch contributes to creating cozy and inviting spaces. This involves selecting furniture designed for social interaction and comfort, complemented by soft textiles like throw blankets and plush rugs to add warmth. A well-designed reading nook, complete with a comfortable chair, a quirky lamp, and a stack of colorful books, can quickly become a beloved spot in the home. Ultimately, the essence of kitsch lies in its personal touch, encouraging individuals to decorate with items that hold sentimental value or reflect their unique personality. Whether these are souvenirs from travels, family heirlooms, or handmade crafts, these personal elements are what truly make a home joyful and welcoming through kitsch decor. #KitschDecor #HomeInteriors #EclecticStyle #VibrantColors #PatternMixing #VintageDecor #Nostalgia #PersonalTouch

Anna Baraness and Kristin Tarsi, co-founders of New York–based Studio AK, describe their nuanced approach to textile and material selection for interior design. Their philosophy emphasizes subtle patterns and tactile textures, allowing the inherent qualities of materials to dictate the aesthetic. The designers present a mood board, or 'flat lay,' inspired by the rich textural contrast found in Marc Phillips’s Lennon rug. This rug, characterized by its blend of soft silk and woven leather, served as the foundational element for their design palette. The duo extracted cues from the rug's material juxtaposition, integrating these themes into various components of their scheme. The chosen palette balances the deep blue tones of the rug with lighter fabrics and plaster finishes, creating a harmonious visual and tactile experience. To add visual interest and scale, they incorporated a botanical mural. The resulting design is a comforting blend of organic lines and warm neutral hues, punctuated by deep earth tones. Baraness and Tarsi envision this luxurious and sophisticated scheme being applied in an upscale New York City den or dining room. They elaborate on 18 specific elements comprising their design. The custom plaster sample by Fresco Decorative Arts introduces depth and movement, with its chosen tone softening and refreshing the overall scheme. The Lennon rug in brown by Marc Phillips is highlighted for its textural mix of materials and grounding navy tones. An iron curtain rod sample in black by Fraioli Drapery & Interiors is favored for its simplicity, clean lines, and slim profile, providing a contrast against walls. A water vessel by Soledad Christie at Studio Tashtego is included for its unique shape and material, showcasing the designers' appreciation for artisanal craft. Polished marble sample in elegant grey by Etamorph is used for its veining, which adds interest and unifies the different tones within the scheme. Disc penny mosaic tile in jet glossy by Waterworks offers a classic aesthetic, with its deep color, gloss finish, and shape contributing to visual interest. An oak finish sample by Amuneal is valued for its depth of color and grain, bridging refined and natural materials. Metal finish samples by Fyrn are noted for their unique combination of metal, wood, and leather, embodying a utilitarian yet chic quality. The Twisted Castle side table in palladium finish sample by BZippy is selected for its depth and metallic finish. Velvet fabric sample in Lodge 02 by Fameed Khalique is chosen for its luxurious feel, shifting texture, rich tones, and high-low organic pattern that complements the rug. New Buffalo faux leather sample in khaki by Holly Hunt provides a neutral tone that bridges light and dark values. Pebble Beach fabric sample in natural by Holly Hunt offers softness and chunkiness, suitable for a club chair or ottoman. Abaca Optical Naturel fabric sample in Noir by CMO Paris is praised for its dark and light weave combination that complements the overall scheme. Sparkling Naturel fabric sample in Noir, also by CMO Paris, is a finer weave that adds refinement, with its thread colors tying into the scheme and creating an interesting juxtaposition with the thicker weaves. Eden wallpaper sample in Honey by Lindsey Adelman for Calico Wallpaper is admired for its metallic ground and monochrome flowers, which are particularly complementary to the chosen colorway. Sarek Smoke fabric sample by Villa Nova, with its layered monochrome and textural stripe, pairs well with other varied textures and patterns without dominating. Finally, Cashfur Kasha fabric sample by Loro Piana Interiors, a super luxe and plush cashmere, and Saturn fabric sample in Limestone by Holly Hunt, with its broader stripe, complete the selection, the latter complementing smaller-scale patterns and relating to the Eden wallpaper's scale. #InteriorDesign #MaterialSelection #TexturalDesign #MoodBoard #TextileDesign #LuxuryInteriors #DesignPalette #StudioAK #HomeDecor

Designer Taylor Johnson’s favorite room is a versatile living-dining space that successfully blends formal elegance with child-friendly durability. The client, a family with two young children, desired a home that could withstand the rigors of daily family life without sacrificing sophisticated aesthetics. Johnson focused on creating a design that appears polished enough for entertaining guests while incorporating practical, resilient elements suitable for children. The transformation of this combined living and dining area demonstrates how thoughtful material selection and design choices can lead to a space that is both beautiful and functional for a family-oriented lifestyle. To achieve this balance, Johnson employed a range of strategic design decisions. The overall aesthetic leans towards a refined look, featuring details such as a waterfall bench in the dining area, a statement dining chandelier, and drapes in a precise shade of pink, all contributing to an elevated and stylish ambiance. However, beneath this elegant surface, the furniture and finishes were carefully chosen for their hard-wearing properties. Sofas, for instance, were selected not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their durable upholstery, making them resilient against spills and everyday wear and tear common with young children. Johnson challenges conventional wisdom by suggesting that sofas don't always need to be in traditional, light-colored neutrals like beige or cream; a blue sofa, for example, can be considered a "safe" color while significantly elevating the room's overall look and providing better camouflage for minor blemishes. Throughout the room, particular attention was paid to creating a cohesive yet practical environment. The design integrates various textures and colors to add visual interest without overwhelming the space. Lighting, exemplified by the chandelier, plays a crucial role in enhancing the room's formal appeal, while also providing adequate illumination for both dining and living activities. The drapes, in their carefully chosen pink hue, introduce a subtle pop of color and softness, contributing to the room’s sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. Johnson’s approach highlights the importance of anticipating the needs of a busy family while ensuring that the home retains a sense of style and elegance. Ultimately, this living-dining room serves as an exemplary model for families seeking to combine high-end design with everyday practicality. The project successfully demonstrates that a space can be formal and stylish without being delicate or impractical. By integrating durable materials, considering color choices that are both fashionable and forgiving, and meticulously selecting each design element, Johnson crafted a room that not only looks impressive but also stands up to the demands of an active household. This design philosophy offers valuable insights for anyone aiming to create a beautiful, resilient, and family-friendly home environment. #HomeDesign #KidFriendlyDecor #InteriorDesign #LivingDiningRoom #FamilyHome #StylishLiving #DurableDesign #FunctionalSpace

The article explores the pervasive trend of 'beigification' across various aspects of modern life, including fashion, home decor, and even baby products. The author reflects on this phenomenon, drawing parallels to personal experiences from adolescence to impending parenthood. Initially, the author recalls a youthful aversion to neutral colors, contrasting it with a present-day reality where beige and off-white dominate aspirational content on social media and fashion advertisements promoting 'quiet luxury.' Beigification is presented not as a new trend but as a natural evolution of earlier design movements, such as late 2010s Scandinavian decor and the widespread use of gray wood flooring. The article suggests that the current beige saturation emerged as a way to 'warm up' the previously gray-dominated interiors that were prevalent before the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, it is posited that the adoption of beige and other earthy neutrals serves as a subtle indicator of wealth during economic uncertainty and provides a sense of comfort and coziness in a turbulent world. The author admits a personal struggle against the allure of beigification, particularly concerning choices for an upcoming child, such as opting for beechwood blocks and cream onesies over vibrant, plastic items. This choice is framed as a potentially delusional coping mechanism for dealing with significant life changes. The article delves into broader societal implications, questioning whether the beigification of the 2020s is a symptom of late-stage capitalism or a collective attempt to mask despair. The author expresses concern for collective sanity due to the lack of vibrancy and fun, while also acknowledging the practical appeal of beige for its easy likeability. Although not advocating for a return to past extreme trends like Y2K aesthetics or 2000s Tuscan decor, the author hopes for a shift towards more exuberant colors. The article concludes with a note of optimism, suggesting that trends are cyclical and that younger generations, like Gen Z, with their appreciation for 'chaos and clutter,' might eventually usher in a more colorful era, moving away from what is metaphorically described as 'Straight Jacket Cream' to 'Obnoxious Orange.' The author also playfully notes that babies, regardless of their parents' beige preferences, will ultimately develop their own tastes. #ColorTrends #Decor #Fashion #HomeDesign #Parenting #SocietalTrends #ConsumerCulture #Aesthetics #QuietLuxury

Interior Designer Sam Sacks, founder and principal of her eponymous firm based in Toronto, Canada, shares five things that currently inspire her work and worldview in a feature called Friday Five. Sacks transitioned into interior design after a career in journalism, where she served as an editor for a shelter publication. Her extensive background in writing about interiors, researching textile history, and studying architecture provided her with a unique education for her current role. She approaches design as a storyteller, aiming to reflect clients' personalities within their spaces through elements like wallpaper, millwork, and rugs. Sacks begins her list with her appreciation for the smell of Spanish Cedar, describing it as fresh and woodsy with a touch of nostalgia. She notes its ability to evoke a sense of history and warmth, making it a material she frequently incorporates into her designs. Her second inspiration is Coqui Coqui perfumeries, particularly the locations in Merida and Valladolid, Mexico. She admires their authentic and beautiful decoration, which features delicate antiques set against 16th-century ruins. Beyond scents, these locations offer spas, private residences, and unique hammocks made from Sansevieria. Anthropomorphic furniture is Sacks' third source of inspiration. She finds joy in pieces that resemble animals or the human form, favoring fun and fantastical designs. Her personal record collection, featuring artists like Bob Dylan and Roberta Flack, is her fourth inspiration. She enjoys listening to their music on repeat, as it helps create an atmosphere conducive to creativity. Finally, Sacks is inspired by textile hunts around the world, which she experiences as a sensory journey filled with the smells of diesel, incense, heat, and humanity. She cherishes the intense, fragmented conversations that occur as people from different backgrounds connect over shared appreciation for beauty, and she has a particular fondness for embroidered textiles from Africa, Central Asia, and Central and South America, noting the joyful expression of nature in designs like Otomi, suzani, and vibrant kilims. The article also showcases several of Sacks' projects. The Majorelle Project involved the meticulous renovation of a three-story Victorian 'workers cottage' in Toronto, where Sacks balanced bold color strokes, such as an electric Yves Klein-inspired blue kitchen, with largely white rooms, natural fibers, and Matisse-esque rugs. Project BFFs, a comprehensive overhaul of a detached Edwardian home in Toronto's Riverdale neighborhood, included a two-story addition, interior gutting, and the integration of soft modern finishes with architectural elements like coffered ceilings and plaster moldings. The Ninth Line project, a smaller endeavor involving a living room and hallway in a Georgian farmhouse, mixed English, African, and Canadian elements to create a whimsical space with reupholstered vintage chairs and custom divans. Cartwright Point, a new build completed in 2023 along the St. Lawrence River, emphasizes timelessness and seamless integration with nature through a quiet palette, tactile finishes, and thoughtful architectural details. Lastly, the Aldwych project transformed a miniature row house in Toronto's east end by restoring its original character while maintaining functionality and openness, inspired by midcentury Northern California cottages with deep blues and electric greens, and a budget-conscious approach that utilized striking materials like zellige-style tiles and a copper range hood for significant impact. #InteriorDesign #SamSacks #DesignInspiration #FridayFive #TextileHunts #AnthropomorphicFurniture #SpanishCedar #CoquiCoqui #ResidentialDesign