Barry's Beauts

"Style has nothing to do with money and everything to do with discipline and restraint. Quality speaks for itself, and I think we should build our interiors over time incorporating quality. A dark, polished wood floor will look great even with sparse furnishings." -Barbara Barry, Style at Home interview

A few weeks ago, I ran across the lovely work of designer Barbara Barry at Barnes and Noble in a book called Inspired Styles. The book provides work samples and biographies from several different interior designers and I was immediately struck by the design choices and philosophy of Barry. Her less is more approach to interior design, even in high-end spaces, allows room for viewers to appreciate the elegance of choice pieces, be they a bold wallpaper, or a stunning mantel. This design approach allows viewers to feel restful and at home in her spaces as their eyes are not overwhelmed by competing elements. Barry's look reads Hollywood Regency with a softer edge and has a kind of timeless transcendence to it. In the Inspired Styles book, Barry describes her sense of design as one that "emerges from a philosophy rather than a style...based on principles of balance, proportion and symmetry. This sensibility shows in her work, as Barry's postmark involves making a room work functionally-less as a gallery space, and more as a livable space-while dressing it up with a few striking touches of glamour.

Barry's designs for the Brentwood Residence, Image: Barbara Barry Company

Barry creates spaces where residents, shoppers, travelers, diners, etc. can relax and be comfortable while also enjoying some of the finer things in life. What makes her distinctive is a strong, but tastefully editing, eye for details-she masterfully paints the fine lines that make a picture pop without impeding a viewer's appreciation of the overall aesthetic. Barry has an excellent sensibility for finding pieces that work well in a given space and work well together, blending new and old to create spaces that feel homey and down-to-earth but also chic and high fashion. This knack has enabled Barry to work for a varied clientele, including restaurants, hotels, homes, retail boutiques, and more, both domestically and abroad. In addition to space design, Barry has also tried her hand at product design, creating lighting, linens, and tablescapes that leave viewers gasping. 

A sample of Barry's offerings through Wedgwood

A true treat for the meandering artsy types who like to find inspiration from high-end designers and make it their own, Barry's work offers just the right blend of luxe and hand-me-down antique. To read/see more about Barry's work visit her website.

A Burst of Flavor for Your Walls

Imagine a pack of fruit-striped gum morphed into a wall hanging; what comes to mind? Well the folks at Flavor Paper have gone there, creating colorful, juicy wallpapers that pack a real punch. One of my favorites is their Fruits of Design brocade-patterned paper in gold and blue (see below).

               Image: Flavor Paper

Envision an elaborate dinner party with a large dark wood table, gold rimmed white china, and beautiful touches of peacock blue in a room outfitted with this flavorful creation! Crisp linen napkins, beautiful glass goblets (my choice peacock again), and a loose arrangement of white gladiolas could add the perfect touches for such an elegant occasion.

Thinking of something with a softer edge? Try on the Iris paper in fushia for size:


               Image: Flavor Paper

This paper would look lovely in a guest bathroom paired with some crisp white towels (I happen to love the options at Designers Guild, although I can't quite afford them), soft lavender-scented soaps piled high in a silver bowl, and a few cotton blossom votives adorning the countertop.

I simply love how wallpaper can make a room feel complete. Furthermore, I love the notion of framed patterns and prints. Say, for instance, you live in an apartment where you aren't allowed to paint or simply don't have the budget for walls laden with paper. A few large framed strips of wallpaper arranged beside one another could add loads of visual interest to a wall without breaking the bank or the irking the landlord.