Alessandra Branca Organizes a Spirited Sunroom Around a Jonas Wood Canvas

Peggy and David Matthews, celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary, undertook a significant interior design renovation of their Southside Place home, which they built 20 years ago. The initial design of the house catered to their young children, but with their five children now ranging from 16 to 28, and several back home due to the coronavirus pandemic, the family's needs and lifestyle have evolved. Peggy Matthews, who owns Rapid Record Retrieval, a legal support company, expressed a desire to upgrade, redo, and refresh their living space, driven by her love for change. The redesign project was spearheaded by Marie Flanigan Interiors, with Marie Flanigan and design director Melanie Hamel leading the effort. A key aspect of the renovation involved transforming a multi-purpose front room, which had served as a playroom and teenage hangout, into Peggy's personal retreat. This room now features deep blue lacquered walls and built-in bookshelves, a sofa reupholstered in white fabric, a bold geometric rug with chartreuse accents, and a dark blue tufted ottoman. This space allows Peggy to relax privately, though it remains appealing to other family members as well. Peggy's passion for fashion significantly influenced the design choices, prompting the designers to incorporate sophisticated yet functional fabrics inspired by runway trends, including Hermes and Jean Paul Gaultier fabrics. The home's existing art collection, notably Andy Warhol's "Cowboys and Indians" lithographs, served as a primary source of color inspiration. The rich ochers and cobalts present in Warhol's pieces, such as "Mother and Child" in the front room, "Geronimo" in the family room, and "Kachina Dolls" in the hallway, guided the selection of the home's new color palette. Flanigan and Hamel aimed to create a vibrant interior that matched Peggy's dynamic lifestyle, moving away from an all-white aesthetic. The dining room, frequently used for family gatherings, was reimagined with customized de Gournay "Willow" wallpaper featuring delicate branches and a Lindsey Adelman "Branching Bubble" chandelier. Vintage side chairs, discovered on firstdibs.com with garish green frames and old upholstery, were meticulously restored with a gold-bronze finish and reupholstered to complement the wallpaper. The family room was designed with two distinct seating areas to accommodate both large group television watching and intimate conversations, and even includes a designated "dance floor" for entertaining. Minor updates were also made to the kitchen, including replacing traditional island legs with edgier stainless steel ones to match the existing stainless steel counters and range hood. New barstools, combining wood frames with varied fabric on the backs and seats, added warmth. A geometric patterned backsplash was installed after a range replacement, contributing to the updated decor. The breakfast area received new furniture, including a round table that can expand to an oval for larger gatherings. Furthermore, part of the backyard patio was enclosed with large glass panels to create an indoor-outdoor sunroom, offering a climate-controlled space that can be fully opened to the outdoors. This sunroom is furnished with a mix of blue and white patterns in performance fabrics, including a bold Martyn Lawrence Bullard Perennials print on a large ottoman, a striped chair, a solid sofa, and a chevron rug, ensuring durability and a cohesive aesthetic that extends the home's style into the outdoor living area. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #FashionInspiredDecor #LuxuryInteriors #ArtCollection #CustomWallpaper #ModernTraditional #IndoorOutdoorLiving #FamilyHome

Artist Stephanie Dillon and her husband, Reilly, were captivated by a model home in Eden Prairie, which boasted a blend of whitewashed shiplap and shakes on its exterior, creating a timeless and airy aesthetic. The interior featured light-filled communal spaces, each with a distinct character, moving away from conventional floorplans. The color scheme ranged from calming charcoals and pale neutrals to deep greens and rich terra-cotta, evoking a European atmosphere. Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang, owner of West Bay Homes and the designer behind the model, drew inspiration from her travels to Paris, characterizing the style as French contemporary farmhouse. She envisioned the kitchen as a French pastry shop, integrating multiple layers of meticulously detailed materials throughout the 5,000-square-foot residence. The kitchen's design incorporates three types of glazed tiles for the backsplashes, with a small hexagonal tile chosen for its light-reflecting properties, contributing to an elevated visual experience. Dillon, an acrylic and mixed-media artist known for painting her emotions, found a kindred spirit in Vogelgesang, whose design philosophy also prioritized passion and feeling. Dillon retained Vogelgesang to complete the interior design of their new home. The designer expressed enthusiasm for incorporating Dillon's extensive rug collection. Elements like shiplap and painted charcoal, seen on the exterior, were repeated inside on the basement's fireplace wall and the vaulted ceiling of a lounge area adjacent to the kitchen, along with charcoal-colored square tiles extending from counter to ceiling in the kitchen backsplash. This repetition of color ensures cohesiveness and a holistic progression throughout the home, where all environmental elements relate to one another. Vogelgesang skillfully managed the abundance of materials, preventing a busy or cluttered appearance, much like Dillon blends colors on her canvases. Some design choices stand out, others recede, and some shimmer, collectively defining the mood of each space. The materials coalesce into a balanced and proportionate composition, resulting in a home tailored for an artist. Vogelgesang aims to create spaces that are timeless and elegant without being overly delicate or cost-prohibitive. The lower-level bar area features charcoal shiplap around the fireplace, painted in Sherwin-Williams’s Dorian Gray, and steps down into a sunken media room, showcasing the designer’s preferred brass and gray combination. Brass hardware also adorns the front entry doors. Light fixtures, including those from Mitzi on the library ladder, were strategically chosen. The unexpected entry leads to a "dining hall" that functions as a grand foyer, as described by Vogelgesang. This space features nine-inch-wide-plank white oak floors laid in a herringbone pattern, with ceiling beams bisecting its soaring height, allowing ample natural light. The built-in bar features a backsplash of alternating light and dark neutral tiles, custom cabinetry with dental molding, and a marble sink skirt. Open shelving in the kitchen displays two sizes of backsplash tiles from The Tile Shop, with custom alder wood cabinetry finished with a clear whitewashed stain and brass hardware for an enhanced shimmer. The kitchen, inspired by Parisian pastry shops, includes two islands for ease of navigation, with only one housing a sink to allow for uninterrupted dining on the other. The mudroom boasts large-format heated tiles combined with white oak cabinetry, finished in a whitewash stain, offering an industrial concrete look harmonized with French country cabinetry. A basement guest bath incorporates vibrant color through whimsical floral tiles from The Tile Shop on one wall and Sherwin-Williams’s Perfect Periwinkle on the adjacent wall. The library features a bold mix of Sherwin-Williams paints: Canyon Clay on the walls and Gauntlet Gray in a high-gloss enamel finish on the moldings and doors, complemented by chartreuse chairs. A wide-plank whitewashed cedar wall on the rear deck provides privacy. The prep kitchen off the mudroom embraces color with Waverly Classics wallpaper by York, cabinets painted in Sherwin-Williams’s Green Onyx, and a hammered copper sink, showcasing how personal touches can enhance practical areas. The powder room dazzles with an antiqued mirrored glass tile wall from The Tile Shop, a custom white oak vanity with a marble shelf, and Savoy House sconces. The floors throughout the home incorporate patterned ceramic tiles from The Tile Shop. The home's floor plan, while a traditional rambler, diverges into an unconventional layout where the front entry opens into a vaulted foyer and dining room, serving as a pass-through to the kitchen and great room. #HomeStyle #InteriorDesign #HomeTours #FrenchContemporaryFarmhouse #CustomCabinetry #TileDesign #ArtisticHome #ArchitecturalDetails #EuropeanInfluence

Designers Marita Simmons and Krysta Gibbons of Kipling House transformed a small, octagonal room in a historic Hinsdale home, originally presumed to be a gentleman's cigar room, into a dedicated ladies' lounge. The designers drew inspiration from the home's existing history, aiming to create a space for the modern woman to relax after a demanding week. The aesthetic features a deep purple paint on the walls, inspired by a Pierre Frey fabric with aubergine undertones. This rich color is contrasted with a custom peacock-blue banquette and matching Roman shades, establishing a vibrant and feminine atmosphere. To further tie into the room's former identity while reinterpreting it for a female audience, the designers incorporated metal wall motifs from Architectural Grille. These motifs were crafted to resemble a decorative bone inlay box, a subtle nod to the traditional cigar box, reimagined with an elegant touch. The room's purpose as a feminine retreat is clearly communicated through a prominent wall art piece depicting a reclining woman, suggesting relaxation and repose at the end of the day. This artwork reinforces the concept of the space as a personal haven. The lounge includes a functional sitting area where the designers ingeniously addressed space constraints. A swing-arm sconce was innovatively converted into a swing-arm drinks table by replacing its socket with a custom lazy Susan top, demonstrating a creative and practical approach to small-space design. This DIY solution maximizes utility without compromising the room's aesthetic appeal. Adjacent to the sitting area is a sophisticated dry bar, cleverly integrated into what was once an underused closet. The bar boasts luxurious finishes such as burl wood wallcovering, a merlot-leather bar top, brass banding, and stone shelves, creating a chic and functional nook for entertaining or personal enjoyment. The transformation extends to a powder room, which received a refresh with mossy green paint, an antique floor-to-ceiling mirror, and a custom pin-striped vanity skirt. This attention to detail across different areas of the space ensures a cohesive and refined design throughout the ladies' lounge. The article provides a comprehensive list of the key design elements and materials used in the renovation, including specific brands for chairs, dining table bases, stone tabletops, banquette fabric, rugs, stools, paint colors, wall details, and lighting. These details offer insight into the quality and style choices made by Kipling House. The overall project exemplifies how thoughtful design can reimagine historical spaces to meet contemporary needs, creating a luxurious and personalized retreat. #InteriorDesign #LadiesLounge #HomeRenovation #FeminineDecor #SmallSpaceDesign #LuxuryInteriors #KiplingHouse

Jennifer Aniston's Beverly Hills living room is highlighted as a prime example of how eclectic styles can be unified through a central piece of art. The article emphasizes that while the room features a diverse array of luxurious textures and materials, a striking abstract painting by Robert Motherwell serves as its focal point, bringing cohesion to the varied elements. This design approach was orchestrated by the renowned interior designer Stephen Shadley, who meticulously crafted a space that is both personal to Aniston and masterfully integrated. The living room's design incorporates a rich tapestry of textures, including an exposed stone wall alongside wood paneling, and layers of opulent materials such as plush purple velvet, embroidered silk, and studded leather. Despite the apparent contrasts, the overall aesthetic achieves a sense of harmony, demonstrating that art can act as a binding component to transform a potentially mismatched space into a unified and vibrant environment. The article posits that rather than selecting art to match a pre-designed scheme, an accomplished interior design often involves styling the entire room around a chosen central canvas, which dictates the tone and character of the space. Jennifer Aniston’s living room balances elements of mid-century modern design with what the article terms 'loud luxury,' creating a unique and sophisticated retreat. The Robert Motherwell painting, with its bold colors, particularly orange, provides a beautiful contrast against the room's darker color palette, injecting warmth and vitality. This strategic use of art not only anchors the room but also elevates its overall design, proving that thoughtful artwork selection is crucial for achieving a cohesive and impactful interior. The article also offers practical advice for readers to replicate Jennifer Aniston's distinctive style, even without an unlimited budget. It suggests incorporating handblown glass vases, similar to the luxurious purple glassware seen in Aniston's living room, to add an eclectic touch. Subtle gold accents, such as a Persian Kirman pillowcase, are recommended to infuse a 'quietly luxurious' feel into a sofa or armchair. For the central artwork, the article points to abstract orange paintings as an accessible way to mimic the transitional aesthetic and vibrant contrast provided by the Robert Motherwell piece. Ultimately, Jennifer Aniston’s living room serves as a valuable case study in interior design, showcasing the transformative power of art. It underscores that a carefully chosen, bold artwork can effectively balance disparate styles, textures, and colors, creating a living space that feels both alive and harmoniously designed. The insights shared are aimed at inspiring readers to consider art as a foundational element in their own decorating projects, rather than a mere afterthought. #JenniferAniston #LivingRoomDesign #InteriorDesign #CelebrityHomes #AbstractArt #HomeDecor #EclecticStyle #LuxuryInteriors #RobertMotherwell

Art serves as a transformative element in home décor, offering a means to refresh living spaces and reflect personal tastes without extensive redecoration, particularly beneficial for renters. Experts suggest that a strategic selection and display of artworks can revitalize a home's ambiance, evoking emotions or establishing specific moods. For instance, abstract art with loose, expressionistic marks can create a romantic atmosphere, while a more graphic style can impart a modern, urban feel. The flexibility of art allows for periodic reconfigurations, mirroring how public galleries re-hang their collections, providing a renewed perspective within a home. Practical considerations for hanging art include using small nails for easy patching in rental properties or opting for leaning art against ledges, book stacks, mantelpieces, or consoles for a casual display. When integrating new art, it should complement existing furniture and homeware rather than compete with them. This can be achieved by placing art alongside items with similar aesthetic qualities, such as echoing patterns in a rug or the curves of ceramics, or by creating juxtapositions with personal ephemera like postcards or family photos. Wall-hung art can also provide a visual counterpoint to bulky furniture, acting as a focal point that balances the weight of larger pieces like sofas. Furthermore, carefully chosen art can unify a room by linking disparate design elements, such as contrasting materials or colors, ensuring a cohesive look. Artworks can reflect or complement tones present in fabrics or wood, thereby integrating the room's overall design. Beyond traditional wall art, incorporating usable art, such as art-themed coasters and placemats, can make art acquisition and display more approachable and enjoyable. Artists like Selina Snow demonstrate how personal art collections, including works by family members, travel souvenirs, and her own creations, can be curated against a neutral backdrop to create a unique and personal environment. Snow emphasizes the importance of linking colors and motifs in a way that enhances individual pieces without causing them to blend indistinguishably. She advocates for professional framing for original artworks to ensure their preservation and suggests installing UV protective window film in bright areas. Sculpture also has a place in home interiors, extending beyond gallery settings. Instead of relying solely on tables or plinths, sculptures can be displayed on affordable free-floating shelves at varying heights to create engaging domestic arrangements. For those looking to start an art collection, visiting art exhibitions, auctions, and open-studio events is recommended to discover art that resonates personally. Many galleries offer a 'try before you buy' service, allowing potential buyers to see how art integrates into their home environment at different times of day and in various locations. Before making permanent hanging decisions, it is advisable to experiment with configurations by laying pieces out on the floor. Ultimately, the selection of art should be deeply personal, reflecting what truly speaks to the individual, whether adhering to a specific theme or simply choosing pieces based on intuition, as there is no right or wrong approach to art selection. #HomeDecor #ArtDisplay #InteriorDesign #ArtCollection #LivingSpace #HomeStyling #ArtConsultancy #RoomTransformation #PersonalExpression

Carrie Ann Inaba, known for her appearances on *The Talk* and as a judge on *Dancing With the Stars*, resides in a tranquil Los Angeles home she shares with her boyfriend, Fabian Viteri, and her rescue pets, comprising three dogs and two cats. She considers her home a sanctuary, a space crafted to reflect her personality, needs, and desires, embodying the ambiance of a five-star wellness retreat. The dwelling showcases a blend of traditional and modern elements, with a focus on creating a calm and reflective environment. The exterior of Inaba's home features a front porch with classic white steps and bannisters, complemented by a bench swing. A glimpse inside reveals continuity with white bannisters and chic wooden floors throughout the house. Her hallway, captured in a mirror selfie, is minimalist with plain white walls, leading to a room dedicated to her cats, complete with climbing apparatus and large windows adorned with modern grey drapes. Her expansive open-plan living area, seen during a period of isolation due to coronavirus, boasts double-height ceilings, contemporary artwork, and sophisticated furnishings. A large statement light fitting adds a focal point to the space. For her birthday, Inaba streamed live from her lounge, displaying a modern grey couch, wooden side tables, patterned wallpaper, and distinctive decor including a bold black and white photograph and a collection of mannequin busts. Inaba's affinity for crystals is evident throughout her home, as she incorporates elements of the earth and nature to foster comfort, drawing inspiration from her Hawaiian heritage. She has a dedicated side table displaying various crystals alongside a hamsa statue. Another instance shows smaller crystals arranged on a windowsill with a lit candle, indicating a practice of quiet contemplation. Her kitchen area features a large marble-topped breakfast bar, where she was once pictured enjoying morning coffee. This space offers picturesque views of her landscaped garden, visible beyond a chessboard. The backyard is designed for relaxation and entertainment, featuring a large swimming pool bordered by striped sunbeds, a stone table, and a parasol. A statue at the pool's edge enhances the grand aesthetic of her outdoor living space, completing the serene and personalized retreat that defines Carrie Ann Inaba's home. #CarrieAnnInaba #CelebrityHomes #HomeDecor #ZenLifestyle #LosAngeles #InteriorDesign #Crystals #PetFriendlyHome #WellnessRetreat

Mark Mitchell's 'Sunbeam Side Table' is a conceptual piece of furniture designed to replicate the visual phenomenon of sunbeams radiating through clouds, despite the parallel nature of actual sunlight. This design draws inspiration from the optical illusion that makes distant sun rays appear to converge from a single point in the sky. The product, crafted from Botticino marble in collaboration with Serafini, is intended to evoke the sense of mystery and wonder associated with this natural occurrence. The side table features intricate carvings that allow its spruce wood surface to interlock with the marble base without the need for adhesives, demonstrating a blend of aesthetic appeal and thoughtful construction. The design's functionality is highlighted by its ability to split light from an overhead spotlight through its wooden fins, projecting a sunbeam pattern onto the angled marble surface below. This interaction of light and material is central to the table's purpose, creating a dynamic visual experience for the user. Mitchell emphasizes that the design goes beyond mere aesthetics, aiming to tell a story and enhance user experience through its narrative qualities. The 'Sunbeam Side Table' is described as a totemic product, reflecting the designer's intent to capture and share moments of natural beauty within a functional object. The choice of Botticino marble for its fabrication underscores the product's luxurious and refined character, while the detailed craftsmanship by Serafini artisans ensures its high quality. The design process is deeply influenced by Mitchell's characteristic approach, which integrates poetry, wanderlust, and romance into his creations, whether they are products, spaces, or experiences. This side table is a testament to his ability to translate abstract natural phenomena into tangible, artful furniture. The piece serves not only as a functional item but also as a conversation starter, inviting contemplation on the interplay between nature, perception, and design. #FurnitureDesign #ConceptDesign #InnovationDesign #InteriorDesign #MarkMitchell #BotticinoMarble #Serafini #LightInteraction #EtherealMoments

Proper placement of art is crucial for creating a balanced and intentional living space. Poor placement can diminish the impact of even magnificent artwork, making it appear awkward. Beyond aesthetics, certain environments within a home can be detrimental to the longevity and appearance of art. Interior designer Lauren Saab emphasizes that harmony in art placement stems from considering height, proportion, and alignment relative to surrounding furniture and architecture. When art is hung too high or scattered without a cohesive rhythm, a room can lose its sense of gravity. Several specific locations in a home are generally ill-suited for displaying art due to environmental factors or traffic. Bathrooms and other high-humidity spaces pose a significant risk, as moisture can lead to discoloration, mold, mildew, and peeling. Art advisor Kelly Cahn advises against placing artwork in direct splash zones and recommends ensuring any art in a bathroom is framed under glass for protection. Additionally, hanging pieces above the backsplash line or near natural light where they can air out can help prevent damage. UV-tinted window film or strategic placement in shaded areas like bookshelves or reading nooks can protect artwork from fading or glare caused by excessive natural light, especially in south-facing rooms. Unprotected fine art, such as oil or acrylic paintings, may also benefit from a layer of UV protectant. Active fireplaces present another problematic location. Although popular for mantel decor, the heat generated by fireplaces can damage artworks over time, causing color changes, fading, warping, and cracking. If art must be placed above a fireplace, its preciousness and size should be carefully considered, ensuring a sufficient buffer zone between the mantel and the artwork. Artwork with rich textures or softer colors is often more suitable than reflective pieces that might produce glare. High-traffic areas, such as narrow hallways or entryways, also warrant caution. Art in these locations is susceptible to being bumped or jostled. While the standard art hanging height is typically around 60 inches, Kelly Cahn suggests hanging art higher in stairways or hallways to reduce the risk of damage. Alternatively, placing art in safer, less exposed areas, such as behind a sofa or on a dining room wall, is advisable. When hanging art over a sofa, it is important to ensure it is high enough to prevent accidental contact with people's heads. Finally, oversized art above headboards, a common bedroom decor choice, can often dominate a room rather than enhance it and is frequently hung too high. Lauren Saab suggests that bedroom wall art should be placed lower and be more integrated with the surrounding furniture. Instead of a single large piece, a gallery wall composed of smaller pieces near a nightstand can create an intimate and architectural vignette, giving the room warmth without visual heaviness. The goal is for art to feel like an integral part of the room's design, rather than an afterthought. Sometimes, leaving a space blank is a more impactful choice if a piece doesn't genuinely contribute to the mood or meaning of the room. #ArtPlacement #HomeDecorTips #InteriorDesignAdvice #ArtCare #RoomHarmony #HumidityDamage #SunlightProtection #FireplaceDecor #HighTrafficAreas

New Delhi-based Architect Aparna Kaushik presents a collection of meticulously designed foyer areas, showcasing her expertise in blending classical aesthetics with contemporary sophistication. Her design philosophy emphasizes grace, precision, and impact, evident in these transitional spaces that evoke a sense of old-world charm while maintaining modern elegance. Kaushik's approach integrates fundamental design principles such as symmetry and balance, creating visually appealing and harmonious entryways. Each foyer design is tailored to user preferences, featuring classic elements like chandeliers, decorative photo frames, and gargoyles that contribute to a vintage ambiance. The flooring designs are carefully chosen to complement the walls and ceilings, ensuring a cohesive and integrated aesthetic. A notable feature in one design is the use of perfect concentric inlay flooring, which stands out for its exquisite beauty and symmetrical precision, instantly capturing attention. Another example highlights a coffered ceiling paired with subtly curved furniture pieces, combined with contemporary details to create a charming classical look. A vaulted ceiling in a different foyer area imparts a sense of lofty grandeur, with the inclusion of a vintage light fixture, a fireplace, and intricate wall details that reinforce its historical allure. These elements collectively contribute to the overall vintage appeal and sophisticated character of the spaces. Aparna Kaushik is the founding principal and design director of an eponymous design-and-build firm, offering comprehensive services across architecture, interiors, furniture, lighting, product design, and landscaping. Her design ethos is rooted in a thoughtful synthesis of art and architectural history, merging classical composition with modern flair and practical exactitude. This allows her to seamlessly incorporate clients' explicit requirements and subtle preferences into her creations. Her diverse portfolio encompasses luxury estates, intimate boutiques, commercial establishments, retail outlets, spas, pubs, and restaurants, all characterized by impeccable functionality and striking aesthetics. The firm focuses on delivering designs that are both functional and visually compelling, maintaining a high standard across all projects. #AparnaKaushik #FoyerDesign #InteriorDesign #ClassicalDesign #LuxuryEstates #ProductDesign #CofferedCeiling #VaultedCeiling #VintageAllure

Jenna Lyons, known for her discerning eye in design, has launched a new showroom through "The Expert" platform, offering a curated collection of her favorite design pieces. This initiative allows clients to shop her preferred items, including sconces, shaggy Beni rugs, Lawson-Fenning chairs, and a leopard-print sofa, either online or by appointment at a physical location in Los Angeles. Lyons notes that this showroom extends the consultation experience, allowing clients to see and purchase items discussed during her concept-driven design sessions. While Lyons is expanding her design accessibility, she humorously states she will not be offering unsolicited design advice to her castmates on Bravo’s "Real Housewives of New York." Instead, she shared her opinions on several long-standing design debates, starting with accent walls. Lyons expresses a strong disapproval for accent walls, arguing that they are difficult to execute correctly and often result in a 'dabbling' effect rather than a bold design statement. She advises that if one wants to use a vibrant color, it is more effective to saturate an entire space—walls, trim, and ceilings—in one shade, potentially complementing it with similarly colored furniture, to achieve a moodier and more cohesive aesthetic. Conversely, Lyons is a proponent of animal prints, specifically cheetah and leopard patterns, despite their sometimes polarizing reputation. She draws inspiration from historical design examples, such as Alvar Aalto’s home with a leopard sofa against a red wall, and Phoebe Philo’s office, which also featured feline-patterned lounge furniture. Lyons believes that animal prints are versatile and timeless, asserting that they can complement a wide range of decor styles. Regarding lighting, Lyons generally eschews overhead ceiling lights in favor of lamps and sconces. She explains that in her own home, she has no overhead lighting, prioritizing fixtures placed at shoulder height or lower to create a more flattering and comfortable ambiance. Her showroom includes a variety of sconces, table, and floor lamps, with only one overhead fixture, acknowledging that some spaces may necessitate them. Her philosophy on lighting emphasizes warmth and intimacy over harsh overhead illumination, aiming for a soft and inviting glow. This approach to lighting, along with her views on paint and patterns, reflects her signature aesthetic, which she now makes more accessible through her new showroom. #JennaLyons #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #AccentWalls #AnimalPrints #LightingDesign #TheExpert #DesignAdvice #ColorAndPaint

The Bremer family, consisting of Emily, Patrick, a two-year-old, a newborn, and two Labradors, sought to infuse character and a beachy aesthetic into their newly built, landlocked home, while also ensuring the space was family-friendly and durable. Their design aspirations presented a challenge: combining a desire for light colors and fabrics with the practicalities of a young family and pets, alongside a need for cleanable and robust furniture. Their journey began during a holiday lights walk through the Cherry Creek shopping center, leading them to Room & Board Denver. Upon their initial visit, they felt confident that their design goals were achievable with the assistance of the store's design services. They collaborated with Jeanaye, a Room & Board Design Associate, who became instrumental in furnishing their living room. The Bremers desired a living room that felt welcoming, comfortable, lived-in, and timeless, but they were unsure where to begin. Jeanaye utilized Room & Board's complimentary design services to guide them through the process. The design approach started with incorporating existing elements within the home, such as a vibrant blue teal wall in the living room. Jeanaye opted for subdued and neutral furniture to balance this pop of color. To evoke the desired beachy vibe within their mountainous location, Jeanaye integrated warm wood tones and textural, sand-colored fabrics. An existing sliding barn door with industrial hardware contributed a modern Colorado farmhouse aesthetic, ensuring the space didn't appear overly coastal or out of place. A primary consideration for the Bremers was a sofa suitable for their children to jump on, snuggle on, and use for building forts. Safety was paramount, specifically avoiding harsh corners for their active toddler and newborn. The furniture also needed to withstand the napping habits of their two Labradors. Emily expressed a desire for a "lived-in, loved-in, homey space," which they found in the Ian sofa from Room & Board. Jeanaye recommended the Ian sofa for its supportive design and ability to endure significant use and wear. The clean lines of the Ian sofa served as a foundation, allowing for the introduction of other accent pieces like the Ira chair, Edwin chairs, and leather round Aero ottomans. These additions provided modern style while maintaining the family's requirement for comfort. The main level living room was designed with entertaining in mind, as the children's primary play area is located in the basement. The open layout connects to the dining area and backyard, creating an ideal space for gatherings free from the distractions of television and toys. Emily highly praised Room & Board's free design service, emphasizing its incredible value and the quality of the company. She highlighted the company's commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and local artisans and manufacturing, seeing their furniture choices as a significant and sound investment. #BeachInspiredDesign #FamilyFriendlyLiving #RoomAndBoard #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #NewBuildDesign #DurableFurniture #CoastalVibes #DesignConsultation

Sunken living rooms, a design style originating in the 1920s, are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. These spaces, often referred to as conversation pits, are characterized by being built below floor level with integrated seating, fostering an intimate and social atmosphere. While popular in the 1960s and 70s, their mid-century design aesthetic and practical benefits make them relevant for contemporary homes. To achieve a core mid-century look with a sunken living room, experts suggest combining vintage-inspired pieces with authentic vintage finds. This approach allows for a fresh interpretation of the iconic 70s style, emphasizing clean lines, understated furniture, and natural materials. The versatility of sunken seating areas transforms them into elegant, multifunctional spaces suitable for both relaxation and entertaining, seamlessly integrating mid-century influences into modern living. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, sunken living rooms are highly regarded for their ability to create a relaxing and cozy environment. Despite their often sharp lines and low profiles, they encourage a less formal interaction, inviting occupants to ease into comfort and engage in intimate conversations or simply unwind. The key to maximizing this cozy feel lies in a gradual drop-off in floor level, floating furniture arrangements, and the incorporation of iconic mid-century design elements. When it comes to color palettes for sunken living rooms, a pared-back and understated approach is recommended. Monochromatic color schemes are favored for their modernizing effect and ability to promote unity within the space. Neutral tones and earthy hues are also highly suitable, as they contribute to a cozy ambiance. Given that living areas are often central to a home, a thoughtfully designed sunken space can enhance intimacy and visual appeal. Considering the room's proportions is crucial before implementing a sunken living room. This design feature requires ample space to achieve a harmonious and well-proportioned look. Larger living areas particularly benefit from sunken designs, as they help address zoning challenges and create an ideal setting for social gatherings. To further enhance the retro aesthetic, mirroring the sunken design with a ceiling detail, such as a subtle dropped ceiling or specialized lighting, can further emphasize the unique architectural feature. Sunken living spaces are not limited to indoor environments; they can also be incorporated into outdoor areas. Creating a sunken seating arrangement in a backyard provides a fun and intimate gathering space, perfect for activities like roasting marshmallows around a fire pit or engaging in social games with friends. This extends the social and relaxing qualities of the sunken design to exterior living spaces. Sunken living rooms serve the primary purpose of promoting social interaction and creating interactive spaces within the home. Their uncluttered and open design contributes to making a living room appear larger. Although rooted in mid-century trends of the 60s and 70s, sunken living rooms remain relevant today. With a careful approach to styling and design, they can be seamlessly integrated into contemporary homes, providing a modern and sophisticated aesthetic. #SunkenLivingRoom #MidCenturyDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ConversationPit #RelaxingSpace #ColorPalette #RoomProportions #OutdoorLiving #SocialSpace

Sarah Peake, founder of Studio Peake, showcases one of her most cherished interior design projects: a double-fronted Georgian cottage in South London. This project was particularly significant as it marked her first solo endeavor after establishing her studio. The cottage, located on a wisteria-filled terrace, previously featured an industrial aesthetic dominated by black and grey, and an unsympathetic 1980s rear extension. The initial phase of the project involved extensive renovation to restore original architectural elements such as architraves, doors, skirtings, cornices, and radiators, which had been lost or altered over time. The clients, who had moved into the house after their honeymoon, lived there for six months to understand its nuances before commissioning Peake. Their brief was to create a vibrant, distinctive, yet comfortable and cozy home. The kitchen, rather than being completely replaced, underwent a significant refresh to combine existing features with new additions. A new limestone floor, Lanyan Limestone by Artisans of Devizes, was installed, and the existing joinery was painted in a custom green matched by Dulux. Carrara marble replaced the laminate countertops, and new drawer handles were sourced from Lassco reclamation yard. A French polisher from Portobello Painters restored the timber cupboards, while a custom floor paint from Papers and Paints and 'Stone I' from Paint and Paper Library were used for the walls. To introduce coziness, soft furnishings were added, including curtain fabric from Namay Samay with a Samuel & Sons fringe, an A Rum Fellow rug, an embroidered cushion from William Yeoward, and a white lamp from Porta Romana, effectively balancing the hard surfaces. In the main living space, a bespoke yellow paint color, mixed by Papers and Paint, was chosen for the walls, extending the painted wooden floor from the kitchen. A colorful rug from Ornate Rugs complemented the vibrant walls. A fireplace surround made of Bardiglio marble from Jamb and a chandelier from The English House were key features. The client's appreciation for art was evident with a William Crozier painting from Piano Nobile displayed above the fireplace. The design aimed for an interesting yet unoverbearing space through a mix of patterns, plains, and finishes. A small, low-ceilinged area at the back was transformed into a cozy nook with bespoke TV and bookcase joinery by Billy Crawshaw, carpeted with Tim Page Claremont, and featuring a David Seyfried chair upholstered in Fermoie fabric with Besselink & Jones wall lights. The master bedroom, described as Peake’s favorite, achieved a balance of color and tranquility. The walls and joinery were painted in Fencing Blue by Papers and Paint Library. Curtain fabric from Lasso by Pierre Frey and a Kelly Wearstler headboard with Romo Linara piping were incorporated. A painting by Venetia Berry, already owned by the client, served as the color palette's foundation for the room. Bed linen from Gayle Warwick Siena, a throw from Once Milano, and a custom cushion made from Guy Goodfellow fabric with a Samuel and Sons fringe completed the space. Moving to the landing and stairs, the entrance hall was designed as a crucial introduction to the house. Sanderson ‘Hemp’ wallpaper provided a muted backdrop, contrasting with the more defined colors in adjacent rooms. The French polisher from Portobello Painters restored the handrail, and Edward Bulmer’s Celadon paint was used on architraves and doors. An antique chair, a Sarah Balme painting, a mid-century chandelier from Pamono, and a white lamp from Porta Romana adorned the half-landing. For the guest bedroom, situated opposite the main bedroom, the focus was on the view of the bed. A shaped headboard by Pat Giddens Ltd, upholstered in Holland and Sherry fabric, was a central element, complemented by Afghan hats from Etsy above the bed. Hand-dyed velvet cushions by Kirsten Hecktermann and a custom-embroidered rectangular cushion from A Rum Fellow added luxurious touches. An antique pedestal desk was brightened with modern pieces, including a Benchmark chair upholstered in Vaughan and Holly Hunt fabrics, a raspberry lacquered lamp from Salvesen Graham, and a gathered silk shade by Penny Morrison. Finally, the tiny box room underwent a significant transformation. Previously painted black with acid green wallpaper and a low, angled ceiling, it was re-envisioned with a ‘bed nook’ to maximize standing height. Billy Crawshaw paneled the walls with MDF, painting them in Edward Bulmer’s Fair Blue. Ottoline Devries’ wallpaper and fabric were used within the bed nook, along with Samuel and Sons contrast piping and Colefax and Fowler roman blind borders. A bookcase above the headboard and a wall light replaced a traditional bedside setup. The bathroom, largely preserved due to its existing good condition, received subtle enhancements using leftover stone and marble, Edward Bulmer Celadon paint on woodwork, a touch of Soane wallpaper, and a rattan mirror from Kempton Racecourse, demonstrating that minor changes can have a major impact. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #GeorgianCottage #StudioPeake #SouthLondon #Renovation #ColorfulInteriors #CozyHome #ArchitecturalRestoration

The blog post details the formal living room reveal in the author's new home, a bright and spacious room located off her office and visible upon entry. The author aimed to create a formal living room that was impactful, peaceful, and feminine, also intending to use it for work meetings. The design concept centered around an ultra-feminine aesthetic with pink as a primary color, combined with an elevated tropical vibe reminiscent of vintage Hollywood Regency style. The envisioned space was for relaxing with friends or reading a magazine. A key element in achieving the elevated design was sourcing materials from Kravet, a company known for its quality and selection in design since 1918. The author had a positive prior experience with Kravet for wallpaper in her previous home's mudroom and stair tower. For this formal living room, she selected a Kravet sisal wallpaper featuring palm leaves, which perfectly integrated the elegant and beachy aspects of the Hollywood Regency theme. This choice was aimed at creating a significant visual impression and a sophisticated atmosphere. Complementing the wallpaper, the author chose Lee Jofa “New Bradbourne” fabric in blush for the drapes, reinforcing the feminine vision for the room. The drapes were further enhanced with Kravet’s “Daintree” fringe in Ivory/Natural, adding a retro touch to the overall decor. The selection process involved narrowing down numerous options from Kravet's extensive range of wallcoverings, fabrics, and trims. All the furniture in the formal living room was carefully chosen to align with the desired aesthetic and contribute to the room's overall ambiance. The author expresses extreme satisfaction with the final outcome, noting that the room effectively sets the tone for the entire house without being overwhelming. She describes it as her ideal tranquil space, where she enjoys relaxing with a glass of wine and a coffee table book. The blog post provides a detailed list of design credits for various elements within the room, including the wallpaper, curtain fabric and trim, their respective installers, and specific furniture pieces such as the couch, chairs, coffee table, bar cart, side table, and cabinets. Decorative items like the rug, pillows, blankets, artworks, faux fiddle trees, planters, and various candles and vases are also listed, along with styling books. The article concludes by inviting readers to ask further questions about the design details, emphasizing the successful realization of her vision for a personalized, elegant, and comfortable formal living space. #FormalLivingRoom #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #KravetFabrics #HollywoodRegency #FeminineDesign #RoomReveal #DecorInspiration

The article provides an intimate look into the Sunfish Lake home of antiques dealer Robert Riesberg and his wife, Christine Hartman, which doubles as both their residence and a by-appointment-only gallery for Riesberg's business. Their Federal-style house, built in 1925, is characterized by a blend of traditional design and warm hospitality, furnished with museum-quality 17th, 18th, and early 19th-century antiques, art, objects, and rugs. Riesberg, with over 50 years of experience, emphasizes buying pieces he would personally want to keep, noting that this passion drives his successful career. The home features a series of formal rooms, including a front parlor with a mahogany drum table, sideboard, and a 1760 cherry New England flip-top secretary desk, with walls painted in Benjamin Moore’s Rosy Apple. A light-filled formal dining room and gallery, added by Riesberg, is used for parties and family gatherings, showcasing French Louis XV rococo console tables with rare brèche d’alep marble from approximately 1760. The exterior of the home maintains its Federal-style architecture, while the kitchen, though the least formal space, is adorned with 18th-century Windsor chairs and Delft tiles depicting manganese figures from the same period. Creative design solutions are evident throughout, such as a small closet ingeniously converted into a walk-in bar with a Dutch door. The sunporch, featuring terrazzo floors and shelves filled with Delftware, opens to a grape arbor, offering a serene space. The fireplace mantel and paneling were custom-designed based on Connecticut fireplace patterns, symmetrically decorated with blue-and-white 18th-century Delftware. The central hallway boasts ash and walnut flooring modeled after traditional French parquetry, complemented by 19th-century oil landscapes, a late 18th-century portrait, and a Regency commode from around 1710. Riesberg’s study, designed with Connecticut inspiration, features millwork painted in a custom green and houses a substantial collection of books and catalogs on antiques, art, landscaping, and architecture. The article also includes five tips from Robert Riesberg and Christine Hartman for incorporating antiques into one's home. These tips encourage individuals to discover their personal taste by visiting various sources like museums and antique shops, and building a file of preferred items. They suggest taking inventory of existing belongings to identify pieces that don't align with one's aesthetic or function, thereby creating space for new acquisitions. The couple advocates for broadening one's scope beyond furnishing a room strictly by a singular period, encouraging the mixing of contemporary furnishings with antique gems to create a space that reflects individual taste and personality. Riesberg advises understanding the craftsmanship of antiques, particularly those made before the machine age (pre-1840), to appreciate their design details and value. Finally, they recommend taking a slow approach to building a collection, emphasizing that a few beautiful, well-chosen pieces are more valuable than a multitude of mediocre ones, and that truly beautiful homes evolve in stages. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #Antiques #FederalStyleHome #VintageDecor #HomeTours #LuxuryInteriors #CollectingAntiques

The article explores the West Hollywood apartment of multidisciplinary artist and designer Hannah Polskin, known for her distinctive black and white diptychs and triptychs. Polskin deliberately chose her current loft for its expansive, 17-foot-high walls, which accommodate her large-scale artistic endeavors. Prior to this, her smaller living space often required her to move furniture into the hallway to create enough room for her ambitious art projects. The current apartment serves as both her living space and a personal gallery, allowing her to immerse herself fully in her work, a concept she refers to as not doing the "work-life balance thing." She believes the home setting is crucial for her creative process, enabling her to constantly interact with her art and understand how it integrates with other objects. Polskin has incorporated her artistic vision into the apartment's permanent fixtures. For instance, she transformed the kitchen's single-wall layout by constructing a Donald Judd-inspired island from Baltic birch plywood. This island features her characteristic undulating lines, coated in a food-safe resin that enhances the natural glow of the exposed wood. A unique challenge arose in finding appropriate barstools, leading her to acquire three Arthur Umanoff seats via OfferUp, which she then customized by using an angle grinder to adjust their heights. This hands-on approach extends to a private garage woodshop, dubbed "scraptopia," where she undertakes larger commissions, intricate carvings, and stores prototype parts, many of which serve as inspiration for future works like amorphous mirrors. Her bedroom's direct view into this workspace ensures she is constantly connected to her craft. Another example of her integrated art and living space is her bedroom's mural, which functions as a headboard. This mural, a challenging project due to its vertical application, extends across adjacent walls, creating a cocoon-like sleeping environment. The wavy, organic shapes prevalent in her work are a consistent motif, deeply ingrained in her artistic identity since childhood. She finds the creation of these free-flowing forms liberating and self-nurturing. Polskin is also expanding her artistic exploration into new materials, such as burl wood, which she considers highly valuable due to its unique knots formed by natural trauma. Inspired by a trip to the Venice Biennale, Polskin plans to experiment with unconventional wood types, intending to use an antique, distressed cheese board as a canvas. She also aims to translate her designs onto stone and metal. Her ingenuity is evident in her custom-built aluminum cabinet designed to conceal her television, though she humorously recounts an ergonomic flaw where the hardware obstructed the remote control signal, requiring her to stand up to change channels. The article also provides a brief shopping guide for pieces inspired by Polskin's home, including her own art mirrors and diptychs, as well as a burl rotating side table and an Isamu Noguchi Akari ceiling lamp. She shares insights into her vintage shopping habits, mentioning @shopNFS and the Santa Monica Airport Flea, and discusses her splurges and saves, emphasizing the personal effort invested in her custom furniture. #ArtistHome #HomeTour #AbstractArt #HannahPolskin #InteriorDesign #CustomFurniture #DIYHome #ArtisticLifestyle #DesignInspiration

This article details the journey of Amy and Bruce Paul in designing and decorating their 11,000-square-foot home in Rye, New York, focusing on integrating their extensive art collection into a cohesive interior design. Having previously lived in a post-modern home with traditional furnishings and a growing contemporary art collection, the Pauls sought to create a new residence where the exterior architecture and interior aesthetics were harmoniously aligned with their personal taste in design and art. Their objective was to construct a home that could comfortably accommodate their family of six while optimally showcasing their practiced and perfected collection of paintings and sculptures. The couple acquired a 13-acre estate in Rye before the 2001 World Trade Center attacks, subdividing it into seven lots and reserving a two-plus-acre parcel for their own home. They collaborated with builder Michael DiChiaro to construct a six-bedroom, seven-full-bath residence that offers views of a wooded yard, later enhanced with a pool and waterfall by Coral Sea Pools, and adorned with bronze sculptures by Mexican artist Bruno Luna. For the interior design, Amy Paul enlisted Joseph R. Stabile of J.R. Cattington, who had previously worked with them. Stabile and his team were involved from the ground up, providing input on architectural design, interior finishes, electrical layouts, and lighting selection. Stabile chose a palette of cream and gold to complement the Pauls' artwork and suggested structural modifications, such as adding a doorway to improve flow in the formal living room. Amy's primary design directive was for a "light and bright" home, which was achieved in the living room through buttery gold satin-striped fabric from Robert Allen for window treatments and crystal wall sconces by Crystorama. This room serves as a gallery for various notable paintings, including works by Janet Treby, Liane Abrieu, and Russian artists. The soft color scheme is accented by silk brocade wing chairs with colorful throw pillows and fuchsia and silk rugs from China. The family room continues the luminous theme with yellow walls, a toile pattern by Antonia Vella, Seabrook wallcoverings, and similarly colored fabrics in lemon, green, and persimmon for window treatments, pillows, and side chairs. Crystal chandeliers from Murano, imported by Castilian Imports, were chosen to coordinate with paintings by Isaac Maimon and Charles Levier. The coffered ceiling in a green apple shade with cream-colored woodwork further enhances the vibrant, garden-like atmosphere. Bruce Paul's personal space, a clubby card room, contrasts with Amy's preferences, featuring dark wood paneling, built-in bookcases, a bar, and masculine fabrics. This room, separated from the family room by a stone-front fireplace, includes Biedermeier chairs with leopard-print fabric and various personal artifacts. Stabile designed the fireplace with intricately carved mahogany lions and used a Serengeti Leopard carpet to connect Bruce’s adjoining office. The Pauls' children, Joanna, Ryan, Matt, and Jason, also contributed to the design of their respective bedrooms and bathrooms, incorporating elements such as Masland Carpets, Bernhardt furnishings, and Thibaut wallpapers. The master bedroom, with its vaulted ceiling, presented a challenge in scale, addressed by Stabile using Highland Court silk brocade for a cornice "headboard" that coordinates with custom curtains. The article highlights the Pauls' passion for art collection, which began with a French artist Charles Levier painting and expanded to include works from their travels to Europe, South America, Asia, and the Southwest. Despite concerns about diminishing wall space, their quest for art, driven by personal connection and memories from their travels, continues. #HomeDesign #InteriorDecor #ArtCollection #LuxuryHome #RyeResidence #JosephStabile #CustomDesign #ArchitecturalFeatures #PersonalStyle