Surprise: Stripes, Animal Prints, and Chartreuse Peacefully Coexist in This D.C. Home

Stacey-Ann Blake, a self-taught interior stylist and designer, has transformed her Fayetteville, North Carolina home into a vibrant and unique space, where bold colors and unexpected patterns are the norm. Her approach to design is deeply influenced by her Jamaican heritage and a meticulous process of envisioning and sourcing quality pieces. Rather than conforming to traditional neutral palettes, Blake embraces a prismatic aesthetic, making hot pink and neon coral function as neutrals within her lively interior. Blake's passion for design blossomed while living in Italy and was further cultivated during her maternity leave in 2008, when she discovered the world of blogging. As a military wife, often alone during her husband Andre's deployments, she developed a keen interest in interior magazines, leading to frequent home makeovers. Her home became a creative laboratory, showcasing joyful DIY projects like a patchwork ottoman and whimsical light fixtures, eventually attracting partnerships with major brands such as Target and Universal Studios. In 2010, Blake took charge of designing her family's ranch-style home, prioritizing an open layout with cathedral ceilings and dormer windows to maximize light—essential for her extensive plant collection. This design facilitated easy supervision of her young children and fostered a bright, airy atmosphere. Her most prized plant, Glory, a fiddle-leaf fig tree, even gained its own social media following, reflecting Blake’s belief in the positive impact of plants on a home's vibe and overall health. Her green thumb also extends to a backyard garden, a nod to her Caribbean farming lineage. The children's spaces are designed to encourage self-expression. In her sons Zion and Ian’s bedroom, a world map mural serves as an educational tool and a way to connect with their deployed father, transforming bedtime routines into geographical lessons. An adjacent gallery wall proudly displays their artwork alongside pieces by renowned artists like Joan Miró and Ed Heck, fostering a sense of accomplishment. For Zion, who is autistic, Blake carefully selected calming paint shades, like the mellow blue now gracing their serene play zone. Throughout the house, Blake's bold paint choices serve as striking backdrops for her art collection. The hot pink foyer, for instance, features works by Jonathan Green and Erin Robinson, complemented by artifacts from Jamaica and Italy. The main bedroom boasts abstract art by Justina Blakeney and digital prints from EdB & Paprika, all inspired by Blake’s travels and diverse cultural experiences. Her living room’s expansive bookcase, adorned with a geometric orange overlay—her favorite hue—is a testament to her creative flair. This Technicolor library, filled with color-coded books and hidden toy cubbies, truly embodies the heart of their home. Blake consistently designs with her children in mind, ensuring uncluttered, safe, and flow-conscious spaces where every room is accessible and inviting. She emphasizes respect for furniture but also encourages playful activities like fort-building. This family-centric approach has instilled a love for design in her children, as evidenced by her son Zion's request for a bathroom renovation after seeing the main one completed. The article concludes with Blake’s recommendations for six books that promote social awareness in children, reflecting her role as a schoolteacher in an international system. #HomeDesign #InteriorStyling #ColorPalette #FamilyHome #KidsRooms #DesignInspiration #StaceyAnnBlake #NorthCarolina #DecoratingTips

This article highlights the transformation of a newbuild three-bedroom luxury condo in New York City into a vibrant, chic, and globally-inspired pied-à-terre by Petrie Interior Designs. The owners, avid travelers, sought to create a comfortable home for themselves and their extended family in a city they cherish for its diversity and proximity to loved ones. The initial challenge involved redesigning a space previously built for a young couple with toddlers, necessitating the removal of outdated wallpaper and built-in cabinetry while emphasizing existing floor-to-ceiling windows and natural light. Designer Susan Petrie’s vision centered on embodying exuberance, style, and color, reflecting the clients' globetrotting lifestyle and their appreciation for sophisticated textiles and a global aesthetic. The project involved a significant overhaul, with the clients ultimately deciding to retain only the dining table from the previous owners, opting to replace or revamp all other elements. Petrie describes the interior style as a “global, chic retreat,” characterized by the strategic introduction of colorful wallpaper, strong pattern plays, and bold yet sophisticated fabrics and colors, particularly Manuel Canovas fabric as accent pieces. This approach allowed for a design narrative that weaves together the clients' love for global furnishings, unique eclectic touches, and diverse, chic interiors, ensuring that each room makes a distinct personal statement. The entry and hallway were designed to create an immediate global impression. Dark stained wallpaper and a wood grain front door were replaced to brighten the space. The hallway features Ramayana Blue toile wallpaper by GP & J Baker, evoking distant travel, complemented by a vintage Venetian mirror, a Moorish mother-of-pearl inlay table, and an African Senufo meditation stool. These elements collectively establish an international flair, setting the tone for the curated furnishings throughout the home. The hallway further extends into an area adorned with Serena Dugan Studio’s Cassis Grasscloth Wallpaper in Prussian Blue. The living room stands out as a focal point and a favorite space for the clients, celebrated for its intentional eclecticism. Susan Petrie chose not to use window treatments in this area to maximize the natural light and showcase the western views of the historic Gramercy area. The design prioritized warmth, comfort, and strategic pops of color, with a color palette inspired by Moroccan spices like cayenne, saffron, paprika, and ginger. Custom furniture pieces, including a tufted sofa with an embroidered border trim, bergère chairs with a raspberry contrast trim, and a scalloped edge ottoman upholstered in a coral zig-zag fabric, contribute to the unique and inviting atmosphere. A gallery wall featuring Mary Maguire’s art, known for its antique frames and worldly images, adds a cheerful and unique touch. The kitchen's renovation included replacing original pendants with smoked glass Noreen pendant lights and Henson counter stools from Arteriors, introducing a rustic yet refined aesthetic. The dining area capitalizes on natural light, with Susan Petrie opting against window treatments. A recycled green glass and gold leaf chandelier from Arteriors enhances both artificial and natural light. An authentic hand-woven Otomi table runner adds vibrant color, while the existing table and benches were updated with custom cushions made from Kravet hexagon fabric. The home office features Serena Dugan’s Bahia grass cloth wallpaper in Onyx/Natural, creating an exotic, Brazilian-beach inspired feel, juxtaposed with city views from a vintage woven rattan desk. A rust and teal sivas rug from Eliko grounds the space. The primary bedroom is designed as a cozy and tasteful retreat, a favorite of the clients. A custom upholstered bed from Oomph with a global-themed shape, Peter Fasano Trotwood Dusk Fabric, Matouk zig-zag sheets, and a custom bolster made from Lisa Fine textiles Mughal Floral Monsoon fabric create a luxurious and feminine ambiance. Custom window treatments provide sound and light protection, while a Madeline slipper chair upholstered in Brunschwig & Fils Les Touches offers a comfortable spot for reading. The guest bedroom, designed for a range of ages, features Schumacher Thistle Stripe wallpaper and a custom bed in orchid chinoiserie fabric, complemented by vintage Moroccan green hand-painted side tables, ensuring a cheerful yet luxurious space. #NewYorkCondo #InteriorDesign #EclecticDecor #GlobalInspired #ColorPalette #PatternPlay #LuxuryLiving #ChicInteriors #PetrieInteriorDesigns

Anne Keenan and Alexis Seeley, a couple living in a 3,000-square-foot Brooklyn townhouse with their 5-year-old son, Leon, and two dogs, decided to hire an interior designer after nearly a decade in their home. The 1899 property had undergone a gut renovation in 2009, led by architect Fred Tang, focusing on structural and infrastructural improvements. While the major renovation addressed issues like mechanicals, a bay window, and plasterwork, the interiors were initially handled by the couple themselves. As their family grew, they found their individual furniture pieces didn't create a cohesive and functional family space. Seeking professional help to optimize their living area, particularly the main-floor living space where the sofa, TV, and dining table coexisted awkwardly, they reached out to Tang, who recommended Barbara Reyes, the new director of interior design for his firm. The established relationship with Tang's team, who were already familiar with the house's structure, was a key factor in their decision. The project commenced just as the pandemic began, leading to unconventional collaboration methods like masked stoop drop-offs for samples and Zoom meetings. A pivotal design decision involved relocating the dining table from a bay window nook to the center of the main floor, paired with a custom-built banquette. This change, initially mocked up by Seeley using existing furniture, significantly improved the space's flow and functionality for both everyday meals and entertaining. Reyes focused on practical solutions for a family-friendly home, incorporating performance fabrics for upholstery and replacing fragile glass tabletops with durable, mirrored plexiglass. Addressing the couple's differing aesthetic preferences—Seeley's love for neon colors and Pop Art versus Keenan's desire for traditional elegance—Reyes successfully blended these styles, introducing a sense of playfulness. The design incorporated unique color pairings, with the couple often choosing unexpected, vibrant options. A recurring blue and pink palette was used throughout the house, with varying shades and saturations, balanced by rich contrasting colors like bold blue in Leon's room and a black dining table. Reyes also integrated Keenan's long-standing collection of miniature food figurines into the living room, displaying them as quirky curios. For Leon's bedroom, the design team fulfilled his request for a "rainbow" room with a Flat Vernacular wall mural featuring a gradient of bright colors, complemented by timeless Vitsoe shelving. A strong emphasis was placed on sustainability and budget, with the couple requesting Reyes to reuse as many existing furnishings as possible. This led to reupholstering comfortable chairs instead of replacing them and repurposing old cabinetry in the couple's bedroom with a modern raspberry hue and gold-flecked wallpaper. The final design created a welcoming, flexible, and durable home that perfectly suits the family's dynamic lifestyle. #BrooklynHome #FamilyLiving #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #HomeRenovation #PerformanceFabrics #SustainableDesign #CustomFurniture #KidsRoomDesign

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 article details the design philosophy and interior of "The Ochre Home," the residence of artist and freelance stylist Geraldine Toh and her husband, Vincent Lim. The name "Ochre Home" was chosen by Ms. Toh to reflect the predominant color palette and earthy sensibility of their space, which primarily features shades of brown, yellow, and orange, reminiscent of the natural clay pigment. As an artist, Ms. Toh often uses ochre in her paintings, further solidifying its significance to her home's aesthetic. The home's style is described as mid-century modern inspired with an eclectic mix. Ms. Toh, who studied fine arts, showcases a keen eye for color, proportion, and design. The couple selected a 30-year-old apartment for its spaciousness, airiness, and square layout, which simplified space planning. Key layout modifications included removing a kitchen wall to create an open entrance, repositioning the common bathroom door for discretion, and moving the master bedroom door to facilitate an open-concept walk-in wardrobe. The initial impression upon entering the apartment is one of expansive open space. A central tenet of Ms. Toh's design approach is the belief that furnishing a home should be a gradual process, allowing for the collection of unique pieces with personal stories. She views her home as "forever a work in progress," emphasizing modularity and movability to allow for frequent rearrangements and to maintain visual interest. She favors eclecticism over perfectly matched sets, choosing standalone pieces that complement the overall color scheme and texture, ensuring that new additions enhance rather than disrupt the aesthetic. This approach creates pockets and corners with distinct functionalities within the larger open space. Throughout The Ochre Home, visual interest is evident in various details. Ms. Toh painted a mural of a flower on one wall, and customisable fabric outer jackets on the Toshiba Haori air-conditioning units blend seamlessly with the interiors. The couple dedicated time to assembling their furniture, often thrifting pieces or carefully selecting others for their historical significance and narrative. For instance, their Commune leather sofa was acquired from an expatriate family, and their stackable dining chairs are vintage 1980s Casala Obo Formsitz pieces sourced from AA Furniture, specializing in vintage Japanese furniture. The study area, carved out from the main living space without walls, features a 1960s Danish kidney-bean-shaped desk from local store Noden. Lighting fixtures also hold historical value, such as a vintage 1970s Louis Poulsen Panthella lamp from Aria Design Store, which exhibits a beautiful patina. Other notable pieces include a 1960s Danish coffee table, a thrifted Marcel Breuer cantilever chair, and a Flos Arco floor lamp. A 1970s pinecone wall lamp from a Danish vintage store in Vancouver was hand-carried home by Ms. Toh. Mid-century design signatures are prominent, with an Eames lounge chair, Hans J. Wegner’s CH24 Wishbone Chair, and a special-edition Safari chair by Kaare Klint. Personal touches include a pinewood side table and a kapur wood bench, both crafted by Mr. Lim. Beyond aesthetics, the home was conceived as a creative hub for the couple's artistic and hobby pursuits. A dedicated creative room stores art-making equipment, and plain white walls serve as a canvas for photographic prints, abstract paintings, and Ms. Toh’s first mural. The article concludes by noting that the couple's personal touches and years of inhabiting the space have successfully actualized their vision for The Ochre Home, creating a lived-in and deeply personal atmosphere. #EclecticHomeDesign #MidCenturyModern #OchreHome #ArtistHome #VintageFurniture #CreativeSpace #HomeStyling #SingaporeDesign #PersonalizedInteriors

This article provides an exclusive tour of Dallas interior designer Roz Murphy's personal residence, located in the University Park neighborhood. The home, a 3,500-square-foot property with three bedrooms and three bathrooms, was originally a ranch-style house built in the 1950s, with a second floor added in the 1980s. Murphy and her family purchased the home in 2010 and embarked on a comprehensive renovation and design process that spanned 13 years, with the project finally reaching completion in 2023. The gradual, room-by-room approach allowed for meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that each space reflected the family's personality and style. Murphy's design philosophy, characterized by a love for color, pattern, and unexpected elements, is evident throughout the house. The interior, despite the cottage-like exterior, surprises visitors with whimsical elements and vibrant aesthetics. The renovation scope encompassed significant updates to the kitchen, bathrooms, and patio, transforming the original structure into a personalized sanctuary. The kitchen, for instance, features ornate wallpaper, dark wood floors, and fabric-covered stools, creating a playful yet elegant atmosphere. A cozy breakfast nook bathed in morning sunlight further enhances the charm of the space. The sitting room showcases an Art Deco-leaning pink-and-green combination, evoking a sophisticated Miami-inspired vibe reminiscent of 1920s Palm Beach hotels. This space incorporates bold colors, intricate patterns, plush fabrics, and an artistic area rug, providing ample room for relaxation and socializing. Murphy explains that the home's design prioritizes comfort and family gatherings, with a layout that includes a formal dining room, study, sunroom, family room, and kitchen downstairs, and the primary suite and additional bedrooms upstairs. The covered patio is also highlighted as a frequently used living area, demonstrating the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. One of the primary motivations for purchasing the home was the need for more space for their two daughters, a requirement that led to the extensive modifications. The master bedroom offers a tranquil retreat with varying shades of blue, complemented by meticulously monogrammed pillows. The bathrooms maintain a clean aesthetic, featuring fresh flowers and thoughtful details. The family room, while grounded in light neutrals, incorporates pops of color through chevron drapery, chinoiserie dragon fabric on swivel chairs, and cantaloupe accents on the ottoman and game chairs. Murphy's favorite space, the dining room, is designed for dramatic flair with tropical wallpaper, a silk background, and bright chartreuse accents. It is further enhanced by an Oushak rug, lavender silk draperies, a custom-designed buffet reflecting Neoclassical style, and champagne metallic wallpaper on the ceilings, adding a glamorous touch. The designer faced challenges during the renovation, particularly in managing scale due to the home's low ceilings, emphasizing the importance of preventing overcrowding while still incorporating beloved furniture and collectibles. The exterior, with its inviting covered patio, outdoor dining area, pool, and lounge space, complements the vibrant interior, creating a cohesive and delightful living environment. The home is a testament to Murphy's ability to blend bright colors, memorable collectibles, and antiques into a warm, cozy, and eclectic space. Each room features unique vignettes, such as floral arrangements, design books, and vintage elements, contributing to the overall charm and character of the residence. #InteriorDesign #HomeTour #ColorfulInteriors #PatternMixing #DallasHomes #RozMurphyDesign #HomeRenovation #EclecticDecor #LuxuryLiving

The Whistling Well, led by founder and principal designer Milena Bica-Shibata, undertook the task of transforming an expansive yet outdated Manhattan apartment into a modern sanctuary for a family of three. The design focused on creating a home that supports the family's lifestyle, which includes frequent hosting and communal meals. The 1,800-square-foot apartment now features three bedrooms and baths, alongside generous communal areas such as a lounge and living room, all designed to foster tranquility and connection. Bica-Shibata emphasized the careful selection of natural materials to achieve harmony and a variety of textures and temperatures throughout the space. The chosen materials include stained oak, ash, leathered quartzite, linen, leather, wool, brass, artisan ceramic tile, marbles, and warm tinted glass. This diverse material palette is complemented by a balanced scheme of cool and warm colors, creating a dynamic yet serene aesthetic. The design incorporates clean lines and rounded edges, contributing to a soft and inviting atmosphere. A custom wood ceiling trim in the living room serves to balance the space and draw the eye upwards, adding architectural interest. This wooden element extends into the kitchen and a custom-designed bar area. The bar was specifically conceived as a continuation of the perimeter millwork, seamlessly transitioning into the eat-in area, which features an operable partition. The design team meticulously studied proportions and materials to ensure a cohesive and visually appealing composition for these integrated spaces. The kitchen itself is a multifunctional tranquil zone, complete with a breakfast nook and the aforementioned bar, catering to the family's culinary and social needs. The inclusion of playful wallcoverings adds a vibrant touch to various areas, such as the children's room where a bold pink and orange wallpaper creates a focal point behind a daybed, and the bathrooms, which also feature lively patterns. Subtle neutrals anchor the main bedroom, promoting a sense of calm and restfulness. Layers of natural materials and earthy hues are consistently applied throughout the home, imbuing it with an overarching sense of peacefulness. This careful curation of design elements and materials successfully transforms the apartment into an oasis, offering a serene escape for the family and their guests amidst the bustling environment of Manhattan. #ManhattanApartment #InteriorDesign #LuxuryLiving #NaturalMaterials #CustomMillwork #ResidentialDesign #Wallcoverings #ModernHome #TranquilSpaces

Lizzie Fortunato, a jewelry designer, and her husband, Peter Asbill, endured a year-long wait to finalize the purchase of their 1924 shingled home in Bellport, New York. Despite the delay and other properties appearing on the market, the couple remained committed to this particular house, which is located just 55 miles from their Brooklyn apartment and offers a manifestation of their desired lifestyle. The home's potential for transformation, unlike their city rental, was a significant draw. Upon acquiring the property, Fortunato collaborated with her childhood friend, Kate Towill of Basic Projects, on renovations. Key changes included converting the kitchen into a mudroom and a porch into the primary bedroom. The most substantial alteration involved removing a wall to create an open-concept first floor, a process that necessitated adding a structural header. This renovation aimed to create a more fluid and interconnected living space. The decorating process was deliberate and personal, avoiding big-box stores in favor of unique, meaningful pieces. For instance, Fortunato sought a vintage draper's table at counter height to serve as a kitchen island. After an extensive search, she discovered an 1800s-era French model on Jayson Home. Its delivery during COVID-19 required coordination with her contractor to move it from the lawn into the house. This island has since become a central gathering spot for the family, including their toddler daughter. Another custom piece is the patchwork chair and ottoman in the sitting room, designed by Studio Sam Klemick. This involved a 10-month collaboration, featuring vintage kantha cloth sourced by Fortunato during a trip to India. The floral chandelier in the dining room was an Etsy find, though its delivery was delayed due to pandemic-related shipping restrictions, arriving only after most of the house was decorated. Some design elements were immediate additions, such as the Alexander Calder bicentennial tapestry, inherited from Fortunato's maternal grandparents. This piece, previously stored in their Brooklyn home, was among the first items hung and influenced the selection of red and blue textiles throughout the house, creating an Americana aesthetic without being overtly patriotic. The style aims for a beachy feel while avoiding common coastal clichés. Fortunato made some spontaneous design decisions, like installing Moroccan tiles in the primary bathroom backsplash, originally intended for a future pool. The vanity cabinet in the bathroom was repurposed from a removed kitchen cabinet. Upstairs, the three bedrooms were furnished with family hand-me-downs, and Etsy headboards were primed and painted to add character. The focus was on creating inviting gathering spaces, reflecting the home's role as a social hub for family and friends. Despite its smaller size compared to properties owned by nearby relatives, Fortunato's home is frequently the preferred spot for gatherings, a testament to its carefully curated and welcoming atmosphere. #HomeTour #InteriorDesign #Renovation #VintageDecor #CustomFurniture #BellportNY #LizzieFortunato #DesignInspiration

This article presents a curated list of 41 unique home decor items designed to add color and personality to any living space, moving away from traditional beige aesthetics. The selection includes a variety of products from different categories, each with a focus on individuality and style. Among the featured items is a rotating sand art wall hanging, which creates dynamic mountain landscapes as sand slowly drips between clear panels. This piece is available in two sizes and 21 colors, offering a calming and visually engaging element. Another item is a vibrant poster-size hanging calendar from Poketo, a small business founded in 2003, known for its design-conscious goods. This calendar is lauded for its large size and versatility, allowing for creative scheduling and serving as an aesthetic wall feature. The collection also includes plush velvet pillow covers with ruffled edges, available in five rich jewel tones, aimed at adding depth and interest to a room. Complementing these are scallop-edge pillow covers, praised for their whimsical charm and ability to introduce a cozy, curvy aesthetic to furniture. For wine enthusiasts, a set of rainbow wineglasses offers a colorful addition to any collection, noted for their thin glass and dishwasher-safe quality. Practical yet playful items such as a heart-shape baking scale, available in three styles, and a cheerful fruit bowl that doubles as a colander, are also highlighted. The fruit bowl is noted for its ability to encourage healthy eating habits by keeping produce visible. For those seeking relaxation, a cooling weighted blanket with a unique knitted pattern is presented, offering breathability and comfort for anxiety relief. Artistic elements include a terracotta floral eucalyptus garland, designed for a lush floral display, and gorgeous felt "tile" wall art from Felt Right. These customizable felt tiles are sound-dampening and pinnable, providing both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits for acoustic control. A vintage-style National Parks poster, based on one-star reviews of the parks, offers a humorous take for nature lovers. The article also covers functional decor with a touch of whimsy, such as scented drawer liners that evoke a Narnia-like experience, and a modern spider chandelier with multi-colored wires and exposed bulbs for vibrant living room lighting. A set of wood building blocks with rainbow acrylic panels provides both an educational toy for children and a decorative element that casts colorful light patterns when placed near windows. A chic shower curtain is also included, aiming to be a statement piece for the bathroom, along with smart LED strip lights for customizable room ambiance, controllable via an app. Finally, the list features decorative pieces like a strawberry vase, praised for its vibrant paint and size, an elegant glass carafe for bedside hydration, an iridescent mini shelf for organizing skincare and jewelry, a wavy mirror with an iridescent frame, and a TikTok-famous sunset lamp to create soothing light therapy. These items are presented as alternatives to conventional home decor, encouraging readers to infuse their living spaces with unique and colorful pieces. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #UniqueFinds #ColorfulLiving #AmazonFinds #EtsyShop #SmallBusiness #RoomAccents #AestheticHome

The article showcases Liz Tew's favorite room, highlighting her approach to creating a relaxing and inviting living space. The design centers on a serene color palette, utilizing Benjamin Moore's Pale Oak for the walls, which sets a calming foundation for the room's aesthetic. This choice of wall color contributes significantly to the overall tranquil ambiance of the living area. Several key design elements are incorporated to enhance the room's visual appeal and comfort. Woven raffia wall hangings are prominently featured, adding texture and a natural, organic touch to the space. These hangings are noted as a growing trend in home decor, indicating a contemporary design sensibility. The integration of art pieces is another significant aspect of the room's design, with a collection from artists Annie Howell, Katie Hinshelwood, Grace Pouch, and Whitney Stoddard creating a cohesive and visually stimulating grouping. This curated selection of art reflects a thoughtful approach to personalizing the space. Natural elements are strategically used to introduce warmth and visual interest. A wooden circular mirror serves as a natural texture element, providing a contrast to the cooler tones in the room and adding a sense of organic elegance. Furthermore, a tall fiddle leaf fig tree is positioned in a corner, adding height and bringing a touch of nature indoors, which contributes to the room's freshness and vitality. Textiles play a crucial role in enhancing the comfort and style of the living space. The couch features throw pillows by artist Laura Park, which introduce patterns and colors that complement the overall design. These pillows are paired with thick banded curtains, creating a harmonious and polished look. The attention to detail extends to smaller accents, such as a beaded decoration on a vintage door knob, illustrating how minor elements can contribute to the room's character and charm. A particularly notable art piece in the room is "ÒLarry LlamaÓ" by local artist Marian Pouch. This painting not only serves as a focal point but also connects the interior space to the local art scene, as a larger version of the piece adorns the Camperdown Plaza in downtown Greenville. This inclusion underscores a blend of personal taste with an appreciation for local culture. Overall, Liz Tew's favorite room is characterized by a carefully balanced combination of calming colors, natural textures, curated art, and thoughtful decorative details. The design emphasizes creating an inviting and aesthetically pleasing environment through a harmonious selection of furnishings and decor, reflecting a contemporary yet timeless approach to interior design. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #LivingRoom #PaintColors #HomeStyling #ArtCollection #NaturalElements #TextileDesign #GreenvilleHomes

The article details the collaboration between interior designer Lynn Biase and mixed media artist Jenn Lewis to transform Lewis' new West Harrison home into a vibrant, family-friendly space that seamlessly integrates her distinctive artwork. Lewis, known for her bold, graffiti-style paintings and collages, sought Biase's expertise to create a fun and comfortable environment for herself, her two teenagers, and for hosting social gatherings. Biase had previously worked with Lewis on her former residence, indicating a pre-existing professional relationship built on trust and a shared aesthetic understanding. The design approach prioritized integrating Lewis's artwork, which the artist noted felt organic due to Biase's color choices throughout the home. The house's open layout, high ceilings, and large windows were naturally conducive to displaying art, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. Biase employed a 'high/low' design philosophy, combining custom-made elements with existing features and sourced items to achieve a cohesive yet unique look. An example of this is seen in the foyer, where the existing natural grass cloth wallpaper was complemented by a custom graphic stair runner that extends to the upstairs landing, establishing a striking entrance. The upstairs landing was transformed into a dedicated family area, featuring a game table with a built-in chess board to accommodate Lewis's son's hobby. Sculptural accessories from Current Home further adorned the shelving in this space, adding visual interest. In a previously neutral powder room off the foyer, Biase introduced an arched Arteriors mirror and patterned wallpaper by Kelly Wearstler, significantly enhancing its character. The kitchen saw minor yet impactful updates, including a black and brass faucet, modern black hardware, and pendant lights over the island, all contributing to a contemporary feel. Biase also introduced a pop of color with bright yellow chairs in the kitchen's breakfast area, a departure from Lewis's usual preference for grays. This sunny hue was echoed in the adjoining family room through throw pillows, connecting the spaces visually. For comfort, a custom coffee table with a fabric center was designed to match a large cream-colored sofa from RH, fulfilling Lewis's desire for a soft place to relax. The dining room features watercolor-inspired wallpaper from Emma Hayes, which harmonizes with the gray tones of the dining table and light fixture, while Arhaus dining chairs with antique brass accents add a touch of sparkle. The living room's design began with another bold wallpaper selection, complemented by a rust-colored sectional for visual contrast. In Lewis's office, Biase opted for a cool gray paint, providing an ideal backdrop for the artist's work and highlighting the walnut desk and wool patterned rug. A sitting room adjacent to the primary bedroom showcases one of Lewis's paintings of a bookshelf, seemingly custom-made for the space. The overall design successfully brought Lewis's artistic vision into her living environment, creating a home that feels both fresh and welcoming, according to the artist.

Nidhi Kapur, the founder of Maiden Home, established the brand in 2017 to address a perceived gap in the modern home decor market. Her experience furnishing her first home revealed a prevalence of generic designs and subpar craftsmanship among large retailers. Leveraging her technology background, Kapur aimed to offer sophisticated yet affordably priced furnishings directly to consumers. Maiden Home sources its products from artisans in North Carolina, focusing on quality and distinctive design. The direct-to-consumer (DTC) model enables the brand to maintain competitive pricing while delivering high-end aesthetics. In the summer of 2022, Maiden Home launched Tribeca House, a temporary pop-up experience in New York. This initiative aimed to provide clients with a tangible interaction with the brand's aesthetic and demonstrate how Maiden Home's curated approach could be integrated into their personal living spaces. The pop-up was situated in a two-story, 2,500-square-foot loft, offering ample space to showcase a selection of items from the brand's summer 2022 collection. The layout and presentation at Tribeca House were designed to inspire visitors and offer fresh perspectives on contemporary home styling. The featured pieces at Tribeca House included several key designs from the summer 2022 collection. Among these was the minimalist Mulberry ottoman, characterized by its clean lines and functional design, reflecting a blend of modern simplicity and practicality. Another highlight was the Kenmare chair, crafted from ash wood and upholstered in a white tweed fabric, emphasizing texture and natural materials. The Vestry nesting tables also garnered attention; this pair of tables featured asymmetrical forms and were constructed from domestically sourced red oak, showcasing the brand's commitment to quality materials and unique design elements. The pop-up aimed to illustrate the brand's 'collected home mindset,' encouraging customers to view furnishings as cohesive elements that contribute to a unified and sophisticated living environment. By presenting these items in a curated physical space, Maiden Home sought to bridge the gap between online browsing and the tactile experience of selecting home decor. The initiative reinforced the brand's dedication to providing accessible, high-quality modern furnishings that prioritize both design and craftsmanship. While Tribeca House was a temporary installation designed to engage customers and introduce new collections, Maiden Home's core philosophy emphasizes the enduring nature of its products. The brand's focus on timeless design, durable materials, and expert craftsmanship ensures that its furniture is intended for long-term use, contrasting with the fleeting trends often associated with mass-produced items. This commitment to longevity is a central tenet of Maiden Home's identity, promising pieces that will remain relevant and cherished in customers' homes for years to come. #MaidenHome #HomeDecor #NewYorkPopUp #ModernFurnishings #DirectToConsumer #InteriorDesign #FurnitureDesign #ArtisanCraftsmanship

Mark Drendel and Chad Conway, owners of Canine Styles, New York City's oldest dog boutique, reside in a 1,600-square-foot apartment within the Art Deco Central Park West building, The Century. Their design philosophy for both their business and home centers on a blend of traditional, classic, and up-to-date styles. Their recently renovated apartment in The Century showcases a deliberate fusion of the building's inherent Art Deco architecture with their contemporary art collection, modern furnishings, and a curated selection of antiques spanning from the 18th century to the 1960s. This eclectic approach creates an environment that aims to transcend a specific era or city, offering a unique and fashionable aesthetic. The couple met 21 years ago on Fire Island and, despite their initial downtown preference, relocated to the Upper West Side for their son's schooling. They emphasize the importance of having a country house in Connecticut, which serves as a traditional, "fluffed" contrast to their streamlined Manhattan apartment, allowing their son to experience a different environment. Their New York City routine includes frequent dining at local favorites like Café Luxemburg and Fiorello’s, and they appreciate the convenience and cultural offerings of their Central Park West location, including Lincoln Center. Their apartment is also a venue for small dinner parties, hosting six to eight guests a few times a month. Mark Drendel acquired Canine Styles 30 years prior to this interview, a business founded in 1959. He began as a retail employee and, with a background in retail and a lifelong affection for dogs, seized the opportunity to purchase the store. The business transformed significantly after Chad joined, leading to the creation of their own product line approximately 16 years ago. This expansion into manufacturing propelled Canine Styles into the wholesale pet market and enabled the acquisition of additional retail locations on the Upper East Side and Upper West Side, leveraging existing grooming clienteles. The original Canine Styles store, an old-school establishment on the Upper East Side, was known for its distinguished clientele, including figures like Andy Warhol and Princess Grace. The Upper East Side's demographic, though slightly younger, has retained a sense of generational continuity, with past child customers now returning with their own families and pets. Canine Styles recently expanded its original store, doubling its size, and the design aimed for a traditional, on-trend aesthetic, allowing the products themselves to introduce color and speak to the brand's identity. The brand's signature item is a proprietary plaid, used across collars, leashes, harnesses, coats, and bedding. They also produce their own line of beds, creating limited runs of fabrics that are not typically repeated, excluding the plaid. A specialized workshop in Long Island City produces small quantities of high-end, couture dog products using remnant luxury fabrics, including bespoke dog carriers made from materials like cashmere, alligator, or ostrich. Their dogs, Katie and Izzy, enjoy the freedom of their Connecticut home, though Izzy is a devoted lap dog who accompanies them everywhere. Mark and Chad acknowledge their fortune in establishing a successful life in New York City, a place that offers both challenges and opportunities for those who find their niche. #HomeTour #CentralParkWest #ArtDeco #InteriorDesign #CanineStyles #UpperWestSide #NYCRealEstate #EclecticDecor #LuxuryLiving

This article details the transformation of a 1915 San Francisco home by designer Kevin Sawyers, who aimed to imbue it with the vibrant personal style of its owner. Although the house was in good structural condition, it lacked personality and cohesive color. Sawyers addressed this by developing a “lip-smacking and playful, but certainly sophisticated” color palette that directly reflects the homeowner's wardrobe choices. The design strategy involved a tight edit of recurring colors to create cohesion and whimsy. For instance, the deep red from the dining room wallpaper reappears on the kitchen backsplash, family room rug, and as the guest bathroom’s wall paint. Similarly, a peachy orange from the kitchen island is echoed in the primary suite. This intentional repetition of strong colors ensures a unified yet dynamic aesthetic throughout the home. Beyond color, the project emphasized custom woodworking, which serves as a grounding element for the bold palette. Built-in case goods and white oak murals cover many walls, providing functional storage and integrated furniture. These custom pieces also feature unique decorative elements, such as mountain range murals inspired by the family’s vacation to Switzerland, adding a personalized touch. Despite minimal structural changes, primarily limited to the children’s bathroom, the three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom home underwent a complete aesthetic overhaul. Virtually every surface was altered, updated, or replaced, making it unrecognizable from its initial state. The extensive design efforts ensured that the house not only became a reflection of its owner but also achieved a joyful, stylish, and clean atmosphere. Key areas of the home showcase this design philosophy. The entryway features a graphic 3D wall mural depicting Swiss mountains and practical storage solutions with circular wall knobs. The living room introduces the home’s ethos with a fireplace framed in Heath Ceramics tile, a nod to the client’s collection, and playful elements like an arch painted on the wall. The family room and playroom embody a flexible, family-friendly style, with wood slats providing subtle separation and a nocturnal Swiss mountain mural in the stairwell. The kitchen features updated cabinetry painted in bold colors like Snowy Shadow and Mysterious Blue, complemented by light fixtures and tiles that match the vibrant hues. A tucked-away pantry adds a playful touch with neon green floating shelves. The breakfast nook, designed for versatility, includes a custom banquette and fluted details that echo design elements found elsewhere in the house. The dining room offers a sleek space for entertaining, with Lee Jofa wallpaper over wainscoting and Benjamin Moore Magenta paint. The primary bedroom provides a tranquil retreat with softer tones like Daytona Peach, while the primary and guest bathrooms incorporate punchy hues, durable materials, and retro-inspired elements like terrazzo-style concrete countertops, maintaining the home's overall vibrant theme. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #CustomWoodwork #SanFranciscoHome #PersonalStyle #ResidentialDesign #VibrantInteriors #HomeRenovation

Designer Mary Kathryn Wells, known for her maximalist approach to color and pattern, shares her philosophy on holiday decorating that emphasizes joy and personal touch over excessive, storage-heavy seasonal decor. Despite having 15 different wallpapers in her Nashville home, including a custom design featuring her children's doodles, Wells considers herself a minimalist in the sense that she avoids unnecessary items. For Christmas, she focuses on a simple recipe: funky stockings, retro lights, ribbon, handmade ornaments, and fresh greenery acquired after Thanksgiving. This approach aims to reduce holiday stress, making the decorating process enjoyable and personal. Wells's decorating strategy begins with her dining room, where her only criterion for holiday decor is that it brings her joy. She opts for a sunny yellow and blue squiggly tablecloth from Lisa Corti, demonstrating that festive doesn't necessarily mean traditional Christmas colors. She also uses her everyday floral china rather than specialized holiday dishware. Her holiday tablescape heavily features taper candles, with Wells recommending lighting around two dozen pink candles to create an instant magical ambiance that can be enjoyed year-round. To fill any remaining spaces, she uses inexpensive mini floral arrangements and clementines with stems and leaves, adding natural elements to the display. Instead of elaborate garlands, Wells prefers to use basic live wreaths, costing around $6 each, which she scatters throughout her home. She hangs them from windows, curtain rods, and even backsplashes using suction cup hooks. Simple ribbons are used to dress them up, making the process of decorating with wreaths effortless and effective. The Christmas tree serves as a canvas for memory and family involvement. Old-school C7 bulbs create a retro backdrop, and her children are encouraged to decorate it freely, resulting in a charmingly uneven distribution of ornaments. The tree proudly displays both traditional and homemade ornaments, including pipe-cleaner creations from her kids. The tree's topper is a treasured, handmade item: a paper towel roll craft made by her eldest child, combined with a tin foil star. In a departure from tradition, Wells hangs her family's stockings in the kitchen rather than the living room mantel. This decision was made to alleviate clutter in the living area and to spread holiday cheer throughout the home. Each stocking is unique, reflecting the individual personality of a family member, aligning with Wells's overarching design philosophy that a home should be a reflection of its inhabitants. Her approach to holiday decor ultimately prioritizes personalization, simplicity, and the creation of a joyful atmosphere over adhering to conventional decorating norms, emphasizing that the true spirit of the holidays lies in togetherness and personal expression, not in achieving perfection. #HolidayDecor #ChristmasDecor #NashvilleHome #InteriorDesign #MaximalistStyle #MinimalistApproach #DIYDecor #FamilyTraditions #HomeTour