House Tour: My Study

Welcome to my study.  Actually, this is really my husband's hang out.  He retreats here to finish office notes, watch sports games, and escape from me and the kids when needed. 

{I don't mind, my retreat is in the sun room (visit here)}.   

 

My favorite piece in the study is this cabinet from Lillian August.  It reminds me of an old vintage cabinet that could be carried down to future generations.  The ebony finish is rubbed to show signs of faux wear and tear and the back of the book case is a light gray with simple looking pegs for the shelves.  I use it to showcase eclectic things that have meaning to us;  everything from our wedding photo box to EG's medical books to a photo of our son Jack with his grandpa, Jack. 

 

I wanted the feel of this room to be sort of like a gentleman's cigar lounge... meaning darker, lush colors. with hues of teal, olive, grass green, dark walnut.   

This Miles Redd room was the inspiration for the study.  I loved the dark blue lacquered walls and mix of greens and blues (with a pop of orange).  See more of Miles, here

The walls are painted in high gloss Benjamin Moore Pacific Ocean Blue (2055-20).  I wish they were even glossier but I think the painters were freaked out by the color as it was and didn't want to push the limit even more.  (Plus, I later learned that many of the super lacquered rooms are actually wallpaper). 

This plaid chair is my favorite!  The front is a lush olive green color and the back is a plaid.  I wanted something unexpected on the back.  (Custom from Lillian August). 

I found these leather Dunhill chairs and nesting tables at Crate and Barrel.  (The walls in this photo look very "blue"...it's hard to get a good photo of their true darker teal color). 

The striped multi-colored carpet is from Crate and Barrel, too.  I was surprised to find something that encompassed all of the colors in one. 

The desk is Lillian August.  This has leather inlays on the top surface with solid wood details around the outsides.  The window treatments have ikat shades with deep walnut, teal and grass green colors.  The drapes are grass green linen (they appear lighter in the picture than they actually are).  I like the contrast the green is against the teal walls (Thank you to Holly Russo at Lillian August). 

 I'm always on the hunt to accessorize with more items but I want to take my time and find items that will compliment well with the decor. 

Thank you for touring the study.  If you'd like to visit the rest of the house, enter here. 

My design crush, Miles Redd

There are a handful of highly skilled and talented interior decorators for which I have developed a case of severe 'design-envy'.  In all honesty, my desire goes beyond envy.  These are designers that I consider the Gods of Interiors.  To the point that I may completely fumble my words were I to ever meet them in person.  Or worse, faint.  I would liken this to a teenage girl's hysteria for Justin Bieber or my childhood crush on Ricky Schroeder.  (Only I used to fantasize about one day marrying Ricky.  Now, I just dream about meeting these fine decorators). 

I'm talking about Jonathan Adler, Jamie Drake, Mary McDonald, Bunny Williams.  And Miles Redd.  Oh yes, Miles. 

Miles Redd in his apartment (notice zebra covered doors!)

Miles himself is based in NYC. He was raised in Atlanta but found himself venturing to NYC to study painting. He was more interested in set design. As his love for interior design flourished, he found himself taking on projects for friends and decorating their spaces. He turned it into an actual business in 1998. Since, he has also been named creative director for Oscar De La Renta Home. More about Miles here. 


Miles decorated the NYC apartment of some of our dear friends.  Their apartment exudes worldly charm.  There is wild use of patterns and color in an uber-chic and tasteful manner.   I see this style transcended in Mile's other interiors as well. 


Here's what I envision when I think of Miles Redd:

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Miles Redd in Elle Decor Dec 2009, Photo Miguel Flores-Vianna


1. Lacquered walls (shown above in Yves Klein-blue).  Miles style is high gloss and super chic.  It was the below photo of lacquered walls that inspired me to paint my own study in a high gloss (check house tours in the future for a study tour). 


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Miles Redd, Mendenall

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Miles Redd, Elle Decor, March 2006 Photo Simon Upton


2.  Ruffled Drapery.  Miles is a huge fan of using a dainty and feminine ruffle as an accent to his often unlined curtains.  This is so delicate.  The unlined window treatments offer privacy but also are sheer enough to allow light to enter the room. 
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Miles Redd, House Beautiful 2011 NYC Apartment

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Miles Redd, his sister's apartment

3. Bold Mix of Vibrant Colors.  His selections are often saturated in color.  Buttery teals, vibrant fuchsias.  They are just magnificent to absorb.  It reminds me very much of Tricia Guild's wonderful use of textiles. 



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Miles Redd, House Beautiful


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Miles Redd

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Miles Redd, Elle Decor, Nov 2006, Photo by Simon Upton

4. Leather Covered Doors.  Miles creates exquisite beauty with leathered covered doors that are further accessorized with nail stud detail.  


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Miles Redd, House Beautiful

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Miles Redd

Miles Redd has a wonderful sense of humor when using style and patterns.  He mixes chevron with floral, and blends hues of the same color wheel together.  The end result is to die for!  Now, you understand my design crush.