Design Eye Training : 113
How was your weekend? Our family is still here visiting and we’ve been having the best time sharing our favorite places with them. Today, I’ve got a new Design Eye Training post lined up for you.. our first one of the year! We’ll be analyzing and admiring a gorgeous room from the Kips Bay Decorator Show House, designed by the talented Sarah Bartholomew. This space is a workspace- or studio office of sorts. Though it has a neutral color palette, it’s anything but boring and is packed with fun design surprises to discover. Have I piqued your interest? Click through to talk design with me!
To quickly recap… in our Design Eye series, we observe and admire design fundamentals like scale, texture, pattern, material use, lighting plans, color, floor plan & layout, and a variety of intentional styling & interior moments pulled together by the pros. It’s an exercise I used to practice often in design school, and one I still enjoy today. By discussing and breaking down well designed spaces in greater detail, you’ll begin to train your “design eye”, build upon the design fundamentals, and can apply some of these things to your own home, if they appeal to you. I also feel like this series can really help you hone in your personal aesthetic, determining what you like and dislike… and most importantly, why. Ready to give it a try?
This first word that came to mind when I scrolled this space was dimension. From the striped wallpaper to the fluted fireplace, there are plenty of vertical lines throughout this space that draw your eye upward to the curved ceiling architecture, creating depth and a ribbed effect. It’s a reoccurring theme in this room. In addition to line, there are plenty of other sharp geometric forms to be found… take note of the floor pattern, abstract art, and gilded lines within the writing desk- so many shapes with hard edges!
To soften those hard edges, luxe textures create a beautiful balance. From the upholstered daybed with the velvet cushion to the throw blankets, ruched roman shade, wispy florals, and mohair slipper chair, this room feels chic and inviting.
Oddly enough, I was able to compare quite a few key points from this space to my own home office… the black desk, the gallery wall behind it, a daybed, statement lighting, white plaster finishes, and a traditional upholstered white desk chair. No wonder I’m attracted to this studio space! It has a familiarity to it.
I also really appreciate the lighting in this room. Despite the abundance of natural light, I imagine it’s very cozy during the evening hours. I counted five lamps in this space, in addition to the overhead pendant. I’m into the layered lighting look, and the pleated shades are a nice traditional touch paired with the modern forms throughout this home office.
Speaking of, there is a great mix of old and new here… antique pieces mixed with new upholstery and fresh styling. It also has a casual feel to it, which I think the styling suggests. Leaned artwork, stacks of books on the floor, and a desktop that feels like it’s actually in use keep this office space looking approachable.
There is a LOT of curated artwork throughout this room. Plenty of modern abstract pieces and even a traditional portrait. They’re all framed very nicely and I especially like that a work is displayed upright on an easel! I just inherited an antique easel from my step dad’s grandparents and I can’t wait to find a place to style it. Artwork can be installed anywhere- not just on the wall.
I’d love to hear what you liked about this space? Did anything specific jump out to you? I found the dimension, textural elements, artwork, and custom upholstery especially beautiful… and the gorgeous nero marble fireplace! Be sure to follow Sarah on Instagram for more timeless design inspiration. She’s wonderful and so talented! Here’s to a wonderful week ahead. I hope you have a good one!
