Object LessonWritten by Deborah L. Martin Edward Fields x George Nakashima In 1959, renowned architect, woodworker, and designer George Nakashima created two carpet designs for Edward Fields. The project was eventually shelved and the designs were never produced. In 2013, the brand revisited the designs with Nakashima’s children, Mira and Kevin. Mira then discovered a cache of pencil drawings in a folder simply labeled “rugs,” and the project took a dramatic turn. The folder contained numerous sketches of rug ideas that her father had envisioned but had not created. As with all of his designs, nature is the prevailing theme, and these large scale abstractions—made from hand-tufted wool, silk, flax, and sisal—elicit pastoral landscapes, night skies, and bursts of life. The Nakashima edition celebrates two titans of design: a storied brand, and a revered pillar of American design history. Shown here, Migration I and Nakashima’s original sketch for the rug. Holly Hunt x Vladimir Kagan Vladimir Kagan was a prolific designer even into his 80s, and his most recognizable design is the oft-imitated Serpentine sofa, which has become an icon of midcentury design. Today, Vladimir Kagan Design Group and Holly Hunt continue to evolve the collection. Chris Eitel, director of Design and Production for Vladimir Kagan Design Group, introduced the Forward Collection in 2022, which includes the Big Picture Sofa, the latest iteration of the maestro’s legendary design. At right, one of Kagan’s original sketches. Vola x Arne Jacobsen In 1969, Danish architect Arne Jacobsen—having just won a design competition for […]View
Delightful TopographyWritten by Charlotte Vale “A room should never allow the eye to settle in one place. it should smile at you and create fantasy.” —Juan Montoya MercadoView
Byrd’s-Eye ViewWritten By Thomas Connors | Photography By Meghan Beierle-O’brien Styling By Char Hatch Langos It’s not often that a house is too much of a good thing. Usually, it’s quite the opposite. The kitchen is cramped, there’s no en suite. But when L.A.-based Mark Langos took on this Robert Byrd–designed ranch in in the hills of Sherman Oaks, its assets—large proportions, voluminous spaces and strong architecture—required expert management. “These can prove problematic in creating distinct living spaces,” says Langos. “The original living room never felt defined, more of a transitionary space between entry, dining room, kitchen, hall and family room. We decided to swap the locations of the living room and former playroom to transform this hub of the house into a lounge, the perfect gathering spot.” Byrd, who was not a trained architect, began designing homes in California in the 1920s and was active throughout the 1970s. Noting that his houses—characterized by a distinctive play of brick, stone and wood—“are not for the faint of heart,” Langos made of point of respecting original features, such as the massive stone fireplace that opens to three different spaces, while bringing his own touch to the home. “As we moved through the property, remodeling and creating new spaces, we continually acknowledged that we were working in a Byrd house,” says Langos. “We have modernized, pared down, and restructured, all the while remaining consistent with much of the language and materials— solid hickory wood pegged floors, Texas flagstone, Douglas fir beams, bronze—of the […]View
Modern CanvasWritten by Nicole Haddad Photography by Joshua McHugh Designing a 19th-century New York townhome is a watershed moment for any designer, so when designer Sergio Mercado was tasked with gut-renovating just such a treasure in New York’s exclusive Sutton Place neighborhood, he was thrilled. “My client was coming from a triplex penthouse on Park Avenue that was filled to the brim—she wanted something that was clean, easy to maintain, and pared down,” he explains. “It was a great fit as I tend to integrate fewer objects that hold meaning, while giving them space to breathe.” Mercado began by conceptualizing a floor plan that flows effortlessly and caters to the family’s lifestyle. To expand the home while preserving its historic charm, he introduced several structural renovations. A new fourth floor and terrace were seamlessly integrated into the existing limestone facade, along with a complete renovation of the rear, featuring new windows that flood the space with natural light and frame sweeping views of the East River. The basement was excavated to expand its footprint and accommodate a dog spa—reflecting the family’s commitment to the ASPCA and rescue dogs (their own included). Inside, the main level was reimagined as a loft- like space, unfolding from a bright and airy living room and expanding into a dining room, kitchen, and a newly added balcony that overlooks the gorgeous, modernized rear garden. “We wanted to open up the space and create a feeling of lightness to replace the typical series of closed-off rooms common […]View
Final Take Barclay ButeraAs told to Deborah L. Martin My Style My personal style is always evolving. With 30 years in the business, you are constantly barraged with new and exciting designs and innovations! These days in my own home I prefer an edited, uncluttered vibe. Life is complicated enough without being surround with “stuff.” While I hesitate to label it, transitional is about as close as it gets. I love to curate product from around the globe; art, rugs, decor to really personalize my space. A World of Inspiration No question my biggest inspiration is travel! I have been to very exotic locations over the last few years: Africa, Mykonos, Morrocco, Vienna, Spain, and artisan communities in Mexico, to name a few. Each time I come home from a trip I am inspired to design new collections for my licensing partners and infuse those inspirations into my client’s projects. My new lighting collection with Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting for Barclay Butera Couture is called “Embark” and was inspired by my trips to Santorini and the Amalfi Coast. Time Travel I have to say I am still a Rat Pack junkie! That era inspired an entire generation and had a major influence on fashion and life-style. I can’t drive out to my Palm Springs home without a little Sinatra playing. In fact, I was fortunate enough to own his Twin Palms estate for several years. That was totally a surreal moment in time for me. Favorite Things I am just wrapping up a […]View
R.S.V.P.Written by Deborah L. Martin Entertaining Ideas Malene Djenaba Barnett is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist, textile surface designer, and community builder. In her work, Barnett explores both her Caribbean heritage and surface pattern design found in African and diasporic architecture, textiles, and objects. She shares, “I love entertaining and creating opportunities to bring the community together over a good meal. It’s one of the many ways I express creativity and connect with my heritage—similar to how I explore the creative practices of Black Caribbean makers in my book, Crafted Kinship. Hosting gatherings allows me to share my love of Caribbean cuisine, craftsmanship, and culture with friends and family while creating meaningful experiences.” Here’s how she creates the perfect party. 1 The Theme I begin with a theme reflecting the African diaspora, focusing on Caribbean cuisine. I typically prepare a vegetarian meal, spotlighting plant-based dishes rooted in my culture. 2 Relaxed Ambiance I prefer a buffet-style setup, using my kitchen island. It gives guests the freedom to serve themselves and creates a communal atmosphere where everyone can enjoy the meal at their own pace. 3 Handmade Decor I love incorporating handmade dinnerware, serving pieces, and linens from Jamaica or other parts of the Caribbean. These items add a personal touch and vibrant colors, turning the meal into a celebration of creativity and culture. 4 A Self-Serve Bar A self-serve bar keeps things easy and informal. I offer signature mocktails and cocktails, with sorel (made from hibiscus flowers) being a favorite. Guests […]View
Living ColorWritten by Kelsey Mulvey What makes a home feel elevated? While some might argue a slew of sun-drenched windows or minimalist, low-profile furniture, most would agree that a sophisticated space almost always boasts a neutral color palette. However, one residence in Houston’s Tanglewood enclave sidesteps tradition by embracing color. Lots of color. The project—a collaboration of interior designer Jon Green of Indigo Interior Design, architect Mauricio Vela Carvajalino, and builder David Stone—draws inspiration from architect Luis Barragán’s portfolio of colorful, contemporary homes. Pops of pigments are present with the client’s art and furnishings, but the home’s palette is further enhanced by the bright cabinetry from Eggersmann. Though the German company has been making premier, customizable storage solutions since its founding in 1908, bright, bold hues are a departure from its often-sleek spaces. “We typically don’t do a lot of color at eggersmann, but the client here is from Mexico and loves color,” explains Andrea Villamarin of Eggersmann Houston, who worked on this space. “When you go into their house, there’s color everywhere.” The kitchen boasts a custom lime-green island to highlight the verdant tones in the room’s art. While the island commands attention, Villamarin cleverly incorporates glass-fronted cabinets with a matching green interior to draw the eye upward. “They wanted to have something open on that whole elevation,” Villamarin explains. “It’s just a nice accent: It’s there, but it’s not so much in your face.” Between the neon bursts, a series of white lacquered cabinets provides a visual breather. In […]View
Seeking BalanceWritten by Kelsey Mulvey After years of the minimalism versus maximalism conversation, Yoko Chow is putting the debate to rest once and for all: As her recent project in Los Angeles’s Brentwood neighborhood proves, the two schools of thought can beautifully co-exist under one roof. When the designer was first tapped to work on this California residence in 2022, she saw a unique opportunity to bring contrasting perspectives to a common ground. Not only did Chow have to strike a balance between two different styles—her client has a penchant for bold, Art Deco– inspired touches, while the designer prefers a pared-back aesthetic—but she also had to create a midcentury aesthetic that works in 2024. “It was a very typical midcentury house, and people back then lived a totally different lifestyle,” Chow says of the structure. “My client wanted to feel the depth of the house so that once you walk in, you can already appreciate it all the way back to the backyard.” The designer added large headers to “open up the space,” while glass-fronted doors lead out to the backyard to give the contemporary area a sun-dappled effect. “It’s a mix of Midcentury and Art Deco, but I worked to control the balance and how many colors we put inside so it’s comfortable without looking too overcrowded.” —Yoko Chow With a footprint that feels more conducive with the 21st century, Chow was able to inject bold, slightly retro details through her refined lens. “It’s a mix of midcentury and […]View
Home StyleWritten by Kelsey Mulvey Photography by Kristen Francis In a city that houses millions, an apartment can often feel like just another concrete box. But for Molly Torres Portnof, founder and principal designer of DATE Interiors, a little bit of personality can make even a uninspired white box feel warm and welcoming. When Torres Portnof was first tasked to help design an Upper West Side apartment, she wanted to restore the unit to its original glory. “The space luckily had 10-foot-high ceilings, so it felt really big and open,” the designer explains. “However, the previous owners ripped out architectural details like the original molding and fireplace mantel during a prior renovation years ago. They made it more ‘modern’ for the time with a lot of builder-grade options that just really didn’t hold up.” However, once Torres Portnof learned about her client’s vibrant, culture-packed lifestyle, she sought to create a space that would weave a tapestry of her travels and experiences. “We were able to be really thoughtful and creative—and make it a space that she absolutely loves,” Torres Portnof shares. “I wouldn’t say that you necessarily feel like you are in New York. I think it feels very culturally diverse: We pulled inspiration from Parisian pieds-à-terre, Ottoman architecture, and Spanish design.” “I think it feels very culturally diverse: we pulled inspiration from Parisian pieds-à-terre, Ottoman architecture, and Spanish design” —Molly Torres Portnof Step inside the apartment and you are confronted with a great room that includes the living room, kitchen, […]View