Women In Design
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting five ground-breaking, pioneering women designers whose influences are still felt today. Although many female designers did not receive the claim they deserved during their lifetime, they pushed boundaries, experimented, and made incredible contributions to genres and movements within architecture, interior design, furniture design, and landscape design. Their innovative perspectives and willingness to play with color, form, materials, and societal expectations inspire us to live and design boldly.
Zaha Hadid
The term “visionary” gets tossed around these days, but Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid truly embodied what it means to redefine a genre. By bending the rules of construction to create free form organic structures made of materials such as concrete and glass, Hadid pushed rigid architectural conventions to their limit. In the process, the “Queen of the Curve” created breathtaking bridges, apartment buildings, museums, arts centers, and more around the globe.
Alena Graff Photography
Alena Graff Photography
Eames Office
Ray Eames
Her husband Charles Eames may be the more recognizable name, but Ray-Bernice “Ray” Eames’s contributions to art and design in the 20th century were considerable and are still being revealed. Eames experimented with multiple media including painting, graphic design, architecture, and textile design in addition to the iconic furniture design for which the Eames Office is famous.
Eames Office
Lumens
Dorothy Draper
“Modern Baroque” maven Dorothy Parker was known for her ability to combine unexpected colors and patterns to create interiors that were lively, vibrant, and decidedly anti-minimalist. After creating what is considered to be the first official interior design business in the 1920s, Draper went on to transform hotels, restaurants, and homes. Draper also wrote a beloved design column and was a true influencer: over a million yards of her cabbage rose chintz fabric was sold in the 1930s and 40s!
dorothydraper.com
dorothydraper.com
Women’s Industrial Design
Eileen Gray
Irish-born and educated in London and Paris, Eileen Gray was a trendsetter in furniture design and architecture throughout Europe. Gray pushed boundaries in both her lacquer work and her experimentation with furniture materials and shapes. Without any formal training, Gray went on to create multiple modern houses including E-1027 in France.
Gray’s designs often created a stir during her lifetime, and, like many women designers, have only recently been appreciated more fully. Fun fact: her Dragon armchair sold at auction for $28.3 million, making it the most expensive piece of 20th-century design ever sold!
Women’s Industrial Design
Mary Gaudin Photography
Bunny Mellon
Although Bunny Mellon wasn’t a self-proclaimed designer, her style influence, her keen eye for art, and her skill in planning landscapes resonate even today. Known for the classic and traditional elegance of her gardens and her iconic art collection, Mellon redesigned the White House Rose Garden during the Kennedy administration and planned landscapes for Jackie Kennedy, the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society, the founder of Givenchy, and her own multiple homes with her husband, a wealthy businessman and horse breeder.
Artful Living
Adventures in Styleland
Wine and Country Life
NOLA Insider Tips
New Orleans is known for many things including being a playground for partying, an epicurean destination, and a music lover’s haven. As my husband grew up there, we’ve made many trips to visit this unique and vibrant city, and we wanted to share some of our tried-and-true favorites in honor of Mardi Gras.
Of course, we had to begin with food! Beignets are beloved by tourists and NOLA natives alike. Who could resist this airy sugary fried dough? And, furthermore, who would want to? Grab an order (or several) along with a coffee and chicory café au lait at perennial favorite Café du Monde or head to Mother’s for heartier breakfast options. Either way, beat the crowds and get there early.
Insta via @plates4plates
Insta via @parkwaypoorboys
Po-boys are another New Orleans favorite. Shrimp or surf and turf po-boys from Parkway Po-boys are a must-have every time Julian returns to town. Check out this hearty sandwich’s humble history.
And we would be remiss if we didn’t include spicy, hearty gumbo. The Gumbo Shop in the French Quarter behind St. Louis Cathedral has traditional gumbo offerings including seafood okra, chicken andouille sausage, and gumbo z’herbes as well as other local favorites such as crawfish etouffee and jambalaya.
Other foodie favorites: GW Fins, Drago’s, Peche, and Galatoire’s.
Insta via @get_eat_beauty (second pic)
Insta via @yumbaslicious
NOLA without drinks? Inconceivable! Some of our favorite spots include sipping and slowly, spinning at the fabled Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone (the bar actually revolves!), grabbing a Hurricane at Pat O’Brien’s and sitting in the patio for prime people watching, and bellying up for a purple Frozen VooDoo Daiquiri and some pirate lore at Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar.
Once you’ve tasted New Orleans classics, you may inspired to recreate them at home. Take a class at the New Orleans School of Cooking, and you’ll be mastering BBQ shrimp and grits and bananas foster in no time. If you aren’t headed to NOLA anytime soon, they even have zoom classes to whet your appetite.
Image via @nolaschoolofcooking
Image via @wwiimuseum
Because there is more to do than eat and drink (although if you’re still hungry for more, we also recommend checking out the Southern Food and Beverage Museum), here are a few additional suggestions:
*Visit The National WWII museum for an in-depth history including oral histories, hands-on exhibits, and a 4-D movie experience.
*Take a cemetery tour. These somewhat unconventional walks take visitors through New Orleans history by sharing the stories of famous (and infamous) NOLA residents.
*New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, so we recommend checking out the performances at Preservation Hall or the Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta, or simply following your ears to the nearest jazz club.
Image via @preservationhall
Image via@neworleansmuseumofart
*Walk around French Quarter. In addition to the tourist-y shops, there are antique stores, galleries, street performers, and a near constant flow of music.
*City Park boasts over 1,300 acres and has a mini golf course, botanical gardens, and the New Orleans Museum of Art as well as bike paths and trails. Perfect for walking off all that food (in preparation for the next meal)!
Pantone Color of The Year 2022
PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri, Pantone’s color of the year (and a brand-new color creation), was selected to reflect our changed and changing world. It’s a bold and brand-new color creation that, according to the Pantone Color Institute, “ displays a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expressions”.
We are all about courageous creativity and bringing a more joyous attitude into our lives and our homes, and colors in the periwinkle family are surprisingly versatile. Veri Peri, which brings together beloved, calming blue with an energizing violet red undertone, can be used throughout the home to give small doses of color therapy.
Between zoom fatigue, the uncertainty of the next few months, and the fact that most of us feel like we’ve been in our own personal Groundhog Day movie since March 2020, injecting a little zest and vibrancy into our lives sounds pretty appealing right now. Cheers to the new year and to new energy in our homes and in our lives!Between zoom fatigue, the uncertainty of the next few months, and the fact that most of us feel like we’ve been in our own personal Groundhog Day movie since March 2020, injecting a little zest and vibrancy into our lives sounds pretty appealing right now. Cheers to the new year and to new energy in our homes and in our lives!
Here are a few ideas for how to incorporate this hue:
This floral periwinkle pillow will add a modern touch and a color boost to a sofa or couch in a more neutral shade.
A periwinkle carpet, particularly with a soft, shag texture, is a feast for the eyes…and feels amazingly cozy on feet too.
In Sara Hillery Interior Design’s County Lines textile, the color of the year gets complimented and contrasted with other saturated shades for a playful pattern that subtly salutes Virginia geography.
Entryway periwinkle flowers
Not sure you want to commit long-term to periwinkle in your home? No problem: in this light-filled entryway, a vase of periwinkle flowers brings a natural, lively pop of color.
2021 Holiday Gift Guide
We blinked, and suddenly it’s the holidays. Gift-giving is one of our favorite parts of the season, and we rounded up several options that are surefire winners. From a chic chess set to personalized candles, you can cross off everyone on your “nice list” (and maybe pick up a little holiday treat for yourself in the process).
Make like Beth Harmon in the Queen’s Gambit and pick up one of these Lucite acrylic chess sets. Available in neon orange and yellow or classic black and white, these sleek sets can live on any surface and are sure attract lots of admirers as well as potential game seekers.
Image via Hetgroen Lab
Image via Jonathan Adler
New design books are always on our holiday wish list. There’s nothing like starting off the year with fresh design inspiration. Some newly released favorites include Botanical Buildings: When Plants Meet Architecture, Where We Work: Home Offices, and Home: A Celebration.
There’s absolutely nothing basic about the baubles from Emily Warden Designs, thanks to Emily’s training in metalsmithing and jewelry design and her impeccable eye for finding and setting gorgeous stones. Her well-designed site makes it easy to shop and extremely difficult to narrow down the gift-buying selection.
Image via Emily Warden Designs
Image via Chilewich
Whether you are finally feeling like you can entertain again safely or you are still keeping your dinner crew small, these woven placemats from perennial favorite Chilewich elevate your table settings into art. Eco-friendly and suitable for indoor/outdoor use, the placemats make great hostess gifts that will long outlast a bottle of wine or flowers.
Felix Doolittle’s stationery line includes personalized canning labels and bookplates, but we would love to gift a set of signature note cards from the Plein Air collection. Whether you choose a marsh or a countryside field, you aren’t just preserving the art of letter writing when you gift these beauties; you’re also passing on a love and appreciation of illustrated art.
Image via Felix Doolittle
Image via Navabella
We keep candles burning all winter long, so stocking up on the latest offerings from Navabella is a no brainer, especially since they come in a variety of delectable scents like iced eggnog and mocha mint. You can even personalize these minimalist candles with a holiday greeting!
From all of us at Sara Hillery Interior Design, we wish you happy holidays!
My Top 5 No-Carve Pumpkins for Fall
It’s Fall y’all, and, if you’re like me, you want to spice up your seasonal decor this year. Carving pumpkins with kids is a Halloween highlight and a tradition that’s not to be missed, but keeping some pumpkins uncut makes for easy, longer-lasting holiday decorations. This list of my favorite and freshest no-carve pumpkin ideas for Fall covers a wide range of styles and decors so choose the ones that will enliven your space and get you in the holiday spirit.
Classic Porcelain Inspired PUMPKINS
I’m a collector of tableware, so of course I immediately fell in love with these Delftware-inspired painted pumpkins. If painting is not a strong suit of yours, don’t worry: the artist has free print-outs available so you can create your own stunning, stress-free Delftware Pumpkins.
Get the step-by-step here!
Glam Sequin Polka Dot Pumpkins
Get the step-by-step here!
These are just plain fun! A little paint, glue and sequins is all you’ll need to achieve this Kate-Spade-does-pumpkins look. Kiddos can also get in on the decorating action for these pumpkins. Color creativity encouraged--we would love to see how the pumpkins look painted different colors with contrasting or complementary sequin spots.
Neon Stem Pumpkins
Who says Fall decor has to be orange and brown? These neon stem pumpkins pack a punch and are sure to be the envy of the neighborhood! We love how fresh, simple, and modern they look when a bunch are arranged together.
Get the step-by-step here!
Petal Perfect Pumpkins
Get the stp-by-step here!
The only downside to Fall is seeing the end of all those Summer blooms, but this decorating method repurposes petals and flowers in a fresh and surprisingly romantic way. Bright and delicate flowers such as hydrangeas create an almost whimsical look, while blooms in darker colors (think chrysanthemums or red yarrow) would set a moodier, perhaps spookier scene.
Preppy Painted Faux Pumpkins
And finally, if you want your pumpkins on display year-round, why not go for a faux option? A sunny addition to a tablescape or a chic way to make your mantel a little more festive, these bright preppy pumpkins are adorable and would look great during any season!
Get Yours Here!
Before and After Living Room Makeover
An artsy family’s sense of whimsy and passion for collecting unique art was lost in a drab living space that was weighed down by a busy patterned rug and dated wall adornments. We came in to help create a refined adult retreat that was functional and kid-friendly and simultaneously could serve as a space for the family to show off their one-of-a-kind paintings.
By updating the dark khaki walls with a soft, warm white paint color and refreshing the white molding, the room immediately feels substantially lighter. To continue with this fresh theme, we covered up the dark wood floors with a creamy natural fiber area rug that is both kid and dog friendly.
A simple glass coffee table keeps the space light-hearted and airy, while reflective lamps, vases, and accessories maintain the breezy vibe. Matching mirrors and dark chests on either side of the fireplace balance the room while creating the illusion of an even more open and bright space.
Tying in colors from the family’s amazing art collection into the chairs, pillows, and drapes helps to achieve a playful, yet unified atmosphere. For example, the patterned pillows resting on the blue armchairs reflect a design similar to that of the painting between the drapes, while the bunny-printed bolster pillow maintains the same sweetness as the nearby bird painting. Sprinkles of green in pots on the mantel, in the form of a tableside succulent, or arranged creatively on the coffee table give additional nods to the natural world and keep the space from looking overly pristine.
Combining sleek shapes, organic textures, and the family’s distinctive artwork, we transformed this living room from a dark den into a vibrant, light-filled space perfectly suited for family life, artistic inspiration, and perhaps even a little quiet reflection and reading time.
Get the look!
How To Make the Most of Awkward Nooks
Spaces under the stairs, hall closets, dormer windows, slanted attic alcoves, and basement niches: these awkward areas are common, yet woefully underused. Nooks such as these are often found aplenty in older homes, but almost every dwelling has at least one odd corner or recess. Far from inconvenient eyesores or a waste of square footage, we see them as the perfect opportunity to experiment and play. Homeowners can gain additional, functional space by rethinking these tricky areas and by getting resourceful and creative within the home’s existing structure.
For families with young children, awkward and unconventionally sized nooks can quickly be transformed into kiddie havens. An under-the-stairs space can become a “KIDS ONLY” sanctuary by turning it into a playhouse within the home. No matter the weather outside, little ones will love escaping to a getaway that’s just for them and can hold their favorite toys. Bonus: having this tucked-away space to stash their stuff means less clutter in the general living area. Even a small space can be utilized in a fun way: for one kiddie client, we made a hidden door out of a bookshelf that opened up into a space with shelves and toys. What child wouldn’t want a secret passage?
Design courtesy of Von Fitz Design
Design courtesy of M and M Studio
Or turn an oddly shaped area into a functional and tidy makeshift mudroom for school and extracurricular supplies. Use your kids’ not-fully-grown stature to take advantage of a space that might be awkward or unusable for a full-sized adult. Small shelves or drawers might seem useless to an adult, but they could become the perfect spots for a child to place their first house key or a daily treasure found while adventuring. And including kids in the planning and ideas stage might just encourage an interest in design!
But under-the-stairs spaces need not be reserved for kids. A wine cellar is an ingenious use of such an area. Likewise, shelving to display books, art, and photographs is yet another way to optimize an underused space.
The kitchen often ends up serving as the heart of the home, but not every home design includes a spacious set-up and might include an awkward, boxy, or cramped niche or nook. Built-in eating areas beckon family members to curl up in the cozy space throughout the day (especially if it’s surrounded by windows and lots of natural light). Besides sharing a meal together, family members will find themselves using the built-ins for homework sessions, an early morning cup of coffee, a bird-watching session, or even a nap. You can add even more functionality to these built-ins through lift-up seats or pull-out storage!
Design courtesy of Eleanor Cummings
Design courtesy of Eleanor Cummings
While purpose drives these unusual spaces, they can also serve as unlikely and subtle design elements. For example, a deep-set window can easily be transformed into a reading nook that invites the home’s inhabitants and guests to relax and escape from the stress of the world. Even if you don’t intend to use it regularly, such a serene space will add a visual softness and a welcoming vibe to the home.
So if you find yourself pondering an awkward space in your home every time you pass it and often wonder how it could be better used, peruse these innovative designs for inspiration. With a little ingenuity, those clumsy corners and niche nuisances can become some of your favorite and functional spots in your home.
Let There be Light: A Bright and Airy Bathroom Makeover
After living for many years with a first floor layout that included a bedroom and a study with only a small bathroom, two empty nesters decided it was time for a change to better suit their lifestyle now. Eliminating the study made way for a major bathroom makeover (and for the addition of a walk-in closet). The resulting room is a bright space filled with tactile and visual details that give the room an abundance of personality.
Key to keeping the sleek serenity of the space is the crisp yet inviting color palette. Choosing a soft neutral for the walls and under-the-sink cabinets makes the space feel bigger, calmer, and soothing.
To shed light throughout the new space, Sara doubled the room’s natural lighting by adding another sight-line window. In addition to overhead recessed lighting, she also added plenty of shine-reflecting bling in the finishes.
Pops of color and texture add intrigue and enliven the space. For example, the painting above the mirrored chest is a sea of organically crafted and warmly colored brushstrokes, painted by Sara herself, while the ushak floor rug creates a cozy, lived-in feel.
A vintage relief sculpture of a woman in a hat adds an artistic dimension to the wall.
Despite its luxe appearance, the shower was finished with tiles in a marbled design in taupes and greys in lieu of actual marble. Tile doesn’t require the maintenance and care (or cost) of natural stone, but still offers a natural, polished look. A panel with a design breaks up the shower area and adds another layer of texture, while the glass door makes the space seem bigger.
With elements toggling effortlessly between the modern and the eclectic, we transformed the bathroom into a bright, relaxing, and soothing oasis that the homeowners will enjoy for years to come.
First Home Essentials
As I get ready to celebrate my anniversary it brings back memories of all the firsts and exciting moments of getting married and preparing to build a life together. Looking back almost 15 years I am sharing a few things I have learned along the way...
Whether you live together prior to marriage or not, moving into your first home as Mr. and Mrs. feels special…and getting a little help in purchasing all the things you want and need is a wonderful bonus of getting hitched. Your registry provides the perfect opportunity for you to request goods, furniture, art, and more that will reflect your relationship and interests as a couple and help prepare you for your lives together.
So many choices and areas can make the registry process seem overwhelming (Towels! Matching tennis racquets! 35 types of waffle makers!), so we made our list of the Top 5 best things to register for, invest in, and use often. And that last part is of utmost importance: if you don’t have aspirations of hand-making your own noodles for spaghetti night, skip that pretty KitchenAid with the pasta arm attachment. A surefire way to kill newlywed domestic bliss is to end up with cabinets and closets of appliances, décor, and knickknacks that are simply collecting dust. On the other hand, surrounding yourself with beautiful and useful items that you choose together can keep that warm glow of love going.
China and Dinnerware
This is the time to splurge! Your wedding is likely the one time in your life someone else will be buying china and dinnerware for you so select pieces you go ga-ga for. While it seems like you can buy anything on the Internet these days, we highly recommend that you take a trip to the store before adding these every day and special occasion essentials to your registry.
Hold the mugs, feel the weight of the silverware, examine the plates: these are the MVPs of your kitchen and dining room so you want to make sure you are choosing wisely and for the long haul.
And speaking of the long haul, the price of sterling silver can increase dramatically over time, so if your wedding day yield is a mix and match of silverware pieces, make sure you save some of your gift cards and extra funds to fill out at least one set so that you have it for life. This is a good tip for dinnerware as well: go ahead and purchase the rest or at least several sets. Some stores discontinue lines or even just certain colors, and you don’t want to be stuck without enough pasta bowls or end up with a hodgepodge of mismatched dishes. To get varied looks (and the most bang for your buck), consider picking a simple and classic dinner plate and then adding wild, playful, fun dessert, salad plates or chargers.
A good sofa
Whether you have visions of watching your favorite movies huddled together, hosting friends for wine, cheese, and charades hang outs, or spending lazy Sunday afternoons napping, picking the right sofa is of key importance and another instance where you want to try it out in real life. To choose a sofa that will last whatever life throws at it (and on it), seek out a kiln-dried hardwood frame and cushions with eight way hand-tied springs. As for fabric, we don’t have any hard and fast rules, other than to choose something that’s durable and that you find yourselves drawn to, whether it’s neutral or in a statement pattern or design. If your tastes change quickly, and you love switching things up regularly, consider erring on the neutral side. Throw pillows and blankets are a great way to incorporate bold colors, and swapping out these décor details will be less painful (and expensive) than a whole sofa!
Original art
Art is a deeply individual part of the decorating process, and it’s crucial for adding a personal touch to your home as well as setting the tone and mood. Original art sourced from galleries, Etsy, or your artist friends truly elevate a room and help make the space uniquely yours. One-of-a-kind pieces are conversation starters; even a few smaller, distinctive pieces framed well and hung with care over a second-hand sofa looks much more put together than a poster from college hung with push pins. Trust us: we are hereby giving you permission to throw away, recycle, or move into the attic anything that graced your walls during your college years.
If you and your significant other love a piece of art, it will likely be eye candy to some of your visitors as well, but don’t worry about whether the art is “good” or “worth it” from an investment standpoint. You and your spouse will be the ones living with it so select something that stands out to you! Of course, building your own art collection is rewarding, but for many novice art buyers, it’s more important to select pieces that work for your budget and your style now. You can always save up later for your own little Matisse or Kahlo original!
Versatile and investment-worthy furniture
Playing with the size and shape of your rooms and what can fit in it is one of our favorite activities as designers, and you and your significant other can play too with a few foundational furniture pieces. Look for versatile options that are built to last. Select furniture crafted from wood from sustainably certified forests, antique pieces that have stood the test of time, and/or pieces that feature evidence of craftsmanship and expertise, as evident in dovetail details.
Finding hardworking pieces that can transition between different rooms is a major goal here. For example, a chest of drawers could be used in an entry hall, topped with a lamp and a beautiful bowl for mail and keys. It could just as easily be incorporated into the master bathroom as an elegant way to store linens or as a functional TV stand in the living room. And take your time. Some hand-crafted furniture takes weeks or months to arrive after ordering. The wait will be worth it (and you won’t even remember it) years down the road as you are still enjoying your carefully chosen pieces.
Something that you choose TOGETHER
It’s common that one half of a couple takes the registry reigns and makes many of the decisions. If you or your spouse truly doesn’t have an opinion or trusts the other completely, your selection process will undoubtedly be easier than that of two highly opinionated people.
However, we highly recommend that BOTH of you weigh in on the registry and selecting pieces for your new home together. Not only is it a good bonding experience, but having both parties join in the decision-making process will make your home feel like what it should be: a reflection of the both of you. Have some fun and incorporate your common interests, complementary styles, and respective sensibilities. Whether it’s an amazing painting you found in a gallery while on vacation, a statement chair that reminds you of the pink dress you wore on your first date, or a hand-thrown vase that makes you laugh and think of your ill-fated attempt at a couple’s pottery class, find and invest in pieces that make you both happy and that reflect your unique personalities.
Museum Fix
Museums are slowly opening up, and returning to more traditional travel is (knock on wood) on the horizon, but jetting around to the latest exhibitions seems ambitious at the moment.
For those of us who are still committed to armchair travel to get our fix of arts and culture, we have some compelling online options, several of which are hands on and fun for the whole family.
One of the silver linings of the pandemic is that museums and galleries have put more of their pieces and the stories behind them online, so you can access them anytime!
In addition to exploring the museum’s mind-bogglingly extensive online collection of folk art from all around the globe, you can try your hand at some of their DIY art projects, inspired by traditions including Mexican paper making and Japanese fans.
Through podcasts, articles, videos, and more the Tate offers a deep dive into numerous pieces in its collection and the passionate creators behind them. We also recommend the Create Like An Artist series, with fantastic hands-on projects for both kids and adults with options including soap carving, making chocolate paintings inspired by Jackson Pollack, and using the techniques of master watercolorist Joseph Turner.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi
Online options at this gorgeous museum are extraordinary. We could spend days exploring, from an online book focusing on clothes and costumes in the collection to curated playlists to spoken word poetry inspired by various galleries to a “futuristic audio and visual experience”.
Looking for some bite-sized art education? The National Museum of India’s Museum at Home features short videos on sculptures, artistic traditions, and more. The video gallery also offers quick, insightful dips into India’s fascinating art and history.
This quirky Toronto museum focuses on shoes throughout history (yes, the collection is as amazing as it sounds). With the museum’s #BSMFromHome offerings, you can brush up on your knowledge of various shoe-making techniques, get a virtual tour of exhibitions, or de-stress with some shoe-themed coloring sheets.
If you haven’t been able to cross off the architectural wonders of Petra off your bucket travel list (or if you just want a return trip), this comprehensive “tour” of the Rose City might satiate your wanderlust for a short time. It’s not technically a museum, but there’s enough history and art to make for an educational and inspiring armchair voyage.
Happy Earth Day
Design Courtesy of Ni.acki
With many people spending most of their days indoors in front of a screen, it’s no wonder there’s
a pervasive sense of feeling disconnected from nature. It also isn’t a surprise that spending even
a little time regularly in nature does wonders for our health, outlook, and well-being. In honor of
Earth Day we wanted to explore and learn more about Biophillic Design.
“The Green Grid” Courtesy of Kulenturato Carpets
The term “biophilia” was developed by Eric Fromm in the 1960s to describe the human affinity
for the nature-based world. In design, this principle helps guide design decisions to include
elements of nature or pieces that evoke the shapes, textures, and feelings of the natural world.
In layperson’s terms this translates into using rugs made from materials such as sisal or jute,
integrating pieces of art that transport us to dense forests or peaceful beaches, creating spaces
that allow for the most natural light possible, even choosing antique furniture that display the effect of time.
Design Courtesy of Massive Design
Photo Courtesy of Interior Design
We can’t wait to continue exploring biophilic design and it’s power to enhance our connection with the spaces we live in, and creating chic, personal, and practical homes and offices that respond to our natural need for repeated engagement with nature.
Happy Earth Day!
Celebrating Black History Month
We couldn’t let Black History Month pass by without honoring three of our favorite Black creatives from the past and present. While it’s impossible to capture their scope and influence on the world in a short blog post, we hope these snapshots serve as a celebration of just a few of the many Black artists and creators in recent history.
Ann Lowe
Ann Lowe is best known as being the dressmaker to Jackie Kennedy and her entire bridal party. Her impact on fashion in the 1950s and 1960s, however, is still being unpacked and realized since her many of her designs were sadly (but perhaps unsurprisingly) uncredited or miscredited at the time of their creation as a result of racism.
Lowe’s work with silk flowers, which she began creating from scraps as she was learning to sew from her mother and grandmother, became a signature design element and one that brought a sense of whimsy yet realistic detail to her elegant, gorgeously crafted debutante gowns and wedding dresses. Known for wearing a signature black hat while she worked, Lowe faced numerous adversities as a Black female business owner, from the times she was segregated in a separate room from other students during her design classes to the fact that she was consistently paid less than white designers for her extensively meticulous creations.
Lowe’s skills as a master craftswoman, however, speak for themselves and are evident in the dresses that hang in renowned collections such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture today.
Yinka Shonibare
Yinka Shonibare was born in London to Nigerian parents and spent most of his childhood in Lagos. He returned to England in the summers and to attend university, where he began exploring in depth the idea of cultural identity and how it is constructed on both a personal and societal scale. Incorporating brightly colored Dutch wax fabrics into his work has become a statement and a frequent point of discourse for Shonibare, whose impactful pieces have been exhibited throughout the world.
Shonibare’s work addresses the effects of colonialism, post-colonialism, and globalization (with a focus on the links between Africa and Europe) on the current states of race and class through paintings, film, sculpture, textile, photography, and installation art.
In one of his latest collections, Shonibare, who was named a member of the Royal Academy and is a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, created Earth Kids, a “call to action” to protect the planet for future generations.
Simone Leigh
When Simone Leigh represents the United States in the 2022 Venice Biennale with her own pavilion, she will become the first Black woman to do so. Leigh is famous for her medium-bending, groundbreaking works that often depict Black women (some well-known and others anonymous) and their hidden traditions and histories. Brick House, a 16-foot-tall bronze bust of a Black woman that is currently exhibited on New York’s High Line, is one of her highly celebrated recent works and is part of Leigh’s Anatomy of Architecture series, which fuses elements of the human body with architectural influences from Cameroon, Benin, Togo, and Chad as well as the American South.
With multimedia work spanning video to ceramics sculpture to social practice, Leigh showcases an inspiring ability to highlight recognizable symbols and forms from throughout history and make them feel modern and innovative by playing with scale and process.
We’ve Got a Whole New Look!
We have been hard at work over the past few months totally overhauling our website, adding more to the services we offer, introducing our online store, and even launching a brand new design platform.
The new and imporoved sarahillery.com
We are so excited to officially debut our new and improved website. We have been working hard upgrading not only the look of our website, but the services we offer. Now you can fill out a design request online, allowing us to get right to work making your house the home you always dreamed of. We have expanded our portfolio with some of our most recent projects. And you can pick from three design services that will suit your unique needs!
Sara Hillery Curated Collection
The Curated Collection is a carefully selected grouping of furniture, case goods, art, accessories, and lighting for sale online as well as the full line of Sara Hillery Home textiles. Our working relationships with vendors across the US and abroad ensures our customers have access to an extensive variety of new, antique and one-of-a-kind products.
Design Delivered by SH
We have launched an innovative design platform called Design Delivered by SH which brings the design process directly to homeowners who want to work at their own speed. The launch of this platform represents a new approach to home design projects and comes during a shift in the design industry as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Completely contactless, Design Delivered is a web-based platform that gathers an individual’s home project information and design needs and produces a new design all within six weeks. Whether it’s a complete room re-design or a simple space refresh, Design Delivered produces a comprehensive package put together by Sara Hillery and her team of designers. The package comes with various pricing options, based on the size and scope of the project, and includes a floor plan, a color storyboard and proposals for window treatments, art work, lighting, fabrics, upholstery and paint plans. After a Zoom consultation and accessing a private design portal to upload inspiration images, a questionnaire and how-to measuring guides, the client then receives in the mail a final design box with a plan of paint colors, fabrics, wallpaper, draperies, furniture, accessories and of course a floorplan - all within six weeks.
While you’re here, you might be interested in Five Reasons to Hire an Interior Designer
Pantone Color of The Year
After a year like 2020, most of us could use some uplifting and some grounding. Pantone is ushering in the New Year with two colors that emanate emotions both calm and bright. While Ultimate Gray and Illuminating are not shades we frequently utilize, we’ve gathered some visual ways to make these colors (or similar hues) livable from our past projects.
Incorporating a shiny golden-hued ceiling is a little like living just a bit closer to the sun. We used warm shades of yellow throughout this room along with gold accents and creams (and even a honey-hued seagrass rug) to keep it light and bright.
Just a pop of this yellow is enough to transform a room. The bone-colored busts of composers, earned from participating in piano recitals and a nod to the family’s avid interest in music) pop, especially when situated within a contrasting black frame.
Sunny yellow and gold unite the furniture, artwork, and accessories in this sitting area, while the subtle differences in shades add texture and vibrancy. The two-toned sofa is a modern, refreshing choice.
Incorporating calming “greige” roman shades might seem like a minor style decision, but they offer just enough contrast to the white carpet and walls to help create a soothing transition for the eye.
We love all the earth and jewel tones in our client’s beautiful collection of pottery and vases. Selecting sunny yet subtle yellow chairs with matching chevron pillows helps to lift the space while also drawing attention to the variety of pieces on display.
Pantone describes the color duo as a “marriage conveying a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting”, and we hope you begin 2021 harnessing that fortifying, uplifting energy in your homes and in your lives.
Sara Hillery Interior Design’s Holiday Table
This Christmas, our table focuses on the joy and warmth of the season. This has been a unique year, and we wanted our Christmas table to feel warm and welcoming with a touch of nostalgia.
Classic, gold-rimmed Lenox china is layered over festive gold reef chargers and a touch of bright plaid ribbon is added around the salad plates for a feeling of extra cheer.
Traditional sterling silver candle sticks and Juliska glasses beg to be filled, brighten up the table even more.
Delicate sterling silver bud vases bursting with holly are woven into a ground of glossy magnolia leaves, and ribbon tied hemlock sprigs adorn each setting.
Finally, shimmering light green napkins and a plaid ribbon tie the colors of the table together while giving a nod to our traditional southern style. The eye-catching shine of silver and gold, the pops of vivid red and green, and the combination of elements and accents both cherished and new: our table honors the past, celebrates the present, and heralds a bright new year.
Don’t Panic, You Still Have Time to shop: Here is our Last Minute Gift Guide
If you’re like us, the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas or Hanukkah seems to get shorter and shorter each year. If the holidays have snuck up on you this year, never fear, we’ve gathered some of our favorite last minute gift ideas from our favorite local shops that can be purchased online or in stores.
Posh People Journals from Dana Gibson
These 6x8 journals fit perfectly in a tote bag and are so pretty you’ll never want to tuck them away. Featuring the artwork of Dana Gibson, These are stylish yet functional.
Thucassi Oil Diffuser from Fraiche
With notes of smoked fig and pear with woodsy undertones, these oil diffusers are to die for! Fraiche, one of our favorite local shops has plenty available, so pop in and pick one (or two) up.
BLACK OBSIDIAN GUA SHA TOOL from Apothec
We can tell you from personal experience, this Gua Sha tool from Apothec lives up to the hype! It’s not only a beautiful piece, but its promise to increase circulation and lymphatic drainage does not disappoint. This little wonder-tool promotes overall skin health and is the perfect stocking stuffer.
Earrings from Monday Morning Press
These statement earrings are made from super lightweight letter press paper and are perfect for those who want the style of chunky earrings but not the uncomfortable weight. You can’t go wrong with any of the jewelry from Monday Morning Press, but we are obsessed with their earrings!
Muttini Bar Collection from Haute Diggity Dog
Let’s not forget about our furry friends either! The Muttini Bar Collection by Haute Diggity Dog is so cute and clever, from “White Paws” to “Kennel One Vodka” you’ll be sure to find something that makes you chuckle.
The Freshest Holiday Décor Trends of 2020
The Holiday season is in full swing, and if you are looking for ways to refresh and up the ante of your holiday décor, look no further! we have created a list of our favorite, freshest, and most festive holiday decorating trends for 2020!
BLUE IS BIG!
“Classic Blue” was named Pantone’s color of the year for 2020 so there’s no huge surprise that hues of blues might pop up in holiday décor, blue feels unique and fresh, especially for Christmas décor!
We love mixing in Chinoiseries pieces with our decorations. These blue and white porcelain pieces, planters, and ginger jars have been popular for quite some time now, but utilizing them for holiday decorations is trendy and fun. Not to mention, if these are a staple in your everyday home décor, you’ll be saving time and energy when it comes time to pack up the holiday decorations!
Design by Emily Clark
Get Them Here
These chinoiserie painted oyster shell ornaments are another great way to incorporate blue into your décor this year.
Another way to use blue this holiday season is by using classic navy. Not as bold as black, but just as chic, navy is an unexpected and gorgeous color to use while decorating!
Design by Becki Owens
Blast from the Past
With all of us living through a global pandemic, it’s no surprise we are yearning for the idyllic holidays of the past. Try raiding grandma’s attic for vintage decorations!
A throw back to a Victorian trend, try displaying your holiday cards over your mantle. You and your family will love seeing all of the season’s greetings you received this year!
These iconic ceramic Christmas trees have become popular again after taking a back seat for decades. We love this version in an updated all-white colorway!
Get One Here
Get Them Here
These traditional Christmas tree Highball glasses provide the perfect subtle festive touch to any holiday cocktail!
Pretty In Pink
This one is just fun! Pops of pink provide an unexpected and crowd-pleasing ambiance. It’s definitely not a traditional look, but we love how surprising and cheeky it is.
A forest of pink bottle brush trees is a great and easy place to start if you’re unsure how to tackle the pink Christmas trend. Scatter these across a credenza or mantle for instant fun and charm.
Design by Arin Solange at Home
Design by Jennifer Perkins
Bright shades of neon pink are sure to make a big splash! Try using pink ornaments and garland to create a unique and crafty mantle vignette.
For a more classic look, try dusty pink rather than a brighter shade. This combination of crisp, white table linens, crystal drinkware, long leaf eucalyptus, and dusty rose blown glass ornaments is absolutely gorgeous!
Design by Joli Place
Mix and Match
This one is definitely a favorite of ours! A maximalist approach creates such a warm and collected look for the holiday season!
Design by Quintessence
Layering, and layering, and layering pattern, textures, and colors is key here. Don’t be afraid to embrace several different colors and patterns!
If you’re unsure where to begin with this trend, try out a block printed tablecloth as your base and build from there.
Get One Here
Design by Sara Hillery Interior Design
Scandinavian Chic
In contrast, Scandinavian minimalist décor with natural elements, this straightforward yet chic style will be everywhere this year.
Design by Homeyohmy
With a focus on, simple, fresh, and natural materials, these wreaths are a tasteful nod to the minimalist elements we associate with Scandinavian design.
A great way to add depth and drama to your minimalist décor is to embrace black! It might seem crazy to use black for your holiday decorating, but when mixed with fresh greenery and sleek Scandinavian elements, using black makes for show stopping décor!
Get Them Here
Design by Burkatron
No matter how you decide to decorate this holiday season, we hope you stay healthy, happy, safe this year!
Celebrating Fall and Thanksgiving in Color
One promise we made ourselves during this challenging year was to add sprinkles of joy whenever possible. So for our Thanksgiving table this year, we moved it outdoors! We wanted to change it up a bit this year, we’ve been having a wonderfully mild Autumn and wanted to take advantage of the nice weather before Winter. Moving outside also allowed us to gather and remain Covid-safe.
We leaned heavily into our love of natural elements, vintage details, and handcrafted pieces, and plenty of color, of course! Instead of creating a monochromatic or neutral color palette, we embraced a variety of warm colors to give us and our table guests some life and vibrancy.
We began with a fresh white cotton tablecloth that had been hand block printed with repeating blue patterns reminiscent of leaves and tree branches. A rattan charger grounds each place setting along with folded and draped gorgeous ikat napkins in dreamy purples and pinks. The green bamboo dinner plates from Blue Pheasant add gloss and texture, while flatware in gold and green tie into this color scheme while adding modern flair. Vintage Kaiser white bowls from Germany finish off the clean and composed look of the place settings.
For drinkware, we chose chic yet distinctive variations from typical clear glass. Blue, vintage inspired goblets and hand blown “tortoiseshell” glasses offer a faint whisper of the exotic and prove that unconventional matches can work beautifully together.
A vintage brass bowl overflowing with globe amaranth and coleus leaves and surrounded by mini pumpkins, apples, and figs makes the table feel especially romantic. By drawing from colors found throughout nature and pairing surprising textures and tones, we created a table that celebrates the simplest and most pleasurable of joys these days: sharing an intimate meal with loved ones.
Where to Find Inspiration in RVA Without Going Indoors
We love a good house or museum tour as much as the next person (perhaps more!), and we’ve found plenty of design throughout the Richmond area that is both inspirational AND COVID-safe. Check out these local options to get your design fix and some fresh air while you are at it!
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
A perennial outdoor favorite, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will open up for an all-outdoors version of its popular Dominion Energy Garden Fest of Lights from November 23rd-January 10th. With thousands of lights, favorite light displays from past events, and new features such as outdoor model trains, the whole family can experience the beautiful garden and grounds (Even fur babies are welcome to frolic on December 3rd and January 7th!).
The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design
The Tudor revival, Branch House is open for a few limited tours, but a large scale Trojan horse crafted out of bamboo created by local artist Ed Pokoj (and named Ody the Outsider) is reason enough for a outdoor visit when the weather is nice. If you are still craving an inside peek, check out the insider webinars on topics such as decorative plasterwork and brickwork.
Maymont
With over 100 acres, Maymont’s treasures can be experienced during multiple visits. Although the Victorian Dooley Mansion is currently closed, you can easily make an afternoon walking the grounds and visiting Maymont’s multiple gardens while boosting your knowledge with Maymont’s free audio tour. A visit to the farm and wildlife areas is a must-do when you have some animal lovers in your crew.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
The VMFA is open at this time, but inspirational art can easily be found without stepping indoors by visiting the Robins Sculpture Garden. From Chihuly’s Red Reeds to Kehinde Wiley’s Rumors of War, the museum’s outdoor space is not to be missed and is a great fix for cabin fever.
Berkeley and Shirley Plantations
A little further afield (about 30 minutes from Richmond) are a number of historic plantations. The grounds of Berkeley, which served as the movie set of acclaimed film “Harriet”, are currently open for exploring. Visit in December when greenery and natural arrangements from the Berkeley gardens will be incorporated as festive decorations to celebrate the holidays.
The grounds, gardens, and outbuildings of Shirley Plantation, Virginia’s first plantation, are also open. After visiting either of these historic homes (both of which acknowledge the complexity of their roles in the lives of enslaved persons and invite further inquiry), head over to Upper Shirley Vineyard for a picnic and live music on the lawn as well as impressive views of the Presquile National Wildlife Sanctuary.
