Tales From My Wardrobe: Interior Designer Suzie McAdam

In this installment of "My Favorite Room," interior designer Liz Tew showcases a primary bedroom that exemplifies her philosophy of timeless design and meticulous attention to detail. Tew describes the room as a masterclass in thoughtful layers and classic tailored details, emphasizing a serene yet dynamic color palette of blues and greens. This combination, she notes, prevents the space from feeling flat and contributes to its enduring appeal. Her journey into design began with childhood art lessons and continued through college, cultivating a deep appreciation for color, consistency, and precision. Tew finds immense fulfillment in her work, particularly in the personal connections forged with clients as she helps shape their living spaces and becomes a part of their stories. Key design elements highlighted in this primary bedroom include the statement drapery and roman shades. Tew explains that the geometric trim, chosen in a contrasting color, introduces texture and dimension, elevating the room while maintaining an approachable aesthetic. Another detail she particularly favors is the vaulted tongue-and-groove ceiling, which she refers to as a "quiet little luxury," adding subtle sophistication to the space. For those inspired to recreate a similar look, Tew offers three actionable tips. First, she advises mixing finishes and textures; for instance, pairing a wooden nightstand with an upholstered bed can create a natural, layered effect and visual contrast. Second, she encourages boldness with window treatments, suggesting that saturated colors and contrasting trims can instantly inject personality and drama into a room. Finally, Tew recommends incorporating florals, whether through fabric patterns or fresh arrangements, to bring warmth and joy to any interior setting. This featured room serves as a testament to Tew's design principles, combining aesthetic appeal with functional elegance to create a primary bedroom that is both beautiful and comforting. The focus remains on creating spaces that are deeply personal and reflective of the inhabitants, while embodying a classic and enduring style. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #PrimaryBedroom #TimelessDesign #LizTewInteriors #ColorPalette #WindowTreatments #VaultedCeiling #DesignTips

This article provides a detailed look into the wardrobe of lighting designers Prateek Jain and Gautam Seth. The designers, founders of Klove studio in New Delhi, have meticulously curated a closet space that reflects their personal style and practical needs. The wardrobe is characterized by its black wooden flooring and black open shelves, a deliberate choice that allows the clothes and accessories to stand out, despite their profession revolving around light. Prateek Jain explains that the open-shelf design is crucial for their fast-paced lifestyle, enabling them to quickly locate items without extensive searching. Both designers value efficiency in their morning routine, emphasizing that they avoid stacking too many items. Their approach to dressing is significantly influenced by the weather in New Delhi, yet comfort-chic remains a consistent theme. They enjoy blending formal and casual pieces to achieve a relaxed aesthetic, particularly for social events. Gautam Seth highlights his preference for comfort during parties, indicating a pragmatic approach to fashion. Their ideal wardrobe setup would incorporate large mirrors, a controlled temperature, ample storage, and sufficient lighting. While their current closet features black elements, the overall design aims to enhance the visibility and accessibility of their belongings. The article also details specific items found within their closet, showcasing a blend of international and local brands. These include a Valentino jacket, Zara T-shirt, Balmain sweatpants, and Car Shoe shoes worn by Prateek Jain, and a jacket from Bali, a Rajesh Pratap Singh shirt, Balmain sweatpants, and Car Shoe shoes worn by Gautam Seth. The display also features accessories like a Salvatore Ferragamo money clip, a Seletti Wears Toiletpaper plate, green sunglasses from Milan, a Hay matchbox, a Lecoanet Hemant belt, a Comme des Garçons wallet, Mykita sunglasses, a Wood’d iPhone case, a Fujifilm ‘Instax’ camera, and Philips earphones. Miniature spectacles from Second Floor Studio are also noted. Footwear options include gold high-top sneakers from Maison Margiela and green slip-ons from Stubbs & Wootton. Decorative elements such as a glass fox and bowls by Klove are also present, reflecting their professional background. An installation named ‘Heart’ stone and light wall, created by Klove in collaboration with Ruchika Grover of Odyssey, serves as a backdrop, featuring a jacket from Ryu Koizumi. The framed photograph in their New Delhi apartment is by artist Shilpa Gupta, and other apparel mentioned includes a green jacket from Dsquared2 and shoes from Ami. The designers' passion for shopping in cities like Paris and New York is also mentioned, indicating their global fashion influences. The article concludes by listing several topics associated with the content, such as Delhi, Lighting, New Delhi, New York, and Paris, further categorizing the context of the designers' lifestyle and professional background. #ClosetDesign #FashionStyle #InteriorDesign #LightingDesigners #ComfortChic #HomeDecor #LuxuryLifestyle #WardrobeOrganization #ArchitecturalDigest

The article showcases the master suite in designer Jessica Whitley's Lake House at The Reserve at Lake Keowee, describing it as a personal retreat meticulously designed with a blend of purpose and soul. The suite features a small vestibule to ensure sound buffering, creating an immediate sense of serenity upon entry. Each element within the space is intentionally placed, beginning with a bed wall adorned with real feathers, which introduces an organic texture and serves as a central anchor for the room. Adjacent to the sleeping area, a sitting space is furnished with Verellen daybeds and boasts floor-to-ceiling windows. These windows not only flood the room with natural light but also establish a visual connection with the outdoor environment, blurring the lines between the interior and exterior. The master bathroom is a highlight, featuring a marble-wrapped freestanding tub perfectly aligned with an outdoor firepit. This alignment allows residents to experience the gentle movement of the lake from the comfort of their bath, further integrating the natural surroundings into the home's design. Jessica Whitley, who is also the owner and creative director of Jessica Whitley Studio, emphasizes the importance of balancing beauty with functionality in her design philosophy. This is evident in the suite's thoughtful, practical details, such as a discreetly placed coffee bar, a hidden makeup vanity, and a linen-wrapped closet equipped with a concealed washer/dryer and a folding island. These features demonstrate how meticulous planning can significantly enhance the daily living experience, making routines more efficient and enjoyable. Integrated lighting, smart window treatments, and subtle sound barriers further contribute to the suite's calming ambiance. These elements work in harmony to create a rhythm that reflects Whitley's personal lifestyle and professional ethos. The designer articulates that every feature in the suite is designed to foster a sense of calm, control, and personal luxury, reinforcing her belief that good design should tell a compelling story—one that resonates with the feeling of 'home'. The article concludes by offering three key design tips for readers looking to achieve a similar aesthetic and functionality. First, it advises a thorough consideration of how the space will be used, taking into account both quiet, everyday moments and larger gatherings. This holistic approach ensures the design supports various lifestyles, promoting intentionality and comfort. Second, it highlights the importance of being mindful of natural sunlight throughout the day, as its entry points affect comfort, privacy, and the placement of window treatments, seating, and focal points. Lastly, the article stresses the need to consider the flow for family interaction, ensuring that pathways, sightlines, and multi-purpose areas are designed to support how people naturally move and interact within the space. #JessicaWhitley #InteriorDesign #MasterSuite #LakeKeowee #LuxuryLiving #HomeDecor #FunctionalDesign #SereneSpaces #DesignTips

Interior designer Shea McGee, known for her thriving business Studio McGee and her work on Netflix's Dream Home Makeover, has released her first design book, "The Art of Home: A Designer Guide to Creating an Elevated Yet Approachable Home." The book aims to make high-end design principles accessible for any home and budget, guiding readers through the design process and offering room-specific advice. McGee emphasizes that design is a step-by-step process of unfolding decisions and layers, and she is passionate about helping people create authentic and functional spaces. The book begins with the entryway, which McGee considers crucial for setting the home's tone. She suggests five essential items for a functional and stylish entryway: a console table, a lamp, a mirror, a tray or bowl as a drop zone, and a candle. In smaller spaces, a vintage rug can ground the area and introduce color and pattern. Other elements like ottomans, floor plants, and sculptural objects can also enhance the space. For living rooms, McGee typically starts here or in the kitchen, as these are central to daily living. A good layout is paramount, fostering conversation and intimacy rather than pushing furniture against walls. She recommends ottomans over coffee tables in compact areas for their versatility. McGee's eclectic style balances old and new, achieved by focusing on compatible tones, textures, proportions, and shapes, and repeating motifs. She advises against ultra-modern fireplace designs if the room features soft moldings, highlighting the importance of rhythm and flow over strict cohesion, using modern lamps with antique chests as an example of successful style mixing. In the kitchen, functionality and beauty are equally important. McGee prioritizes a "work triangle" (refrigerator, sink, stove) for efficiency. A focal point, such as a decorative range hood, backsplash tiles, or open shelves, is essential to give the eye a place to rest. Durability is key for long-term investments, so timeless materials and finishes are recommended over trendy ones. Creative lighting, including task and accent lighting, can also enhance the kitchen's aesthetic. Dining rooms, having fewer elements, demand careful selection of tables and chairs, with scale being crucial for comfort and flow. The room's shape should guide the table's shape. A decorative light fixture centered over the table, scaled appropriately (two-thirds the table's width and 32-36 inches above), completes the look. McGee's book includes a style guide with practical tips, such as how to properly hang light fixtures. Bedrooms are envisioned as serene sanctuaries achieved through layering textures like quilts, throws, and decorative pillows to create a luxurious feel. Soft textures contribute to relaxation. Upholstered furniture, window treatments, and throw pillows offer opportunities to introduce color and pattern, tying the scheme together and repeating motifs from other elements in the room. McGee also shares tips on pattern mixing for a cohesive bedroom design. Bathroom renovations, often costly, should avoid fleeting trends. McGee advises classic choices for big-ticket items like plumbing, tiles, vanities, and countertops, while allowing for playful, changeable elements like vanity lighting and decorative mirrors. Even with classic tiles, varying patterns or grout colors can add uniqueness without extra cost. Mixing metal finishes, with a dominant metal for plumbing and different finishes for lighting or hardware, is also encouraged. However, powder rooms and kids' bathrooms are exceptions, where bold patterns and trendy colors are embraced. Home offices, now a staple for many, require personalized design for inspiration and productivity. McGee suggests clients consider what inspires them, their hobbies, preferred working environments, and colors. Whether a dark, moody space or a bright, light-filled one, the office should reflect individual preferences. Personalizing the space with hobbies and passions ensures motivation, especially since these rooms are less frequently used by guests or children. Utility rooms, such as mudrooms and laundry rooms, though less glamorous, benefit from thoughtful design to streamline household tasks. McGee emphasizes listing priorities and uses for the space before planning cabinetry. Closed storage helps conceal clutter, while open shelving allows for decorative elements that also serve a purpose. She advocates for a balance between decoration and functionality in these spaces. For kids' rooms, the goal is to balance whimsy with room for growth. McGee recommends investing in foundational pieces like furniture and custom carpentry that have longevity. Personality is added through easily updated decorative accessories, wall colors, and finishes. Ample storage, including some open shelves for display, is essential, though open shelving should be minimized to avoid clutter. Creating a comfortable spot for relaxation, like a fun chair or reading nook, and layering textures also contribute to an inviting and calming environment for children. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #SheaMcGee #StudioMcGee #DesignTips #RoomDesign #HomeStyling #InteriorDecorator #DesignBook

Monica Duncan, owner of The Duncan House Fine Interiors, shares insights into her 24-year career as an interior designer. Duncan, who has lived in North Carolina for 26 years, reveals her current favorite color to wear as blush and taupe, but notes it changes frequently. When it comes to interior design, her preferred approach involves sophisticated neutrals accented with splashes of color. Duncan recounts that her inclination towards design was evident from childhood, as she engaged in space planning games in the woods, a clear early sign of her future profession despite initially pursuing a law degree in university. Her mother recognized her design aptitude before she did. Regarding current design trends, Duncan expresses appreciation for edited interiors that are both forward-thinking and sophisticated. Conversely, she cites 'Harvest gold ruffled ‘Dorothy’s originals’' as a design trend she wishes had never occurred. When asked about her favorite national interior designer, Duncan names Barbara Barry, commending Barry's exceptional restraint and ability to judiciously incorporate statement pieces into her designs. The best career advice Duncan has received is 'If it moves you, it can stay,' a principle she applies in her work. Duncan finds inspiration primarily in nature, describing it as 'God’s handiwork.' She is moved by the soft hues of sunrises, the grandeur of sunsets, and the changing moods of natural landscapes, such as the misty gray of a pond. When beginning a new room design, her initial focus is always on the clients. She meticulously observes their personal style, their lifestyle, and their aspirations and dreams for their living spaces. Upon the completion of a home design project, Duncan hopes her clients experience feelings of awe, profound emotion, and genuine happiness. She notes that 'tears of joy are always a good thing!' This interview was originally published in the December 2017 issue of Home + Garden, highlighting her expertise and philosophy in interior design. #InteriorDesign #MonicaDuncan #TheDuncanHouseFineInteriors #DesignTrends #CharlotteMagazine #HomeDecor #DesignerProfile