The Design Files – Traditional Interiors are Back
Traditional interiors will be big in 2018 according to various interior design articles. I never received the memo that they were "out". I don't think they ever went away, especially in cities like New Orleans, Charleston (SC), and Washington, DC.I don't belive in following trends. It's helpful to know what is going on in the world of design but the client's tastes and the architecture of the home are much more important than what's trending. For example, installing barn doors everywhere. I adore them. However, sometimes a room needs a regular door or a pocket door. Don't get me started on shiplap.Plus, following trends is an easy way to have your home look dated quickly. This will not help the resale value of your home (more relevant in the States where we renovate/redecorate and move often compared to other countries).I'm not surprised that people are falling back in love with traditional interiors. During a time of great uncertainty in the world, it's nice to be surrounded by something comforting and familiar. It's interesting to me that so many people thought/think of traditional interiors as very stuffy, too precious, and too old. In fact, traditional interiors are perfect for families, especially those with small children. Pieces that have been around for generations can take a beating. A little wear and tear adds character. The use of color helps hides stains and so on.Speaking of color, this is one way to make your space current and not like your great-grandmother's. Another suggestion is to mix it up. Place some modern pieces in the room. A room filled with only antiques can feel like a museum.Below are some recently decorated spaces in the traditional style. They're fun and have a lot of personality.This home in San Francisco was decorated by Miles Redd for a young family with four children. Pictures are from Architectural Digest.
Jane Scott Hodges's home in New Orleans is a bold mix of colors and patterns. She worked on her home with friend, interior designer, Gwen Driscoll. Photos are from House Beautiful.
Interior designer Darryl Carter wrote a book called The New Traditional. His spin on this aesthetic is more sculptural. He uses a lot of neutrals but with a variety of textures which gives his spaces movement. Photos are from One Kings Lane.
Design Inspiration - Darryl Carter's Boutique, Washington, DC
Darryl Carter's boutique was on my list of must sees during my trip to Washington, DC last month.I've read about it and seen many photos of it. Yet, I was not ready!Mr. Carter is one of my favorite interior designers. He usually works with neutral palettes and I love his modern take on traditional, classic style.He didn't study interior design. Carter was expected to attend law school and he did.His transition from a very successful lawyer to one of the most acclaimed designers in America is inspiring.His boutique, a pre-Civil War carriage house, is located in the Shaw neighborhood. The space was in complete disrepair when Carter bought it in 2008. The extensive renovation was thoughtful and bold, retaining many of the building's unique features. The exterior work was approved by the Historic Preservation Review Board.Carter sells antiques and new items that are handmade by artisans. Like his interior design work, the boutique is beautifully edited. It feels more like a home, rather than a store.Megan was kind enough to show me around during my visit.Much of the wood on the first floor was salvaged from the South African Embassy which was built around the same time as the original structure.This incredible limestone arch came from an old Virginia manor.
The cupboards were salvaged from the butler's panty of the Dumbarton estate.
This Birdseye maple dresser is an American antique from 1835.
Chairs from the late 1900s found in Philadelphia.
This sofa? Like butter.
African birthing chair.
I wish I took a better photos of the kitchen. My fingers were still defrosting. I cannot handle cold weather anymore.I love every single thing about this space, especially the doors that lead out to the courtyard.
This bench, designed by Carter, is perfection.
The Hallway/Il Ingresso
Recently I re-read "Rose Cumming: Design Inspirations."This book, about one of the pioneers of a "new" field called interior design, was a gift from my friend Erica for my birthday last year.The following quote from Ms. Cumming jumped out at me: "I feel that upon entering a house one should at once be made conscious of the dominate note pervading its scheme of decoration."I was just speaking with a friend regarding how sometimes hallways are neglected spaces.I agree with Ms. Cumming. A hallway shouldn't be a dumping ground for keys, shoes, etc.If you live in a small space you could create a hallway that's functional and stylish.Here are three fab hallways:
Photo: Veranda
How gorgeous is this staircase? I love the contrast of the very dark wood with the white paint.
Photo: The Kitchn
Designer Rita Konig's kitchen is a perfect example of a hallway serving more than one purpose.
Photo: Remodelista
A hallway is a great space to showcase art.