A large agate mural is the focal point of this breathtaking bathroom from JSE Interior Design. The design world’s flirtation with geological decor has grown into a full-blown love affair. Rock forms, minerals, geodes, and– most commonly– agate have truly stolen our hearts. Why are we so drawn to these elements? Take agate as an example. Agate is simultaneously chaotic and systematic; it forms highly irregular organic shapes, within which are aligned perfect parallel bands of color. This balance of tumult and order is so pleasing to the eye, I can’t imagine the design community will abandon the trend any time soon. JSE Interior Design, helmed by owner Jared Sherman Epps, created the breathtaking bathroom shown above. They used a custom waterproof panel from Alex Turco on the back wall of the shower in lieu of standard tiles. The freeform organic shape and vivid blue of the agate mural perfectly complement the room’s sleek minimalism. The oversized scale of the mural demands your attention, while beautifully framing the room’s two windows. Strata Study wallpaper …
Lacquered walls are a long-standing design tradition, but in recent years, they have been making a resurgence. Designers like Miles Redd, Steven Gambrel, and Markham Roberts have helped reintroduce lacquered walls to the popular landscape. The highly reflective finish of lacquer creates dimensionality, particularly when combined with a deeply saturated color like sapphire blue or emerald green. The liquidlike sheen is sumptuous, dramatic, and opulent. True lacquer, as opposed to high gloss paint, must be applied by skilled professionals. The reflective finish magnifies any imperfections, so expert prep and application is a must. Check out some of my favorite lacquered walls below! Orange lacquered walls via Atlanta Homes Magazine. Left: Aerin Lauder’s sophisticated black office via Elle Decor. Right: Blue-grey lacquered walls in Steven Gambrel’s W. 10th Street townhouse. A peacock blue butler’s pantry from Lee Ann Thornton Interiors. Emerald green lacquer via ArkPad. A striking home library designed by Steven Gambrel. Left: White lacquered walls pop against black herringbone floors, via Westerman Farm. Right: Miles Redd’s navy blue lacquer, via Apartment Therapy.
I have been seeing fish scale patterns all over design blogs and magazines recently, and I have a feeling they are going to be a big new trend. Of course, this isn’t the first time fish scales were in vogue. They were a standard feature of art deco design– see Coralie Bickford-Smith’s Great Gatsby cover for proof! One of the best aspects of this pattern is how different it feels depending on its orientation. There is no “right side up,” so it can be arranged in any direction. I recommend giving this look a try! 1) I adore these fish scale iron gates 2) Gold stainless steel fish scale tiles would make a stunning backsplash or bathroom. Blue fish scale tile. Corteo 4 pattern from Tabarka Studio’s Palio Collection. I love the color gradations and texture in these hand-painted tiles. 1) This emerald wallpaper from Mimou reminds me of ginkgo leaves. 2) The Collect cabinet from A2 is overlayed with leather fish scales.
Lately I’ve been seeing a lot of Scottish influence in interior design. The iconic Scottish style is of course plaid, but Scottish influence comes in many other forms: pheasant motifs, needlepoint hunting scenes, rich velvet sofas, and (faux!) mounted taxidermy. Here’s how to add a wee bit of Scotland to your home! Sources: 1) Braemore Phaesant Hunt Leather Fabric 2) Dark Green Tapestry Hunt Scene Pillow 3) Off-White Belgian Hunting Pillow 4) Lyre Chesterfield Sofa 5) 5th Avenue Throw in Breslin Plaid 6) Resin Stag Head 7) Cooper Navy Plaid Rug 8) Rustic Saltire Flag Pillow 9) Thomas Kay Weaver’s Plaid Pillow in Cedar Bark Sources: The Gifts of Life, Betsy Speert Sources: The Enchanted Home, Apartment Therapy Source: House Beautiful via Tartanscot
Rose gold and copper hues are cropping up in many areas of design– fashion, jewelry, packaging– and I have an inkling these metals will soon be popular accents in home design. Sources: 1) Joseph Dirand / Interiors / Varenne, Paris 2) Lamb & Blonde 3) Heal’s 4) Slow Luxe Design 5) Helly & Co Sources: 1) Forecast Single-light Rose Gold Ceiling Lamp 2) Anthropologie 3) Swan Chair by Windsor Smith 4) Rose Gold Faucet 5) Elephant Sancal 6) Nate Berkus Lamp
Chair back ring pulls have just started popping up on my radar, but I’m betting they’ll be a big new trend. They add a touch of glitz and distinction to any chair, and they would be an easy DIY project. My favorite part about this trend is the potential for holiday and party decoration. Drape a garland of greenery or secure a fresh flower. Tie on a beautiful ribbon. Attach goodie bags or seating name tags. The possibilities are endless. Sources: 1) William Hefner Architecture Interiors & Landscape 2) Politics of Pretty 3) Houzz 4) A Thoughtful Place 5) Beth Dotolo
Three-dimensional optical illusions have been cropping up all over the design world this past year, in particular the isometric cube pattern. From flooring to finishes, this pattern is certainly on trend. Check out this beautiful inspiration! Sources: The Aestate’s DIY table inspired by Pierre Frey, Color & Character Dana Console, Vintage Luxe, Door Sixteen