Fcthvvvv

C E L E B R AT I N G 1 2 0 Y E A R S O F

WALNUT GROVE

AMERICAN CRAFTSMANSHIP

stickley.com

S E PTE M B E R 2020

BRIGHTEN EVERY SPACE

CREATE AN OUTDOOR THEATER

P. 1 0

P. 1 3

WAKE UP YOUR WALLS P. 1 0 0

FIND A BETTER SOFA BAR CABINETS FOR SAVVY DR INK ER S

P. 2 5

C H E E RS! P. 1 8

HOW TO CHANGE

Because It’s About Time LET’ S G ET STA RTE D O N PAG E 2

Beautiful inside and out.

Introducing The New Caesarstone Outdoor Collection.

Naturally Inspired. Beautifully Superior.

Learn more at caesarstoneus.com/outdoor

515 Palm Shade – NEW

22

27 DOES YOUR BAR SETUP NEED AN UPGRADE? P. 20

8

ADVISORY COUNCIL

Meet our panel of 26 pros who are taking on design industry issues.

IN THIS ISSUE 18

25

Games, bar cabinets, and cozy quilts to stock up on for a stress-free fall season.

Get a crash course in design basics from top industry experts.

LET’S SHOP

35

OPEN HOUSE

Six Circa Lighting designers discuss the connection between rooms and emotions.

13

16

What you need to take your at-home movie night to the next level.

HB’s manabout-town puts a twist on Hollywood Regency style.

HOME THEATERS

S EP T EM B ER 2020

10

THE RUFINO REPORT

DESIGN SCHOOL

98

100

Designers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers featured in this issue.

DIY a gallery wall that’s high design and totally one of a kind.

RESOURCES

THE END

O N T H E C OV ER : Look for these tips throughout the issue to enhance your design school experience.

2

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

Photographer Jacob Snavely, Interior Designer Aamir Khandwala, Producer Robert Rufino.

Sofa, custom in Casamance fabric. Armchairs, Angela Brown Ltd. Side tables, Tucker Robbins.

Mirror, Home Nature. Floor lamps, vintage through Pamela Lerner. Pendant, through ALT for Living.

GILDED ASCENT

AUTHENTIC METALLIC LEAF WALLCOVERING PHILLIPJEFFRIES.COM/GILDEDASCENT

IN THIS ISSUE

58

THE LONG HAUL

A centuries-old Colonial is made livable in just eight months.

42

A WALK IN THE CLOUDS

A home with an all-white palette calls for sky-high architecture.

4

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

50

FLYING COLORS

Inside the founder of a vibrant textile company’s stunning Mumbai apartment.

66

74

THE LIBR ARIAN

82

CLEAN SL ATE

90

In a Jamaican vacation home, every choice is in service of the seascape.

Over the past three decades, this apartment has become a personal scrapbook.

A designer turns his friends’ dark, dated home into a welcoming modern retreat.

Meaningful materials give a new home history.

POINT OF VIEW

MY TENNESSEE MOUNTAIN HOME

PHOTOGRAPHER: THOMAS LOOF

ATTICUS FINCH (LEFT) AND MR. BANKS SAY YOU CAN SIT WITH THEM.

#6*-5 50 0 6 5$0. '035 07& 3- " 45

800%"3 % '63/ *5 63 & $0 .

INSPO INDEX

Looking to get design ideas for a specific space? There are tons jammed into this issue.

L I V I N G RO O M S

p. 44

D I N I N G RO O M S

p. 53

p. 61

p. 69

p. 45

p. 56

p. 62

p. 67

See more living rooms on pp. 50, 70, 80, and 93. p. 76

p. 82

p. 91

K I TC H EN S

See more kitchens on pp. 68, 78, and 84. p. 47

p. 63

See more dining rooms on pp. 78 and 84. p. 89

p. 94

B ED RO O M S

See more bedrooms on pp. 64, 71, 88, and 96. p. 49

p. 55

p. 80

p. 86

p. 93

DESIGN EQU IT Y:

Upgrades That Make Your Home Worth More

6

p. 14

p. 26

p. 65

p. 72

p. 81

p. 84

Turn any room into a home theater with a portable projector.

Roll on a bold paint color for an instant refresh.

Embrace and reimagine hand-me-downs.

Build an outdoor tub. (It’s the new outdoor shower!)

Convert your child’s room when they leave the nest.

Use sliding barn doors to add flexibility to open spaces.

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

When you find the perfect color, nothing else will do.

Perfection comes from our paint and our proprietary Gennex® colorants, together, creating results that are breathtaking.

Rely on Benjamin Moore® for premium quality and Gennex Color Technology, which makes our long-lasting colors, all 3,500 of them, one-of-a-kind.

Unmatchable.

WALL: Eye of the Tiger 188, Aura® Eggshell

©2020 Benjamin Moore & Co. Aura, Benjamin Moore, Gennex, and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co. Color accuracy is ensured only when tinted in quality Benjamin Moore® paints. Color representations may differ slightly from actual paint. 6/20

Michel Smith Boyd Atlanta

Albie Buabeng Seattle

Natalie Chong Toronto

@michelboyd

@albieknows

@lovenataliechong

Mackenzie Collier Phoenix & Portland

Gail Davis South Orange, NJ

Tobi Fairley Little Rock, AR

@mackenziecollierinteriors

@gaildavisdesigns

@tobifairley

When change needs to happen, conversations and communication are critical. This panel will meet monthly to discuss key issues facing the design industry right now.

Kelly Finley Oakland, CA

Brad Ford Hudson Valley, NY

Swati Goorha New Providence, NJ

Kevin Isbell Los Angeles

Nile Johnson Philadelphia

@joystreetdesign

@brad_ford_id

@swatigoorhadesigns

@kevinisbell

@nilejohnson

Whitney Jones New Orleans

Delia Kenza Brooklyn

Candace Mary Griffin Detroit

MONIOMI Design Miami

@whitneyjdecor

@deliakenza

KJ Design and Mortar Styling Baltimore

@candacemaryinteriors

@moniomidesign

Erin Shakoor Chicago

Mally Skok Boston

@shakoor_interiors

@mallyskok

@kjdesignandmortarstyling

Kiyonda Powell Washington, DC

Pulp Design Studios Seattle & Dallas

@kiyondapowell

@pulpdesigns

Don Ricardo Massenburg, Jr. Durham, NC @designinkredible

8

Beth Diana Smith Irvington, NJ

Veronica Solomon Katy, TX

Keita Turner New York

Urbanism Designs Sunnyvale, CA

Ryland Witt Richmond, VA

@bethdianasmith

@casavilora

@keitaturnerdesign

@urbanismdesigns

@rylandwittdesigngroup

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

PHOTOGRAPHERS: RYAN HAYSLIP (SMITH BOYD);. MARIAH TEXIDOR (BUABENG); LAUREN MILLER (CHONG); HEATHER KIRCHHOFER (COLLIER); LISA RUSSMAN (DAVIS); NANCY NOLAN (FAIRLEY); LAUREN EDITH ANDERSEN (FINLEY); KEVIN TACHMAN (FORD); CHRISTEN SIMMONS SNYDER (GOORHA); LESLEY UNRUH (ISBEL); JENNIFER CORBETT (JOHNSON); BRITT SMITH (JONES); JESSICA NESTE (KENZA); VERNON DAVIS (KJ DESIGN AND MORTAR STYLING); MALAIKA HILSON (GRIFFIN); R. DIONE FOTO (POWELL); KORENA BOLDING (PULP DESIGN STUDIOS); KUMOLU STUDIOS (MASSENBURG); RAYON RICHARDS (SHAKOOR); SARAH WINCHESTER (SKOK); MIKE VAN TASSELL (SMITH); COLLEEN SCOTT (SOLOMON); EDGAR SCOTT (TURNER); SYDNEY BROWN (URBANISM DESIGNS); BANNER ADAMS (WITT)

MEET THE

MUST-HAVES

o r

FOR THE

os

Ever since I can remember I have always gravitated toward the bold, the impactful, the inspiring—it’s as though my first language has always been design—lush colors, intricate patterns, and inviting textures have always spoken to me. This deeply rooted love has led me to where I am today, living, breathing, and absolutely obsessing over all things design. I’m Suly Weissman, Design Specialist for Thermador. I believe in living exceptionally every day. And with Thermador appliances, you can too. Check out my absolute favorite products that are sure to add spice to your life...and your kitchen.

Con Amor,

COLDER & BOLDER Featuring first of its kind innovation, Thermador Freedom® Refrigeration offer touch-screen TFT control panels, Home Connect™ capabilities plus flexibility to customize cooling to fit any culinary style.

A TOUCH OF BOLD Bring an artistic allure to any culinary space with our cast metallic knobs in signature Thermador blue.

LARGEST 30” STEAM OVEN ON THE MARKET With the largest steam capacity,* 17 different cooking modes, and Home Connect™ capabilities—Thermador Steam Ovens do it all with style.

STAY WINE NIGHT READY Rosé, robust reds, crisp whites—keep your entire collection (up to 98 bottles) at the ideal serving temp with the Thermador Wine Preservation Column.

EXTRA SHOT. NO FOAM. WE GOT YOU. Add barista style service to your next design—Thermador Built-in Coffee Machines, available plumbed or non-plumbed, provide coffeehouse-quality beverages and smart appliance capabilities via Home Connect™.

STAY IN TOUCH

THE ENTIRE COOKTOP IS YOUR CANVAS

Home Connect™ has partnered with all the brands you already love—get notified when your preheat is complete, directly from your Fitbit Smartwatch.

With the largest fully usable surface area in its class—26% larger than the nearest competitor, the Thermador Freedom® Induction Cooktop combines industry-leading technology with modern design principles.

Discover every entertaining essential at THE RM ADO R.C OM ©2020 BSH HOME APPLIANCES CORPORATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

* ACC O R D IN G T O AHA M STAN DAR D S

Can a room change the way you feel? Here, Circa Lighting designers and Editorial Director Joanna Saltz discuss the connection between the eye and the soul. Let’s get emotional.

Joanna Saltz @josaltz WANT TO TALK? E-MAIL ME AT EDITOR@HOUSEBEAUTIFUL.COM.

Joanna Saltz: Suddenly, and for good reason, everyone is paying attention to the mood your home can put you in. What do you think?

Jesse Carrier: With any room, we always begin the conversation with clients on what the mood is in terms of programming, what the function of the space will be.

Mara Miller: But we often use imagery to understand moods without talking about it directly.

LOOK CLOSELY AT THIS LIVING ROOM BY ALEXA HAMPTON, AND YOU’LL SPOT NO FEWER THAN SIX LIGHT SOURCES—VARIETY IS KEY FOR ESTABLISHING DIFFERENT MOODS IN A SINGLE SPACE.

Lauren Rottet: My clients don’t necessarily talk about emotions, but the truth is that’s what they want: They want to

be relaxed or for the space to feel open.

Thomas O’Brien: My focus is always on having things make sense. I want rooms to feel peaceful and have a sense of calm in them. That comes from being logical, having order.

Jo: And design is really the only place where you can connect peace and drama.

Alexa Hampton: I have a classical orientation, and I think things become classics, like Thomas said, because there’s a reason for them. It all has to be in service to the human in the room. Sometimes you

Shop the Pros’ Picks “People don’t always understand that they need multiple kinds of light.

It’s about layers and atmosphere, not architectural, invisible light sources.”

—Mara Miller and Jesse Carrier Hastings medium floor lamp, $1,089. circalighting.com

“On one project I did, the lighting was installed first and the client called and said, ‘If I never get any furniture, I’m fine.’ That’s how important it is.” —Julie Neill Talia large chandelier, $2,169. circalighting.com

10

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

PHOTOGRAPHERS: ALLIE HOLLOWAY (SALTZ); SAM FROST (CARRIER & MILLER); MICHELLE ARCILA (O’BRIEN); FRANCESCO LAGNESE (O’BRIEN INTERIOR); DAMIAN MIRANDA, COURTESY OF NAFTALI GROUP (ROTTET); RICK OLIVIER (NEILL); SARA ESSEX BRADLEY (NEILL INTERIOR); VICTORIA STEVENS (HAMPTON); STEVE FREIHON (HAMPTON INTERIOR). HAIR & MAKEUP BY NINA SORIANO (SALTZ).

OPEN HOUSE

WISPY CURTAINS, A NEUTRAL PALETTE, AND A SCULPTURAL CHANDELIER GIVE THIS HIGH-CEILINGED DINING ROOM

BY JULIE NEILL AN ETHEREAL FEEL.

atmosphere?

Alexa: Unplug the television!

Lauren: I love environments that feel indoor-outdoor, so for me it’s opening a door or a drape to expose the outdoors and let it in. Then music and candles!

Thomas: I think it’s editing.

Sometimes there’s just too much clutter, and that produces anxiety.

Julie: You know, they say when you get dressed, take one piece of jewelry off—and I think it’s the same idea. People always ask me, “What do I need to get for this room?”

I tell them, “You need to take four things out!”

don’t even notice the reason, it just is a sense of feeling “right.”

Julie Neill: Interior design is always emotional in residences, because it’s someone’s home.

Mara: We are always happy to dim lights or use candles to create atmosphere, and not everyone has that inclination,

but using a smart home can be a great way to DIY it and make those moods more accessible.

Jo: Definitely. So calm seems like such an important piece here. What is one easy thing that someone who feels trapped in their space can do to create a more calming

“You have to have lights at different registers: overhead, on the wall, uplights, book lights.

That helps the room feel inhabited by light, not punched with hot spots.” —Alexa Hampton

Alexa: Well, I love stuff—which is not to say I love clutter. I want composition. I want to be able to look at everything in its place. I am very soothed by an ordered bookcase. Plus, a room without books to me is just nothing. Because books are great, they’re memories or they’re visions, and their lines also make up these great geometries—when it’s intentional.

Jo: And personal.

WHILE THOMAS O’BRIEN’S INTERIORS—LIKE THIS BEDROOM—LOOK LAYERED AND COMFORTABLE, THEY ARE RULED BY ORDER AND LOGIC.

Thomas: I try very much for people to get connected to it— it’s about the heart. I don’t do projects that are just, “Here’s the job and the budget—let’s get it done.” It’s the begging clients to try different things or to learn about something that makes what I do worthwhile.

Julie: There’s a duality because home is your calm space, but it’s also the place where you’re passionate about your things. You want to feel lovely and serene, but part of what makes me serene is looking at things around me that make me happy.

I N PA RT N ER S H I P W I T H

“To me, it’s just as important to illuminate the interior as the exterior.

I like to always be able to see the outdoors.”

—Lauren Rottet

Penelope table lamp, $735. circalighting.com

“No matter how exciting the idea is, I like to have a sense of order to all of my designs.”

—Thomas O’Brien

Fascio medium pendant, $2,745. circalighting.com

Argentino large sconce, $1,079. circalighting.com

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

11

S H O P N O W AT G A B B Y H O M E . C O M / H B

THE B A C K-T O - S C H O O L ISSUE

WELCOME

SEPTEMBER 2020

The Theater Is Open O N C E R E S E RV E D FO R M C M A N S I O N S W I T H

PHOTOGRAPH (MOVIE SCREEN): GETTY IMAGES

space to burn, media rooms have recently become exceedingly popular—perhaps because people haven’t been able to go out to the movies. (Or maybe they’re sick of watching them while hunched over an iPad.) A home theater needs only three things: good acoustics, proper wiring, and comfortable seats—which means you probably already have the perfect spot. The key to mapping it all out? Rustam Mehta of GRT Architects recommends “getting the projector as early as possible to mock it up.

This takes the guesswork out of the right seating-to-wall arrangement and how high you want the projector on the wall.” Fast-forward to learn how the pros create a truly dazzling film-enhancing experience. —Hadley Mendelsohn

PLUSH SEATING, WALLTO-WALL CARPET, AND A FABRIC-COVERED CEILING BOOST SOUND ABSORPTION IN THIS SPACE DESIGNED BY JAMIE BUSH.

P h o t o g r a p h b y RO G E R DAV I E S/OT TO

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

13

Think Vertically While tiered rows require the extra step of building platforms, they offer the best views—plus, building up instead of out maximizes the space.

Take a cue from Studio Ashby creative director Sophie Ashby, who installed rows of green velvet chairs in this Decoinspired viewing room. “It’s all about comfort and classic luxury,” she says.

AN ADJACENT NOOK BECOMES A CONCESSION STAND.

Head Outside

If you don’t have a spare room, give an existing one a second use. This lounge, designed by GRT Architects, can double as a black box theater thanks to a projector and retractable screen.

“Residential cinemas,” or as we know them today, home theaters, became popular in the 1950s due to the increased availability of Kodak 8 mm film and smaller, more affordable projection equipment.

Home Theater Must-Haves 14

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

THIS OUTDOOR PROJECTOR IS CUTE AND CONVENIENT— IT WEIGHS LESS THAN A POUND! Amazon Fire TV Stick Media Player, $40. amazon.com.

Stewart Filmscreen Balón Edge, $2,562. stewartfilmscreen.com.

Cinemood 360 Portable Projector, $499. cinemood.com.

PHOTOGRAPHER (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP): STUDIO ASHBY; BUFF STRICKLAND; NICOLE FRANZEN

Who hasn’t pinned an outdoor theater image? Hosting a movie night under the stars couldn’t be easier: Just add a portable projector (our pick below), a flat sheet or blank wall, and wireless speakers like in this setup by blogger Camille Styles.

(Throw pillows, string lights, and snacks strongly suggested.)

Make It Multipurpose

CONNECT TO THE OUTDOORS AND EACH OTHER

When you bring natural light and fresh air deeper into your home, it can change how you think, feel, and work in your space. At Marvin, we design windows and doors to open new possibilities, helping you feel connected to the outdoors while you connect with each other.

Experience windows and doors differently at marvin.com/inspired

Rufino Report THE

1

16

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

12

1. “I love Doug Meyer’s custom cameo portraits—this one features Dorothy Draper herself.” Cameo, dougmeyerstudio.com.

2. “Big, bold stripes were a hallmark of hers.

Imagine this floor-toceiling fabric on walls, as well as curtains!”

Fabric, madeaux.com.

3. “The floral fabric makes it sing.” Chair, highlandhousefurniture .com. 4. “Create drama in a long hallway by placing a pair of these lamps on a credenza.”

Lamp, bungalow5 .com. 5. “The scale and grandness are just striking.” Wall lights, davidduncanantiques .com. 6. “Dorothy always included a hit of black.”

Table by Duncan Hughes, dowelfurniturecompany .com. 7. “Like her Brazilliance wallpaper, this palm motif is so classic it’s practically a neutral.” Wallpaper, thibautdesign.com. 8.

“What better way to liven up an allwhite room?” Fabric, fschumacher.com. 9. and 10. “Both of these pieces are based on ones that Ms. Draper designed for her projects.” Sofa and mirror by Carleton Varney for Dorothy Draper Collection, kindelfurniture .com. 11. “Roses and animal print, how could you go wrong?” Carpet, starkcarpet.com. 12.

“The shape feels very proud and old-world.

I think Dorothy would approve.” Console, ralphlaurenhome.com.

For complete shopping details, see Resources.

Illustration by ROSS ALEX ANDER

ILLUSTRATION (PORTRAIT): TOM BACHTELL

Inspired by a visit to the Dorothy Draper–designed Greenbrier Hotel with her renowned successor Carleton Varney, our man-about-town Robert Rufino

Dorothy Draper, a legendary maximalist, was also known for her use of black-and-white checkered oors, ornate plaster moldings, and cabbage rose chintz.

17

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

LET’S JUST SHOP!

Market Director Carisha Swanson shows you how to spend your time this fall.

Bristle Dartboard and Cabinet Set by Imperial International, $370. wayfair.com.

Design by Veronica Solomon

EXPANDS TO FIT ANY TABLE UP TO 60 INCHES WIDE. GET READY TO SERVE!

Take a break from your daily stresses with a little friendly competition.

Tabletop Shuffleboard, $100. store .moma.org.

Sorrento Backgammon Set, $395. jonathanadler .com.

Classic Domino v2 Game by Printworks, $32. verishop.com.

Feeling Flushed Jigsaw Puzzle, $36. pieceworkpuzzles.com.

Le Jardin De Mysore Bridge Set, $19.50. casparionline.com.

18

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

Table Tennis Set

by Ridley’s, $37. uk.wildandwolf.com.

PHOTOGRAPHERS: COLLEEN SCOTT (SOLOMON INTERIOR); STEVE CASH (GAMES)

Play More

ƬƞƫƞƧƚƚƧƝƥƢƥƲ ƜƨƦ

Max Bar Cabinet by Alexa Hampton, $5,850. theodorealexander.com.

Design by Shawn Henderson

Faux Bone Bar Cabinet, $1,995. williams-sonoma.com.

AVAILABLE IN SIX CONFIGURATIONS, AND MULTIPLE WOOD AND HARDWARE FINISHES

Drink a Little Elevate your bar setup with a proper spot to stash the good stuff.

Harper Campaign Bar, $1,399. ballarddesigns.com.

Linear Bar Cabinet, $1,899 as shown. roomandboard.com.

20

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

West Natural Cane Bar Cabinet by Leanne Ford, $1,999. crateandbarrel.com.

Florian Tall Bar Cabinet, $6,046. bungalow5.com.

PHOTOGRAPHER: STEPHEN KENT JOHNSON/OTTO (HENDERSON INTERIOR)

Boen Bar Cabinet by Shayla Copas, $9,987. chelseahouseinc.com.

Past and present collide in a stunning new collection

I N T R O D U C I N G

T H E

Quintana Collection by Kara Cox The centuries-old metal craft techniques perfected by Thompson Traders meet the fresh, tailored aesthetic of nationally recognized interior designer Kara Cox in this stunning collaboration. Soft curves, striking organic shapes DQG DQ XQH[SHFWHG PL[ RI PHWDO QLVKHV PDNH HDFK GHVLJQ a worthy centerpiece for your extraordinary kitchen or bath.

EXPLORE THE COLLECTION AT

THOMPSONTRADERS.COM/KARA-COX/

Though quilts date back as far as 100 BCE, they became much easier to make following the revolution of the textile industry in the early-19th century.

Chevron Hand-Stitched Quilt, from $160. marigoldliving.com.

Design by Janet Gridley

DOUBLE DUTY: USE IT ON A TWIN BED OR AS A TABLECLOTH!

Seahaven Quilt, from $328. serenaandlily.com.

Snuggle Up Cozy quilts easily transition from reading nook to naptime.

Lynette Personal Comforter, available in 16 custom colors, $874. bellanottelinens.com.

Agnes Linen Quilt, from $249. garnethill.com.

22

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

Tree Napper Weighted Blanket, from $249. bearaby.com.

Lina Quilt, from $325. johnrobshaw .com.

Cosmos Quilt Set, from $110. jungalow.com.

PHOTOGRAPHERS: MAURA MCEVOY (GRIDLEY INTERIORS); STEVE CASH (BEDDING)

Diamond Stitch Cotton Quilt, from $209. thecompanystore .com.

Custom Closets For Every Size, Style & Budget.

Save up to 25% on Custom Closets, Garages, and Shelving through October 11th. Š2020 The Container Store Inc. 47743

chool

Are “green” and “sustainable” the same thing?

Eames vs. Tulip chair?

TAKE NOTES! HERE COMES YOUR CRASH COURSE IN ALL THINGS AESTHETIC.

Even the most passionate design devotees (or routinely hired professionals) have some gaps in their knowledge of terminology and technique. We tapped designers, historians, and manufacturers to share their expertise on a few of the basics.

Consider these pages your (unboring) textbook.

By Emma Bazilian, Hadley Keller & Carisha Swanson

How do I scale my living room?

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

25

Design School

Fisher Building

by Albert Kahn and Joseph French, Detroit

LESSON #2

Buildings define moments.

Why were so many famous city landmarks built in the Art Deco style? The movement coincided with advances in construction—reinforced concrete, plate glass, aluminum windows—that made these skyscrapers possible. “Art Deco turned away from explicitly historical sources toward a new, machine-age aesthetic,” says architect Peter Pennoyer.

The Glass House

by Philip Johnson, New Canaan, CT

Robert Frost Farm by Nathaniel Head, Derry, NH

A proudly purple room

by Rayman Boozer

Color is not as scary as you think.

“SOM ETIM ES TH E HARDEST

part of embracing color is getting past the initial trepidation,” says Rayman Boozer, the founder of the NYC-based firm Apartment 48, who’s often dubbed the “Color Guru.” His tip: Start with a less saturated hue, then gradually build up your tolerance to bolder colors. “I always remind clients that color is the least expensive update you can make to completely change a room.” Here, he shares his methods for choosing the right ones.

Get emotional.

Ponder the feeling you want to evoke from a space, then use color to get there.

“For example, terra-cotta is great for a warm and earthy vibe,” Boozer says.

Divide and conquer. Boozer categorizes a room’s colors in three layers: base, secondary, and accent. If the first two look great together, you can be wilder with the accent.

The American farmhouse was built for function: Porches acted as mudrooms for dirty workwear; clapboard siding provided insulation; a simple roof was easy to frame. Today, says architect Gil Schafer, “It remains a remarkably adaptive style that has a marvelous timelessness to it.”

LESSON #3

Rayman Boozer @raymanboozer

Consider the overlooked. The most underrated color, according to Boozer?

Purple. “It’s the color of royalty and passion, and works well with so many other colors.”

Knowing your vocab can help you make better decisions.

Learn these hightech terms before shopping.

The large, open floor plans common in modernist homes—made possible in part by the development of long-span steel trusses— reflected the changing needs of Americans in the postwar era, as formal living was replaced by a more casual, family-focused approach.

Bench-made Performance refers to a piece of furniture for which a craftsperson sat on a bench sculpting, creating, and assembling. Simply put: It didn’t come off an assembly line.

8-Way Hand-Tied is a technique where each coil is tied to the frame individually, allowing the piece to adjust to where and how you sit. It’s similar to how a great mattress conforms to your body.

is an industry term suggesting a material (like fabric or rug fibers) has qualities that make it ideal for high-traffic areas. They’re often washable and stain-resistant.

COM stands for “customer’s own material” and signifies that the client or designer wants to use an unstocked fabric for a piece.

Understanding how your fabric will wear over time is key.

The “Design in Scandinavia” exhibition, which toured North America from 1954 to 1957, played a major role in popularizing Nordic style across the pond.

26

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

PHOTOGRAPHER (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT): NICK PARISSE; RAYMOND BOYD/GETTY IMAGES; CHRISTINA HORSTEN/GETTY IMAGES; JOHN GREIM/GETTY IMAGES. ILLUSTRATIONS: LAUREN TAMAKI.

LESSON #1

PRESENTED BY STEARNS & FOSTER

Build a Better Bedroom With so many daily distractions, downshifting into sleep mode seems tougher than ever. If your bedroom isn’t set up to soothe, it’s hard to get the quality rest you crave. But, thanks to a few design-driven choices, you can get more shut-eye. “An ideal bedroom provides an environment for rest, positivity, and relaxation,” says interior designer Natalie Kraiem. From going all-in on a Stearns & Foster mattress to ditching the screens, here are four easy ways to make your space more serene.

The Rest Is Easy Follow these simple principles to prep your room for maximum zzz’s.

1. Invest in a Quality Mattress When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, “the mattress is the most important element,” says Kraiem. “My key recommendation is to source one from a company with a good, longlasting reputation, like Stearns & Foster.”

2. Layer Your Lighting Kraiem favors a mix, from table lamps and reading sconces to recessed lights and chandeliers. Try bulbs with lower wattages and dimmers to control the mood. To block outside light, Kraiem suggests lightweight curtains or Roman shades with blackout lining.

3. Pick a Peaceful Palette A bedroom’s color scheme can affect your mood and routine. Kraiem tends toward soothing hues, like shades of blue, ivory, mauve, and gray, with light bedding to anchor the room. “White and ivory sheets are classics and make the bed feel clean and crisp,” she says.

4. Go Screen-Free Most of us are guilty of screens in the bedroom (no shame, just reality!). But blue light from electronics can interfere with your circadian rhythms, so try to check them at the door.

Sleep Star The ultimate in luxurious comfort and support, the Stearns & Foster Reserve Hepburn Mattress suits any sleeping style.

DESIGN YOUR SPACE FOR YOUR BEST REST. LEARN MORE AT STEARNSANDFOSTER.COM

Design School

LESSON #4

Alexa Hampton @alexahamptoninc

Good scale is human-centric.

YO U K N O W W H E N YO U see a

room that just looks amazing, but you can’t put your finger on why? Chances are it has to do with a good sense of scale. Proportions are often influenced by classical architecture, says Alexa Hampton, who familiarized herself with such buildings while traveling with her father, the legendary designer Mark Hampton. But this concept isn’t just something from the history books: “If you dig back into why things are the way they are, it’s all about the size of people,” she says.

1. Bigger isn’t better.

“I don’t actually believe that furniture should scale up if your room is larger—I think that’s ridiculous,” Hampton says. In fact, gigantic elements can sometimes make a room feel smaller.

2. Variety is key. “If you have all furniture of the same size, there’s no rhythm, no balance, no movement; it’s very

static,” Hampton says.

Once you establish the “framework” of human scale, “go above and below it” to give a room great energy.

3. Think in 3D: Vary proportion in layout, too, with different-size seating areas, rugs, and spaces to establish a sensible flow.

Gigi Sofa by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

Lee Jofa’s legendary Tree of Life block print requires 300 hand-carved wooden stamps to produce.

A timeless living room by Alexa Hampton

LESSON #5

These four beloved textile patterns and techniques have so much to say about their native regions.

Chintz Indian-made printed cotton was so popular in 17th- and 18th-century Europe that France and England banned its import to protect domestic manufacturing.

Kuba Cloth Made by the Kuba people of central Africa from woven raffia embellished with embroidered or appliquéd patterns, the material inspired artists like Klimt and Matisse.

Hollyhock glazed chintz by Lee Jofa.

Kuba cloth by Sankofa African Bazaar.

Ikat The word is Indonesian, but versions of the technique—which involves resistdyeing fibers prior to weaving—have existed for centuries in different regions across the globe.

Emira silk-cotton ikat

by Slightly East.

28

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

Shibori Roughly translated as “to wring, squeeze, or press,” shibori dates back to at least the 8th century in Japan, when it was used to enhance inexpensive or worn-out textiles.

Nui-Midori Tatsumaki Shibori Tenugui by Slow Fiber Studios.

LESSON #6

Sofas require some research.

Ask these questions before purchasing anything.

Q: How was it made?

A: Specifically: How was the frame constructed? Is it hardwood or engineered wood? Some of today’s fast-ship sofas are actually cardboard, which has a shorter life span. The highest-quality brands have a warranty on their frames, so you can feel confident with your investment. A wellmade sofa can handle the kids, animals, and you.

Q: How do I choose the right fabric?

A: The wrong material choice looks shabby quickly.

Understand your lifestyle and space: Are you sleeping,

working, and eating on this sofa? Performance fabrics are very buzzy right now, but manufacturers can point you to more of their most durable materials.

Q: Can I really buy online?

A: Yes. While nothing beats the old sit test, there is still a lot of information that can be gleaned from great e-commerce sites. A quality furniture site will offer full product descriptions and inside seat depth and allow you to see the piece in several fabrics. If you’re still unsure, call! They can give you additional intel or send swatches.

PHOTOGRAPHER: SCOTT FRANCES (LIVING ROOM)

Every fabric tells a story.

Darryl maximized space with sleek Miele appliances and lots of natural light in this Manhattan kitchen.

A DV E R T I S E M E N T

SMALL SPACE, HIGH STYLE House Beautiful Next Wave designer Ashley Darryl on small space living and how form, fit, and function played major roles in an Upper East Side kitchen renovation.

Photography by Kirsten Francis

Miele products combine sophisticated looks with user-friendly design–which is so important for small spaces!

FORM

FIT

FUNCTION

Pairing Miele’s state-of-theart appliances with transitional design elements created a kitchen that feels classic and has real longevity.

The seamless PureLine design and beautiful Clean Touch Steel finish helps Miele’s built-in Steam and Convection ovens effortlessly blend in with the cabinetry.

In a small space, everything has to be user-friendly. Miele’s Rangetop offers flexibility with highpower burners, a TrueSimmer burner and your choice of a griddle or grill, making meal prep a breeze.

Miele’s G 7000 is the world’s first dishwasher to automatically dispense the right amount of detergent—at exactly the right time. mieleusa.com

Design School

LESSON #7

LESSON #8

The best rooms satisfy many functions.

Midcentury means more than one thing.

Bunny Williams @bunnys_eye

begins with a serious getting-to-know-you stage between her and clients. Because, after all, “How I live and how they live may be very different,” she says. “In my living room, I have a sofa, a big comfortable chair, two side chairs, and a pair of benches,” Williams says, “so eight people can sit there very comfortably, but I can go in there alone and read for a couple of hours too.” As you can see, the desired functionality of public rooms has changed significantly over time:

18th century In grand houses, furniture lived around the edges of the room and was rearranged by servants for different uses.

Today Homeowners require distinct, multifunctional spaces. Never clearer than in 2020, when a living room is an office is a gym…

LESSON #9

“Custom” is the magic word.

And it’s not always as expensive as you might think, say experts.

Y E S , C U S TO M P R O J E C T S take

at least six to eight weeks and require decisions about fabric and leg finishes and cushion filling. But the result is built for your room, and can’t be discovered in your friend’s house.

“Online and big-box retailers sell sofas for $3,000, but you can get a custom

19th century During the Victorian era, parlor rooms existed to receive guests.

1930s Living room seating was grouped around the newly invented radio.

1970s The trend toward open-concept kitchen/living/ great rooms brings decades of sledgehammers to dividing walls.

The aesthetic revolution was ushered in with these iconic seat shapes.

Tulip Chair Eero Saarinen for Knoll, 1957.

Saarinen’s famous Pedestal Collection was developed to clean up the “ugly, confusing world” of table and chair legs.

Eames Lounge Chair Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, 1956. Its cradle was “a refuge from the strains of modern living.”

Wishbone Chair Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn, 1949. The seat was made from paper cord, which was developed during WWII as a substitute for jute.

1950s With TV comes the popularity of large sofas, which give everyone the same view (the screen).

sofa for that price and know it was made just for you. The real price differential is in the fabric, not the frame.” —Mark Gilmore, CR Laine “Everything you buy ought to be for love, not because it was on sale and you need a quick fix, like ‘Poof!

My room is done.’ ” —Marty Andress, Lee Industries “Kravet’s good, better, best program—known as Edge, Smart, and Design—gives consumers (through a designer or designerbased home store) access to solidly built, custom furniture at a variety of price points.”

—Maria Parasugo, Kravet

Diamond Chair Harry Bertoia for Knoll, 1952. The famous sculptor used an industrial material—stainless steel—to create an ergonomically molded frame.

Egg Chair Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, 1958. Originally designed for a hotel lobby, the shape creates a feeling of privacy even in public settings.

Author Edith Wharton wrote one of the first interior design books, The Decoration of Houses, with Ogden Codman, Jr., in 1897.

30

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

PHOTOGRAPHER (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT): BEST ROOMS; CLASSIC STOCK/ALAMY; GABE PALMER/ALAMY; ELLIOTT KAUFMAN/GETTY IMAGES

E V E RY P RO J E C T B U N N Y W I LLI A M S completes

REFLECTIONS ON HOME

Connect with a designer in our stores or virtually, and shop anytime online at mgbwhome.com.

Design School

LESSON #10

Jamie Drake @designerjamiedrake

Mixed materials make a room more personal.

“ANY ROO M THAT I S a snapshot of

only one moment in time, whether it is 1740 or 2020, is a missed opportunity to think about other ages, places, and cultures,” Jamie Drake says. A more timeless, yet richer, space can be conjured through a medley of materials, shapes, and eras, the designer posits. “Having contrast enriches both pieces. If you have primarily straight-line contemporary pieces, a wonderful Baroque shape next to them heightens both,” he says.

Take the curve of a cabriole leg set surprisingly against a Parsons table, say. Nothing could be more delicious, according to Drake. “Being a designer is akin to being a painter, just in three dimensions,” he declares. “So when I am working on a scheme, I’m always envisioning how things come together and sit next to each other. Working with a palette of primarily blue—where do you put that one splash of red? It’s all about creating those kinds of dialogues.”

Mix and Match + Drake loves a matte surface, like wood grain, against the patina of aged metal.

+ Moyler often pairs plaster walls with waxed wood floors.

+ Crisp linen and sumptuous velvet are a favorite of both Drake and Moyler.

LESSON #11

A good rug can outlive your grandkids.

While rug fibers are important, it really comes down to your needs: style, wear, and budget.

Green does not equal sustainable.

The Sustainable Furnishings Council works with home brands to help them reduce their environmental footprint.

Check out the council’s site for a list of who has earned its seal.

32

I F YO U WA N T A P I E C E that’s

long-lasting and heirloom-quality, look for the term “hand-knotted.” According to The Rug Company, this type costs more upfront because each loop is tied by hand, but they survive beyond a lifetime. A hand-loomed rug will achieve a similarly beautiful look but is easier to fabricate and therefore less expensive.

In a bedroom or playroom, wall-towall carpeting may be a better fit. If you have an awkwardly sized space where a standard-size rug won’t do, Stanton Carpet creates made-toorder rugs from their high-traffic-ready, wall-to-wall carpet, which normally ship within three to five days.

Outdoor rugs can disintegrate and lose their color from UV rays, so you may be buying a new one every year. If you’d like to invest in something longer lasting, look for information on UV and mold resistance. Brands like Perennials test their fibers to ensure they can hold up to the elements for at least seven years. Even better, they come with outdoor rug pads so they can dry more quickly and stay in place.

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

Joy Moyler @joymoylerinteriors

A room of layers by Joy Moyler

LESSON #12

The right textures can be functional and sexy. “ W H AT A B O R E ! ” That’s how Joy Moyler describes a room in all one fabric. “I like to use multiple textures, whether it’s a bouclé or mohair silk or velvet, which is my absolute

favorite,” she says. “Different elements work together to create an overall environment.”

This variety comes in two forms: from the tactile feel of different materials and how light hits them in various ways.

Though Moyler is sensitive to function (“Don’t use lacquer around salt air,” she cautions), she believes all spaces need a diversity of substance. After all, Moyler says, “Cotton is cool—at a beach house. But you want something sexy in there, no matter how informal the room is.”

PHOTOGRAPHER: RAEVO (DINING ROOM); MIX AND MATCH (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT): MIRAGEC/GETTY IMAGES; ROMAOSLO/GETTY IMAGES; JANNIWET/SHUTTERSTOCK; BOTYEV VOLODYMYR/SHUTTERSTOCK; PETEK ARICI/GETTY IMAGES; SNAB/SHUTTERSTOCK

Venetian plaster is a mix of lime plaster and marble dust, applied painstakingly with a spatula in individual layers.

E X P E R I E N C E

V I S U A L

C O M F O R T

M I L E S M E D I U M TA S K L A M P I N ANTIQUE-BURNISHED BRASS DESIGNER: CHAPMAN & MYERS

SHOP NOW: CIRCALIGHTING.COM AT L A N TA GREENWICH

AUSTIN

HOUSTON

NASHVILLE

LA

BOSTON LAGUNA

NORWALK

CHARLESTON

CHARLOTTE (2020)

LONDON (2020)

SAN FRANCISCO

M A N H AT TA N

SAVANNAH

877.762.2323

CHICAGO

MIAMI (2020)

SCOTTSDALE

DC

DENVER

MINNEAPOLIS (2020)

S E AT T L E ( 2 0 2 0 )

Ready to hire a professional?

Game on, says Kaitlin Petersen, the editor in chief of industry resource Business of Home.

Illustrations by JASON FORD

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

35

WHEN LOOKING FOR A DESIGNER, YOU...

V E RY D E S I G N E R H A S A C R A Z Y

story about that one nightmare client who drove them up the wall. Maybe they were rude to the painters and installers, quibbled over agreed-upon billing, or just couldn’t make up their minds. Though you’re not likely to go down in a designer’s history book as one of those types, many small infractions—which could turn into major setbacks—can be easily avoided with some candid feedback from the pros.

Just as you’re looking for the perfect designer, they are looking for the right fit too, which means first impressions definitely count. Knowing what you’re willing to spend can go a long way. As does respect—for your designer’s time and talent, of course, but also for the employees they bring into your home.

Can you roll with the punches when one of the hundreds of items they’ve ordered for you gets damaged or delayed? (Likelihood: high.) The design process is nuanced, but designers are happy to show you the way. The bottom line? “Be honest,” counsels Portland designer Max Humphrey. For a few more good

rules of thumb, follow the blue cards (and avoid falling in the red).

36

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

Mentioned a “Designer Discount”

“Make sure there’s some alignment between your point of view and theirs.”

—Eche Martinez

“Designers don’t receive discounts; we earn commissions from trusted vendors for selling products on their behalf.”

—Meg Lonergan

Reached Out Directly “E-mail, call the office, or even direct message us on Instagram.”

“Get them off the table in the beginning and the process goes smoother.”

—Nicole Fuller

Immediately Asked Their Rates

Requested References “I promise we won’t be offended!”

—Kim Scodro

DURING THE INITIAL CONSULTATION, YOU…

“Don’t nickel-and-dime over the design fee. A designer’s price is based upon our skill set, not your budget.”

—Mikel Welch

Asked Questions

WHEN NEGOTIATING THE CONTRACT, YOU…

“It makes me think you’re bargain shopping, not looking for the right match.”

—Eche Martinez

Wanted to Skip the Design Fee

Showed Patience “Designers are problem solvers.

It takes time and brainpower to come up with solutions.”

—Eche Martinez

Whined About Your Last Designer On those early phone calls, the designer is interviewing you too.

Came Prepared “Have an idea of the work that you need completed, as well as any inspiration images.”

—Mikel Welch

“The ultimate red flag. No one wants to be branded as a failure the minute they walk out the door.”

—Eche Martinez

Lied About Your Budget “If you don’t give me an accurate number, it creates extra work and prolongs the process.”

—Nicole Fuller

PHOTOGRAPHER: (THIS SPREAD AND PREVIOUS PAGE): GETTY IMAGES (GAME PIECES, CARDS)

Here’s how to play nice when you hire a professional.

Scrolled Through Their Portfolio

Asked Family Members Their Opinion “It’s very helpful to

Got Specific

Couldn’t Choose

“Tell us if you eat dinner in front of the TV vs. at the dining table. There

“We’ve got your back, and we won’t let you make a mistake! We only give you options we love, so go with your gut.”

—Kim Scodro

or oldest in the

Said When You Hated Something “Your designer wants to know—and the sooner, the better.”

—Meg Lonergan

Trusted Your Designer “Be willing to live with a piece for a few days before deciding whether or not you love it.”

—Mikel Welch

Read Every Line “Involve your partner (or other decision makers) in the review process to make sure everyone is on the same page.”

—Eche Martinez

An hourly rate and flat fee can be deceiving when you’re comparing designers’ fee structures.”

—Meg Lonergan

Paid On Time!

“Venmo, Apple Pay, Quickpay through the bank, or cash in a bag all work great.”

—Max Humphrey

Changed Your Mind “Don’t get nervous and look around for alternative selections after you’ve already made decisions with your designer!

We can already see the full potential in the space.”

—Mikel Welch

Protested Their Hours “Most designers already aren’t billing for everything they should be.”

—Meg Lonergan

THROUGH THE INSTALLATION, PAYMENT, AND FINISH, YOU...

d ea a h s. p e m ac Ju s p 5

s nd , sa ing e ou ht th lig g es of nt, win th ns ai llo ow n te p A rr d e or s. na n fto ar s f ng o e a Cli re ion shi r t im a he pt ni ne e t nik “T f o fur esig sav on o d d ill h an ur n w ” —R yo w y. do one m

Let Them Handle It “The chances of something coming in damaged is high.

You don’t want to see the ins and outs.”

—Nicole Fuller

w u u ur x fir el t d fo ni t m e, l!” o u tu e — wn nd re M ike sh onl l W op ine el at . ch

G o t h “U d e th nles d ire at er s o c im mi e’s the g t n d h ly a h I g n o 7 typ es igh ne ous o u to p. ic th t ed e m al a w . a ly t y ith to is o se s sh o f te n .

Treated the Workers as Guests “Leave drinks or a snack for the movers, electricians, and other tradespeople working for you.”

—Meg Lonergan

Don’t tiptoe around the final product. “Enjoy every piece.

Entertain. Let the kids play in the living room. Live in your beautiful new home!”

—Kim Scodro

Endorsed Your Designer Lived with the Shortcomings “Don’t wait to let your designer know if there are deficiencies! Return policies and restocking fees can vary.” —Joy Rondello

“Refer, refer, refer!

If you enjoyed your experience, the best compliment you can give your designer is a referral.”

—Justin Q. Williams

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

37

Elsie de Wolfe, whose clients included the Vanderbilts, is credited as inventing the profession of “interior designer” in the early-20th century.

FIGURE OUT YOUR OWN WORST TENDENCIES BEFORE YOU START WORK WITH A PRO.

1. Have you ever pinned their work?

38

2. Do you want to get a drink with them?

3. Would you trust them with your kids?

“Don’t approach the designer if you find that their work is not in alignment with your aesthetic, hoping that they’ll adjust to your style.”

—Justin Q. Williams

“Like any other relationship, it all starts with chemistry. If there’s something that’s missing, maybe it’s a sign that the pairing is just not a good fit.”

—Eche Martinez

“If someone has awards and a ton of press and a great reputation, that can help your level of trust.

But put all that aside, and it has a lot to do with instinct.”

—Nicole Fuller

“When the designer’s ideas do not resonate with the client, it’s best for the client to move on—even if you get along beautifully on a personal level.”

—Joy Rondello

“If you find that you don’t get along personally, chances are that feeling will only become worse as you continue to work together.”

—Justin Q. Williams

“When a client is out doing the work themselves—shopping independently, contacting vendors behind the designer’s back—it’s not working out.”

—Meg Lonergan

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

PHOTOGRAPHER: GETTY IMAGES (PENCIL)

You want to be totally sure on all three of these before advancing.

THE ONLY ONE WITH OUR

leading value brand

SHAPEWEAR FABRIC FOR COMFORT AND PROTECTION NEW Unbeatable protection † Our softest, smoothest underwear In 5 exclusive colors

Get a sample at Depend.com

THE ONLY THING STRONGER THAN US, IS YOU.™ †

based on small and medium testing vs. Always Discreet Boutique. ® ™ Trademarks of Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. or its affiliates. © KCWW /

PROMOTION

Coming to Colorado This Fall!

Featuring the Latest Innovations From: Signature Kitchen Suite Official Appliance Sponsor

Architectural Grille Caesarstone Circa Lighting

House Beautiful’s Whole Home Concept House 2020, located in the Fox Hill neighborhood just outside Denver, is a modern take on slowed-down living.

Imagine a home that reconnects you with the natural world, gains your family access to responsible food sources, including an on-site farm and orchards, and fosters an environmentally friendly lifestyle—all with the most comfortable, stylish design imaginable.

Follow along at housebeautiful.com.

The Container Store Elkay Grothouse Marvin Phillip Jeffries Stearns & Foster Thompson Traders Trane Woodard

B U I LT I N PARTN ERS H I P W ITH :

@housebeautiful | @wholehomeofficial

golden time

wallpaperdirect.com

Make your home your own

A WA L K IN CLOU DS TH E

42

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

ENTRY WAY Ottoman: custom, The Joseph Company, in Rubelli Superwong fabric. Pedestal table: CB2.

Rug: GH Leather.

When clients want an all-white palette, one designer creates a space with sky-high architectural ambitions.

BREAKFAST NOOK Designer Marie Flanigan used grand gestures—like this barrel-vaulted brick ceiling—to add drama to the neutral-hued rooms. Ceiling paint: Alabaster

by Benjamin Moore . Chandelier: Apparatus Studio. Curtains: G&S custom, in Kravet fabric.

Table: clients’ own. Chairs: custom, The Joseph Company, in Architex fabric.

interior designer Marie Flanigan / writer Kaitlin Menza / photographer Julie Soefer

LIVING ROOM Plaster shelves filled with objets d’art flank the fireplace. Art: Neutral Swirl 2, via Lam Bespoke. Paint: Alabaster by Benjamin Moore. Coffee table: custom, The Joseph Company. Chair: Vanguard, in Zoffany fabric. End table: Gabby.

DINING ROOM Visible from the front entry hall, the dining room “needed to make an impact,” says Flanigan. Wallcovering: custom, Porter Teleo.

Chandelier: custom. Table: Baker, with custom top by The Joseph Company. Chairs: Lee Industries in Kravet fabric. Mirror: 1stdibs.

44

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

H

HE RE ’S T HE C HA L-

lenge: A client wants you to design a home from the ground up with practically no color.

Could you do it? When a Houston couple offered that exact mission to designer Marie Flanigan, she accepted, choosing to see the directive as “a desire for freshness.” Her solution for bringing the medley of pale tones to life was pretty simple—texture, texture, and more velvety texture.

Given the dearth of color, says Flanigan, “I thought, Why don’t we make some grander structural statements?” She points to the home’s curved ceilings in particular: While no cinch to pull off, they were well worth the effort, in her opinion.

“A series of barrel vaults was just going to [allow] the light to wash across the plaster, creating movement and making this space much more dynamic,” she says. Additionally, new oak floors

were bleached and stained to look antique, and a motif of white, slurry-painted brick is repeated from the home’s exterior.

The furnishings add another layer of touchability. Take the kitchen, Flanigan says, and its five Serena & Lily chairs lined up in front of the island.

“This really big, open-weave fabric adds so much warmth to the white color. Then we brought in depth using the velvets, and the veining in the marble, and then the texture of the brick.”

When color does appear, in art or pillows or accessories, it’s often a cool taupe or soft rose. “Dusty pink is definitely a color story of the home,” Flanigan says.

“Blush almost acts as a neutral.” But rather than sink into the background, these detours into more saturated territory to highlight luxurious details throughout the home, like the soaring main bedroom, cloaked in a rich, stone-colored Phillip Jeffries silk wallcovering.

While the overall vibe is casual elegance, says Flanigan, the designer did indulge in a few show-stopping moments. In the dining room, a central table seating up to 14 is surrounded by Flanigan’s new book, The Beauty of Home: Redefining hand-painted Porter Traditional Interiors, out Teleo wallpaper, an this month, shares the nine principles of her designs. abstract floral pattern in pinks, creams, and metallics. “We had planned to layer artwork over it, but then we loved it so much we decided to let it stand on its own as a work of art,” the designer says. One modern brass chandelier wasn’t enough to fill the vertical space, so they added another directly alongside.

As Flanigan explains, “The room was just asking to be dramatic.”

Barrel vaults date to the world’s earliest civilizations. The oldest known barrel-vaulted ceiling was found in a Babylonian structure and traced to 4000 BCE.

46

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

The re’s M ag ic i n the Ai r Barrel vaults require a new build, reconstruction, or tearing down Sheetrock in an older home and hoping there’s an arch hiding underneath. But the exposed brick? That can be imitated in a few ways, says Flanigan, because here she actually adhered a layer of thin brick veneer. “You install it much like you would a tile,” the designer explains. The project size determines the ultimate price tag, but it should cost around $20 to $30 per square foot, she estimates.

LIVING ROOM–KITCHEN The gray stools draw attention to the the veins of the marble. Counter stools: Serena & Lily. Pendants: Circa Lighting. Chairs: Lee Industries in Arabel silk. Rug: custom, Rug Mart Houston. Doors: Rehme steel.

DRAPERY RODS WERE RECESSED INTO THE CEILING FOR A COMPLETELY CLEAN LOOK.

MAIN BATH Slabs of marble line the walls around the tub to protect from splashing.

Blinds: Horizons woven wood in Brookfield pattern.

Curtains: G&S custom draperies in Kravet linen.

Drapery Rods: Peck & Company. Windows: Marvin.

Paint: Decorator’s White

by Benjamin Moore. Bathtub: Jason. Tub filler: Rohl.

Table: Lam Bespoke.

MAIN BEDROOM Wallcovering: Latitude Silk, Phillip Jeffries. Lumbar pillow: custom, in Jane Churchill velvet. Bedding: RH. Bed, in Schumacher cotton, chair, in Pindler fabric, bench, in Rubelli fabric, dresser, and mirror: custom, The Joseph Company. Rug: Madison Lily.

Fan: Fanimation. Sconce: Urban Electric.

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

49

50

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

DEN

ENTRY WAY

“I believe that one’s home should shout out loud their personality,” says designer Krsnaa Mehta. Lamps, chair and sofa fabrics: India Circus. Bird-print shade: Russell Street fabric, BARO. Art (left): a Gond painting, a regional form originating in Madhya Pradesh, India.

The apartment’s vibe is dependent on “elements from all over the world coming together,” he says. Wood table: IKEA. Blue table: custom. Cat lamp: purchased in Paris.

Art: traditional piece found in Rajasthan, India.

F L Y I

C

N

O

G

L O R S The man who brought bold Indian patterns to the global masses is right at home among riotous jewel tones.

interior designer Krsnaa Mehta / writer Carly Olson / Photographer Bjรถrn Wallander / Producer Robert Rufino

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

51

T

T H E R E ’ S A C E R TA I N C R U E LT Y I N

giving Krsnaa Mehta a sterile, 1,100-square-foot apartment with nary a cool architectural feature to be found. “It’s not like this exciting, Alice in Wonderland situation,” says Mehta, the founder of the vibrant textile company India Circus. “So I had to create that with product, with plants, with lights, to give it the feeling that everywhere you look, you’re going to discover a sort of new space.”

Despite its basic bones, Mehta was first drawn to the Mumbai building eight years ago due to its verdant neighborhood, Malabar Hill. “Across the living room, you’re straightaway looking at 10 to 15 large old trees. And behind those trees is a former palace, which is now a design school,” he says. Flanked by potted palms, wall-to-wall windows in the living room and bedroom give the apartment an airy lift. From the terraces, one can glimpse the Arabian Sea. The jewel-toned pad, which Mehta shares with his partner, is a case study in the principles of India Circus: bold hues and South Asian influences punched up with contemporary flair.

When founding the company, the designer sought to respectfully recast the traditional styles with which he grew up. He points to the block-printed window treatments in the study and bedroom: The pattern nods to Islamic architecture, Mehta notes, but he eschewed a typical maroon-and-gold scheme. “By making it an ocher and white, it transforms to being very modern,” he explains.

In true creative form, Mehta is constantly reinventing. Lately, he’s contrasted neutral furniture with his bright accessories, but the exuberance remains. Says the designer, “I believe that one’s home should shout out loud their personality.”

52

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

LIVING ROOM Mehta aimed for a salon feel for the heart of the home, with a “sangria�-and-blue palette. Sofas and chairs: custom by Srila Chatterjee at BARO. Table: passed down from grandparents. Art: Krsnaa Mehta for India Circus.

Lamps: found in Mumbai market. Shade: custom by Red Blue & Yellow. Rug: vintage, from a shop in Mumbai.

STUDY Shade and table: BARO. Chair: custom by Srila Chatterjee at BARO. Lamp and pillows: found in market in Thailand.

Art (on pink wall): India Circus.

Photograph (center): Raja Deen Dayal.

This rich fuchsia color is often called Rani pink—Rani means “queen” in Hindi.

MAIN BEDROOM Mehta was attracted to the neighborhood for its greenery, mirrored here in the room’s oversize plants. Quilt: blockprinted Razai from Jaipur. Lamps: purchased at a market in Mumbai.

Art (above window): Krsnaa Mehta for India Circus. Rug: India Circus.

OH, HELLO, GOOGLE AND BELLA!

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

55

56

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

DINING ROOM The bountifully patterned area is “my favorite spot to have my single malts in the evenings,” Mehta says. Wallcovering (left): Birdwatcher Dreams wallpaper by India Circus. Chairs and table: custom by BARO.

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

57

THE

58

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

LONG

HAU L

An 18th-century fixer-upper accidentally sets off a life-changing course of events.

E XTERIOR Tidy boxwood planters, reclaimed granite curbing, and a pea gravel drive restore classical élan to Brittany Bromley’s home in Bedford, New York. Siding, door, and shutter paint: Holland Lag (custom color) by Fine Paints of Europe.

interior designer Brittany Bromley / writer Kathryn O’Shea-Evans photographer Thomas Loof / producer Robert Rufino / stylist Carolyn Englefield

Y

YO U K N OW YO U ’ R E

detail-oriented when you visit a house 14 times before buying it. Of course, when the structure in question is more than two centuries old, that’s also known as due diligence.

“I was so enamored with the bones of it, and yet also terrified by its benign neglect,” says designer Brittany Bromley of the house, a center hall Colonial built in 1790 on five acres in Bedford, New York. It had long ago lost its luster: Shag carpeting could be found in nearly every room; linoleum in brown, orange, and cream covered the kitchen floor; a bathroom was insulated “solely with newspapers from 1931.” Bromley and her husband, landscape designer Matthew Bromley, even discovered a toilet hooked up to a cistern under the kitchen floor. Still, they were undeterred. “We told each other that it would be a 30-year home, which meant that we would need a 30-year plan for bringing it back to life and giving it all the love it required,” Bromley says. They ended up mak-

ing it livable in just eight months: “We were newly married, we had the stamina.”

The Bromleys approached their task with a preservationist’s precision, installing era-appropriate touches like hand-forged flathead nails in the new kitchen flooring and reclaimed granite front steps at the exact height that would have been required for dismounting a horse.

Each room in her home typifies the Bromley aesthetic: eclectic, layered, and rooted in a classic approach to design.

“I love the traditional tropes of decorating, and yet I think we like to sort of turn those things on their ear,” she explains. Take the dining room, where the family blanketed the walls in hand-cut strips of tortoiseshell bamboo, or the kitchen’s inky cabinets, painted Farrow & Ball’s Pitch Black.

The finished house became an unofficial calling card for Bromley, whose professional design career took off after a visit from the neighbors. “When they saw what I had done with my home, they asked if I would do theirs. I said, ‘Well, do you know that I don’t even have a resale number?’ They said, ‘We don’t care. We’ll pay retail.’ ” Within six months, she had two employees and a dozen projects.

“This house has been awfully patient with all of our endeavors to better her!” Bromley says. “I believe that every home has a soul, and ours has been gentled and seems to be happier and brighter as a result of our being here.”

60

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

FAMILY ROOM “From every room of the first floor, you can walk into the gardens; it feels very much like California here six months out of the year,” Bromley says.

“I wanted the walls to have the same kind of life.”

Wallpaper: Chinois Palais, Mary McDonald for Schumacher. Pendant: Visual Comfort. Sofas: custom, in Christopher Farr fabric. Table: custom, in Fermoie fabric. Pillow fabrics: Fermoie (blue woven), Schumacher (blue trellis and green print), and Thibaut (blue-and-green pattern).

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

61

DINING ROOM Wallcovering: bamboo. Curtains: custom, in Schumacher white silk with Samuel & Sons trim.

Chandelier: antique French toleware. Chairs: antique French bergères in Kravet fabric. Tablecloth: Quadrille.

62

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

Toleware—from tôle, the French term for painted metal—became a popular American handicraft in the late-18th century.

THE WALLS ARE LINED WITH INDIVIDUAL STALKS OF TORTOISESHELL BAMBOO.

KITCHEN “What I really wanted was a kitchen that felt like a library,” says Bromley. It took the designer nine days to custom mix a floor stain with the perfect “Jacobean bent” that allowed the grain to show through. Cabinet and trim paint: Pitch Black by Farrow & Ball. Range: Viking. Rug: Moroccan Beni Ourain. Pendant: Christopher Spitzmiller. Table: custom. Chairs: antique. Pillows: Peter Fasano. Wallpaper: Schumacher.

GIGI’S BEDROOM Bromley went all out with a classic David Hicks for Clarence House wallpaper in the room she designed for daughter Gigi (right, with older sister Charlotte). Window shades: custom, in Claremont velvet with Christopher Farr trim. Pillow fabric: PMC and Claremont. Rug: Stark. Chair: antique, in Chelsea Textiles gingham. Giraffe: Melissa & Doug.

64

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

“M ake It M ag ic!”

Bromley created fanciful yet practical spaces for her two daughters. Here are her secrets.

1. Rethink Color. “I’ve had quite a lot of requests in my day for pink rooms, but I didn’t want my daughters’ rooms to feel too precious,” Bromley says. For 4-year-old Gigi, that meant a bright yellow backdrop; for 7-year-old Charlotte, bold black and white. “It’s sweet but not overly girly.”

2. Don’t Be Shy About Pattern. “Extending the wallpaper all the way up the walls and across the ceiling in Gigi’s room was a really quick way to make it magic,” the designer says.

Mixing prints—like graphic dots with classic florals— added extra personality in Charlotte’s room.

3. Embrace Hand-Me-Downs. The antique beds in Charlotte’s room were actually Bromley’s as a child. “At 8 years old, I informed my mother that she was never to get rid of them because I wanted them for my own daughter!”

CHARLOT TE’S BEDROOM Antique twin beds are made for sleepovers. “Lately, her favorite guest is her younger sister!” Bromley says. Wallpaper: Thibaut. Bedding: Charmajesty, D. Porthault, and Schweitzer. Canopy fabric: Penny Morrison.

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

65

POINT OF

VIEW

In a Jamaican vacation home, every choice is in service of the seascape. interior designer Ishka Designs / writer Nikhita Mahtani / Photographer Niya Bascom

66

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

DINING ROOM The exposed stairs “ensure that the sea can be viewed from most of the rooms in the back of the house,” says Ishka Designs’ Anishka Clarke of her project on the south coast of Jamaica. Lighting, table, and seating: custom by Ishka Designs, produced by Grey Furniture, Matahari Enterprises Ltd., and Princeton Barrett.

Flooring: Creative Building Finishes. Staircase: structure by Bellindo Limited, treads by Princeton Barrett.

MAIN BEDROOM “This is the only room with color outside of just the wall art,” Clarke notes. Leaf lamp: Arteriors.

Chaise: Bolier daybed in Maharam fabric. Art: clients’ own. Flooring: jatoba wood from Dougall Flooring.

KITCHEN An all-white kitchen is warmed up with more touches of guango, a local wood. Pendant lights: In.Sek Design. Appliances: Bertazzoni.

Stools: Organic Modernism. Faucet: Julien.

ENTRY WAY Art: Bruce Allen. Bench: constructed by Princeton Barrett from a tree and rock found on-site.

Architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe popularized minimalism and the design motto “Less is more� in the mid-20th century.

LIVING ROOM “The choice of chandelier, the dominant feature in the double-height room, was influenced by palm trees,” says Clarke. Chandelier: Allegro suspension large by Foscarini. Sofas: RH. Ottomans: Dwell Studio. Table: base of a tree cleared from the property.

W

“WHEN WE WERE DESIGNING

the home, we would go watch the sunsets every single night,” says Anishka Clarke, one half of the New York City firm Ishka Designs, of this house on the south coast of Jamaica. “We wanted our clients to have the same opportunity, from every angle.”

The oceanfront project was a sort of homecoming for Clarke, who was born and raised in Jamaica, and her partner Niya Bascom, whose parents are Jamaican and Guyanese. The duo were brought on during construction of the vacation property, which in addition to a six-bedroom main house includes

four cottages and a separate gym. (The four-year enterprise required many trips between their office in Brooklyn and the Caribbean—“not a challenge,” Clarke cracks.) Their primary goal?

Guiding all eyes to those swaying palm trees and the sparkling sea.

“The first thing we did was increase the window sizes to seven-to-nine feet,” Clarke says, followed by a further expansion of some windows into doors, as on a balcony. “When we visited the site in the very early stages, we mandated that they open up the enclosed stairwell structure,” ensuring the views across the ground floor would be unobstructed.

The stairway’s treads were constructed by a local millworker, Princeton Barrett, of an air-dried native wood called guango, the same

material found in the home’s paneling. “Local was very important to us,” Bascom says. “We created a lot of the furniture and lighting, but we also worked with several artists and makers who used natural materials sourced from the island in their work.”

The base of the glass coffee table in the living room is a tree stump that was cleared during construction, while the asymmetrical bench in the foyer comprises mahogany and a large rock, both also found on-site.

The furnishings are minimalist.

“We wanted it to be all white, with color coming from the artwork and some furniture,” Bascom says. Wood textures and bold, primarycolored paintings are a thoroughly modern complement to the turquoise sea beckoning beyond.

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

69

SIT TING ROOM The 19-foot-high space “acts as an intimate spillover from the main entertaining areas on the ground level,” Clarke says. Light: Modo chandelier by Jason Miller. Art: Bruce Allen.

Sideboard and table: custom by Matahari Enterprises. Sofa: RH. Chair: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. Rug: Malene B.

THE DESIGNERS USED A SINGLE SHADE OF WHITE PAINT THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE HOUSE: SHERWIN WILLIAMS PURE WHITE.

70

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

GUEST BEDROOM 1

GUEST BEDROOM 2

GUEST BATHROOM

Headboard: sourced at local lumberyard. Lamps: Gubi. Bed and nightstands: custom by Matahari Enterprises. Rug: RH.

Four-poster bed: Tommy Bahama. Lamp: Arteriors.

Nightstand: Crate and Barrel.

Curtains: fabric sourced and sewn locally. Rug: RH.

All tile: Creative Building Finishes. Faucet: Hansgrohe.

Tub: sourced by clients.

Stool: tree on-site.

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

71

LIVING ROOM In one of the guest villas, a charcoal drawing by a local artist commands attention.

Art: Garfield Morgan. Lamp: Blu Dot. Console: custom

by Ishka Designs, produced

by Matahari Enterprises.

Rug: RH. Chair: Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller.

FAMILY ROOM Chair: Tuulla by Vioski.

Couch: Classic Sofa. Rug: RH. Media cabinet and table: custom by Ishka Designs, produced by Matahari Enterprises.

OUTDOOR BATH Tub: sourced by clients.

Enclosure: custom by Ishka Designs, produced in local cedar by Garfield Smith.

VILL A Lamp: Tolomeo. Nightstand: Matahari Enterprises.

Stools: Muuto. For more details, see Resources.

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

73

THE

LIBRARIAN

McMillen Inc. president Ann Pyne has spent the past three decades turning her New York apartment into a personal scrapbook.

74

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

FOYER The reproduction Louis XV chandelier once belonged to Pyne’s parents. “They outgrew it, but I like to keep it as a reminder of when they were young and just beginning to ‘buy nice things,’” she says. Her dogs, Elbert and Monsieur, recline on the antique bench. Pillow fabric: Manuel Canovas.

DINING ROOM Like most of the apartment, the dining room is filled with books—in this case, the designer’s own scrapbooks.

“I wanted it to have a kind of studiolo feel, like in a Renaissance prince’s palace, but still laid out like a formal dining room,” Pyne says.

Painting: Vincent G. Stiepevich. Cabinet: antique English.

Sconces: Maison Gerard.

interior designer Ann Pyne / writer Emma Bazilian photographer Douglas Friedman / producer Robert Rufino

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

75

LIVING ROOM A group of etchings by James McNeill Whistler, several family portraits, and a favorite Raymond Legeult oil painting hang above a sofa passed down by Pyne’s grandmother. Wallcoverings: Stark fabric (above chair rail), Gracie wallpaper. Cocktail table: Philip and Kelvin LaVerne. Lamps: vintage, through Liz O’Brien.

“ IT’S LIKE DECORATING FOR GHOSTS.” FOR ANN PYNE , PRESIDENT OF

McMillen Inc., one of America’s most prestigious design firms (and its oldest), the decades-long process of decorating her own Upper East Side Manhattan home has been far from uncomplicated. After all, she shares it not just with her husband, John, and two dogs but also a few lingering spirits with very strong opinions: among them, the legendary Eleanor McMillen Brown, who founded McMillen in 1924, and Brown’s similarly formidable successor Betty S. Sherrill, who also happened to be Pyne’s mother.

It’s a rather weighty legacy, admits Pyne, who purchased the apartment in the 1980s during her previous life as an English teacher and writer; she eventually joined the family business in 2001, at age 50. (Her daughter, Elizabeth, now works there too.) “There’s always a question of, Will they approve of what I’ve done, or disapprove?” muses Pyne.

“Do I wish they could see, or am I happy they can’t? How have I carried on the McMillen tradition, or have I broken it?”

The answer is probably, happily, all of the above. Over the years, Pyne has filled her apartment with treasures and castoffs from the McMillen archives (there’s a bench that Mrs. Sherrill and a colleague “carried right out of the Winter Antiques Show”), family heirlooms (like her parents’ daybed, which John F. Kennedy once stained with shoe polish), and a rather rebellious array of antiques (“It was a McMillen dictum that the late-19th century in America was the only ugly period in the history of decorative arts, and that’s precisely what I started collecting,” Pyne quips).

“Everything in here either came from somewhere sentimental to me or reminds me of a certain moment, and my challenge has been how to integrate it all,” the designer says. “But to me, the construction itself is the art form!”

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

77

KITCHEN Barely touched since 1984, the kitchen showcases Pyne’s “small but treasured” collection of black-andwhite photographs, which includes works by Henri Cartier-Bresson, Walker Evans, Berenice Abbott, and more. Large photograph: Matthew Pillsbury. Chairs: vintage Thonet.

Wallcovering: Farrow & Ball. Floor tile: American Olean.

LIVING ROOM Curtain-maker Guido De Angelis— a McMillen “go-to” for clients like Henry Ford and Marjorie Merriweather Post—created the dramatic window treatments using Fortuny fabric and Houlès trim. The woven-wood shades “have a bit more heft than matchstick blinds,” Pyne says; their vertical stripe makes the ceilings appear taller.

78

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

DECOR ATOR’S LIBR ARY Pyne worked with decorative painter Arthur Fowler to create the geometric pattern on the walls. “I think of the puzzle-like shapes as a metaphor—it’s a game of fitting all these disparate ‘treasures’ into a graphically coherent whole,” Pyne says. Desk and chair: Pierre Jeanneret. Drinks table: Edward Wormley. Upholstered chair: Garouste and Bonetti. Lamp and cocktail table: antique, through R.E. Steele Antiques. Curtain fabric: Stark with Houlès trim. Rug: Fedora Design.

In business over 95 years, McMillen Inc. has trained some of America’s most influential designers, including the late Albert Hadley and Mark Hampton.

LITER ARY LIBR ARY The “most personal” of Pyne’s libraries is filled with a lifetime’s worth of reading.

Nearly all of the furniture is antique, and drawings by her children mingle with works by Joseph F. Kernan and George Henry Boughton.

Upholstered chairs: in vintage Brunschwig & Fils fabric. Rug: Stark.

BEDROOM Watercolor paper and pages from an unpublished memoir

by Pyne line the walls. A sculpture by Elizabeth Turk hangs over the bed. Bed: custom, in Travers fabric.

Nightstands: vintage Parsons table (left), Bugatti (right). Stool: Maison Gerard.

Rug: Patterson Flynn Martin.

FINE ARTS LIBR ARY A brushstroke-striped Pierre Frey wallpaper plays off the framed watercolors.

Pendant: Gaetano Pesce.

Floor lamp: Dennis Miller.

Table: Eero Aarnio. Chairs: Jean Royère. Rug: Stark.

80

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

A Home School for Grown-ups When her two children moved out, Pyne hatched a plan to transform their now-empty bedrooms: “I didn’t want to make a guest room or a room for my husband to go sleep in. I wanted to make more room for books!” she proclaims. The “decorator’s library,” which was once her son’s room, is filled with interior design tomes; the “fine arts library,” her daughter’s former bedroom, is now covered with watercolors. And the “literary” library (seen opposite), where she once did most of her writing, features four walls of bookshelves stuffed with paperbacks. “I never even read some of those books; now, I can’t read them because they’ll fall apart,” she laughs.

CLEAN A MASSIMO VITALI PHOTOGRAPH BRINGS A SENSE OF FUN TO THE ROOM—AND NODS TO THE MANY POOL PARTIES THE OWNERS HAVE HOSTED.

82

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

LIVING ROOM Khandwala created new windows, a minimal fireplace, and the semicircle sofa, which was inspired

by Milo Baughman. Light: custom wrought iron from ALT for Living.

Floor lamps: vintage from Pamela Lerner. Armchairs: Angela Brown Ltd., covered in outdoor fabric.

S L AT E

Shortly after launching his own firm, a designer transforms his friends’ dark, dated house into a welcoming modern retreat. interior designer Aamir Khandwala / writer Hadley Keller / photographer Jacob Snavely / producer Robert Rufino

BREAKFAST AREA Khandwala grounded the home with notes of rich color visible between rooms, as with this cerulean rug.

Table: RH. Chairs: Moroso. Floors: Ann Sacks and Popham Design.

ENTRY A modern cantilevered staircase by Marretti makes for an artful statement and provides a view out the windows beyond. Table: Andrianna Shamaris.

W

W E H A D TO R E I M AG I N E

the entire house,” says Aamir Khandwala of the Bellport, New York, getaway that he transformed for his close friends in just a year. For Khandwala, who established his own firm in 2014, after more than a decade under Robert Couturier, the project was a reinvention in more ways than one. “After working for Robert, I had to come from his mindset into the mindset of: This is Aamir Khandwala Interior Design. What do you want to do under your own name?” he muses.

The metaphors came fast and furious for Khandwala as he completely rethought a home designed for an era and lifestyle that didn’t fit its new owners, Maneesh Goyal and Andrew Wingrove, avid hosts and art collectors and Khandwala’s first official clients.

The designer says the home pre-renovation was “more for a maximalist, which is not where my clients and I are.”

Indeed, it’s difficult to look at this sun-drenched, art-filled house and imagine the earlier scene Khandwala recalls: “a living room covered in velvet, overstuffed sofas, and a dark, carved wood fireplace.” For Goyal and Wingrove, he wanted to create a space that would be as welcoming for 300 guests as it would for the couple alone.

First up: adjusting the flow.

Where once there were narrow

POWDER ROOM The ceramic tiles here are “the one and only detail we kept” from the original house, Khandwala says.

Wallpaper: Fornasetti. Sconces: Schoolhouse Electric. Sink: Kohler.

doorways between rooms, Khandwala opened up walls and added windows (often leaving them unadorned to maximize views, as seen in the living room) to bring light into the home and make better use of all of its square footage.

Next he layered in an array of rich textures and colors and a healthy mix of furnishings—from rustic to modern—for a space that’s “sophisticated but unfussy.”

The final element was the art. While Khandwala found places for many pieces from the couple’s collection, the most noticeable item might be one made right on-site: a mural in the round by Shantell Martin, the renowned English artist.

“We knew we wanted to incorporate some work by Shantell but didn’t know where,” Khandwala recalls. “And I thought, Why limit ourselves? We aren’t doing just one wall; we are doing an entire room.” They gave the artist free rein, and she covered the dining room in her graphic, gestural lines in a single day, while Khandwala and his team were installing elsewhere in the house. Modern, bold, and original, it’s an apt addition to the revived home.

The rise of monochrome square tiles can be traced to a groundbreaking ‘70s art installation by Jean-Pierre Raynaud in which they covered every surface.

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

85

MAIN BEDROOM “It’s all sunny and bright downstairs, but in the bedrooms I wanted it to feel moody and masculine,” Khandwala says. Paint: Cabot Trail by Benjamin Moore. Painting: Anne Neukamp. Bed: Desiron.

Nightstands: vintage from 1stdibs. Lamp: vintage from Bailey House Auction. Rug: custom from Dhoku.

Bookshelves: Room Interiors.

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

87

POOL The outdoor patios and pool area were designed for entertaining. Furniture: assorted pieces from CB2, RH, Janus et Cie, and Dedon. The pool is gunite and bluestone.

MAIN BATHROOM Khandwala replaced a dark, carpeted bathroom with custom millwork by Jon Kusa and Apparatus light fixtures.

GUEST ROOM The designer’s sister, Iram Khandwala, designed this wallpaper, produced by Studio Printworks. Bed: Blu Dot. Posters: vintage. Nightstand: ABC Carpet & Home.

88

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

YOU CAN BUY YOUR OWN PIECE OF MARTIN’S ART! SEE P. 100.

DINING ROOM A mural by Shantell Martin, a friend of the couple’s, watches from every wall. Table: Mecox. Chairs: McGuire.

Chandelier: Roll & Hill.

MY M O U N TA I N HOME

Suzanne Kasler uses meaningful materials to give a newly built family getaway a passed-down-through-generations feel. interior designer Suzanne Kasle r / writer Hadley Keller photographer Tria Giovan / producer Robert Rufino

LIVING ROOM

STONE WALLS WERE LIMEWASHED TO KEEP THEM FROM FEELING HEAVY.

“We really try to use sustainable materials and source locally,” says architect Keith Summerour, who used local stone in this Tennessee home he designed with Suzanne Kasler. Sofa: Verellen.

Pillows: custom, in Kerry Joyce fabric from Grizzel & Mann. Armchair: Suzanne Kasler for Hickory Chair. Art: Anke Schofield through Pryor Fine Art. Coffee table: Formations through Jerry Pair. Chandelier: Ochre through R Hughes.

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

91

LOCAL STONE!

Set into a hillside, the home appears modest from the front but opens up at the back toward a scenic vista.

“IT WAS OUR MOST ANTICIPATED EVENT EVERY YEAR.”

HALLWAY Chair: Jasper Furniture.

Cushion: Penny Morrison.

Art: vintage map found at Scott Antique Markets.

Floor sculpture: B.D. Jeffries.

F O R A D E CA D E , H E AT H E R B O N AV I TA A N D H E R FA M I LY H A D B E E N M A K I N G T R I P S TO

Blackberry Farm, the cult-beloved resort tucked into Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains, where they decamped for days filled by long, lazy meals and bundled-up fireside conversations. So when a parcel of land on the property’s Hawkins Ridge became available, Heather and her husband, Paul, jumped at the chance to buy—and then took their time creating their dream home.

Since the Bonavitas had fallen in love with Blackberry’s look and feel—think rustic but sophisticated buildings set against verdant backdrops—they enlisted the team that had brought some of those buildings to life. Renowned Atlanta designer Suzanne Kasler was to thank for the look of several private homes there, and architect Keith Summerour had designed the resort’s event center, Bramble Hall. Working in tandem, they created a getaway that evoked what the couple considered the best of Blackberry: nature, family, and major relaxation.

Step inside and you’re met not with dark cedar and stone but a bright, airy interior that Paul describes as “almost spa-like.” Says Kasler: “When you think mountain house, you don’t usually think light. But that’s what we wanted here.” To make that feel authentic, she carried elements of the outdoors, like exposed-wood archways and stone walls, inside, but limewashed them to better fit the light interior. Oversize furniture with loose slipcovers keeps the home feeling casual. “What I love doing with these kinds of houses is creating a really comfortable hangout,” Kasler says.

Since the home is nestled into a hillside, its floor plan is unexpectedly generous, allowing for plenty of guest rooms and spaces tailor-made for entertaining. “The theme of this home is really food and wine,” Paul says. A large covered porch, lower-level living area, and kitchen built for big meals encourage mingling while feasting. “There are just so many areas to go and take a book or have a glass of wine,” says Heather, whose husband chimes in: “Well, we had to make it so the kids would continue to come back!”

92

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

MAIN BEDROOM A neutral palette, Kasler says, “allows you to appreciate not only the architecture but the view outside as well.” Bed: Dmitriy through R Hughes with Gramercy Fine Linens bedding. Art: Lisa Lala through Pryor Fine Art. Bench: Holland MacRae. Armchair: Charles Stewart. Nightstand: Formations through Jerry Pair. Chandelier: Suzanne Kasler for Circa Lighting.

DEN A custom barn door covered in Schumacher linen reflects the home’s refined take on rustic style. Art: framed red bark cloth from Dixon Rye. Sofa: custom, Lee Industries, with pillows in Romo fabric. Table: Bungalow Classic. Chair: B.D. Jeffries. Carpet: Stark.

The Ar t of an Archway In keeping with the home’s ethereal vibe, the team used straight and bent beams to create an organic archway that frames the kitchen and separates it from the living room without sacrificing the open feel the family loves. The wood beams were sourced locally, further tying the home into its setting, and covered in limewash to accentuate the natural grain of the wood. “We worked closely with the architects to make it light, but still architecturally handsome,” Kasler says.

94

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

What is limewash? It’s a mineral-based paint made from crushed limestone and was first used in Roman times.

It can be applied to stone or timber.

STAIRCASE “We decided to really make the stair a beautiful feature,” says Kasler of the custom design

by Hickory Construction. Art: Bob Landstrom, Alan Avery Art Company. Console: Bungalow Classic. Lamp: Joseph Konrad.

Rug: Stark.

KITCHEN “There are so many great craftsmen in that area,” says the designer of East Tennessee.

Hickory Construction, based in Alcoa, also created the kitchen cabinets and arches. Stools: Lee Industries. Pendants: Vaughan.

BEDROOM A subtle plaid evokes rustic style without being over the top. Bed: Hickory Chair with custom Holland & Sherry bedding. Art, lamps, and nightstands: Joseph Konrad. Sofa: homeowner’s own. Pendant: custom with Holland & Sherry fabric.

Table: Holland MacRae.

PORCH “One of the key ingredients is that the flow between the inside of the house and the outside is blurred,” says Summerour, who added infrared heaters, a TV, and a grill to make the space multiseasonal. Furniture: Kingsley Bate through Logan Gardens. Doors: Asselin.

Flooring: ipe wood.

96

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

IPE WOOD FLOORS WITHSTAND AN EVER-SHIFTING MOUNTAINTOP CLIMATE.

RESOURCES

Find out how Marie Flanigan made neutrals over-the-top dramatic on p. 42.

25 Design School Page 28: Chintz fabric by Lee Jofa. kravet .com. Kuba Cloth fabric. sankofa africanbazaar.com. Ikat fabric. slightlyeast .com. Shibori fabric. shop.slowfiber studios.com.

42 A Walk in the Clouds Designer: Marie Flanigan, marieflanigan .com. Pages 42-43: Sconces. shadesoflight .com. Pages 44-45: Carpet. rugmarthouston .com. Pages 46-47: Table. Zuo Modern. zuomod.com. Pillow fabric. Robert Allen. robertallendesign.com. Sconces. circalighting.com. Range and hood. Wolf. subzero-wolf.com. Faucet. brizo.com.

58 The Long Haul Designer: Brittany Bromley, bbromleyinteriors.com. Pages 62-63: Carpet . Merida, meridastudio.com. Ottoman fabric. clarencehouse.com. Flatware. juliska .com. Shades. fermoie.com.

A listing of designers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers featured in this issue.

16 The Rufino Report Pages 16-17: Dorothy Draper cameo.

dougmeyerstudio.com. Cary fabric in pale blue. madeaux.com. Finnigan Skirted Swivel Chair, $5,625 as shown.

highlandhousefurniture.com. Brighton lamp in gold. bungalow5.com. Parcel-Gilt Five Arm Wall Lights, $15,000 per pair.

davidduncan antiques.com. Getz Side

82 Clean Slate Designer: Aamir Khandwala, aamirkhandwala.com . Pages 82-83: Rug. altforliving.com. Mirrors and planters. homenature.com. Pillows. judyrosstextiles .com. Side tables. tuckerobbins.com. Pages 84-85: Rug. crosbystreetstudios.com.

Chandelier. apparatusstudio.com. Mirror. urbanarchaeology.com. Wastebasket. schoolhouse.com. Pages 86-87: Curtains. angelabrownltd.com. Pages 88-89: Rug. dhoku.com. Light . Design Within Reach. dwr .com. Bedding. sferra.com.

90 My Tennessee Mountain Home Designer: Suzanne Kasler, suzannekasler .com. Pages 92-93: Bedding. Gramercy Fine Linens. shopgramercy.com. Lamp. erikareade.com. Window treatments. savelinc.com, samuelandsons.com. Pages 94-95: Pendant. Formations. formations usa.com. Window treatments. Penny Morrison. travisandcompany.com.

Table by Duncan Hughes, in Noir, $950.

dowelfurniture company.com. Travelers Palm Wallpaper in green. thibautdesign.

com. Nancy fabric in rose. fschumacher. com. Dorotheum Sofa with Tailored Flounce in grey silk with Embroidered Pattern and

Corrections In the Summer Issue article “Liquid

Editorial Director JOANNA SALTZ Executive Editor AMANDA SIMS CLIFFORD Design Director MARC DAVILA Director of Content Operations LINDSEY RAMSEY Style Director ROBERT RUFINO Market Director CARISHA SWANSON Director of Brand Strategy and Audience Development ALYSSA FIORENTINO Senior Features Editor EMMA BAZILIAN Senior Editor HADLEY KELLER Design Editor HADLEY MENDELSOHN Associate Market Editor BRITTNEY MORGAN Art Director JEE LEE Senior Designer, Digital ALICE MORGAN Senior Post-Production Supervisor PHILIP SWIFT Video Producer LAURA MARIN Cinematographer BRAD HOLLAND Video Editor IAN MUNSELL Associate Editor, Content Strategy NATHALIE KIRBY Associate Stylist SARA RODRIGUES Style Assistant TIFFANY MA Editorial Assistant KELLY ALLEN Contributing Editors KAITLIN MENZA, KATHRYN O’SHEA-EVANS, EDDIE ROSS HEARST VISUAL GROUP Chief Visual Content Director, Hearst Magazines ALIX CAMPBELL Executive Visual Director CHRISTINA WEBER Deputy Visual Director DON KINSELLA Senior Visual Editor ALLISON CHIN Visual Assistant EMILIE BENYOWITZ PUBLISHED BY HEARST President & Chief Executive Officer STEVEN R. SWARTZ Chairman WILLIAM R. HEARST III Executive Vice Chairman FRANK A. BENNACK, JR. Chief Operating Officer MARK E. ALDAM Secretary CATHERINE A. BOSTRON HEARST MAGAZINE MEDIA, INC. Acting President DEBI CHIRICHELLA Chief Content Officer KATE LEWIS Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Chief Business Officer KRISTEN M. O’HARA Publishing Consultants GILBERT C. MAURER, MARK F. MILLER

Courage,” the bed on p. 85 is the Palma bed

by Bernhardt. bernhardt.com.

American Baroque Mirror by Carleton

In the Summer Issue article “Architectural

Varney for the Dorothy Draper Collection

Mythology,” Robert Rufino should have

in white. kindelfurniture.com. Leopard Rose

been credited as producer.

2 Carpet. starkcarpet.com. Clivedon

In the April/May issue article “The Calm

Console in ebonized macassar, $9,695.

After the Storm,” Frances Bailey should

ralphlaurenhome.com.

have been credited as producer.

CUSTOMER SERVICE Call: 800-444-6873.

Email: HBUcustserv@cdsfulfillment.com. Visit: service.housebeautiful.com. Write: Customer Service Dept., House Beautiful, PO Box 6000, Harlan, IA 51593.

REPRINTS For 500 or more, call PARS INT’L: 212-221-9595. Published at 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019; 212-903-5000. www.housebeautiful.com. PRINTED IN U.S.A.

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL© Volume 162, Number 5 (ISSN 0018-6422) is published monthly (except combined issues in January/February, April/May and July), eight times a year, by Hearst, 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019 USA. Steven R. Swartz, President & Chief Executive Officer; William R. Hearst III, Chairman; Frank A. Bennack, Jr., Executive Vice Chairman; Mark E. Aldam, Chief Operating Officer. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc.: Debi Chirichella, Acting President; Kate Lewis, Chief Content Officer; Kristen M. O’Hara, Chief Business Officer; Catherine A. Bostron, Secretary. © 2020 by Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All rights reserved. House Beautiful is a registered trademark of Hearst Communications, Inc. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY, and additional entry post offices. Canada Post International Publications mail product (Canadian distribution) sales agreement No. 40012499. Editorial and Advertising Offices: 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019-3797. Subscription prices: United States and possessions: $24 for one year. Canada and all other countries: $40 for one year. Subscription Services: House Beautiful will, upon receipt of a complete subscription order, undertake fulfillment of that order so as to provide the first copy for delivery by the Postal Service or alternate carrier within 4–6 weeks.

For customer service, changes of address, and subscription orders, log on to service.housebeautiful.com or write to Customer Service Department, House Beautiful, P.O. Box 6000, Harlan, IA 51593. From time to time, we make our subscriber list available to companies who sell goods and services by mail that we believe would interest our readers. If you would rather not receive such offers via postal mail, please send your current mailing label or exact copy to Mail Preference Service, P.O. Box 6000, Harlan, IA 51593. You can also visit preferences.hearstmags.com to manage your preferences and opt out of receiving marketing offers by e-mail. House Beautiful is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or art. None will be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. Canada BN NBR 10231 0943 RT. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to House Beautiful, P.O. Box 6000, Harlan, IA 51593. Printed in the USA.

98

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

VP, Group Publishing Director/Chief Revenue Officer JENNIFER LEVENE BRUNO Associate Publisher, Advertising BRENDA SAGET DARLING Group Finance Director CHRISTOPHER J. TOSTI Brand Marketing Director MATTHEW HARE Design Advertising Director ANGELA JETT OKENICA National Digital Director TARA WEEDFALD SALES Executive Directors, Home Furnishings KAREN ELIZABETH MARX, JON WALKER Executive Director, Home Products CHRIS AGOSTINELLI Executive Director, Real Estate CARL KIESEL Executive Director, Beauty, Technology ANGELA PARAUDA Executive Director, Jewelry DEENA SCHACTER Executive Director, Travel, Finance TAYLOR RAE SCHIFFMAN Executive Director, International Home Furnishings SARAH SMITH National Digital Manager KRISTIN CASSIDY Advertising Services Manager JUDY BRAUNSTEIN Advertising Sales Assistants CAROLINE FILIPS, LIZZIE ROSWIG, LAUREN SIEGEL, ASHLEIGH UZOARU, HELEN ZIMINSKY U.S. BRANCH OFFICES New England: TAYLOR RAE SCHIFFMAN, 212-903-5321; Southeast: JIM BLAZEVICH, YVONNE RAKES, WHITNEY OTTO, Blaze, Otto & Associates, 704-321-9097; RITA WALKER, Mandel Media, 404256-3800; Southwest: VIRGINIA DAVIS, Wisdom Media, 214-526-3800; Midwest: KAREN LOVELAND, DONNA SCHULTZ, 312-251-5370, YVONNE VILLAREAL; West Coast: CYNTHIA MCKNIGHT, CM Media Sales, 310-291-2730; SHERRI ZIGMAN, Zigman Media, 310-663-6352 INTERNATIONAL OFFICES Italy: ROBERT SCHOENMAKER, ALESSANDRA BANDINI, 011-39-02-6619-3143 London: DANIELLE KLEIN, TALA MAHDIEH, 011-44-207-439-5400 Canada: JOHN MAGNER, York Media, 416-598-0101 INTEGRATED MARKETING Executive Director LISA A. LACHOWETZ Senior Manager JENNIFER LAVOIE Managers JESSICA MOLINARI, KAILIN VILLAMAR Associate Managers KARINA CAMARGO, MARY KATE MURRAY Senior Coordinator ELENA METZNER Creative Directors FRAUKE EBINGER, GLENN MARYANSKY BRAND EXPERIENCE Executive Director JENNIFER ORR Senior Directors JENNIFER C. LAMBROS, SUZY RECHTERMANN Associate Manager GRACE ZOË MCLOUGHLIN PARTNERSHIPS & BRAND DEVELOPMENT Executive Director HILLARY KOOTA KREVLIN Director LAURA IVES COLONY Manager LAUREN CORBIN CONSUMER MARKETING Executive Director JOCELYN FORMAN Research Manager LENORE MONTAPERTO ADVERTISING PRODUCTION Operations Manager EDWARD BARTLETT

The 15 Best Hand Sanitizers Of 2020

You’re in safe hands (yours).

Breathe® Hand Sanitizer Spray helps reduce germs and bacteria, applies evenly, dries quickly, and is powered by air (no ozone-harming chemicals). It’s available in 5 oz. and 1 oz. sizes, so you can keep a bottle on hand at all times. Now, get out there, but remember to spray it safe.

breathesanitizer.com

THE END

Art, Training Mission #354, Michael Moncibaiz, and frame, $225. upriseart.com

State of the Art Art, We Nine Faces, Shantell Martin, and frame, $524. absolutart .com

Art, The Unbearable Lightness, Hyunah Kim, and frame, starting at $59. art.com

From artist curation to custom framing, these brands make it a breeze to DIY a gallery wall that’s high design and totally one of a kind.

By Brittney Morgan

Art, vintage, and frame, Blair in gold, $69. framedandmatted.com

Custom art and frame, $290. paintru.com

THIS OIL PAINTING OF WINDSOR THE DOG WAS CREATED FROM A PHOTO!

100

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

Photograph by JEFFREY WESTBROOK

The concept of gallery walls dates to 17th-century France, when art was displayed for the aristocracy. The practice started in 1670, but salons weren’t open to the public until 1737.

Art, Shutters, Paul Berthelot, and frame, starting at $38. minted.com

STYLIST: SARA RODRIGUES

Art, Still Life 1118-03, Andrei Rabodzeenko, and frame, starting at $150. saatchiart.com

CLASSIC COLLECTION

LUXURY The essence of design in every can ZAR® Premium Stain - www.zar.com