Design Eye Training : 109
Happy Friday, friends! I figured we’d close out the work week with a fun post. Today’s Design Eye Training is definitely a maximalist space and there is a LOT to discover in this small room. This space was designed by Andrew Brown Interiors and there are so many patterns, finishes, colors, and textures to discuss and admire. It’s a bedroom that definitely skews a bit eclectic and grandmillenial with some traditional and classical elements! I also think it lends quite a bit of inspiration if you’re into vintage decor & furniture. This little space is packed with unique, curated, and antique items that feel surprisingly cohesive (without looking like a discombobulated thrift store). Are you intrigued? It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it will certainly make for an excellent design conversation. Click through!
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?
The first thing I noticed in this room was the doors. I could be wrong, but I believe those doors have been faux painted to take on a tortoise or almost burl-like finish. I actually really dig them! The warm tones complement the use of green throughout this space very well. You’re also going to notice a lot of styling and decor items packed into this bedroom. From busts and vases to obelisks, art, and trinkets, the smaller styling items are fun to discover. Does the neutral sisal rug look familiar? It looks nearly identical to the one I installed in my home office. I think it was a smart move to go with something neutral and textural on the floor, given the amount of pattern and color packed into this space elsewhere. It provides some much needed negative space for your eye to rest and relax… it’s grounding and inserts balance.
The beautiful pillows really help to give us insight about the size of this room. If I had to guess, the bed is either a full or queen size- meaning this space really isn’t very large. It just goes to show that you can pack a LOT of style and personality into a small room. I really admire the pattern play happening in this bedroom… from the bedding and textiles to the wallpaper, there is a lot going on, but it all works pretty well together. Geometric patterns are paired with organic shapes and the change in scale really helps these busy patterns feel more cohesive. I absolutely adore the pleated bed canopy and sconces installed against the bed rails. It feels very luxe and cozy.
The Schumacher Octavia wallpaper is one I’ve actually dreamed of installing in our own home. I love the green, the subtle sheen, and the geometric pattern that feels like it could have lived on a fashion runway in a past life. I also noted the use of antiques throughout this bedroom… the chest of drawers, the busts, the bed, a French armchair, an octagonal mirror, the bamboo side table, etc. There are so many beautifully curated items.
I also love the way modern elements (like the floor lamps and the mirror) add a nice contrast & juxtaposition to all of the traditional antiques. For such a small room, this space feels very cozy, intimate, interesting, totally unique, and like a fun space to discover plenty of design treasures.
You know I’m excited to hear your thoughts on this one! Do you like it? Dislike it? What stood out most to you? Your favorite element in the room? Are you still enjoying this series? Cheers to a lovely weekend ahead! We’re celebrating Emmett’s birthday (a week early) with friends & skiing this weekend… we’re looking forward to stepping away from work and projects for a couple of days. I hope you have a fun and relaxing weekend, too!
