For marble that makes a statement, designers flock to Ann Sacks

Studio McGee, the lifestyle brand founded by Syd and Shea McGee, has partnered with Ann Sacks to launch three original tile collections. Studio McGee, which originated in 2014, has cultivated a significant online presence, garnering millions of followers across social media platforms, including 3.8 million on Instagram. Their brand encompasses a range of ventures, such as the Netflix series 'Dream Home Makeover,' the best-selling book 'Make Life Beautiful,' and the e-commerce site McGee & Co. The brand's success stems from its ability to make sophisticated design accessible and to convey that good design can enhance daily life regardless of budget. The collaboration with Ann Sacks was a natural progression for Studio McGee, building on previous custom home projects. Shea McGee, the chief creative officer, explained that Ann Sacks' expertise in tile manufacturing was a key factor in the partnership. To develop the collections, McGee drew inspiration from her personal ceramic pieces, meticulously analyzing their textures, colors, and glazes. She then created initial designs, which underwent several rounds of discussions, edits, and sample productions with Ann Sacks to finalize the shared vision. McGee emphasized the collaborative nature of the process, highlighting how Ann Sacks’ quality materials and expertise helped translate her aesthetic vision into tangible products. The three new collections—Canyon Lake, Willow Heights, and Novah—collectively offer a wide array of styles while maintaining McGee's preference for muted and nuanced color palettes. McGee expressed her affinity for calming color schemes, explaining her desire for interiors that promote relaxation and tranquility. However, these subdued palettes are far from monotonous; they incorporate tonal and textural variations within each shade and tile, creating an organic warmth and visual movement that is characteristic of Studio McGee's designs. Canyon Lake, inspired by mountain landscapes, features a palette of cool blues and greens with dusky undertones. These dry-pressed porcelain tiles, crafted in Spain from 51 percent recycled materials, are available in six mix-and-match hues with gloss or matte glazes. McGee noted the popularity of the Dusty Rose shade and mentioned plans to use the Sea Salt color in a future bathroom, appreciating how glossy finishes enhance light reflection and reveal the undulating surfaces of the tiles. The Willow Heights collection consists of two marble patterns, Brynn and Rylee, inspired by traditional parquet flooring. Brynn features a frame-within-a-frame design with small square insets, while Rylee incorporates hexagonal forms. Made from Calacatta marble, these 12-inch-square mosaics are designed to add structured luxury to various spaces. McGee intentionally softened the colorways to highlight the marble's veining, incorporating Brittania beige and Bardiglio gray accents in addition to an all-white option. She views marble as an heirloom material, symbolizing a lasting design choice. Finally, the Novah collection offers the durability of porcelain while emulating the dimensional and weathered appearance of limestone. Available in four square-corner sizes and three elemental colors—Glacier, Salt, and Sand—Novah tiles can be arranged in various patterns or used as a singular shade. With tumbled edges and a slightly distressed texture, Novah provides a transitional tile solution that combines the resilience of porcelain with the rustic charm of aged limestone. McGee drew inspiration from nature for Novah, particularly favoring the Glacier color for its resemblance to sky palettes. #StudioMcGee #AnnSacks #TileCollections #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ProductLaunch #DesignCollaboration #SheaMcGee #HomeDecoration

The ancient art of marbling, traditionally found in antique books with its distinctive swirling and veined patterns reminiscent of Carrara quarries and Florentine workshops, is experiencing a significant resurgence in contemporary design. This centuries-old technique, once confined to specialized applications, has now permeated various aspects of modern aesthetics, from high fashion to home decor. The trend's widespread adoption is evident through its incorporation into collections by notable designers and brands. For instance, Rachel Comey has featured kaleidoscopic marbled prints in her collaboration with Target, making the sophisticated pattern accessible to a broader audience. In the realm of home decor, prominent ELLE DECOR A-List designers, such as Beata Heuman, are actively integrating marbled objects and fabrics into their clients' residences. This signifies a high-end endorsement of the trend, demonstrating its versatility and elegance in interior spaces. Beyond bespoke designs, a multitude of products are available for individuals looking to infuse this dreamy, rippling motif into their own homes. Entertaining experts and lifestyle brands, including John Derian, Rebecca Gardner, and Skye McAlpine, are offering their unique interpretations of marbling across various household items. Key product categories showcasing this trend include tabletop linens, such as those from Summerill & Bishop, which recently launched a collection of marbled linen tablecloths in multiple patterns. John Derian's shop features an array of marbled pieces, from decoupage items and papers to a unique collaboration with Astier de Villatte, and newly added marbled tabletop additions like plates, platters, and bowls crafted using a specialized stamping technique by Sylvie Saint-Andre Perrin in Paris. Decorative trays, exemplified by Wolfum Handcrafted Wooden Mix & Match Trays, offer a practical and stylish way to incorporate the pattern for organizing trinkets or serving. Dinnerware also embraces the marbled aesthetic, with brands like Bornn offering multicolor enamel sets featuring soft marbled patterns in various hues. Lighting fixtures are not left out, with Rebecca Gardner's Houses & Parties offering a range of marbled paper lampshades in diverse colors and swirls, alongside other marbled items such as party crackers, cachepots, lanterns, and scented candles. The trend extends to stationery, with Skye McAlpine's collaboration with Papier resulting in a line of marbled products including menu cards, place cards, and customizable recipe journals. Even luxury home accessories like candles are seeing this revival, as seen with the Acqua di Parma Oh L’Amore Candle, which comes with an elegant Carrara marble stand, a collaboration involving Artemest and the historic Giannini bookbinding company. Smaller decorative accents also feature marbling, such as Chantico Fireplace Matches from Ark Elements, which also offers marbled plates and bowls. Hand-marbled candles from BrightnessVermont showcase the pattern in various color schemes, highlighting its artisanal appeal. Furthermore, textiles play a significant role, with Beata Heuman's Dappled Velvet fabric available by the yard and in pillows, and Susi Bellamy's Mulberry Fantasy Marbled Velvet Square Cushion drawing inspiration from Florentine artistry. Finally, the trend makes a bold statement in wallcoverings, with Voutsa's collaboration with Lambert McGuire Design on an eye-popping marbled wallpaper used in the Hotel Saint Vincent, demonstrating the pattern's capacity to transform entire spaces. #MarblingTrend #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #TabletopDecor #TextileDesign #DesignerCollaborations #LuxuryHome #ArtisanCraft #PatternResurgence

Textile designer Suzanne Tick, drawing inspiration from architectural forms, has collaborated with glass manufacturer Skyline Design to launch the Transcend collection. This new line, debuting at NeoCon, aims to revolutionize the use of interior glass, moving beyond merely decorative applications to offer sophisticated and versatile privacy solutions. Tick, known for her work with flooring for Tarkett and upholstery for Luum Textiles, views architectural skeletons as a constant source of inspiration, which she translates into her designs. She found a unique opportunity to apply this architectural sensibility to glass, a material she often observed to be either bland or overtly decorative in interior spaces. Her goal with Transcend was to emulate the exterior characteristics of buildings and integrate them into interior environments. The Transcend collection features six distinct patterns: three geometric and three textural. These designs leverage Skyline Design's advanced etching and printing capabilities, allowing for varying degrees of transparency and opacity within the glass panels. The patterns can fade in and out, creating dynamic visual effects. A key aspect of the collection is its customizable nature; designers can combine different patterns on various glass types, including transparent, translucent, or back-painted glass. This extensive palette enables a wide array of privacy solutions, catering to diverse aesthetic and functional requirements within a space. Adding a new dimension to Skyline Design's offerings, the etched patterns of the Transcend collection can also be applied to exterior glass. This innovation facilitates a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments, and between public and private zones within a building. This capability allows for a cohesive design language that extends from the building's facade to its interior partitions, blurring the traditional boundaries between these spaces. Tick emphasizes the importance of integrating discussions about privacy and openness early in the design process. She believes that glass, often considered an afterthought, should be a fundamental element in design considerations. By initiating these conversations proactively, designers can fully explore the numerous variables and possibilities that glass offers, preventing missed opportunities and ensuring that the material is utilized to its full potential. The Transcend collection serves as a testament to this philosophy, aiming to elevate glass from a simple partition to a sophisticated design element that actively contributes to the functionality and aesthetic of a space. This approach encourages a holistic view of material application, where each component is intentionally chosen to fulfill both practical and artistic objectives. #SuzanneTick #GlassDesign #SkylineDesign #NeoCon #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalGlass #PrivacySolutions #TextileDesigner #ProductLaunch

Susanna Salk's eighth book, "Decorate Fearlessly: Using Whimsy, Confidence and a Dash of Surprise to Create Deeply Personal Spaces," serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals seeking to inject personality and boldness into their interior design choices. The book, released by Rizzoli, compiles the work of 83 prominent designers, showcasing a diverse array of styles from modern and traditional to casual country and city chic. Salk's philosophy revolves around the idea that decorating should be a fearless and enjoyable process, encouraging readers to draw inspiration from various sources and adapt design concepts to their own spaces. The book is structured by room type, covering living rooms, dining areas, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways. This organization allows readers to focus on specific areas of their homes and discover relevant design solutions. Salk, who considers herself more of a stylist than a professional designer, has a background working for notable publications like Elle Décor and House & Garden. She emphasizes the importance of training one's eye to recognize and appreciate different design elements, akin to a "triathlete's muscle." In her research for "Decorate Fearlessly," Salk extensively utilized platforms like Pinterest to collect inspiring images. She highlights the work of designers such as Alex Papachristidis, whose vibrant and layered Manhattan apartment interiors are featured. Papachristidis's design, including a library with dark walls and an all-over chevron pattern rug, exemplifies Salk's message of confidence in layering textures and patterns. Salk personally adopted Papachristidis's dark wall concept in her own bathroom, demonstrating the practical application of her "copying is acceptable" philosophy. The book also showcases the sleek and uncluttered aesthetic of New York-based architect Annabelle Selldorf, particularly her work in fashion designer Jill Stuart’s penthouse. Selldorf’s design, featuring custom tables, classic Thonet bentwood chairs, and vintage light fixtures by Carlo Scarpa, illustrates how a mix of modern and formal elements can create a sophisticated yet warm environment. Salk points out that the interplay of spirals in a Sue Williams painting and the chair backs, along with the unexpected light fixtures, demonstrate a fearless approach to combining elements that don't traditionally match. Marian McEvoy, former editor-in-chief of Elle Décor and House Beautiful, provides another perspective on fearless decorating. Known for her DIY approach and use of a glue gun, McEvoy's Hudson Valley cottage is filled with her handiwork, including custom upholstery trim, curtains, and lampshades. Her living room, featuring a Ralph Lauren Home sofa enhanced with black and red trim and mirrors reflecting a bold color scheme, underscores the idea that decorating should bring happiness and delight. She advocates for personalization and the creative use of color, demonstrating that fearlessness can be achieved through hands-on involvement and a confident use of color. The work of New York decorators Miles Redd and Jonathan Adler is also featured, highlighting their chic and bold use of color. Salk specifically praises Adler's fearless use of color, exemplified by a child's bedroom design that features a single magenta wall contrasted with white walls. This approach offers a manageable solution for parents who want to incorporate bold colors without committing to an entire room. Ultimately, Salk's book aims to empower readers to overcome paralysis in redecorating by encouraging incremental changes, such as painting a wall or adding a patterned pillow, rather than feeling pressured to undertake a complete overhaul. She believes that small, confident steps can lead to deeply personal and rewarding spaces. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DecorateFearlessly #SusannaSalk #DesignInspiration #BoldInteriors #AlexPapachristidis #AnnabelleSelldorf #MarianMcEvoy

The classic subway tile, a ubiquitous feature in many homes and commercial spaces, has remained a design staple for its versatility and timeless appeal. However, even iconic design elements periodically benefit from innovation and a fresh perspective. Studio McGee, in collaboration with Ann Sacks, has introduced a new collection that reinterprets the traditional subway tile, offering an updated aesthetic that maintains its core charm while introducing a playful and distinctive element. The new collection, Ashton Meadows, features five distinct tile designs available in five different color palettes, ranging from subtle cool grays to a bold oxblood. Among these, the glossy Scalloped Field Tile stands out as the collection's highlight. This particular tile reimagines the conventional rectangular shape of subway tile by incorporating wavy edges, giving it a soft, organic, and visually interesting profile. This subtle alteration transforms the tile from a familiar background element into a more engaging design feature, allowing it to serve as a focal point or to add a touch of whimsy to various applications. Retailing at just under $15 per square foot, the Scalloped Field Tile represents a considered investment that promises to significantly enhance the visual appeal of a space. Its unique silhouette also emphasizes the grout lines, providing an opportunity for creative expression through the selection of grout colors. Designers and homeowners can opt for contrasting or complementary grout shades to either highlight the scalloped edges or to create a more integrated, textural look. For instance, using a vibrant cobalt blue grout with these tiles could introduce an unexpected pop of color and a modern twist. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the ceramic tiles in the Ashton Meadows collection are designed for both indoor and outdoor applications, offering broad utility. This versatility means they can be incorporated into a wide array of settings, including bathroom tub surrounds, kitchen backsplashes, range hoods, accent walls in living areas, and even fireplace surrounds. The durability and adaptability of the tiles make them suitable for high-moisture environments like bathrooms, where they can contribute to a serene and sophisticated atmosphere. The article suggests an imaginative application: envisioning a shower outfitted with the dark green scalloped tiles, paired with a slightly darker shade of grout. This combination is presented as a method to achieve a calming and luxurious start to the day, highlighting how thoughtful material selection and design can influence daily routines and overall well-being. The Studio McGee x Ann Sacks collaboration offers a compelling evolution of a beloved design element, demonstrating that even a classic can be reinvented with creativity and attention to detail. #StudioMcGee #AnnSacks #SubwayTile #TileDesign #BathroomTile #KitchenBacksplash #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DesignTrends

The perception of marble in interior design is undergoing a significant shift, moving away from subtle, softly-veined varieties like Carrara and Calacatta Gold towards bolder, more expressive types. While marble remains a timeless and enduring material due to its natural diversity in color and veining, current interior design trends favor marbles that make a distinct statement. This evolution in taste is prompting designers to explore a wider range of marble options, each offering unique visual characteristics and contributing to a more dramatic and original aesthetic in modern spaces. Interior designers are increasingly drawn to marbles with generous sweeps, bold, expressive swirls, deep tonal variations, and dynamic veining, which resemble abstract art. Greg Natale, a prominent interior designer, emphasizes that these rich and vibrant materials, when mixed in unexpected combinations, bring drama, originality, and sumptuousness to a space. The inherent solidity and permanence of stone are balanced by the natural material's softness and warmth, making it a versatile choice for various applications. Several specific types of marble are gaining popularity among designers for their unique qualities. Arabascato marble serves as an ideal transition for those seeking a step up from traditional Carrara and Calacatta. Its slightly darker and more defined veining offers a statement without sacrificing a calm and mellow feel, as exemplified in a muted mushroom and marble kitchen by And Studio featuring Arabascato Corchia marble countertops. This choice contributes to a calming color palette that creates an inviting atmosphere. Palladian marble, while still on the softer side, introduces more intriguing undertones, providing a distinct character. In a stylish kitchen by Smac Studio, Palladian marble used for backsplashes, countertops, and shelving demonstrates its depth and uniqueness, with pink, orange, and bronze tones within its veins that inspire surrounding material choices. Rosa Portugués marble marks a turn towards colored natural stones. Its soft baby pink hue is contrasted by dark black and grey veining, elevating it to a sophisticated and mature aesthetic. YSG Studio's modern bathroom design effectively utilizes pink marble to infuse energy into a pared-back space, delivering a 'wow-factor' without being overly saccharine. Viola marble makes a significant impact through its high contrast, featuring clearly defined black and white shades that are bolder and more striking than Arabascato. However, its strong presence can be overwhelming if not used judiciously, and some designers, like Joan Enger of J. Patryce, note its potential for overexposure as a copycat trend. For a dramatic atmosphere, Rosso Levanto, a rich burgundy marble, is a favored choice. Brooklyn-based design studio Le Whit incorporated this marble for a bathroom vanity, creating a moody and intimate setting that balanced the home's airier public spaces with a touch of warmth and dramatic saturation. Monet marble, a white-based variety with warm undertones, is a micro-trend that complements neutral decorating schemes. Shona of Smac Studio used Monet marble for a striking, monolithic vanity in a small bathroom, highlighting its dramatic and unexpected qualities. She suggests that such expressive marbles are particularly effective in smaller spaces like powder rooms, where they can stand as glorious focal points without overwhelming a larger area. Breccia Capraia marble, with its subtle undertones, can define a room's color scheme. In a Manhattan apartment kitchen, the purple veining of this marble complemented pink accents, creating cohesion. Designers Corey Kingston and Liza Curtiss meticulously selected slabs to ensure a harmonious installation. Finally, Taj Mahal marble, with its soft, tonal beiges, contributes to a zen atmosphere in spaces like a La Quinta home designed by AMB Design. Its textural quality enriches the design without creating a bold contrast, allowing it to subtly complement lighting and shelving, embodying a subdued and elegant aesthetic. #MarbleTrends #InteriorDesign #NaturalStone #HomeDecor #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #LuxuryInteriors #MaterialTrends #DesignStatements

Quintessence, a lifestyle blog, has successfully transformed into a robust business, largely due to its popular "At Home With" video series. Co-creator Susanna Salk highlights the shift in media consumption, where traditional categories are blurring, allowing for a broader exploration of topics like home, fashion, travel, and personal stories. Stacey Bewkes, the founder of Quintessence and a former art director for Simon & Schuster, developed her videography skills by creating a retrospective DVD for her daughter's fifth-grade graduation, which eventually led to the inception of the video series. The first video, featuring Thom Filicia, was launched on Valentine's Day in 2013. The early videos showcased Salk and Bewkes shopping with designers in New York, where designers shared their preferences and insights. The series has since featured prominent designers such as Suzanne Rheinstein, Cathy Graham, and Paolo Moschino. Despite their individual projects—Bewkes managing the Quintessence blog and Salk writing books—the duo has cultivated a strong working relationship, even collaborating on books. This synergy is central to their success, with Bewkes noting their shared work ethic and enjoyment in their creative endeavors. Salk particularly values the connections forged with designers and the community engagement fostered through their content, citing an example where a custom dog collar seen in Emma Burns's home led to a collaboration between her neighbor and a local artisan. Maintaining the content machine for Quintessence involves significant effort. Bewkes admits that the workload is substantial, especially for creating original content. Initially, she posted five times a week, a schedule that proved unsustainable, leading her to reduce it to three times a week, and now even less frequently due to the demanding nature of video editing. She acknowledges the necessity of taking breaks and managing expectations regarding content volume. The financial sustainability of Quintessence was initially a challenge, with Salk and Bewkes investing considerable personal time and money into the project. However, the venture began generating revenue through sponsorships. With 5 million views over five years, and a significant portion of those views accumulated in 2018 alone, sponsorships became a viable option to support their passion project. They currently charge $6,000 per sponsored video, integrating commercials and ensuring that these sponsorships are permanently attached to the chosen videos. This model contrasts with print media, which is more expensive and ephemeral, as Quintessence's videos continue to attract viewers months and even years after their initial release. Publicists and marketing directors often facilitate these sponsorships by pitching clients whose licensed collections or brands align with Quintessence's content. Approximately 80 percent of their videos are now sponsored. Despite not yet reaching their desired earnings, Bewkes and Salk view this as a progressive step. A core principle for them is maintaining editorial integrity; they commit to only featuring brands they genuinely admire, ensuring that sponsorships do not compromise the quality or authenticity of their content. This commitment to their shared vision and ethical approach has been crucial in building and maintaining their audience's trust. #Quintessence #SusannaSalk #StaceyBewkes #LifestyleBlog #VideoSeries #DesignIndustry #ContentCreation #MediaMonetization #Sponsorships #HomeDesign

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

The article highlights the new tile collections introduced by designer Barbara Barry for Ann Sacks at the 2010 Kitchen and Bath Industry show in Chicago. Ann Sacks, known for its tile and stone products, collaborated with Barbara Barry, an acclaimed interior designer recognized for her elegant and understated aesthetic. This partnership aimed to bring sophisticated and versatile tile designs to the market, catering to various interior design needs, from kitchens and bathrooms to other living spaces. The collection features two distinct lines: Starburst and Frame. The Starburst collection comprises embossed ceramic glazed tiles, drawing inspiration from "falling stars." This design evokes a retro feel while maintaining a timeless elegance suitable for contemporary interiors. The tiles feature a textured surface that catches light and adds a dynamic visual element to any space. The "falling stars" motif suggests a sense of movement and celestial beauty, making the Starburst tiles a unique choice for accent walls or decorative inlays. In contrast, the Frame collection offers glazed ceramic tiles characterized by raised and recessed edges. This design creates a crisp, architectural statement, providing a clean and structured look. The Frame tiles are available in multiple shapes, including hexagon, rectangle, and square, offering flexibility in pattern and application. The precise lines and geometric forms of the Frame collection contribute to a modern and sophisticated aesthetic, ideal for creating defined borders or entire tiled surfaces with a refined finish. The versatility in shapes allows designers to experiment with various layouts, from classic grid patterns to more intricate arrangements, enhancing the overall visual appeal of a room. The collaboration with Barbara Barry underscores Ann Sacks' commitment to offering high-quality, design-forward products. Barry's design philosophy often emphasizes harmony, balance, and a gentle modernity, which is evident in these tile collections. The Starburst and Frame tiles are designed to integrate seamlessly into diverse design schemes, from traditional to contemporary, providing designers and homeowners with options that elevate the aesthetic of their spaces. These collections reflect a meticulous attention to detail and a desire to create products that are both beautiful and functional, adding lasting value and style to any interior project. #BarbaraBarry #AnnSacks #TileDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #CeramicTile #StarburstCollection #FrameCollection #KitchenAndBath

The collaboration between Annie Selke and The Tile Shop introduces a comprehensive collection of over 200 tiles, aiming to translate the distinct aesthetics of Annie Selke's popular textiles and prints into durable and versatile tile formats. This collection leverages advanced technology to faithfully replicate the tactile qualities found in fabrics, such as the texture of rugs and the subtle sheen of metallic materials. The design inspiration for this collaboration spans a broad spectrum, encompassing both delicate, feminine motifs and more robust, bold patterns. The collection is designed with a strong emphasis on versatility and cohesion, encouraging users to mix and match various tiles within the range to achieve a unified aesthetic across different spaces and rooms. This flexibility allows for personalized design solutions, whether for a single room renovation or a whole-house design project. The integration of textile-inspired patterns and textures into tile form offers a novel approach to interior surfacing, providing designers and homeowners with new avenues for creative expression. Key offerings within the collection include the Annie Selke Artisanal series, available in various colors such as White, White Lace, Ice Blue, and Sage Green. This series is complemented by coordinating elements like Artisanal Moldura and Artisanal Pencil tiles, designed to provide finishing touches and enhance the overall design. Other notable designs in the collection are the Annie Selke Farmhouse Hex in White and Sage Green, which brings a rustic yet refined geometric element; the Smoke Grey Barn Board, offering a wood-like appearance with the durability of tile; and the Argento series in Orchid, which introduces a vibrant metallic-inspired finish. The collection also features the Aster series in White and its full color range, along with Watercolor Lines in Pearl Grey, providing softer, more artistic options. For bolder statements, the Ikat Black and Glam Glass in Grey tiles offer strong visual impact. Additionally, the Aylin series, available in Blue and Black, alongside the Velluto series in Orchid and its full color range, further expand the collection's stylistic breadth. Decorative elements like the Goldleaf Speckle and Tulip Mosaic add intricate details and a touch of luxury. The Gwendolyn in White and Sketch in Sky provide additional patterned options, while Lattice in Sky and Crosshatch in Sky and White offer graphic uniformity. This extensive range of tiles allows for diverse applications, from flooring and wall coverings to backsplashes, enabling seamless transitions and harmonious designs throughout a home. The collection not only expands the aesthetic possibilities for tile but also makes sophisticated, textile-inspired designs accessible for various interior design projects. #AnnieSelke #TheTileShop #TileCollection #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #TextileInspiredTiles #HomeRenovation #SurfaceMaterials #DesignCollaboration

The year 2025 marks a shift in interior design trends, moving from the subtle elegance of ‘quiet luxury’ to a bolder aesthetic characterized by sculptural stone. This emerging trend emphasizes furniture that appears to be carved from natural stone, blending organic forms with architectural solidity. Examples include travertine dining tables that evoke cliffside formations and plinth coffee tables featuring jagged edges and monolithic shapes. This design philosophy prioritizes permanence and durability, offering a counter-trend to the rapid cycles of fast fashion and design. Eternity Modern, a Vancouver-based brand, is highlighted as a key player in this movement. The company, initially recognized for its precise reproductions of mid-century modern furniture, now applies the same meticulous craftsmanship to its stone collection. Each piece is crafted from Italian-sourced marble or travertine, utilizing varieties such as Calacatta Viola, Arabescato, and Kunis Breccia, which are currently highly sought after by designers. The brand's direct-to-consumer model makes these high-quality Italian stone pieces accessible, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, significantly lower than those offered by high-end manufacturers. Additionally, most designs are customizable in terms of finish and sizing. The article showcases five specific pieces from Eternity Modern that exemplify the sculptural stone trend. The Kaia Plinth Coffee Table, available in various marbles including the popular Calacatta Viola, is described as an art piece due to its striking veining and robust form, offered in two sizes and finished with a protective honed polish. The Milan Side Table, made from solid Galaxy Blue marble, combines playful design with architectural stability, featuring a round top and curved block legs, and is available in custom sizes and stones. Its substantial weight and compact size make it versatile for different spaces. The Dario Dining Table, crafted from travertine, presents a modern minimalist interpretation of the material, avoiding the rustic aesthetic often associated with it. Available in White Travertine and a semi-gloss Red Travertine, it features a conical pedestal base and a clean circular top, suitable for smaller dining areas. The Elyse Freeform Coffee Table with Pedestal Base is presented as a modernist sculpture, with an undulating 55-inch silhouette and a cylindrical base. It is available in Moon Light marble or White Travertine, both with soft-honed seals, and features a hollowed base for easier placement and subtle asymmetry for organic contrast. Finally, the Cosmos Dining Table with Block Pedestal Base makes a dramatic statement with its sleek, grounded design. Crafted from Rosso Luana marble with distinct black, green, and white veining, and finished with a smooth honed seal, it is offered in 6-foot or 8-foot lengths. The table features a 1.4-inch-thick top resting on a solid block pedestal, equipped with protective fabric to prevent floor damage, emphasizing its substantial and enduring presence. #SculpturalStone #InteriorDesignTrends #EternityModern #HomeDecor #LuxuryFurniture #NaturalStone #TravertineTables #MarbleFurniture #ModernDesign

Sarah Peake, founder and creative director of Studio Peake, shares insights into her distinctive interior design philosophy, influences, and showcases three notable projects. Peake's journey into interior design began with an interest in textiles and pattern cutting, followed by foundational experience with renowned designers Alidad and Todhunter Earle. These early experiences instilled in her the importance of meticulous detail and the ability to manage large-scale international projects, shaping her holistic approach to design. Peake's design ethos emphasizes the contextual relevance of each interior, steering away from a fixed style. Instead, she advocates for a collaborative vision that integrates her creative input with the client's preferences and the inherent characteristics of the space. Her work often features bold use of color, diverse materials, and patterns, alongside a harmonious blend of contemporary and antique furnishings. A core principle is to ensure the space reflects the client's personality, and she finds creative inspiration when tasked with incorporating existing client possessions or adhering to specific color constraints, believing that such limitations can foster artistic innovation. Inspiration for Peake is drawn from a myriad of sources, including clients, the architectural context, historical periods, and even natural landscapes. She maintains an extensive library of books for research and frequently captures visual cues from her surroundings. Her typical color palette leans towards blues and greens, often warmed with wood, yellow, or gold tones, which she finds relaxing and neutral, particularly suitable for bedrooms and bathrooms. However, she stresses the importance of variety, ensuring that while certain colors anchor a design, others are introduced to create dynamic schemes. Material selection focuses on natural elements such as wood, linen, and bouclé wool. She appreciates the versatility of stone, from Italian marble for a luxurious feel to English limestone for rustic charm. Her designs are further enriched by the strategic use of contrast, juxtaposing natural textures with vibrant lacquers and brass accents. Finishing touches are crucial to Peake's designs, frequently incorporating items like curly Gotland sheepskins or richly textured bouclé, either as upholstery or cushions. Swedish flatweave rugs are another signature element, with Peake actively seeking original pieces or commissioning new ones from traditional Swedish factories. Beautiful ceramics, particularly organic shapes with unique glazes, are also a passion. For Instagram inspiration, she recommends following Studio Giancarlo Valle, Pierre Yovanovitch, and Meta Coleman. Peake highlights three key projects that exemplify her work. The Parsons Green house involved transforming a blank canvas with Victorian features into a contemporary yet layered family home, blending modern art with antique rugs and bespoke elements like a tiled fireplace. The master bedroom in this project features a calm palette with Edward Bulmer 'Celadon' paint and a Vanderhurd rug, while the guest bedroom showcases vibrant colors and custom-designed beds. The Vauxhall cottage project, her first solo endeavor, involved restoring a Georgian cottage, transforming an industrial aesthetic into a cozy, colorful home. This included a kitchen refresh with new limestone flooring, painted joinery, and antique handles, complemented by soft furnishings. The master bedroom in Vauxhall features 'Fencing Blue' paint, Pierre Frey fabric, and a pre-existing painting by Venetia Berry as a color anchor. The small box room was dramatically transformed into a bed nook, utilizing V-grooved MDF paneling, Edward Bulmer 'Fair Blue' paint, and Ottoline Devries wallpaper. Finally, the Barons Court apartment, an Edwardian mansion block flat, required a fresh, modern update while honoring its traditional elements. This project features a dramatic layout with a freestanding Water Monopoly bath as a focal point, a study with traditional panelling and a mid-century modern light fitting, and a bedroom with Lewis & Wood wallpaper and a mix of antique and contemporary furnishings. Each project demonstrates Peake's skill in blending diverse elements to create unique and personalized living spaces. #InteriorDesign #StudioPeake #SarahPeake #HomeDecor #DesignEthos #ColorPalette #MaterialSelection #RenovationProjects #LuxuryInteriors

This article celebrates Suzanne Tick's induction into the Interior Design Hall of Fame, highlighting her multifaceted career as a material innovator, textile designer, and artist. Tick's work is characterized by a forward-thinking approach, integrating sustainability, advanced technologies like 3D knitting, and concepts of transparency and digitalism into woven surfaces for commercial interiors. Her textile brand, Luum, for instance, launched its 'Fabric of Space' collection with patterns inspired by celestial phenomena, coincidentally aligning with the public release of images from the James Webb Space Telescope. Throughout her four-decade career, Tick has collaborated with prominent brands such as Tarkett, Tandus Centiva, 3form, and Skyline Design, creating a diverse range of products including upholstery, drapery fabrics, high-performance carpeting, broadloom, cement-tile, LVT flooring, and etched glass panels. Beyond her commercial endeavors, she maintains an active fine-art practice, producing tapestries and experimental handweavings for clients like the Gates Foundation and BlackRock. Before establishing her independent studio and Luum, Tick served as an in-house design lead for Knoll Textiles, Unika Vaev, and Brickel Associates. However, she values the autonomy and risk-taking opportunities afforded by her entrepreneurial path. This independence has enabled her to innovate, as seen in Luum's pioneering contract industry fabrics made from postconsumer-recycled biodegradable polyester and discarded garment waste. Her journey began in the early 1980s after earning textile design degrees, where she quickly sought to understand the entire production process, learning everything from fiber sourcing to pattern implementation, an experience that shaped her holistic approach. Sustainability has been a cornerstone of Tick's philosophy, encompassing raw material development, structural innovation, and manufacturing method revitalization. At Luum, the focus is on developing new fibers and constructions, resulting in distinct fabrics. Her handweavings also incorporate novel and salvaged materials, such as dry-cleaning hangers, shredded ledgers, and cut-up paint sample discards. Tick attributes her salvage mindset to her upbringing, influenced by her father's scrap-metal business and her mother's creative pursuits and Eastern philosophy interests. Meditation has also profoundly influenced Tick's creative process and studio culture. After a period of personal dissatisfaction, she embraced Vedic meditation seven years ago and now teaches it, crediting it with enhancing collective creativity and clarity within her design teams. This practice has also reinforced her commitment to social responsibility, leading to free weaving workshops and involvement with The Light Inside, an organization teaching meditation to prison inmates. Tick's dedication extends to environmental stewardship, evidenced by her role in creating Resolution, the first solution-dyed panel fabric for Knoll Textiles, and her studio's textile waste recycling efforts. Her work consistently pushes boundaries, merging technology, craft, and human ingenuity to promote circularity in design. #SuzanneTick #InteriorDesignHallOfFame #TextileDesign #MaterialInnovation #Sustainability #LuumTextiles #KnollTextiles #SkylineDesign #VedicMeditation #ArtInstallation

Marble, a natural stone esteemed for centuries in building and decorating, remains a luxurious and timeless material in interior design. Despite evolving trends, experts affirm its enduring appeal, attributing it to its natural character, diverse color and texture variations, and inherent durability. While marble is undeniably popular for kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, and decorative accessories, its practicality, especially in high-traffic areas, and cost-effectiveness are factors designers consider. In kitchens, marble is celebrated for its elegant and luxurious aesthetic as a countertop option. However, its softness and porous nature make it susceptible to staining and chipping. Designers like Naomi Astley Clarke suggest quartz as a practical alternative, offering a similar natural stone look with enhanced durability and resistance to stains and scratches. Claudio Corniola of Laminam highlights porcelain slabs as another innovative option, capable of emulating marble's appearance without the high maintenance and cost. These alternatives cater to those seeking marble's aesthetic without its specific care requirements. For bathrooms, marble is a favored choice due to its natural water resistance and ability to create a spa-like ambiance. Designers recommend honed finishes over polished ones in wet areas to improve durability and reduce slipperiness, advising against dark marble for these spaces. The versatility of marble extends beyond primary surfaces. Interior designers such as Artem Kropovinsky and Kristina LoMonaco emphasize incorporating marble through accent pieces like trays, coasters, and lamp bases. These smaller elements provide an effortless way to introduce luxury, offering an accessible entry point for those on a budget or looking to add subtle sophistication. Kristina LoMonaco particularly notes how marble, when combined with warmer materials like wood and textured fabrics, can modernize a space. When it comes to flooring, marble provides a classic and opulent foundation, though it is typically a more expensive option. Patricia Knight of Zinnia Design Studio underscores marble's timelessness and artistic potential but also points out its porosity and susceptibility to scratches, necessitating frequent sealing. She suggests modern alternatives like sintered stone products, such as Neolith, which offer strength, durability, and a more sustainable profile. These alternatives allow for a marble effect without the premium price or intensive upkeep. Overall, the consensus among interior designers is that marble transcends fleeting trends. It is viewed as a classic, sophisticated, and versatile material that continues to bring a unique, luxurious, and timeless quality to any home, regardless of style or age. The material's natural beauty and ability to create an indoor-outdoor connection ensure its lasting presence in interior design, even with the rise of more affordable and practical alternatives. #MarbleTrends #InteriorDesign #LuxuryMaterials #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #HomeDecor #NaturalStone #DesignAlternatives #TimelessDesign

The interior design landscape is currently undergoing a significant shift from the previously dominant minimalist aesthetic of bright white walls, beige accents, and sparse decor. A new trend, dubbed "Dark Glamour" by Benjamin Moore, is emerging, characterized by deep, moody hues, rich jewel tones, dusky neutrals, and metallic accents, often with a gothic undertone. This shift emphasizes creating spaces with more color and emotional depth, moving away from a strictly neutral palette. Local interior designers are embracing this change, offering insights into successfully integrating these richer palettes into home environments. Tammie Ladd, owner of Tammie Ladd Design, highlights the importance of incorporating living elements like plants to prevent dark spaces from feeling too heavy. She also stresses the significance of contrast, drawing parallels to black-and-white photography, where a balance between light and dark elements—such as a dark floor with white walls or dark cabinetry with lighter hardware—creates visual interest and energy. Ladd illustrates this by describing a home study she designed with midnight blue walls contrasted by an untouched warm-toned wood ceiling, noting the complementary energy between blue and orange tones. Kasey Dobbins of Foxwood Design Co. shares a similar perspective, suggesting that for those hesitant to paint entire walls dark, painting the ceiling can be an effective alternative. She advises against an all-black-and-white scheme, preferring rooms within a mid-tone range for a more inviting feel. Dobbins encourages homeowners to select colors they are inherently drawn to, suggesting that personal comfort and preference should guide color choices, allowing homes to reflect individual personalities. Lighting plays a crucial role in these richly colored spaces. Ladd acknowledges the contribution of lighting specialists, emphasizing that strategic lighting can transform a dark room. Dobbins advocates for a layered lighting approach, combining various sources such as can lights, ambient sconces, and table lamps to create depth and warmth. She also provides practical advice for naturally low-light areas like basements, recommending medium-tone colors over very dark or stark white options, as white can make such spaces feel institutional. Beyond color and light, texture is another essential element for enhancing moody interiors. Ladd favors velvet for its calming properties and visual interest, while Dobbins is drawn to nubby bouclé fabric. Other textural elements like woven shades, sisal rugs, and waffle weave blankets can also enrich dark spaces. The article notes that even sheepskin throws, when used judiciously, can contribute to this textural complexity. Grasscloth wall coverings, reinvented with contemporary colors, are also recommended for adding a sophisticated textural layer. For luminous touches, natural stone, mirrored materials, and metals are suggested, particularly to complement candlelight. This trend towards rich colors and textures is seen as a corrective response to the previous monochromatic design extreme, aiming to reintroduce warmth and energy into living spaces, offering numerous options for homeowners to create refreshingly moody and personalized interiors. #InteriorDesign #DarkGlamour #ColorTrends #HomeDecor #TexturalElements #LightingDesign #MoodPalette #DesignTips #SpokaneDesigners

The article explores the rising popularity of Alpi Sottsass wood veneer in interior design, a material created by acclaimed designer Ettore Sottsass in 1985 and manufactured by Italian company Alpi. This veneer, known for its distinctive grainy and groovy pattern, is gaining traction as an alternative to traditional plywood, particularly in kitchen designs and furniture. Designers are drawn to its unique aesthetic, which some describe as resembling a zebra pattern or sand waves. Eline De Bruyne, a Belgium-based teacher and interiors enthusiast, incorporated Alpi Sottsass into her kitchen, seeking a designer furniture-like appearance for her storage units. This choice reflects a broader appreciation for the material among those who admire the Memphis movement of the 1980s. While Alpi collaborates with several designers like Patricia Urquiola and Kengo Kuma, the Sottsass design, especially in its gray colorway, is becoming increasingly prevalent in contemporary projects. Magda Kwoczka of Finch Studio, based in Poland, has notably used the Sottsass product in multiple areas within a single apartment. The manufacturing process of Alpi veneers begins with FSC-certified wood, typically poplar, limewood, or ayous, sourced from forests in Cameroon. This wood is then transported to Alpi's plant in Modigliana, Italy, where it undergoes a detailed sequence of stripping, dyeing, compositing, gluing, pressing, squaring, shearing, and testing. For U.S. customers, Brookside Veneers acts as the primary distributor for the Ettore Sottsass Alpi wood, with orders requiring direct contact through a request form or sales agent rather than online purchasing. While the ordering process is manageable, interior designer Dawid Konieczny notes that it can take approximately four to five weeks for delivery. A significant factor to consider is the cost, which is provided upon request from Alpi. Konieczny highlights that Sottsass veneer is considerably more expensive, roughly five times the price of simple white oak. Despite the higher price point, designers like Konieczny and Kwoczka justify the investment due to the veneer's originality and the prestige associated with its designer. The material's versatility means it can be used in various interior applications, with the only limitation being its unsuitability for outdoor, non-weatherproof environments. Designers are finding innovative ways to integrate Alpi Sottsass veneer into their projects. Dawid Konieczny, for instance, used it to construct a bed frame in a Warsaw home, drawing inspiration from desert landscapes. Magda Kwoczka showcases its effectiveness when juxtaposed with materials like Calacatta Viola marble, creating a captivating interplay of patterns. Architect Matt Bowles of Tenbooks plans to use the veneer in kitchens to contrast with the solidity of stone countertops, appreciating its departure from conventional linear-grained hardwood products. Dustin Fritsche of Softer Studio discovered the material's potential in smaller furniture pieces, noting its significant visual impact even in limited applications, such as a sideboard in a living room. Its malleability, owing to its thin-sliced nature, also allows for the creation of curved surfaces, as demonstrated by Kwoczka's rounded cabinets in a home office and De Bruyne's kitchen doors, which effectively conceal various items while adding an element of wonder to the built environment. #AlpiSottsassVeneer #EttoreSottsassDesign #MemphisMovement #WoodVeneerTrends #InteriorDesignMaterials #KitchenRenovation #FurnitureDesign #DesignerWood #HomeDecor