MADE YOULO OK
Maximize the impact of statement pieces by playing up their personality
As maximalism continues its return in full force, it is worthwhile to consider the items that make up these spaces: eye-capturing and thought-provoking statement pieces that command a room. They can take the shape of a bold work of art, a transformative light fixture, an antique heirloom or a compelling architectural feature
While distinctive pieces can make for impressive spaces, they're not the simplest thing to design around Should that object be allowed to consumetheroom?Isit abalancing act in which the other elements of the room remainneutral?It dependsonpreference
Pairing a focal item with something similarly captivating can enhance the drama of the room The Temptress, styled by Sarah Stacey, an interior designer and founder of Sarah Stacey Interior Design in Austin, Texas, features a knockout bathroom in which the wallpaper and stained glass both make a statement "We are going for eclectic and maximalist," Ms Staceysays
Alternatively, a designer could opt to position such a piece against a more naked backdrop, as done in the Fulton Fire project by Lauren Svenstrup, interior designer and founder of Chicago-based Studio Sven A two-story, flame-inspired artwork connects two floors over an otherwise minimalist backdrop with a simpleblack-and-whitecolor scheme
"It'sabout setting your prioritiesvisually," adds Corey Damen Jenkins, interior designer and founder of Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates in New York "When you're casting a movie, you can't have six lead actors and actresses You have one lead actor, one lead actress, and then you have a supporting cast Once you've established what the lead actor or actress is going to be within the design, then everything elsenaturallyfallsto asupportingrole"
When designing, it is best to start with an existing collection, particularly sentimental items and family heirlooms. Not only is there history in them to inform the design, but they are meaningful to thepersonlivinginthespace.
"Nothing is special in a room if everything is brand new," Mr. Jenkinssays. "There's nothing to talk about Weencourage our clientsto lean into the backstories of the things that they own and we display these items in ways that people can speak to what they're seeing We work with alot of young couples who are gifted acredenzaor a grandfather clock from agreat uncleor arelative who's passed away and they don't know what to do with it,but theyknowthat thereisgreat value init "
As a bonus, heirlooms and antiques promote sustainability "They're made so well," Ms Stacey says - especially important, as today's speedy overproduction of goods is compromising quality, sometimes even within the luxury sector. "We did a lovely home in Cohasset, Massachusetts, where the clients had areal bevy of antiquity that camewith thewife'sinheritance from her family," Mr Jenkins says "She had a pair of vintage black oars, used centuriesbefore, so we hung them on the wall as art When you first walk into the house, you're immediately greeted by something that she grew up with asa small child, that has provenance, a history in her family."
The Cohasset residence also includes a garden room that features a scenic mural from Europe As with his previous analogy, Mr Jenkins allowed the mural to function as lead actor, paired with a supporting cast that includes a floral-inspired chandelier, plants placed throughout the room and coordinating tones.
Cohesiveness, in general, is an important principle to consider when incorporating statement piecesinto aspace.Theoverarching theme of a room should be evident and intentional, carried throughout all its facets. Mr Jenkins similarly let nature influence a library he designed for the Kips Bay Decorator ShowhouseinNewYork
"There's a really over-the-top, gorgeous, palm chandelier - crystal encrusted - from the1930s, that the moment that I saw it, I instantly knew that wehad to haveit in that room," hesays."I paired it withthiswall-coveringthat looked like branches with florals. It's this special moment, crystals dripping down from the branches above." Of course, while it is important that the items in a room share connection, it is not necessary that they are overly matching. Mixing metals, colors and wood finishes is completely acceptable and creates better interest
Mr Jenkins likens creating a space for his clients to a new baby. "When that baby is delivered, it needs to look like them," he says "The more you can incorporate pieces that have resonance to them emotionally, some sort of attachment, the more tailored and couturethehousefeels That'sthegoal "
In the Shade
HowColor TrendsShapeour Worlds
Asinteriorsbrandsreveal their Colorsof theYear for 2025,welift the paint lid to ask:do theyreallyreflect howwefeel and shapehowwelive? Andwho determineswhether next year will haveusfeelingbrighter or moodier?
byNickyRampley-Clarke
Inf luenced by everything from popular culture to global political events, the colors we put on our walls and drape over our shoulders reflect how we think and feel That?s why heavy-hitters ? including Pantone, which famously invented its trademarked system in 1963 to faithfully reproduce color, and Dulux, the now-global company that began manufacturing paint in the UKin 1931? definean annual Color of the Year. But do these trending shades really echo the mood of the moment,or isit just marketingmumbo-jumbo?
Soothing shades for stormy times
In 2024, calming hues are offering escapism in tumultuoustimes?including thethreat of war,political unrest, environmental events and the cost-of-living crisis No wonder we?reseekingsolaceinsereneshades In the Pinterest Autumn 2024 Report, searches for ?serene color palette?have increased by a whopping 110% ?People are wanting to create a tranquil environment,? says Matt Siberry, head of home at Pinterest UK, ?so it?s hardly surprising colors like sea-foam,blueandsageareontherise?
Recent COTYs ? the insider?s acronym ? reaffirm the sentiment: Peach Fuzzby Pantone, a soft pink that ?captures our desire to nurture ourselves and others?; Upward by Sherwin Williams ? ?a breezy, blissful blue for spaces brimming with positive energy?; and Virdis from Graham & Brown, a muted green that ?offers a calming atmosphere? While clearly far apart on the color chart, they?re unified in their soothing qualities, proposing peace and quiet in an increasingly noisy world
Brighter horizons ahead
Looking ahead, there?s still a sense of tranquility about trending colors, albeit becoming bolder. Time to stop hiding under the covers and face the future with renewed bravery, perhaps?Take Dulux, whose Color of the Year 2024 was Sweet Embrace, a delicate blossom pink that the brand says ?brings a feeling of positivity.? The2025hue, TrueJoy,ismoreof ashow-off. Marianne Shilling Ford, creative director at the paint company, says: ?Trending colors are influenced by many things, from the season to social media, but the most powerful influenceisdriven by theway wewant to feel right now. When times are tough in the world around us ? with doom and gloom dominating the headlines ? we seek out a palette that gives us comfort and joy? Similarly, other Colorsof theYear for 2025retain asense of calm whilebeingmorecourageous,from EncorebyValspar,an atmospheric blue symbolizing confidence and happiness, to Rumorsby Behr, a rich ruby that adds energyand warmth
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