Today’s home interiors aren’t as over-the-top as they used to be. Homeowners value and simplicity found in Wabi-Sabi decor. They want a home that looks and feels comfortable without needing to be flashy or perfect. The Wabi-Sabi approach to living is something they embrace with open arms.
Design by Axel Vervroodt
What is Wabi-Sabi?
This is a quick repost from last year, instead of our regular Fashion post. I’m in Istanbul with my family to attend a memorial for my mother in law at her school she founded more than twenty years ago. This, my third time in Istanbul, where this one has been bittersweet for the aforementioned, but entirely deserving of such an extraordinary woman that was my late mother in law. We’ll be back on schedule next Friday.
I love a room with just the right amount of colors. Contrary to all-white rooms, colorful rooms look finished, well thought and put together. They also look sophisticated and collected. Conversely, the interior design of any space will depend on the owner’s preference and lifestyle. That said, I believe there is a very attainable balance as these rooms full of saturated colors can attest. It’s in the right balance between the noise in high contrast colorful rooms and the sophisticated ones that don’t scream at you. Colorful interiors have the skill to boost any room’s excitement instantly. The color we choose for our homes can speak volumes about ourselves, preferences and even provide a hint of our inner lives as well. For instance, did you know that the color green means caring and helpful… and black conservative and creative..?
The use of color in a room seems to be more beautiful when it is done in a gradient effect as in Aerin Lauder’s library. Everything in it seems to harmonize perfectly, it’s soothing, perfect for a space for reading and it’s sophisticated, ideal for a drink at night.
When it comes to perfecting interior design, the bathroom is usually the last place we consider. It hardly screams designer chic, does it? But, that doesn’t change the fact that you’ll never get the house you want without tackling that special room at some stage. When push comes to shove, this space is as much a part of your home as any other.
There is one Interior Designer in particular whom I’ve seen using a few Louix XIV furniture here and there, however this time, you can spot the XIV inspired chairs and furniture everywhere. The Sun King, how Louis XIV is known played an integral role in transforming the monarchy leading the way to a golden age of decoration, art, and literature. According to him the furnishing and decor should be a reflection of the wealth and power of the monarchy, hence the golden and flamboyant pieces of his period. Louis XIV period furniture can also be referred to as Baroque.
Bedroom with a Louis XIV style side chair designed by Steven Gambrel via Elle Decor
I would say that the ultimate luxury is to have a full night sleep, furthermore, to sleep in a bed with soft, luxurious, and beautiful bedding. I first learned about Biscuit bedding when I saw the chic bedding at AD just recently. I couldn’t help but love the brand’s modern take on the traditional. In 2012 Bailey McCarthy realized through her design work that there was a lack of heirloom quality bedding for her generation. She created Biscuit as a brand that would fill this space by designing and selling luxury bedding with fun designer prints, keeping the process rooted in the tradition of the south and manufactured in the USA.
Above, one of the bedrooms at Bailey McCarthy’s home, outfitted with Biscuit bedding. The home was designed by Miles Redd. Photo by Trevor Tondro via AD.
Two of Biscuit bedding print collection
Whenever I hear of one of Tory Burch’s Interior Design projects I know it’s going to be quite spectacular since her frequent collaborator is the uber-talented Architect and Interior Designer Daniel Romualdez. Tory Burch’s Manhattan office is as chic as it can be and it’s proof that office design can be personal and cozy while elegant as well. Tory’s office was designed with feng shui disciplines to bring harmony and positive flow to the workspace. “I work with a feng shui master,” Burch told AD.
Tory Burch sitting in her Manhattan office
