The Scheme of Things

Living room of Frist house in Nashville - McAlpine Booth & Ferrier via Architectural Digest

When I look at pictures of homes, I love analyzing all the different layers of the decor: the furnishings, the colors, the use of light. But one thing that is so important - and such a hallmark of good design - is the basic layout of the room.

Bonesteel Trout Hall

It is a real challenge to make a space functional for those who live there (determining what its true purpose will be, optimizing the flow of traffic, etc.), while creating an environment that is aesthetically pleasing.

Home of editor Deborah Needleman - via Domino

When faced with the blank canvas of a large room or one with multiple uses, the task can be that much greater. I love to see rooms that succeed at it though: carving out spaces to curl up by the fire, play music, or have a casual dinner.

Phoebe Howard

This is a smaller room, but it is laid out so beautifully. I imagine it as a guest room and I don't think it could be anymore thoughtful or gracious. There is cozy bedding, a vanity area, attached bath, side chair for tossing items or putting on your shoes, extra towels, plenty of light, and a soothing color scheme. Perfection.

Chris Barrett

Alice Lane Home

The folks over at Alice Lane Home in Utah have a great formula for floor plans: 1 sofa + 2 side chairs + 1 statement chair. They use it in most of their projects and why not? It looks so put together and classic.

Jeffrey Bilhuber

These last two rooms are the epitome of comfort and grace. Just look at that custom, double-sided sofa above!

Victoria Hagan

Hope y'all are having a great day!

Ode to JRD

Dining area in wine country estate

Some of you may not have heard of Jonathan Rachman Design yet, but I don't think that will be the case for long! He is a very talented San Francisco designer who has been featured in Sunset magazine, California Home + Design, as well as Better Homes and Gardens.

I wanted to feature him in my post today in honor of his One Kings Lane sale going on right now. If you haven't been over there to check it out, you really must go. His collection of vintage and antique items is so fun.

I love how Jonathan pays so much attention to detail. I mean, just look at all the tables, shelves, and such, and how artfully everything is arranged. Just lovely.

What a sunny space! I love banquettes! The chairs add that unexpected touch of whimsy.

There are so many different textures and colors here, but, not only do they not overwhelm, the space actually feels quite serene. What do you think about all that lavender?

Jonathan is also adept at working with a range of styles and on a range of projects. From modern....

To traditional...

From hotels and inns....

Lobby of Inn of Chicago

To boutiques...

Luxe shopping at Heidi Says

His designs really are beautiful, and I wish him the best with lots of continued success!

I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend!

Rooms to inspire

Design by Eric Cohler


I am a bit short on time today, so I figured I would just post a few pictures that I have been pouring over recently. Whenever a photo makes me stop in my tracks, I will spend countless hours staring at every inch of the featured room, trying to figure out what exactly makes it so great.

I am a big fan of Eric Cohler. His style can range from Park Avenue ladies-who-lunch traditional to misunderstood-and-underappreciated-artist eclectic. He is a native New Yorker, and you can see his lifelong exposure to, and passion for, art in his home. (I will post more pics from his home featured in NYSD later.)

Eric Cohler's living room

I also love his perspective on a home: "I want to feel enveloped and cosseted. To me that’s the ultimate luxury: to feel not only secure in my own space but enveloped, with wonderful things around me." I totally agree.


Entry by Eileen Boyd


There is something so warm, yet modern and artsy, about this entryway. I love the pattern on the chairs and the arrangement of the artwork, but there is something else there, something that makes it not just good, but great.


Bedroom by Phoebe Howard

I love this little vignette by Howard: the delicate bamboo stool, the tiny nautical painting, the gorgeous lamp, and shimmering bud vase.   


Living room by Anthropologie's Keith Johnson


I can't even tell you how many times I have stared at this room by Keith Johnson. Cozy, layered, and elegant, this room encompasses all of what I want my home to be.

Here's to finding interiors that inspire you!