what is a great design change to make for spring? l.A.: Changing your curtains is a must! I love natural linen curtains. They just let light flow in beautifully, in all seasons actually. Natural fibers look crisp as curtains or Roman shades—there’s freshness there. We just did a house with simple linen draperies and iron rods in every room. It unified the entire space in a modern way.
what are some new ways designers are using lighting? l.A.: I love how designers are incorporating clean-lined, more modern lighting in traditional settings. The
contrast lends an interesting dynamic to a space.
in addition to being a designer, you are also an artist. what advice do you give people looking to add art to their home? l.A.: When people aren’t confident, they end up choosing art that matches their rooms, which is kind of sad. Instead, they should take time to really learn about art, and a great place to begin is to go to art fairs. They have them at every price point, and it is a good way to understand what you like and what you don’t. Then you can take the time to research different artists. But whatever you do, don’t let your designer choose your art! Art is very personal. You should buy only pieces that really speak to you.
what design or art book have you read recently that has inspired you? l.A.: The Sense of Beauty by George Santayana. Everyone with an interest in design should read it. He explains so simply this compulsion that we have to make things pretty. We crave beauty in our lives, and this book puts it all in perspective.