In honor of Black History Month, Interior Design spoke with six Black creatives about how their work reflects their personal experiences, cultural narratives, and hopes for the future of design. From minimalist furnishings to handwoven textiles, sculptural forms, and bold wallcoverings, each piece invites further exploration. Here are their stories.

Studio ANANSI

Founded by artist and product designer Evan Jerry, Studio ANANSIs name reflects the African and Caribbean heritage of its Canadian-born creator and his work. Often depicted in the form of a spider in West African and Caribbean fables, Anansi is a god of knowledge, one that serves as a guide for Jerrys handmade vessels. As a design student, I was questioning culture and how I was connected to objects, he says, noting that he had to find ways to fill the gaps left by his classes. He established Studio ANANSI in London in 2018 with the goal of expanding the web of voices in the design industry.

I get lost in inspiration from different textures and techniques used in African and Caribbean design, Jerry says, describing the link between the skin and flesh of cassava, a root that grows in tropical climates, and the textures found in his work. I want the pieces to feel alive, almost like they have their own skin, he adds. To achieve this, Jerry often plays to the imperfections of the materials he works with, such as natural woods, dyes, and oils. I create objects that speak to the history of African and Black contributions to design. I want them to be modern, but also feel like they belong with other artifacts, he explains. Up next, Jerry plans include expanding the narrative of African and Black contributions in a soon-to-be-unveiled collaboration.

Barali

When longtime friends MookhoNtho andMoliehiMafantiri recognized the need to preserve the weaving traditions and narratives of Basotho culture in their native Lesotho, Africa, they sprang into action, forming sustainable homeware brand Barali. Working with local artisans to produce handcrafted rugs, textiles, and throw blankets, the two women aim to maintain the cultural continuity of each product, offer fair wages, and honor a commitment to environmental consciousness. We want to ensure our products are helping the world, more than taking from it, Mafantiri says. Every aspect of production reflects this ethos, from the farms that provide mohair and wool to the intricate patterns translated from Nthos sketches into their final form by artisan weavers. Were taking from the creativity already here in our history and culture and giving it a modern twist, Ntho says. A lot of cultural elements are slowly dying with this generation of weavers, so its nice to bring them back.

Currently, Ntho and Mafantiri are planning how to do this on a larger scale with workshops where expert weavers can mentor the younger generation, ensuring their knowledge is passed down rather than lost. Theres a huge gap between the youth and that older group of weavers, Ntho explains. A lot of younger people are not being taught these skills in local schools. Though a typical handmade rug takes from four to six weeks, the time spent honors more than the shapes and stories of Basotho cultureit also solidifies its survival.

Studio Lani

For designer Lani Adeoye, founder of her namesake studio, her current career is one she could hardly imagine as a child. Growing up in a Nigerian family in Canada, Adeoye was encouraged to study more traditional subjects, leading her to work as a management and IT consultant for several years before attending Parsons School of Design at The New School. I was always interested in interiors, but I never saw it from a professional standpoint, she says, recalling that friends often sought her advice on paint colors and furniture layouts in their homes. I started to notice a shift in how people responded to the energy in a space, and that brought my attention to the psychology of design. At Parsons, product design piqued Adeoyes interest, and her first piecethe Lilo chair, inspired by elements of Nigerian music and rhythmsreflects the essence of her brand today.

Many Studio Lani products, such as stools reminiscent of a West African talking drum, are made by Nigerian artisans who use locally sourced materials to create unique sculptural forms. Im naturally drawn to sculpture, says Adeoye, who hopes to broaden the conversation about African aesthetics with her work by showcasing collections in neutral, earthy tones rather than focusing on vibrant hues. And though the pandemic has made it challenging to collaborate with artisans near and far, Adeoye is finding ways to make it work and plans to release new designs later this year. Im always excited to share my culture and connect with people based on design, she says. Human connection is so powerful.

OI Studio

The drive to create runs deep for BOA, founder and creative director of OI Studio, who transitioned from furniture buyer to maker after being asked to design an impromptu shelving unit for a clients retail showroom. Ive always been an artist, recalls BOA, who grew up surrounded by the ocean in St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. But product design was an accidentI didnt run toward it, someone asked me to do it. As a self-taught furniture designer, BOA prioritizes sustainable materials and processes, creating minimalist pieces that reflect the sand-colored palette of her youth. Theres a preconceived idea of Caribbean design thats very stereotypical and very narrow, she asserts, noting that often bright colors and ornate creations come to mind. But the natural landscapes of the islands, and the many cultures that thrive on them, are far more varied. BOAs pieces, such as the Om Meditation Table, reflect the clean lines of the horizon, which she sketched countless times from her childhood home, commanding attention with their simplicity. Growing up in a culture where resources are limited, you need to be quite inventive and minimalistic in your approach because you dont have access to a lot, she explains.

Last year, BOA joined the Black Artists + Designers Guild, participating in meetings via Zoom from her home in New Orleans. Her work is being featured as part of the BA+DG Obsidian concept house, designed as a smart and sustainable home for Black families. For the patio, BOA created solar-powered moveable chaise lounge chairs that fold back into the deck when the sun dips. The surface becomes seating, she notes. I want people to feel welcome and nurtured and supposed the house highlights how diverse we all are.

The Black Home

Design is an intuitive process for Neffi Walker, who found solace during an especially hard moment in her life by helping friends rearrange their homes, leading her to turn her passion into a profession. In doing so, Walker knew she wanted her work to reflect her Puerto Rican and African heritage, as well as the cultural aesthetics and needs of Black families more broadly. In design and in life, Black always seems to have a negative connotation, she says, noting that she often incorporates darker tones as focal points in her designs. For instance, her striking banana leaf-patterned wallpaper, made in collaboration with artist and illustrator Verna Fogg as a nod to the beloved Puerto Rican dish pasteles, draws the eyes toward dark hues that accentuate details in the leaves.

As a designer, it is my ultimate goal to highlight the beauty of Black from color to culture, Walker says. With this mission in mind, she founded her New Jersey-based home brand, The Black Home, where she is principal designer (while also raising five children). I started with one candle scent, she recalls. It took nine months to perfect the process before we added a second scent. Nearly 18 months later, Walker is focused on designing and launching the brands first flagship store this March. The Black Home reflects Walkers laid-back, family-first approach, featuring furnishings and pieces that invite conversation and bring a sense of liveliness into the home. It was a rapid progression, she adds. And its just the beginning.

Original post:
Black Makers Reflect on the Cultural Roots of Their Crafts - Interior Design

We are seeing a trend towards homeowners wanting to create zen sanctuaries in the home, said Imani James, certified award-winning interior designer and owner of Imani James Interiors. A quiet oasis type of environment designated for peace and reflection to recharge and recalibrate. These small secluded areas are filled with natural elements such as plants and crystals and are scented with warm uplifting scents from essential oils and candles. We are adding doors where there wasnt one previously and creating peaceful nooks wherever we can.

As LaMont Bynum, owner of consignment furniture boutique Rite At Home, put it: dont be boring... mix it up.

Out with the old model of everything must match. Todays rule is mix it up to add interest and fun, said Bynum, who is also principal owner/interior designer of Bynum Design Group. Mixing metal with design makes a statement in a room and can help bring different looks to a space. Ultimately, the finish you choose should fit in well with the style you are trying to emulate.

To infuse a modern appearance in your room, Bynum said a polished look focused on matte finishes is usually the go-to, while traditional rooms favor fixtures with oil-rubbed finishes.

But there are also things that have gone out of style.

When it comes to furniture, buying living, dining and bedroom sets are a thing of the past and provides no life to a room, he said. Find one foundational piece and start designing. It is like a woman finding the perfect black dress.

Working from our dwellings means our home lives have blended with our office lives. As such, many residents hope to outline rooms for work and play, sepearting the two in an effort to obtain work-life balance.

A real focus, and one that we definitely see continuing through the coming years, is a more defined and fuller use of every space in the home, whether it be for work, for relaxation, or for family activity, Grossman said. While most of our clients either already had home offices or spaces easily converted, we saw a wonderful trend toward adding bright spots of color rays of happiness as those spaces were organized and brought to life for full-time use. We saw an emphasis on creating comfortable spaces for the family to gather once the work and school day was done.

Grossman noted her company converted a dining room into a family dining lounge, which included a custom banquette with chaise lounges, ideal for reading or watching a movie after supper. Outdoor areas and sunrooms were transformed into areas where people can have socially distanced get-togethers.

I can only see this embrace of home continuing as the world opens back up, with newly found enjoyment and respite as continued themes, she said.

As with many things amid the pandemic, what clients seek from home decor has changed. Ashley Miller, a leading interior designer in the southeast and owner of Ashley Miller Design, said clients no longer ask whether or not their home makes them feel comfortable, alive, or secure.

Now, they ask more specific questions.

Aside from moving away from open floor plans, Miller said she also notices clients desiring spaces that can transition them from one place to another be it from a home office to a sitting room, or a living room with the kids, to a quiet, relaxing room designed to let them sit in peace and quiet.

One room might be airy with light tones, while another close by may be a combination of stronger colors with more pattern, she continued. In other words, what used to be large, open floor plans with a continuous theme running throughout is being replaced with multiple rooms and transitioning styles that are curated depending on the mood the client wants.

Clients are also seeking ways to decompress at home rather than taking a seasonal getaway.

We all wish we could travel like we once did so now we are looking to bring the travel experience and luxury into our everyday lives, Miller said. For instance, clients are now trying to mimic the experience of having just stayed at a fine boutique hotel whether its in the dining room, bar/entertaining area, or master bedroom. This has been a developing trend over the past few years but the pandemic has only accelerated it. Why not replicate that same experience at home?

More:
What are the home decor trends for 2021 - Atlanta Journal Constitution

True beauty is found in the details. For Jonathan Rachman, a multihyphenate interior designer, event planner, and author of the memoir The Garlic Peanut Story, designing gorgeous homes begins with practicality, purpose, and passion.

I absolutely love transforming a space, a house, a mansion, or resort from something thats stale, boring, and mediocre to something absolutely fabulous and fun, says the San Francisco-based Rachman. The process of finding the perfect items, furnishings, and colors completely excites me.

Ironically, being an interior designer was never part of Rachmans plan, but life took him down a different path. Twenty years ago, after being dissatisfied with his life in corporate America, he opened a flower shop without having real experience as a florist. His talent was evident, and he soon found himself designing events for A-list clients before shifting gears to interior design.

Rachman is now one of the most sought-after designers in the Bay Area. His 2,000-square-foot store, across the street from San Franciscos iconic Zuni Caf on Market Street, showcases fine antiques, jewelry, and other discoveries hes collected from his travels around the world. It also acts as an exclusive showcase for his continuing collaborations.

The human factor is most important, he says of the creative process with clients. Their homes should reflect their style and them as the owners. I also love to draw inspirations from my favorite places when its appropriate.

A MUSING IN PARIS

I love clustering books and flowers as well as objects on a coffee table to create a geometrical silhouette. Besides visually pleasing and chic, you still have room for your cocktails and apro. Remember, clusters prevent clutter! Also, dont forget to create various heights. This creates depths and interests.

Images by Suzanna Scott Photography. Duran Coffee Table available at De Sousa Hughes. Accessories and flowers by J.Rachman.

HOUGHTON HALL REIMAGINED

Traveling and collecting are the core of my design passion. Theres nothing like a giant coffee table or ottoman that can display your collections and personal items. This ginormous ottoman is so vast yet intimate as it shows the owners personality and their story. Dont forget bold multiple floral from your garden, or splurge and have a professional florist embellish your luxurious coffee table with their creations. Above all, make sure they are proportionate.

Images by Suzanna Scott Photography. Lady R Extra Large Ottoman: Designed by J.Rachman and custom-made by Konekt Furniture. This ottoman is tufted and covered with Designers Guild velvet Pavia FDG2535-02 and horsehair fringe, inspired by an equestrian photograph from Houghton Hall. Available at Coup dEtat. Antiques and accessories from J.Rachman and Antique & Art Exchange in San Francisco. Flowers by J.Rachman.

MODERN COTTAGE

Centralize your coffee table or ottoman with a tray, especially if you like to entertain or gather around this sitting area with your loved ones. Feet up? No problem. Need more room? Simply remove the tray temporarily. Casual but stylish, and dont forget to add your favorite fragranced candle (flowers too, of course). They always add to the mood. Dont overthink it; simply drop and stack your favorite gorgeous books and adjust according to your guests interests.

Images by Douglas Friedman. Ottoman designed by J.Rachman and custom-made by Arden Home in San Francisco upholstered in leather by S.H. Frank and Co., S.F. Accessories and flowers by J.Rachman.

Jonathan Rachmans interiors have graced the covers of Elle Decor, Modern Luxury Interiors California, California Home + Design, Haven, KDHamptons, and more. Relish his unique coffee table stylings below and learn more at JonathanRachman.com.

A version of this story first appeared inOut's 2021 Hollywood Issue.Jake Borelli is featured on the coveralongsideRyan O'ConnellandAlexandra Grey. It is the first print issue under theeditorial direction of editor-in-chief David Artavia. The issue is out on newsstands on March 3, 2021.To get your own copy directly,support queer media and subscribe or download yours for Amazon, Kindle, Nook, or Apple News +.

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3 Ways to Style Your (Very Gay) Coffee Table - Out Magazine

A PROPERTY expert has revealed the seven things which could be losing you money on your house price - and its bad news if you like an artificial lawn.

While its common knowledge to embrace a neutral colour scheme and get rid of clutter if youre putting your home on the market, it turns out theres a host of other mistakes youre probably making too.

3

Thomas Goodman, property expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk claimed that despite DIY booming over lockdown with homeowners updating their pads on a budget, it could devalue your home in the long-run.

He claimed that ameteur jobs are easily spotted, and its better to invest in a professional.

Thomas pointed out: A spot of DIY might seem like an innocent task to do around the house, but after time youll be able to tell the difference.

Professional work is second to none in quality, when buyers step into your home and agents do a valuation, they will take note of details.

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Your DIY tiling job might look appealing to you, but amateur work doesnt have the same finish.

He said a DIY job on the cheap will usually backfire, and give buyers leverage to negotiate a lower price.

An artificial lawn is another feature which has boomed in popularity recently, with people using the faux grass to get their gardens looking lush all-year round.

But Thomas said: Artificial grass might be a low maintenance option, but it can deter some people away, especially if they are a young family.

Broken fences are a common feature of an unkept garden, fences add a sense of privacy to a property, so ensure yours is fixed and solid.

Thomas said kerb appeal is key, to invest in some bright flowers, plant pots and mow the lawn, adding first impressions count.

A spot of DIY might seem like an innocent task to do around the house, but after time youll be able to tell the difference

Weve all watched an interior show on telly and winced as theyve opened up a tin of neon paint.

Bright colours arent everyones cup of tea, but while it might reflect your personality - it wont sell your house.

Thomas said: Loud interiors might not appeal to all buyers.

A bright yellow wall in the kitchen could be comforting for you, but it might portray your room in a different light to others.

The way forward is to keep things simple, quirky dcor, such as textured wallpaper, is best to be avoided.

He said grey and terracotta is the way to go to market your house, and while its far from exciting it helps buyers see potential.

Seven mistakes which could devalue your home

Nothing dates a home quite like the kitchen, and it can be hard to update if youre on a budget.

But its key if you want to appeal to buyers, and modern is the way to go.

Thomas noted: A modern kitchen will help to sell a house.

It can be expensive to have a complete overhaul and refit the entire unit, but potential buyers might be put off if they must visualise the amount of work they need to do.

If you dont have the money for a full refurb, Thomas said to focus on table tops, cabinetry and the appliances.

He advised: The best way is to replace any old-fashioned features such as taps and cabinet doors and reinvent your kitchen back to an original state.

Removing personalised features and stripping back to neutral tones will make a big difference. Ensure everything is sparkling clean, especially cooker hoods that can attract a lot of grease.

You might not think your floor is a big selling point, but a mix of styles can turn buyers off, with Thomas saying its an integral part of the home.

While you might love a deep pile, the expert reckons you should ditch it for hardwood.

Thomas said: You can get away with carpet in bedrooms, but when it comes to the main areas of your house, such as hallways and living rooms, consistent hardwood flooring is desired.

Carpets are harder to clean, it can also be a breeding ground for hair, especially in households with pets.

If you dont want to rip up your carpet, at least make sure the flooring is consistent in your house.

One of the worst mistakes people do is having two different types of hardwood flooring in high traffic areas of the house, Thomas revealed.

If youre going to switch to hard surfaces, ensure you have the budget to cover the investment in all rooms.

Your DIY tiling job might look appealing to you, but amateur work doesnt have the same finish

Black is always a bold choice, but even if you experiment with blues or purples it can be risky, Thomas claimed.

Dark rooms are always off-putting, to invest in some lamps if your space is dull and dingy.

Thomas said: Its no surprise that a dark room will instantly shift your mood and feel uninviting.

A bright room with plenty of natural light will attract more buyers. If a room is painted in dark shades of blue for example, the room will appear dull, even next to artificial lighting.

Try to inject fresh white and plenty of lighting in rooms.

And he advised to go for curtains in these spaces, as it gives natural light space to bounce off the walls - appearing brighter.

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Weve all seen green bathrooms from the 70s, and its another room which can instantly date a house.

If you cant rip it out, start by making sure its clean and all limescale has been removed, and repair any cracked tiles.

Thomas also pointed out: One common mistake sellers make is to replace the only bath in your home.

Baths are a popular option for many people who like to wind down after a busy day.

For people that dont use a bath, they have opted for a space-saving shower instead.

Of course, this can make your bathroom appear bigger, but it can devalue your property if a bathtub is in the criteria of a buyer.

A compromise is to free up space in your bathroom by purchasing a bath that combines the two together.

OFF HER CHEST Mum in crippling pain due to size H boobs tries to raise 10k for reduction

HEIR WE GOEugenie's baby name tribute to Philip 'emphasises Harry's disrespect to family'

CRUEL JIBESWoman refuses to shave moustache or unibrow even though men yell insults at her

SNAP BACKI was homeless for two years before starting my own business, now I'm worth 208m

'DON'T DO IT'Woman warns NOT to shave baby hairs as she's left with a 'big a** forehead'

MAKING SEX-CUSESStudent tells parents she got pregnant by sitting on her boyfriends lap

Meanwhile cleaners wear hazmat suits to clear hoarders bathroom packed full of used nappies and sanitary pads.

And this mum claims Aldis kitchen storage baskets look just like Ikeas version but for half the price.

While thisman buys a hoarders house for 7k & finds 300k worth of treasure including rare coins, silver bars & designer clothes.

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Interior design expert reveals seven things that are losing YOU money on your home including fake grass and - The Sun

Although Kit Chua and her husband had lived in their Chicago home for several years, shed never set up her home office properly. Once the pandemic hit, and Ms. Chua, an education consultant, was forced to work from home, where her husband was also working and their two daughters, ages 9 and 12, were engaged in remote school, it became clear that she needed a viable office setup.

When Ms. Chua, 46, hired interior designer Alice Benjamin to help design her office last spring, she realized that there were other spaces in the home that also needed attention. Our living and dining room had become the kids space over the years, says Ms. Chua. It can be pretty stressful to have the biggest and best space in your home filled with kids stuff especially during a pandemic. Ms. Benjamin created a plan in which the tucked-away family room was transformed into a study and hang-out zone for the girls while the dining and living room got a dramatic refresh. The overall project cost roughly $250,000.

Ms. Benjamin took cues from commercial workspaces for the design of the girls area where she incorporated rectangular booths fitted with cushions. The kids each have one where they can stretch out or sit up and do their schoolwork at writing desks positioned in front, says Ms. Benjamin. Sconces illuminate the cocoon-like booths and charging stations ensure there is always a spot to plug in. Colorful cubbies nailed to the wall provide storage and the walls are covered in cloud wallpaper.

In the living room, a movie screen and projector were installed along with a custom sectional. We werent a big TV-watching family before Covid, says Ms. Chua. But now that we have such a nice screen, we watch a lot of shows and movies all together. Additionally, Ms. Chuas Peloton software hooks up to the projector and while in quarantine during the colder months, the family has been doing yoga. When the kids are home for remote school and I need to be their P.E. teacher, we do dance cardio, she says.

Ms. Chua says her office, equipped with a desk at which she can either sit or stand, is now her dream space. It has floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and a sliding ladder. To expand the workspace, Ms. Benjamin transformed the adjacent room into a room where Ms. Chua participates in podcasts and video conferences. Dry-erase paint turned the walls into a blank canvas that she uses to map out ideas; the girls also enjoy writing on the walls and doing school projects at the adjustable table in the room where they can spin on swivel stools.

Excerpt from:
These Families Are Stuck at Home During Covid, but Have Plenty of Places to Go - The Wall Street Journal

Gingham suddenly got a whole lot more stylish. This season, we need to re-evaluate everything we think we know about this quaint chequerboard pattern as it moves from our grandmas table cloth to the forefront of our homes.

Yes, your old-school summer uniform really is one of the biggest interior design trendsof the year.

What are the reasons behind ginghams increasing desirability? The pandemic may have to answer to this trend, just like many of the nostalgic crazes to emerge during the current lockdown. The craving for check comes as homeowners look for ways to inject elements of a rural escape into their homes, and the pining for natural charm will only grow as spring arrives.

The success of Netflix series, The Queens Gambit, may have also had an impact on the patterns return, as fans look for ways to pay homage to fictional chess champion Beth Harmon through their interiors.

(Image credit: Arlo & Jacob)

London-based furniture suppliers, Arlo & Jacob, have notably jumped on the trend, and have recently released a gingham collection which could sit comfortably in any modern home, as their Buying and Merchandising Manager, Laura Barnard, shared: Gingham is a very confident upholstery choice, and rather than being too frilly its bringing attention to an interior.

If you are still not convinced that weve reached the end of ginghams frilly days, luxury interior designer Rebecca Hughes, Founder of Rebecca Hughes Interiors, further emphasized the versatility of this ever-enduring pattern.

She explained: Gingham is a big interior trend and personally I love how this simple pattern can change an interior scheme. Although gingham is nostalgic and traditional to many, it certainly doesnt have to be confined to country homes.

(Image credit: Arlo & Jacob)

The great thing about this timeless print is that it enhances almost any interior,' the designer continued. 'Whether it be a simple lampshade, a ruffle trim cushion, or an upholstered chair, with the right choice of color, size of the pattern, and style, these beautiful checks will suit both classic or contemporary settings.'

Meanwhile, Ceraudo - the furniture brand who were one of the first to use lacquer before it became a trend - have added ruffles to their brand new gingham chair designs.

Chairs, from 1360, Ceraudo

(Image credit: Ceraudo)

Alternatively, designer Sarah Peake, of the London-based Studio Peake also suggests interpreting gingham into your home through your curtains.

'One of my favorite places to use gingham in projects is on curtain linings,' she explains. 'If curtain linings are seen from outside through the window, it is lovely to use a contrast lining for that element of surprise, and ginghams work well with most patterns.'

Curious as to which other crazes are taking over our homes during this year? Read how 1970s inspired interiors are the retro fuelled trend taking over our homes this year.

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This old-fashioned pattern is set to be one of the biggest interior trends this year - interior designers can't get enough of it - LivingEtc

Erin Hiemstra's cozy home office is a lesson in functional and stylish small-space design. The creative behind Apartment 34 transformed a snug 10-x-10-foot accessory dwelling unit in her backyard into her dream home office when the pandemic hit. We added the ADU to our yard months before quarantine, and I'm so thankful we did! she shares. I couldn't wait to create an elevated escape, especially as the rest of the house devolved into chaosit's not easy to get work done with a kindergartener.

She worked with California Closets to create a custom built-in desk that optimized the limited floor space, and had room leftover for a meditation corner. She went with gray herringbone floors from Cle Tile, a soft Roman Clay treatment on the walls for a texturized, plaster-like finish, and a dark, moody color palette for a modern and minimal look. I breathe a sigh of gratitude every time I step in here, she adds. I love that I can display my favorite treasures, and my husband is happy that my magazine collection is out of the house.

To re-create the look at home, Hiemstra swears by three design tips: Select a spot with great natural light to improve focus, invest in a comfortable chair, and carve out space for pieces that inspire you. It can be a gorgeous desk lamp, a plant, artwork, a mood boardjust something that makes you smile.

Interior designer Shea McGee is all about function when designing a spaceespecially something as utilitarian as a home office. I always start by asking myself, How can I make this space as functional as possible? In her book, a comfortable chair, spacious desk, plenty of storage, and some degree of separation from the rest of your home are the building blocks of a successful home office.

Having a designated office or desk is important so that on some level, you can still leave work at the end of the day, she notes. If you're working with a multiuse space like a kitchen table or closet, she recommends investing in a comfy chair and adding luxe touches like a candle or flowers to make the space feel intentional.

As for home office design, McGee always aims to create an organized, relaxing atmosphere that's conducive to productivity. In her husband Syd's home office, for example, she went with a coat of calming navy paint, plenty of built-in storage, and personal touches like artwork, books, and greenery.

Read the rest here:
How to Create a Chic and Functional Home Office, According to Interior Designers - Glamour

The aircraft had its roots not in commercial aviation, but in the military. In the 1960s, the U.S. Air Force sought to develop a large plane for cargo and troop transport, and it tapped into the expertise of aerospace companies, including Boeing, to develop one. While Boeing didnt win the contractit ultimately went to Lockheed Martin for the C-5 Galaxythe company was able to take its technological research and transform it into the 747.

Under the leadership of engineer Joe Sutter, a team of Incredibles, as they became known, worked at lightning speed with a paltry budget to build the plane in 29 months. At the time, Boeing directed the majority of its resources to other crucial projects, including NASAs Apollo missions and the development of a supersonic transport, or SST, which was supposed to be the future of passenger air travel. (Only two SSTs ever ended up entering service: the Concorde and the Tupolev Tu-144, while Boeings funding was cut, thus ending the program.)

Boeings mock-up for the Tiger Lounge, complete with the 747s iconic spiral staircase.

The 747 was originally designed to ferry passengers for just a few years, as Boeings SST was being finalized, before being converted into a cargo carrier. And it was that cargo purpose that led to the aircrafts defining exterior design element: her hump. The best way to load freight onto an airplane is straight down the length of the fuselage. They thought the best way to do this with the 747 is to have a nose that tilts up, says Lombardi. Well, if you do that on a conventional airplane, the flight deck is right there in the way. So the way to fix that is to put the flight deck up on top of the fuselage.

And thus the hump came to be, which in itself led to another key design feature aboard the aircraftthis one on the interior. Due to aerodynamics, the hump had to be extended behind the cockpit, leaving an empty space. Pan Am founder and aviation giant Juan Trippe, who had ordered the first 25 747s for his airline in 1966, can be credited with defining that space. Boeing said, Well, we could use it as a crew rest area, and Juan Trippe immediately said, Oh, no, thatll be our first-class lounge, says commercial aviation historian Shea Oakley.

Qantass Captain Cook Lounge for first-class passengers.

Read the original here:
How the Boeing 747 Changed the Way Airplanes Are Designed - Architectural Digest

W

hen a couple contacted fashion designer-turned-interiors guru Matthew Williamson on Instagram recently, they hoped hed settle a disagreement about which lampshades to choose for their bedside tables.

They were coming at it from the wrong angle, I said lets talk about the floor first is it concrete? Is it wooden? I cant help you pick lampshades if I dont know what the foundations of the room are, says Williamson.

Fortunately the couple, who certainly got more help than theyd bargained for that day, loved the idea.

Lamp from collaboration with Pooki, lampshades 70, lamps from 180

The floor informs the bed, you work up and over the room, he tells me on a call from his home in the mountains of northern Mallorca, where he has spent most of the past year with his partner, Joseph Velosa, and their five-year-old daughter, Skye.

Williamson describes designing his own homes as well as a traditional stone-walled house in Dei, he also has an apartment in a grand Victorian building in Belsize Park and the homes of clients much in the way youd tackle a painting.

His vast overestimation of the laymans painting skills aside, he speaks of painting the background first: the walls, the floor and the ceiling in a room design, or the shell.

It sounds elementary but people miss that trick, he says. Thats the first step, its madness to buy cushions before you consider the background.

Matthew Williamsons collaboration with Pooki on display in his Deia home

Big-ticket items such as the bed and the dining table, are the middle ground, then the details follow: The petals, the flowers, the eye colour, these are your cushions, your mirrors and your lamps.

And its Williamsons own pivot from fashion to interior design and now shoppable homewares the details that is affirming his brand as a household name. Once the fashion favourite of A-listers and friends including Kate Moss and Sienna Miller, Williamson is bringing all his products to one, curated platform (matthewwilliamson.com).

From 12 notebooks in a Persian design-inspired paisley pattern, to a newly launched decorative furniture collection with Roome London in which bespoke dressing screens and sideboards are priced from 5,500, the products cover eight categories from lighting to rugs and cater for all budgets.

You could always buy wallpaper [I designed] through Osborne & Little, and you could buy stationery, he says. I wanted to put it under one roof rather than it being fractured, a one-stop shop to see my whole universe of design.

Lamps from collaboration with Pooki

And theres plenty more to come, says Williamson, who turns 50 in October. The antique section of the online store is growing and he hopes to create a gallery wall of artwork soon, so well get to see those painting skills in action.

Hes also a guest judge on the new eight-part Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr and Michelle Ogundehin.

Were all at home now, weve all got to the same place that home is not just a place to sleep and wake up in it counts far more than ever before, he says.

Even if youre not interested in design, you probably now need a table thats not just a dining table, it also needs to be a school for children or a place to work.

While fashion was my chosen subject, Ive always been fascinated by interior design, homes and how people live. This is really the icing on the cake.

Interior Design Masters airs on BBC Two on Tuesdays at 8pm

Read more:
Matthew Williamson on his new curated interior design platform - Evening Standard

Sage-green bedding is a soothing trend.

Andra DelMonico, interior designer of Next Luxury, told Insider that this color bedding is gaining popularity.

"Sage green is calming, soft, and sophisticated," DelMonico said. "It's the grown-up version of your basic green."

Try pairing sage bedding with other soft colors such as pale yellow, cream, or pastel pink. The hue also works on other bedroom textiles, like throw pillows and upholstery.

Canopy bed frames add drama.

Dramatic bedroom designs are trending, and nothing makes a statement quite like a canopy bed frame.

"Having a canopy in your bedroom can give your room an elegant feel," DelMonico said. "Iron canopies, in particular, are stylish while still allowing for plenty of light."

DelMonico suggested that if you do opt for an iron alternative, you should add white bedding for a strong contrast and a clean, modern aesthetic.

Vintage screens can be practical and beautiful.

Screens are perfect for dividing a space, adding privacy, and dampening sound, and vintage options are particularly having a decor moment.

"These screens can give a bedroom a sense of old-world style while also separating spaces, which will be invaluable in 2021," DelMonico said.

You can use a screen to hide a bedroom desk or lean it behind your bed for a unique headboard.

Peel-and-stick murals are a nondestructive way to decorate.

Michelle Harrison-McAllister of Michelle Harrison Design told Insider that this simple addition is a rising trend.

"Peel-and-stick murals are a popular bedroom statement right now," Harrison-McAllister said. "We're even seeing this trend extend up toward the ceiling."

Temporary decals and wallpaper are also ideal for children's bedrooms or rented homes where decor may need to be swapped out.

Natural textures are expected to be in for 2021.

Kobi Karp, principal interior designer at Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design, told Insider that this upcoming season's bedroom styles will heavily feature natural pieces.

"Using earthy hues and textures allows bedrooms to feel like comforting, safe spaces for those seeking to escape from the outside world," Karp said.

Fabrics like linen and cotton are good bedding options, and rattan, wood, or wicker furniture evokes a natural vibe.

On the other hand, matching bedding may soon look dated.

The time has come to consider ditching the one-color bedspread, pillows, and draperies.

"The matching bedding trend is over," Harrison-McAllister said. "Personalizing the bedroom has become more important in recent years."

Instead of buying a bedroom-in-a-bag set, try decorating your space with several different complementary textures and colors.

Industrial pieces can often look cold.

Stripped-back industrial designs have been going strong for years, but the raw edges and hard, metal finishes of this style are moving out of fashion.

"Bedrooms are meant to feel warm and inviting, and industrial finishes tend to feel sterile and cold," Karp said.

Industrial-design elements like Edison bulbs and concrete may give way to plush fabrics and furniture with rounded corners.

Matching bedside-table lamps are seemingly done for now.

Matching nightstand lamps have been a classic addition for years, but the trend for clear surfaces may be sweeping them away.

"Wall sconces are a great way to achieve the same feel of nightstand-table lamps, but in a cleaner and less cluttered way," Harrison-McAllister said.

If you're not quite ready to ditch your bedside lamp, you can downsize to a smaller, dimmer option to help clear space on your nightstand and create a more restful bedroom environment.

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Interior designers share 5 bedroom trends that'll be huge this year, and 5 on their way out - Insider - Insider