Inspiration: Serge Mouille

Serge Mouille was a French industrial designer and silversmith working in the 1940’s and 50’s best known, and rightfully so, for his collection of black metal lighting. The collection started with the three-arm floor lamp, and branched out into sconces, chandeliers and table lamps comprised of the signature long bent arms, sweeping lines and organic lamp heads, influenced by musculature and skeletons. The designs were a departure from anything else being designed at the time, and continue to be featured in high-end interiors today. 

Interior by Raiana Schwenker

Day Birger et Mikkelsen via Lonny Mag

Designs are sold through Design Within Reach, but the price tags leave many looking for a similar look elsewhere. The only reproduction seems to be the one by White on White/Organic Modernism, but the influence is plentiful in other designs.

Jason Koharik is a designer and craftsman working in Echo Park, California who has definitely nailed the spirit of Mouille lighting with hairpin-like arms and more rounded lamp heads.  

Inspiration: Café Sabarsky

One of my favorite museums is the Neue Galerie, dedicated to German and Austrian art and design from the early 20th century. The building itself has the regal coolness of traditional Viennese architecture; toned down baroque created through glossy black wood floors, high ceilings and huge casement windows. It acts as the perfect backdrop for the colorful works of Kandinsky and Klimt and more "modern" styles like the Bauhaus. The same style permeates Café Sabarsky, the famed café inside the museum. Besides having perhaps the best apple strudel in town, the café is a design inspiration. The tables in the downstairs café feature a mustard yellow and black pattern by Dagobert Peche under glass. Set against the black and white checkered floors, it should be overwhelming, but feels neutral and light. 

High Impact in Small Doses

Let’s get one thing straight; I’m not afraid of color or pattern. Or commitment, for that matter. But sometimes the idea of covering an entire wall or room in a very bold look can be a little too much. For anyone who isn’t quite ready to make the plunge, but would like to dip a toe into the pool, there’s always the throw pillow. Many of the big wallpaper brands produce their prints in fabric as well, which makes it possible to find throw pillows that offer the high impact of bold patterns, in smaller doses. Much easier on the wallet, too.

Hinson Martinique wallpaper in bathroom via Apartment Therapy

Tropical print pillow by Whitlock & Co.

 

 Designer Tiffany Richey’s office with Thibaut Tanzania wallpaper

Les Touches pillow from Arianna Belle 

Hotel Bedding

Every once in a while, something that is typically thought of as classic is paid a lot of attention, and becomes almost a trend. Hotel bedding is one example. The layering of crisp white sheets, emulating a luxurious, comfortable hotel stay is a great as either a stand-alone look or as a backdrop for more colorful prints. It's certainly nothing new, but it seems to be especially prevalent these days. So is it a fad or is it a classic? You decide. 

Guest bedroom via Elle Decor

This classic triple embroidered stripe bedding is available by Frette, Pottery Barn and Luxor Linens

Bedroom via Lonny Mag

O Baratoo Bamboo bedding

Bedroom via Lonny Mag

A delicate tipped edge style is available at Restoration Hardware