Aspire Design and Home - Autumn 2026

COMMON DOMESTIC AFFAIRS GROUND KITCHENS The Home’s Original Social Networking Hub

IT COMMANDED ATTENTION LONG AFTER EVERYONE WENT HOME The party may be over, but the Perrin & Rowe Southbank Collection that was hand cast and polished in small batches in England, is a beauty worth celebrating every day. CAN A DOOR HANDLE STEAL THE SHOW? Ask the boy in the rental tux. Every Emtek SELECT lever is custom assembled to order in Los Angeles. Endless combinations of material, finish, and form. No two exactly alike. He noticed it before he noticed her.

OUR STONE SEE MORE NATURAL STONE MASTERPIECES IN OUR LATEST ISSUE OF STONE JOURNAL YOUR MASTERPIECE BUECHELSTONE.COM / INFO@BUECHELSTONE.COM

DESIGNER JEFFREY BERNETT WAINSCOTT COLLECTION @WALTERSWICKER WALTERSWICKER.COM

schoolhouse.com / hvlgroup.com Making home a feeling.

This is Technicurean Living™ T H E U L T I M A T E P E R F O R M A N C E S P A C E I S A M A T T E R O F D E S I G N Discover the unparalleled luxury appliance suite from SKS. Learn more at SKSappliances.com C O O K I N G • R E F R I G E R A T I O N • C L E A N I N G Copyright ©2026 LG Electronics USA, Inc. dba SKS, 111 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632. All rights reserved. “SKS” and the SKS logo are trademarks of LG Electronics USA, Inc.

eggersmannusa.com new york / dania beach / houston / dallas / los angeles / laguna niguel / pittsburgh / scottsdale / sand city / maui / los cabos eggersmann Kitchens / Home Living luxury redefined with seamless indoor-outdoor living eggersmann since 1908

12 AUTUMN 2026 F A B R I C U T . C O M from the editor HOME LIFE “It’s only after we have discovered it for ourselves that it becomes a common ground and a common bond, and we cease to be alone.” —Wendell Berry Can we agree that we all have our own gravitational pull — our own design orbit, if you will? And maybe gathering isn’t about getting everyone on the same page. Maybe it’s about finding enough common ground to keep us in the same orbit. It seems as if of late, design is finding its way toward a more comfortable, authentic way of living. Rediscovering design curiosities with an appreciation for how well the originals work. And I can’t help but invoke Russel Wright’s name. When we moved up to the Hudson Valley, I spent time as a docent at Manitoga, his home and studio in Garrison, New York. So I had a bit of a front-row seat. Wright was right! He was into the whole living-well-in- your-home ethos decades before the rest of us caught on and seemed to understand the phenomenon of home— how it affects the way we feel, function and, yes, gather. He was less interested in designing rooms that looked a certain way than in designing for the life that happened inside them, making living easier, more comfortable and connected. In other words, Wright understood that the life happening around the design was every bit as important as the design itself. Call it common ground. Call it gravitational pull. Either way, there’s room for everyone at the kitchen table. Or the vintage de Sede DS-600 Snake sectional sofa in leather. RUSSEL WRIGHT (1904 – 1976), the pioneering American industrial designer, was already into what we now call the OG kitchen – the original gathering place! Illustration by Russel Wright Studios, from Guide to Easier Living by Russel and Mary Wright. Permission by Gibbs Smith, Publisher.

14 AUTUMN 2026 Depth from within. Dekton goes beyond. Artik Nodes captures the fractures of Arctic ice and transforms them into a new language with great visual depth. Thanks to Dekton technology, this natural force becomes design surfaces conceived to bring character and technical reliability to architectural and interior design projects. Artik Nodes Collection. Frozen Beauty. Find inspiration at cosentino.com / @cosentinousa SILESTONE / DEKTON / ĒCLOS / SENSA W E L C O M E F A L L Architect Peter Miles of The Drawing Board, Inc., shares a view of this home’s rear exterior, where a huge maple tree inspired the stacked volumes that bring in natural light, vary ceiling heights and create lower level floors. 50 CHEVY CHASE, MARYLAND Circa 1930s Dutch colonial

16 AUTUMN 2026 PUBLISHED BY ASPIRE ONE COMMUNICATIONS, INC. Comments and suggestions: amy.sneider@aspiredh.com. For product or project consideration: submissions@aspiredh.com. Advertising rates, deadlines and information: advertising@aspiredh.com. Subscription information: Call toll free 833.260.3379 or email custsvc_aspire@fulcoinc.com. Single-issue copies and past issues: magdogs.com/aspire-design-and-home. aspire design and home is published quarterly by: ASPIRE ONE COMMUNICATIONS, INC. All rights reserved ©2026. Reproduction of the articles or photos contained herein without the express written consent of ASPIRE ONE COMMUNICATIONS, INC. is strictly prohibited. Not responsible for typographical errors. aspire design and home (USPS 22790), Volume 18, Issue 3, Fall 2026. Periodical postage paid at Cornwall, NY 12518 and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to aspire design and home PO Box 3000, Denville, NJ 07834. PRESIDENT / CEO STEVEN MANDEL EDITOR IN CHIEF ART DIRECTOR AMY SNEIDER PUBLISHER MELANIE BROWN DESIGN AND PRODUCTION GLYPH CO MANAGING EDITOR DANINE ALATI COPY EDITOR KAREN BROWN FEATURE EDITORS PAUL HAGEN DEB MARTIN CONTRIBUTING EDITORS JORGE S. ARANGO MURRYE BERNARD THOMAS CONNORS GWEN DONOVAN CARA GIBBS KELSEY MULVEY SALOMÉ STONYS WEB EDITOR KELLY WALTERS WEB CONTRIBUTING EDITORS GWEN DONOVAN NICOLE HADDAD ANDREW JOSEPH SHERRY MOELLER KELSEY MULVEY CHRISTINA VALHOULI PROJECT MANAGER LYDIA FITZGERALD MARKETING COORDINATOR MILEKA LAWSON SALES FRONT ROW NYC FISHER MEDIA GROUP CIRCULATION DIRECTOR THOMAS SMITH CONTROLLER KATE VARELA AP/AR ADMINISTRATOR ALYSSA VALERIO Fresh Takes on Kitchens + Cabinetry AN OPEN-AND-SHUT CASE “We’re seeing a return to permanence over trends. The most memorable kitchens feel connected to the architecture of the home and are built with materials that age beautifully. Natural woods, expressive stone, handcrafted cabinetry and living metals bring warmth, depth and a sense of longevity that never feels tied to a particular moment.” — PATRICE NICHOLE McCOLLUM, patricenichole.com “We’re noticing millwork that looks like furniture with hidden storage.” — MOLLY TORRES PORTNOF, dateinteriors.com “Skirted cabinetry is replacing the all-wood-panel look in a lot of our projects. It definitely softens the space and feels more collected than a wall of matching panels.” — AILEEN WARREN, jacksonwarreninteriors.com “Plaster vent hoods are definitely having a moment, as well as honed marble countertops that carry up the backsplash. These little touches are giving kitchens a softer, more monolithic look.” — HATTIE SPARKS COLLINS, hattiesparks.com “More daring colors for cabinetry — white is still a good neutral, but color is in. Brass is still a timeless staple for hardware.” — KARA ADAM, karaadaminteriors.com “I always begin with the stone because it becomes the foundation for every material that follows. Furniture- inspired islands, layered warm lighting instead of bright overhead fixtures, sculptural countertop edge details and statement hardware are defining today’s luxury kitchens.” — JENNI LAURI, lauridesignstudio.com “Cabinetry has become one of the strongest expressions of craftsmanship in the home. Painted white kitchens are giving way to warmer, more natural palettes, and richly stained woods that celebrate the material variations rather than conceal them. We’re also seeing softer painted finishes in earthy greens, warm taupes, mushroom tones and muted charcoal used as accents.” — HEIDI TATE, tateinteriors.com FALL 2026 Step into extraordinary. Explore one of our three area showrooms, including the newly renovated Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Showroom in Manhattan. Experience an immersive setting where expert consultants and on-site chefs personalize your visit, showcase innovative appliances, and help you realize your dream kitchen. An invitation to inspire Schedule your showroom appointment Manhattan I New Jersey I Long Island

18 AUTUMN 2026 CONTENTS 12 FROM THE EDITOR 14 WELCOME 16 CONTRIBUTORS 20 BOOKNOOK Read the room 22 MUSE Three artists mixing mediums, ideas and the rules of engagement 32 EDITOR’S PICKS Things to light, cook and covet 33 THE DEEP END: A BATHROOM ROUNDUP Tubs that make a splash and tiles that make a statement 34 GATHER ’ROUND: A KITCHEN ROUNDUP What’s cooking in the social hub of the home POV: SMALL TALK Four projects made for conversation and connections Louisville, Kentucky 41 DOWN TO EARTH Natalie O Design New York, New York 43 GO WITH THE FLOW Tami Wassong Interiors New York, New York 46 ART & SOUL Dunnam Zerbini Design Houston, Texas 47 GOIN’ WEST Rainey Richardson Interiors FEATURES Chevy Chase, Maryland 50 ALL TOGETHER NOW Architect Peter Miles leads a residential design transformation Boston, Massachusetts 56 LA DOLCE VITA Designer Lisa Tharp’s own pied-à- terre in the Back Bay proves that a home built for receiving is a home built for connection Long Lake, Minnesota 62 LAKESIDE LIVING A Minnesota home, designed for being together Brussels, Belgium 68 DEPTH PERCEPTION Gilles Dewavrin creates a layered, luscious environment in Brussels Sunset, South Carolina 76 RICH, WARM AND WONDERFUL Designer Veronica Russell fashions a lakeside home at The Reserve at Lake Keowee New York, New York 82 GOOD FOR THE SOUL BarlisWedlick Architects and MK Workshop bring heart and soul to an urban apartment Austin, Texas 88 THE ART OF BELONGING Designer Christina Cruz proves true luxury is measured by the life shared within the home LAST WORDS EXIT STRATEGY The dinner party’s golden rule: come hungry, stay interesting and please don’t make us regret dessert ON THE COVER: The home library on the cover is designed and styled by Alicia Henn Creative. Photography by Vora Quinn Neuroaesthetics nyoor-oh-ess-THED-iks [noun] The scientific study of how the brain perceives, processes, and responds to art, beauty and aesthetic experiences. Interior design is often assumed to begin with the home itself. I begin by designing for the people who will live in it. That’s what applying neuroaesthetics to interior design has changed for me. Rather than beginning with furnishings or the latest trends, I first work to understand how my clients want to live. How do they entertain? Where does the family naturally gather? Which spaces could restore energy, and which would encourage conversation? Those answers become the foundation for every design decision that follows, influencing everything from the floor plan and furniture arrangement to lighting, artwork and the atmosphere of the home. One of the guiding frameworks of neuroaesthetics I use in my practice is the Design Triad, identified by Dr. Anjan Chatterjee, founding director of the Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics. It suggests that people are naturally drawn to spaces with three qualities: coherence, fascination and hominess. These principles don’t remain theoretical. They guide every design decision that shapes the room. In spaces where people gather, coherence influences how we organize a floor plan, establish clear circulation and arrange seating so conversation flows naturally. Fascination is created through thoughtful layers of art, lighting, texture and meaningful objects that invite people to engage with the space and one another. Hominess is achieved by designing spaces that reflect the people who live there, creating a genuine sense of comfort, belonging and ease. As our homes become the setting for family gatherings and celebrations this fall, thoughtful design becomes more than beautiful. It quietly supports connection, making guests feel welcome while hosting feels effortless and visits become lasting memories. That’s the difference neuroaesthetics makes. It doesn’t change the goal of interior design. It changes how the design aligns an environment to the people who spend time there. Eryn Oruncak, ASID Certified in Neuroaesthetics Founder of Elan Design / Interior Design & Fine Art Brain Trust THE INVISIBLE DESIGN LANGUAGE Formed For Husband-and-wife design duo Gavin and Kelley Brodin designed the Earth Meets Sky lamp as a limited-edition collectible lighting sculpture. formedfor.com il Campo TO THE TRADE AT SHARRIS.COM

20 AUTUMN 2026 B O O K N O O K FIRST ROW: TRACES BY ISHIUCHI MIYAKO APERTURE ($65) • BOLD LIVING (LIVING INTERIORS) BY GUILLAUME DE LAUBIER LANNOO PUBLISHERS ($95) SECOND ROW: OBJECTS & US: WHY THINGS MATTER BY GUS CASELY-HAYFORD THAMES & HUDSON ($35) • QUINTESSENTIAL KITCHENS AND COLLABORATIONS BY MATTHEW QUINN PARRISH PRESS AND QUINN DESIGNS ($95) THIRD ROW: US IS MORE: INC ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN BY ADAM ROLSTON, DREW STUART, GABRIEL BENROTH, HILARY KROLL AND TYLER KLECK MONACELLI ($65) • A HOUSE IN THE LEBANESE MOUNTAINS: RECIPES & STORIES BY SARAH TRAD THAMES & HUDSON ($45) FOURTH ROW: SANCTUM: AT HOME WITH THE UNCANNY BY MARK C. O’FLAHERTY THAMES & HUDSON ($50) TOP: Hervé Baley Lounge Chair and Ottoman (circa 1991-1992) ABOVE: Bergman Vass Sloane Chaise bergmanvass.com/furnishings RIGHT: Deft Studios Étagère brune et claire table deftstudios.co.za Photo credit: ©DEFT Studios BLOSSOM LINEAR PORTABLE LIGHT

22 AUTUMN 2026 For three decades, Brooklyn-based artist and designer Darcy Miro has worked across sculpture, jewelry and architectural-scale metalwork. With her recent works in ceramics and furniture, Miro set off to document the small, chaotic rituals of ordinary life. “I observe everything in my daily life,” explains Miro. “The water drips on the edge of the sink, the arrangements of leaves on the sidewalk. The controlled or random details are critical.” This obsession with the ordinary transforms the domestic into works of what Miro calls “matriarchal storytelling” — vibrant, sculptural pieces for daily use that reflect and celebrate the frenzy of mundanity and motherhood. darcymiro.com Darcy Miro Installation shot by Max Burkhalter Photo by Lindsay Morris Open during Summer 2026 at JK Art & Design Projects, Darcy’s World was presented entirely on Miro’s terms. Photo by Blaine Davis, courtesy of Darcy Miro and JK Art & Design Projects Bright pops of warm colors and handcrafted sculptural texture make this desk seem like less of a workstation and more of a tactile piece of art. Miro calls this ceramic sculptural vase of hers Ursula, The Pot of Toes. THREE ARTISTS MIXING MEDIUMS, IDEAS AND THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT TEXTSALOMÉ STONYS MUSE SMART DESIGNS FOR MODERN LIVING The center of entertainment.

24 AUTUMN 2026 The bronze spoons are arranged on Kahane’s two small Lago porcelain trays atop a Moribana wooden tray; the ceramic spoons rest on a walnut prototype Moribana tray with a contrasting rim. Photo by Oliver Haas Production by Roberta Angelini Marie-Rose Kahane Kahane in her Venice studio, seated at the Isola high table topped with the Lava Vase, mouth-blown and handcrafted in Murano, both designed by her. Founder of Yali Glass, Marie-Rose Kahane is keenly aware of the human legacies behind various types of craft. Her practice is deeply rooted in liberated curiosity and experimentation with materials, leading her beyond her roots in glassblowing and woodworking and into engaging with bronze. “Bronze is an ancient and ancestral material,” she states. “Working with [it] moves me deeply.” Through employing a lost-wax casting technique, Kahane’s work expresses her appreciation for beauty found in ancient materials and forms, reimagining them in a thoroughly contemporary way. A teaspoon originally modeled in ceramic was Kahane’s inspiration to begin working with bronze. Made of visually raw and delicate materials, the new collection of spoons calls to mind ancient and familiar forms, functioning both as daily utensils and timeless sculptural artifacts. yaliglass.com Handmade and tactile, pieces by dumæ like the Corey Lamp are studies in high-quality minimalism. dumæ co-founders Kym Gold and Sakshi Khurana dumæ Fashion has long set the standard for material innovation, craftsmanship and product development. Drawing on decades of experience as fashion executives, dumæ co-founders Kym Gold and Sakshi Khurana are employing a similar approach to interior design. Working alongside artisans in India, dumæ seeks to translate the importance of longevity and timelessness into a collection of structured objects and textiles that augment the spaces they’re in and memories they create. dumae.co MUSE BRONZE CERAMIC

Creators of luxury kitchen appliances. Established 1683. Gaggenau Design Studio / A&D Building 150 East 58th St, Suite 700 / New York, NY 10155 The difference is Gaggenau Beverly Hills / Chicago / Houston / Irvine / Miami / New York / Washington DC

CUSTOM CABINETRY HA N D -C R A F TE D FO R T H E WAY YO U L IV E @ Copyright 2026. Bilotta All Rights Reserved New York, NY / Mamaroneck, NY / Mount Kisco, NY / Greenwich, CT bilotta.com / 866.245.6882

32 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 33 Photo by Greg Cox PROJECT LOCATION: Karoo, South Africa PROJECT DETAILS: In this en suite bathroom, a blue-and-white Delft-style wallpaper by Cara Saven is the defining feature. The rich pattern isn’t just a visual choice — it ties the room to Karoo heritage, referencing the ceramics that once lined kitchens and cupboards in homes like this one throughout the region. Jen Sauer’s design lends the space a sense of history and formality while still feeling graphic and fresh. Sources: Wallpaper: Cara Saven Wall Design; Chandelier: Mud Studio. THIS OR THAT: Natural or manufactured bathroom materials? Natural with a twist. Something unexpected. Go big or go home. DESIGNER JAN SAUER THE SAUER GROUP PROJECT LOCATION: Arlington, Virginia PROJECT DETAILS: Having previously lived in the city, the owners were drawn to this 2025 build’s spacious, loft-like interiors that still allow for spatial definition. Calm and symmetrical, with a vaulted ceiling and a focal point in the sculptural black tub set beneath a skylight, the primary bath is restrained and cohesive, with a palette of oak, limestone and marble used throughout. This neutrality is punctuated by moments of contrast where the tone shifts dramatically to balance the aesthetic. Sources: Honed champagne limestone from Marble Systems for floor, wet area wall, and tub accent wall; Badeloft freestanding black tub; Graff matte black plumbing fixtures, towel and robe hardware, and Lacava sink from W.T Weaver & Sons in Georgetown; Gramaco Calacatta polished marble slabs. THIS OR THAT: Backlit vanity mirror or traditional wall sconces? A well-chosen wall sconce provides task lighting and architectural detail. It creates soft, even light across the face, and beyond function, it adds to the design story. There are endless possibilities in terms of material, finish and form, making it easy to tailor to the overall aesthetic and character of your home. DESIGNER YURI SAGATOV ODE DESIGN Photo by Jennifer Hughes THE DEEP END: A BATHROOM ROUNDUP Tubs that make a splash — and tiles that make a ­ statement BELOW: Tiles of Lucca The Quadrati Tile collection comes in ½-inch and 1-inch square matte mosaic tiles in 22 colors. luccainteriors.com CENTER: Nerosicilia Designed by Rodolfo Dordoni, this Perle micro mosaic tile collection is made of recycled glass and clay. nerosicilia.com RIGHT: Ann Sacks x Kelly Wearstler Garden-inspired geometric patterns informed the MADE Treillage collection. annsacks.kohler.com editor’s picks URBAN BONFIRE Sierra 42 Outdoor Kitchen, $14,535, urbanbonfire.com TRUE CALIBER Rockwell Social Grill, from $4,999, true-caliber.com WOLF 30-Inch Outdoor Gas Grill, $6,095, select Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove retailers. subzero-wolf.com KALAMAZOO K500HT Freestanding Hybrid Fire Grill, $26,495, kalamazoogourmet.com BLAZIN’ GRIDDLES Add a bit of beauty to your next fall barbecue with these well-appointed appliances SHAILESH RAJPUT STUDIO Shailesh Singh and Mansi Mehta, cofounders of Shailesh Rajput Studio, explore the interplay of light and shadow through their sconce designs. shaileshrajputstudio.com LIGHT TOUCH SAMUEL AGUIRRE Sconces that warm up even the hardest-working room AA:TREY SEE:PI FLOS Erwan Bouroullec designed this oversized wall-mounted lamp, called Maap for Flos, with four LED bulbs, a cross-shaped iron support, and an ultra- light Tyvek envelope. flos.com TEXT KELLY BEALL STUDIOTWENTYSEVEN The Lilith Chair by Theodore Perdios offers unexpected curves, fluid materiality and plush surfaces. studiotwentyseven.com Each object is made by hand with natural materials. The process is rooted in ancient papermaking materials and techniques. samindaman.com

34 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 35 “We wanted to bring in a mix of organic materials and textures — steel vent hood, white oak ceiling and shelves, and handcrafted and handprinted terracotta tiles.” —Blair Burton ARCHITECTURE: Mark Richardson, Mark Richardson Architects STYLING: Jessica Holtam PROJECT LOCATION: Leakey, Texas PROJECT DETAILS: “The kitchen was conceived as the social center of the house — less a backdrop and more an active gathering space,” shares architect Mark Richardson. “It anchors the plan, allowing cooking, conversation and hosting to unfold simultaneously, with a direct connection to the outdoors.” Sources: Appliances: Sub-Zero (fridge and freezer), Wolf (vent hood and range); Cove (dishwasher); Countertops: Hermes Black Honed Soapstone; Lighting: Visual Comfort Parkington Sconce; Tile: Custom Ann Sacks Tiempo Yaffo tile in mocha/paprika/lavan; Paint: Benjamin Moore Cloud White; Ceilings: stained Douglas fir; Cabinets: white oak; Rug: Black Sheep’s Anatolian runner. THIS OR THAT: Gas or electric? MARK: While induction technology has come a long way, I’m still a bit old school. I love the look, feel, and experience of cooking over an open flame, and we find that most of our clients still prefer gas as well. BLAIR: I prefer gas over electric because I like seeing exactly how high the heat is. That said, I do love induction! DESIGNER BLAIR BURTON BLAIR BURTON INTERIORS Photo by Julie Soefer TEXT KELLY BEALL The kitchen has evolved well beyond its utilitarian roots, becoming one of the most expressive spaces in a house— the gathering place, the social setting, the hub of the home. Designers are embracing craftsmanship, materiality and layouts that support both everyday rituals and meaningful connection. Each space reflects a distinct point of view while proving that the hardest- working room in the house can also be the most inspiring. GATHER ’ROUND A KITCHEN ROUNDUP

36 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 37 PROJECT LOCATION: Venice, California PROJECT DETAILS: In Venice Beach, a thoughtful renovation breathes new life into a classic Spanish-style home, reworking the layout for modern living. Its oversize kitchen was built for entertaining, surrounded by spaces brought to life by vintage finishes and historical details. Embracing the depth and patina that comes from natural materials, the home is a master class in relaxed refinement — an inviting backdrop tailored for the beautiful, soulful chaos of daily life and frequent hosting. Sources: Baldwin; Emtek; Blueprint Lighting; Fisher & Paykel; Watermark; Phylrich; Brizo; Signature Hardware; Victoria & Albert; Kohler; Villa Lagoon Tile; Restoration Hardware; Lulu and Georgia. THIS OR THAT: Impromptu get-together or dinner party? Impromptu get-together. We spend enough time planning everyone’s spaces — we like our social lives a little less scheduled. Plus, you can pull out some silver and a bottle of wine to make any night elevated. PROJECT LOCATION: San Marino, California PROJECT DETAILS: Thanks to the high-contrast glossy black lacquer set against veined marble slabs, this kitchen space feels moody yet refined. The glass- front cabinets add a sense of lightness, giving the ceramics room to breathe against the natural wood interior. Brass hardware ties it all together, right down to the range hood. The thoughtful niche in the black marble backsplash can be used to display whatever the homeowners love that week: art, fresh greenery, or a small find, keeping even the hardest-working room in the house full of soul. Sources: Hardware pulls & knobs: Water Street Brass; Refrigerator, wine refrigerator, dishwasher and 48-inch gas range: Wolf/Sub-Zero; Range Hood: custom Cooper Pacific Kitchens; Carbon black lacquer cabinet finish: custom Cooper Pacific Kitchens; Range wall stone: Sapienstone in Dark Marquina Silky; Island: natural marble. THIS OR THAT: Kitchen island or kitchen table? Both! That’s where design is heading for me right now. I’m building islands that don’t just have seating but also incorporate an actual table element into the layout, so you get the workhorse function of the island with the gather- around warmth of a table. It’s the best of both worlds. DESIGNER JACKIE KOSNETT AND MARTINA BIEGEL GALERIE DESIGN + BUILD DESIGNER COOPER PACIFIC Photo by Tessa Neustadt Photo by Meghan Beierle-O’Brien This home in Ann Arbor, Michigan, features a kitchen that juxtaposes cool stone (terrazzo and marble) with warm woods. Wall sconces by Heathfield & Co. and Cloud Ball ceiling fixture by O’Lampia highlight the mix of materials. DESIGNER RAMSAY NYE INTERIOR DESIGN & DECORATION Photo by Heather Talbert GATHER ’ROUND

38 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 39 STYLING: Gill Renlund PROJECT LOCATION: Hälsingland, Sweden PROJECT DETAILS: The current owner of this 17th-century farmhouse has inherited and renovated it on her own. Much of the painting in the kitchen is directly inspired by the original colors and styles of the home, while the mixing of patterns and textures adds a timeless aesthetic that feels right at home. Sources: Mostly heirlooms from the 18th century and onward. THIS OR THAT: Open shelving or upper cabinets? A combination of both! PROJECT LOCATION: Lake Garda, Italy PROJECT DETAILS: The inspiration for this Ca’ dei Mongi kitchen grew out of the Kintschers’ philosophy on life: they love paring things down to the essentials and the aesthetic of clarity. Striking materials — such as a rough natural stone monolith and mill-scale steel surfaces — are balanced with soft, natural tones, handcrafted furniture and unique pieces collected all over the world. The result is a living space you can step into and intuitively feel at ease in — a place where you can truly unwind. Sources: Custom-made kitchen with scaled steel: Metalworker, Bavaria; Münsinger Kernstein and stone: Hauser Stonemason; Pendant lamps: Be unique, Belgium. THIS OR THAT: Big dinner or light entrees? The best meal to cook in this kitchen? If you ask the kids, the answer will always be: MEAT. Sliced thinly as Tagliata di Manzo or thick pieces cut down from a Fiorentina steak. If you ask us parents, it would be salmon and wonderfully steamed vegetables. Best when freshly coming out of the Gaggenau steamer — our favorite high-end kitchen appliance. Sometimes when preparing dinner, we wish for rain or bad weather so we have to sit inside, because indoors is almost as beautiful as outdoors. DESIGNER/HOMEOWNER MONICA LINDBERG DESIGNER ALV AND DANIELA KINTSCHER, CA’ DEI MONGI Photo by Ramona Balaban Photo by Paul Dyer Photo by Monica Ljusdal In this Boffi kitchen, streamlined cabinetry, open shelving and dramatic stone create a highly personalized, contemporary space. DESIGNER ANN LOWENGART “Authenticity is defining kitchens in 2026. Clients want spaces that feel personal rather than like everyone else’s, whether through a distinctive slab, unexpected color or unique hardware.” —Ann Lowengart GATHER ’ROUND

40 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 41 Natalie Officer is a good listener. As the principal of Natalie O Design, a full-service interior design firm in Kentucky, her job is to listen to her clients and their homes. Such was the case for this midcentury residence just outside of Louisville: Officer wanted to craft a spot for the home’s family to gather without overwriting its rich history. “Oftentimes when someone has a midcentury home, there’s nothing eccentric inside,” the designer describes. “Once someone’s kind of taken out all the pieces, it’s quite sterile. So how do you bring character back into the house?” For starters, Officer “softened” the property’s Brutalist materials, like Bradford stone and concrete, with a nature- inspired palette. “This biophilic concept brings people calm,” she explains. “We wanted to tilt that into modernity without hitting you over the head with it.” PROJECT LOCATION: Venice, Italy PROJECT DETAILS: With a focus on materiality, functionality and custom, bespoke touches, this kitchen design lends an unexpected charm to the entire interior of its Venice home. Passionate about traditional Italian cuisine, the owner selected a custom stainless-steel Ego configuration from Abimis to create a space that seamlessly brings together professional performance with day-to-day life. The result is a compact configuration that ensures maximum ergonomics and organization alongside a welcoming, balanced environment that’s a pleasure to inhabit. Sources: Bespoke island from the Ego collection, entirely crafted in stainless steel and orbitally polished by hand. THIS OR THAT: Following a recipe or improvising? Improvising, starting from a strong foundation. At Abimis, the kitchen is a place where technique and creativity come together. A good recipe can show the way, but it’s intuition, curiosity and the freedom to make it your own that turn cooking into a truly personal experience. DESIGNER ALBERTO TORSELLO Photo by Colin Dutton DOWN TO EARTH Nestled outside of Louisville, a family home marries midcentury charm with Mother Nature’s bounty TEXT KELSEY MULVEY PHOTOGRAPHER KATE LEICHHARDT INTERIOR DESIGN NATALIE O DESIGN STYLIST NATALIE OFFICER + TEAM LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY In the living room, two ottomans covered in Pierre Frey upholstery deliver bucolic beauty. GATHER ’ROUND

42 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 43 TOP LEFT: The stacked-stone fireplace separates the living area from the dining room, which Officer explains serves as a “mental transition” to the kitchen. TOP RIGHT: Moody granite countertops give this galley kitchen a dramatic flair. BOTTOM RIGHT: In the primary bathroom, skylights soften the glossy black subway tiles seen throughout. “The experience you have in this bathroom in the early morning versus when you take a bath at night is totally different,” the designer shares. TEXT KELSEY MULVEY PHOTOGRAPHER ADAM KANE MACCHIA INTERIOR DESIGN TAMI WASSONG INTERIORS STYLIST PHILIPPA BRATHWAITE GO WITH THE FLOW Designer Tami Wassong transforms this disjointed Upper West Side complex into a timeless spot for togetherness The home’s sunken living room and a sky-blue Gogan sofa by Patricia Urquiola invite guests to kick back and relax, while two ottomans covered in a tactile, moss-tinged fabric from Pierre Frey look plucked from the great outdoors. Verdant accents in the kitchen bring a bold touch to the room’s cherry cabinets and white oak tray ceilings. Outside, yellow cabinets flank the al fresco kitchen, bringing a hint of sunshine year-round. Swathed in a Hella Jongerius stripe from Maharam, the living room’s swivel chairs offer a stylish spot to schmooze. Wassong made the most of the small hallway by designing this floating console. “There’s actually a drawer hidden in the fluting, which is where they put their keys,” she adds. “It’s a moment that leads into the whimsy you might see in the rest of the apartment.” From thoughtful furnishings to intentional integrations, the home blurs the line between the great outdoors and indoors. “A seamless transition is the hallmark of organic architecture,” she notes. “The building dissolves into its surroundings; the boundary between shelter and environment disappears.” Midcentury homes excel in bridging the gap between form and function, and this property is no exception. Though the living room’s custom millwork provides discreet, design-minded storage, the integrated bar from Daniel Chaffin offers a toast-worthy moment. In fact, Officer says that this bar served as the “ah-ha” moment for her and Chaffin to launch their joint design collective, Ora.House. “We love that we were able to do what we call in Kentucky ‘the bourbon thing,’” she states of the bar. “You have all your libations there, but really when it’s closed, it’s a piece of art.” A quartet of wall structures from Samantha McCurdy offers a subtle nod to the home’s nature-inspired palette.

44 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 45 Behind every hospitable home should be an intuitive flow that’s ripe for everyday activities and entertaining. So when a layout veers into clunky territory, rectifying it becomes a designer’s top priority. Such was the case for Tami Wassong, a New York-based designer who was tasked with reimagining a prewar apartment on the Upper West Side for a family of four. “Multiple units were previously combined, so it was very disjointed,” she explains. “Before, you would’ve walked through and noticed where one apartment ended and another started.” Though some of the transformation was structural — beams were added or recessed as needed to create a cohesive ceiling — Wassong wanted to create a welcoming respite amid Manhattan’s hustle and bustle. At the heart of the home is the kitchen, a space Wassong notes was meticulously customized to match her client’s needs and style. “I don’t believe timeless design means traditional design,” she shares. “That said, we didn’t want it to be so super modern that they would get tired of it.” Moody cabinetry, walnut accents and pulls from Katonah Architectural Hardware craft a space that’s timeless but not stuck in the past. Toward the end of the galley kitchen is a dining area punctuated with a shape-shifting fixture from RTO Lighting. “It adds a little bit of that charm and celebrates the history of the building and, of course, the apartment itself.” Equally charming, Wassong adds, is the new millwork, which imbues the apartment with intentional elegance. “We maxed out all these little niches and corners,” she describes. “If you had all these floating shelves or store-bought bookshelves, a space would look clunky. There’s something about incorporating millwork that feels so seamless.” When combined with strategic pops of color and ample spots to come together? It’s a home Wassong’s clients never want to leave. “They love their apartment,” she states. “They want to hang out here and have friends over. If there’s anything going on, they’re saying, ‘Nope, you need to come here.’” LEFT: In the kitchen, a mix of painted and walnut cabinet fronts, as well as Marble America countertops, creates a delicious, design-minded depth. RIGHT: Integrated millwork was a nonnegotiable for this apartment in New York, so everything has its place. “We created so much storage in this kitchen,” Wassong shares. “They were very concerned about having everything fit, but they had that and even more.” NEW YORK, NEW YORK Despite her client’s initial hesitation about the brownish olive walls, the multifunctional office has quickly become one of the favorite rooms of the house. “It feels like a warm hug,” Wassong says.

46 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 47 ART & SOUL A picture might be worth a thousand words, but in this Upper East Side apartment, Dunnam Zerbini Design lets the artful furnishings do all the talking TEXT KELSEY MULVEY PHOTOGRAPHER READ MCKENDREE INTERIOR DESIGN DUNNAM ZERBINI DESIGN Welcoming a guest into your home is a vulnerable pursuit: It forces you to let your public persona slip and reveal a space tailor- made for you. But as this residence from Dunnam Zerbini Design proves, perhaps the best way to do so is through art. The owner, who lives in the Midwest and uses her Upper East Side apartment as a secondary home, is very involved in the contemporary arts scene and wanted to imbue the space with a gallerist’s allure. “She’s a very confident client,” states Kelly Zerbini, the design firm co-owner. “She was very excited about artisan-made pieces, about one-of-a-kind creations, and she made her selections quickly. She was just a pleasure to work with.” Though the 3800-square-foot unit is rife with paintings and sculptures, Zerbini and Arthur Dunnam, the other co-owner, treated furnishings like artwork. “It’s a layered and well-thought- out experience,” Zerbini describes of the design process. “You can slowly enjoy things as you spend more time in there.” Guests often flock to the dining room-cum-library, which Dunnam says felt “pretty claustrophobic” before he and Zerbini added their artful touch. “It had bookcases built all the way around,” he explains. “They just ate into the room.” The designers traded in the swinging doors that once separated the living and dining areas for a cased opening, removed the built- ins, and refocused the space around two rope-wrapped bookcases from Christian Astuguevieille. Two Papa Bear Chairs from Hans J. Wegner and agate-clad side tables from Philip Nimmo complete the room, bringing a collected appeal to the space. While most of the apartment features rich burgundies, browns and camels, the mostly white kitchen offers a visual exhale. To bring some intrigue to the airier space, Zerbini and Dunnam treated the light fixtures as sculptures. Here, two ceramic-dipped mesh pendants from Scott Daniel Design create a sun-dappled effect that draws the crowd in. Because even in its quieter moments, the home reflects its occupants. “It’s for somebody who’s comfortable doing some color and very artful, sculptural elements,” Dunnam says. “It makes a statement.” TOP: Designers Kelly Zerbini and Arthur Dunnam punctuate an all-white kitchen with stools from Powell & Bonnell upholstered in a burnt orange Whistler Leather. A duet of Mobius sculptural pendants by Scott Daniel Design adds a creative touch. BOTTOM: A Hans J. Wegner Papa Bear Chair, rope-wrapped bookcase from Christian Astuguevieille, and an agate- encrusted side table from Philip Nimmo carve out an intimate reading nook in this hospitable dining space. A curved sofa and verdant dining chairs bring a little bit of Palm Springs star power to this breakfast nook. NEW YORK, NEW YORK GOIN’ WEST Rainey Richardson Interiors brings the Wild West and Palm Springs glamour to a Houston home TEXT KELSEY MULVEY PHOTOGRAPHY JULIE SOEFER INTERIOR DESIGN RAINEY RICHARDSON INTERIORS STYLIST JESSICA HOLTAM Texas firm Rainey Richardson Interiors never discusses cookie-cutter design styles. “All those words like ‘traditional’ and ‘transitional’ are so worn out,” notes principal designer Rainey Richardson. “We scrap all that and ask our clients about what jazzes them.” So what “jazzed” a couple who just completed a new build in an emerging Houston neighborhood? Bringing people together. “We wanted to create a beautiful, storied and functional home that invites you to sit and stay awhile,” Richardson says. “You’re not afraid to sit on anything or put your drink on a coaster. You can prop your feet up and feel okay with that.” KURY LANE, HOUSTON, TEXAS In the powder room, designer Tami Wassong created a jewel-box effect with walnut-clad walls and an integrated stone sink.

48 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 49 [Design Duo] When a client requests an interior that leans heavily into American West style, Rainey Richardson Interiors accomplishes it without using dated design clichés. Instead, the husband-and-wife team of Rainey (the design lead) and Tom (the business and operations engine) compose spaces that are deeply personal. Forget rough-sawn rustic; this home swaps a log-cabin core for desert hues, killer lighting and sentimental curation. Here, the couple shares insights about how they transmuted the iconic spirit of American cowboy culture into something fresh. What roles do each of you play when approaching a new project? RAINEY RICHARDSON: On paper, it’s highly compartmentalized. As principal, I head the design team and oversee all creative aspects. Tom handles our books, the back office, financials and our remodeling crews. However, from time to time Tom fancies himself a designer, and I have to gently remind him that he is, in fact, not one. TOM RICHARDSON: Unless, of course, I have a brilliant idea that gets incorporated into the project without getting any credit! But that’s okay. I just want us all to win. RR: When we do our week-long installs, Tom is completely hands-on. He supports the design team with logistics and manages the heavy lifting of the installation. TR: What stood out to me about working on this project was the sheer variety of elements. The home’s architecture leans modern, but the interior tells a different story. What Rainey created is a beautiful mash- up. The cowboy element was inspired by the client, who spent a few years working on a ranch. The cowboy aesthetic gives the rooms a relaxed, lived-in feel. How did you develop this style with such sophistication? RR: A desert-inspired color palette drove the entire scheme. I encouraged the client to lean a bit heavier into the cowboy theme than they’d initially planned because it felt deeply rooted in their story. We also incorporated a Palm Springs vibe for the outdoor spaces. Inside, we avoided dark stains in favor of caramel tones and lighter woods to add dimension. To keep the look elevated, we steered clear of rough-sawn wood or rustic elements, focusing instead on gorgeous fabrics, hand-knotted wool rugs and killer lighting. Which room stands out as the ultimate gathering space? RR: Definitely the kitchen. We designed it with four feet of clearance around the island — six feet near the fireplace — so people can gather comfortably. The breakfast room is the real jewel box. Tucked perfectly between the kitchen and living room, it’s a cozy nook for intimate gatherings. This or That Cowboy Culture: John Wayne or Clint Eastwood? RR: John Wayne. I’m drawn to his unwavering authenticity and individualism. TR: That’s a tough one. I’ll say Clint Eastwood. He has a lot of great quotes in movies like “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.” Couple Time: Date night or family fun? RR: Date night. We are empty nesters and guard our time together and count it as sacred. We’ve always been better together. TR: Definitely date night. And… we laugh a lot! After almost 40 years together, we are still crazy about each other. Great Outdoors: Fall hike or beach walk? RR: We love to hike! Not like scale the side of a sheer mountain, but mid- level hiking through nature is our jam! TR: Fall hike, and if it’s in Santa Fe, it’s even more perfect. “They wanted a very masculine tone to it, but we didn’t want it to feel heavy,” Burnam describes of the bedroom. “The lighter drapes, shades and bedding help lift it up.” Meanwhile a photograph of Rock Hudson lassoing Elizabeth Taylor “provides a little bit of whimsy.” To craft a space that was equal parts inviting and authentic to the homeowners, the firm ditched the rustic clichés seen in many Texan homes. “They wanted this very cool Palm Springs ranch, but they also fell in love with cowboy lore,” explains Connor Burnam, lead designer, who oversaw much of the project. In fact, one of the homeowners spent about three years living on a working ranch in Colorado, which makes their penchant for the Wild West personal. A rich palette of beiges, browns and tans evokes a laid-back desert lifestyle, while a meticulous mix of materials brings the new frontier to the forefront. In the kitchen, a metal hood and wooden cabinets work together to transform the often-utilitarian room into a space where guests can linger. Meanwhile, the adjacent breakfast nook’s curved sofa and verdant chairs provide a “jewel-box moment.” But perhaps the highlight of the home is the leather room, which is used for leather tooling and entertaining. “The antique table here can be cranked up to where you can stand and work at it,” Richardson says. “You can crank it down where they can sit and enjoy a game night or cocktail hour.” Both Richardson and Burnam lovingly refer to the home as “a good-time gal” — and for good reason. “It’s a place to love and be loved,” Richardson notes. “You don’t just drop in for a short time; you go and stay awhile.” And the homeowners have not moved a single thing since they first stepped inside, so it’s safe to say they’re equally jazzed about this space. TOP: Guests often gather around the spacious island, while the layered light fixtures from Visual Comfort offer an artful illumination. Designers juxtaposed the rich wood cabinetry with an angular, metal hood. Appliances from Thermador and Neolith countertops round out the room. RIGHT: Handiwork and hospitality converge in the leather room, replete with an antique crank table, drapery from Marcus Williams and a geometric light fixture. BOTTOM: Richardson thoughtfully peppered the home with her client’s personal belongings. In this nook, two framed blueprints of her client’s first home hang above a tubular leather chair.

50 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 51 ALL TOGETHER NOW: OLD AND NEW IDEAS CONVERGE IN AN ARCHITECTURAL ACHIEVEMENT THE DRAWING BOARD, INC., LEADS A RESIDENTIAL DESIGN TRANSFORMATION TEXT GWEN DONOVAN PHOTOGRAPHY KATE WICHLINSKI STYLING KATALIN FARNADY The light-filled living room features a new open staircase to the second floor with glass railings to allow light from upper clerestory windows to illuminate the space in the late afternoon. A windowed breakfast nook on the first floor is a sunny and stylish spot for morning coffee.

52 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 53 ike many homes approaching their 100th birthday, a 1938 Dutch colonial set on a leafy suburban street outside of Washington, D.C., has had a number of haphazard additions over the years, creating inconsistent ceiling heights and a challenging flow. Peter Miles, architect and principal at The Drawing Board, Inc., was called upon to rework the frustratingly imperfect layout. Pairing his exceptional vision with the homeowners’ input, the resulting design feels especially thoughtful and efficient, while it importantly establishes an optimal floor plan for modern living. At the first walk-through, Miles noticed an assortment of bewildering design issues in the room arrangements. “A series of poorly conceived and even more poorly constructed interventions were agglomerated onto the rear of the home,” he recalls. “On the first floor, the accretion of these additions meant there was no clear circulation through the home. One would awkwardly walk around the stairs and then was required to descend several steps into the living room.” There were other daily annoyances for the homeowners and their guests, he noted. “Because the original home only had low ceilings, taller people had to duck to pass under the opening into the living room and kitchen,” he explains. “The kitchen was accessed either through a narrow opening adjacent to the stairs, or down and then up through the living room.” This sequence of misaligned levels also continued upstairs. The primary suite was accessed through a secondary staircase that branched off from the main stair halfway up. The closet and the bathroom for the primary suite were then each up another separate partial staircase. Access to the partially finished attic involved climbing a very steep staircase, “with a ceiling over the stairs low enough that even shorter members of society needed to watch out,” Miles describes. The existing kitchen extends into a buffet as part of the newly renovated dining room. The table overlooks views of the backyard and a shady maple tree. A new window was inserted into this tranquil sitting room, which was originally the foyer. L Even with a long list of improvements, Miles respected the home’s heritage when maximizing the flow. “We wanted to maintain as much of the form and function of the original 1938 portion of the home as possible,” the architect explains. “As a practice, we like to think of the design of renovations and additions as a conversation with the existing home and site. With that said, the form of the existing Dutch colonial meant the staircase was boxed in by rooms, with no elegant way to expand.” But the design team devised a solution: Moving the staircase to the back of the existing house solved the circulation problems and provided an opportunity for taller ceilings and larger windows. The homeowners were closely involved in the renovation’s direction by being open to the design team’s ideas, while also quite collaborative. “Their nonnegotiable items were fixing the circulation and the levels-within-levels problem, while providing more natural light and an open, modern feel,” Miles offers. One of the most dramatic transformations took place in the living room. “The addition on the rear of the home is a series of stacked volumes that allow for large windows and a lot of light,” Miles explains. “By keeping the living room volume one floor, we were able to provide a 12-foot-tall ceiling.” With the relocated staircase to the back of the living room, a windowed roof volume now rises above the height of the living room below. Despite numerous changes, the essential welcoming spirit of the home remains the same. “We kept the form of the original home intact,” Miles notes, “which means that you still have some lower ceilings. Passing from those lower spaces into the living room exaggerates the height of that space. It faces south and southwest, so it is washed with light throughout the day.”

54 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 55 The primary bedroom preserved views of an existing tree, while ceilings are The original chimney and roof outline of the Dutch colonial are visible in this photo; a new roofline high enough for two clerestory windows above the bed. has provided extra ceiling height, converting the cramped attic into a light-filled office. “WE KEPT THE FORM OF THE ORIGINAL HOME INTACT.” —PETER MILES

56 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 57 In Boston’s Back Bay, designer Lisa Tharp’s own pied-à-terre proves that a home built for receiving is a home built La Dolce Vita in the Back Bay for connection Made for long conversations: the Bernie sofa in mohair from Bright Chair Company, warmed by an ottoman reupholstered in Dual Terre de Sienne by Martin Group through Stitch NYC. A vintage Maison Arlus sconce from France casts its glow on “Audrey” by William Quigley, a portrait Tharp won at auction, proof that even a room for one holds two happily. The fireside seat of honor belongs to a Ralph Pucci daybed restored in chocolate velvet, its open silhouette chosen so Tharp’s guitarist husband can play freely for guests. A 1962 articulating lamp by Goffredo Reggiani, from Gurari, swings into reading position, while Thomas Junghans’s bronze Janus I, from M Fine Arts Galerie, keeps watch from a Global Views skyscraper pedestal. TEXT CARA GIBBS PHOTOGRAPHY JOSE MANUEL ALORDA INTERIOR DESIGN LISA THARP LOCATION BACK BAY, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

58 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 59 In the study, painted a Tuscan rust that recalls family time in Siena and nearly matches the brownstone’s own façade, a 1930s French Art Deco desk in polished burl walnut takes the light from tall windows. A sculptural travertine-and-Lucite lamp from South Loop Loft sits atop it — a hand- knotted geometric silk rug from Stark stripes the floor below. Once-awkward closets are now paneled cabinetry with antique hardware. The deep, rich color creates a sense of immersion “ ” —Lisa Tharp oston filled in the Charles River basin in 1859 to satisfy a wealthy appetite for European- inspired townhomes, and on the first block of the Back Bay — the first built, with front- row views of the Public Garden — the results still speak fluent Italian. Behind the façade of one 1860 French Academic brownstone, arched doorways, ornamental plaster and carved stone mantels could pass for 19th-century Rome. So when interior designer Lisa Tharp made the second floor her own, she did as the Romans do. “I’ve always admired Italy’s sophisticated blending of modernist elements with historic structures,” explains Tharp, whose firm is headquartered nearby on Newbury Street. “This apartment shares architectural language with 19th-century Rome, so I can express that inspiration here.” It helps that she took the grandest floor of the house, the one the original family reserved for receiving guests. More than a century and a half later, the apartment still honors that promise, as every room is artfully composed to draw people in and keep the conversation in full swing. “It’s such a privilege to live in the Back Bay, surrounded by so many architectural jewels,” shares Tharp, who knew instantly this was home. “The ceilings were love at first sight the moment I clicked on the listing photos. I knew immediately that our search was over.” Those restored plaster ceilings crown a living room designed less as a showpiece than as an invitation. Walls washed in silvery gray prove to be “an ethereal atmosphere,” muses Tharp, “evocative of Swedish interiors” that soften the light around the Venetian Fortuny silk chandelier, while three working fireplaces, all revived, give the flat its natural gathering points. By the carved stone mantel, a Ralph Pucci daybed restored in chocolate velvet was chosen with company in mind. The open silhouette lets Tharp’s guitarist husband play unencumbered, filling the room with music while friends and family settle in by the fire. At the window, a sculptural Italian travertine table stands ready for intimate dinners with front-row views of the Public Garden. And in a flat of tall yet small rooms, the layout flexes graciously, with extra dining chairs waiting in the bedroom for the moment the guest list grows. Through an arched doorway — original to the brownstone with its heavy acorn knobs intact — the study wraps visitors in Sienese rust, a hue borrowed from the building’s own façade. “The deep, rich color creates a sense of immersion,” Tharp explains, the kind of enveloping warmth that pulls a guest into a wing chair and doesn’t let go until midnight. A 1930s Art Deco desk in burl walnut gleams beneath a vintage Maison Arlus sconce, proof that a room for one can still hold two in conversation. For Tharp, the flat gathers more than people; it gathers time. “A story was always playing in the background as the design developed,” she admits, imagining the chapters prior generations might have written here, the likes of an Art Deco flourish or a Modernist line. “The design plan is all about balance — historic versus modern, delicate ornateness versus handsome structure, visual softness versus hard edges.” Even the bedroom extends the welcome, where the firm’s own Palazzo Bed, dressed in Maharam fabric beneath Donghia silk shades, nods to Venetian palaces. “I feel instantly transported, waking up to ornamental ceilings framed by the grand proportions of this bed,” she adds. It amounts to a philosophy of home as host — comfort, curated and composed, in every corner. Or as Tharp puts it, her signature is “a deep respect for the architecture and setting, a curated composition of pieces from across key design periods and a distinct reflection of the unique personalities that dwell within.”

60 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 61 “I’ve always admired Italy’s sophisticated blending of modernist elements with historic structures” From the corner of the Palazzo Bed, an arched doorway leads to the dressing room, where an 18th-century oval-back chair, restored in Venetian silk velvet from Schumacher, via Charles Spada, sits beneath “TAFEL 4,” artist unknown, also from Charles Spada. The rust wool dress is Tharp’s own design; French doors beyond open to a large private terrace. ABOVE LEFT: An original arched doorway, crowned in rope molding, frames the passage from silvery calm to Sienese warmth. The LT Signature four-door cabinet from the Lisa Tharp Collection — walnut, ivory panels, brass inlays that wink at the firm’s logo — hosts a Brutalist plaster lamp found on Chairish, beneath “A Copper Totem and Benign Neglect” by L. Fahn R., hung as an asymmetrical diptych. ABOVE RIGHT: Beneath restored ornamental plasterwork, a Fortuny Scheherazade two-tier silk chandelier floats like a lantern over a room composed for company. Eno high-back lounge chairs from The Bright Group draw close around a 1970s Italian occasional table sourced on 1stDibs, all grounded by a geometric silk rug from Stark. Above the carved stone mantel — one of three working fireplaces Tharp revived — hangs “Among” by Los Angeles artist Fia Tharp. LEFT: The Palazzo Bed from the Lisa Tharp Collection, its spare canopy a reductionist homage to Venetian palaces, frames the ceiling Tharp fell for at first click. Upholstered in lustrous Maharam fabric and dressed in custom velvet bedding beneath Donghia silk shades, it’s flanked by a Young Chest from Tritter Feefer. On the wall, “Untitled” (July 28, 2024) by Marc Schepens, Ellen Miller Gallery, and on the mantel, Thomas Junghans’s Canorus Nocti, M Fine Arts Galerie, beside “Self Portrait Study” by Fia Tharp.

62 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 63 LAKESIDE LIVING A Minnesota home, designed for being together TEXT THOMAS CONNORS PHOTOGRAPHY TAYLOR HALL O'BRIEN ARCHITECTURE PKA ARCHITECTURE LOCATION LONG LAKE, MINNESOTA The conviviality of the dinner table. The raucousness of game night. A hushed tête-à-tête as the sun sinks low. Day in, day out, we come together in innumerable ways. Sometimes for just a moment; sometimes we linger. And every interaction is framed — and sometimes inspired — by the way our homes embrace us. Sitting lakeside in Minnesota, this home is a true expression of the owners’ joy in getting together. “Our client sought a space of sanctuary and retreat that felt approachable, comfortable and welcoming to all,” describes Tammy Angaran, project manager and architect at Minneapolis-based PKA Architecture. “It is quiet and understated, with each selection having been made with careful intent. Each was evaluated for the ‘feel’ and with reflection on how it fit the vision. Nothing was selected independently. Every architectural and material decision was evaluated not only for how it performed but also for how it contributed to the emotional experience of the house.” The workmanlike kitchen features reclaimed wood, Zellige tile, soapstone and copper. A custom console in white oak sets a border in the dining area of this Minnesota waterfront home. Table and rug are by Yond Interiors.

64 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 65 “I really connected with the client’s embrace of the Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy and her intention for the design team to collaboratively bring that sensibility to life,” shares Design Principal Kristine Anderson. “While the overall experience of moving through the house is something I love, the main living room stands out. It’s inviting and calm. The wood on the ceiling hovers above walls of windows that bring the outside in. Materials feel warm and organic, giving the room an authentic, lived-in character. It’s a space that invites you to slow down, to sink into the couch with a good book or simply close your eyes and drift into a nap.” A neutral palette — almost abstemiously understated — puts human interaction front and center. While there are eye-catching components (a potbelly stove, a coffee table fashioned from a big hunk of tree), the stuff of this home seems to recede. No room is fully alive until it is populated, and that goes double in this house. The refectory- like dining table — custom-designed by Yond Interiors — is elemental in its simplicity, a no- nonsense support for breaking bread. TOP: A sitting room, outfitted with built-in seating, was tailor-made to en- joy a view of the lake. ABOVE: Vintage pieces fill the relaxed living room. The sheen of Zellige tile contrasts with the oak cabinetry in the kitchen.

66 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 67 CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT: Reclaimed elm and custom plaster envelop the upper stair hall, illuminated by pendants from Yond Interiors, manufactured by Swadoh. • A collection of vintage toys animates this upstairs hallway. • The beds in the bunk room are equipped with storage space in the headboards and in drawers tucked below. • The outdoor kitchen was built into a wall of Winter Cobble from Orijin Stone. • Powder room with custom plaster and limestone sink. “The homeowner’s vision was a combination of wabi-sabi that accepts imperfection, kintsugi’s embrace of imperfection and the Nordic hygge mindset that invites people in,” notes Julia Miller, creative director at Yond Interiors. “We expressed these ideas through the careful use of color, restrained patterns and surfaces that emphasize simplicity. It feels like a home with a soul.” “OUR CLIENT SOUGHT A SPACE OF SANCTUARY AND RETREAT THAT FELT APPROACHABLE, COMFORTABLE AND WELCOMING TO ALL.” —TAMMY ANGARAN

68 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 69 Perception Depth GILLES DEWAVRIN CREATES A LAYERED, LUSCIOUS ENVIRONMENT IN TEXT JORGE S. ARANGO PHOTOGRAPHY AND STYLING CLAUDE SMEKENS BRUSSELS… WITHOUT GOING OVERBOARD Gilles Dewavrin’s own Grand Voltaire chair pairs with a refurbished Gio Ponti desk. INTERIOR DESIGNER, DECORATOR AND CLIENT GILLES DEWAVRIN LOCATION BRUSSELS, BELGIUM Gothic ecclesiastical influences — an inspiration for Dewavrin’s Arts and Crafts-derived furniture designs — are obvious in this vintage Glastonbury armchair.

70 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 71 states the graphic, interior and furniture designer Gilles Dewavrin. This is not exactly a surprise from a man who spent summers in 1970s London working for the Lucite-obsessed Baron Alessandro Albrizzi and making picture frames in France for David Hicks, whose love of eclectic interiors drenched in bold patterns and hues knew no bounds. “These people loved color,” he recalls. “It was a Carnaby Street sort of thing.” Not that Dewavrin experienced that epicenter of the mod 1960s Peacock Revolution firsthand, he is quick to slyly point out when asked his age. “I remember reading about it.” Yes, well, let’s move on. One glance around Dewavrin’s chic Brussels apartment in a building near the Place Georges Brugmann in Ixelles reveals these influences to be alive and well in his unconventional, conversation- generating assemblage of pattern, color and eccentricity. Evident also are his background in fashion (he founded Myrène de Prémonville with the famed French stylist) and perfume (he still sells a line of private-label, scented candles). “I love piling it on,” Dewavrin shares. “Some of this furniture I’ve had for a very long time. I can never get rid of things.” To be sure, this inability to let beautiful things go has been a lifelong affliction. But abetting it, perhaps, were the years Dewavrin kept a stand in the Sablon, the famed antiques district in Brussels, which he stocked with finds unearthed at the enormous Fiera di Parma in Italy. That business, apparently, fed this designer’s natural acquisitive impulses, especially for mid-20th-century Italian design. “I like everything Bohemian,” Above a sofa boasting a pillow in a William Morris fabric is an oversize 1960s-70s wall light. Before it, a 1960s Scandinavian table and on a Deco-style side table, one of Parisian ceramic artist Maïssa Toulet’s sacred bird sculptures.

72 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 73 Open kitchen shelves feature, among many ceramic and glass bric-a-brac, biscuit tins from Fortnum & Mason. “Not only is the packaging fabulous and decorative,” Dewavrin says, “but the biscuits are extremely good.” Dewavrin’s Trèfle chair and massive Arts and Crafts-style desk, which features an attached ceramic unicorn rabbit. In the background is a painting by Charles de Wardenier, popularly known as WAD. The chair features his characteristic mix of fabrics (plaid, floral and damask) with trefoil cutouts. A vide poche tray from Vallauris, the commune in the South of France known for its ceramics (left) and a faience vessel by artist Jean-Paul Gourdon. The designer’s love of ceramics is evident in his unicorn rabbit (monolithic to the desk), a reptile plate by Caroline Pholien and, under a bell jar, a Día de los Muertos composition by Maïssa Toulet. 1 1 2 3 4 2 4 3

74 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 75 And why should Dewavrin restrain himself, after all, when he mixes eras and styles with such incontestable aplomb? There is his beloved Italian midcentury furniture (he enthuses about a Gio Ponti desk that he refurbished, calling it his “heartthrob,” which he pairs with a midcentury American lamp and his own Grand Voltaire chair accessorized with a Gucci cushion). There are ceramics of every variety, from a green Sicilian vase to a reptilian plate by Belgian artist Caroline Pholien (“I love snakes,” he concedes). A sofa is anchored by a William Morris pillow fabric under a massive late-1960s or early-70s wall light from a hotel. Two Fornasetti-style chairs sit before an elaborate black-and-pink- marble fireplace that features a taxidermy raven. Even his fabric mix feels ebulliently variegated. Exhibit A? His bedroom, which throws into the creative blender Rubelli couture curtains with a Gucci throw and midcentury art by Charles de Wardenier (known, in his day, as WAD). Dewavrin began making his own furniture, which was influenced by the Arts and Crafts Movement — neo-Gothic trefoil decorations, strap arms, etc. — because “I needed something to do in the country,” where he has another home and several dogs. Proportionally, however, his chairs and desks tend toward the extra-large. “I like big, oversize things in a small house,” he admits. “It feels grander.” Providentially, the early 20th-century building where his two-bedroom duplex garden apartment is located (“Very French, like a hôtel particulier,” he describes) had high ceilings, which gave his furniture and eclectic collections room to breathe. Despite his penchant for maximalism, however, Dewavrin values a judicious approach to design. “If you pile things on, there has to be a kind of equilibre [balance],” he explains. “It can’t be messy. If you overdo it, it can be a bit chichi.” This is one reason he incorporates his own furniture. “These bring back a masculine character,” he believes. To quote the avant-garde artist Jean Cocteau, “Tact in audacity is knowing how far you can go without going too far.” This is an art Dewavrin has perfected; it is familiar territory for him. FAR LEFT: Edgard, Dewavrin’s beloved stuffed raven, oversees two Fornasetti-style chairs from its perch on the mantel next to a gold Murano vase from 1stDibs. Dewavrin’s love of snakes is apparent in his serpent-themed porcelain plate, which he pairs with colorful Murano glassware. LEFT: Dewavrin walks under paintings by WAD. Nearby is a Roger Feraud coat stand and a Gio Ponti chair. In a corner by the fireplace is a c. 1970s Italian table with another of Dewavrin’s Grand Voltaire chairs. The midcentury wall sculpture is also a wall lamp.

76 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 77 RICH, WARM AND WONDERFUL THE RESERVE AT LAKE KEOWEE SOUTH CAROLINA Two large-scale sofas from Verellen face each other across a set of bluestone coffee tables with custom bases in the high-ceilinged living room. T E X T T H O M A S C O N N O R S P H O T O G R A P H Y E M I LY F O L L O W I L L I N T E R I O R D E S I G N V E R O N I C A R U S S E L L I N T E R I O R S Designer Veronica Russell fashions a lakeside home in South Carolina A combination of open risers and stadium-like steps form a dynamic stairway. The antique farm table can seat 12. An eight-foot chandelier by Lowcountry Lighting with fringe detail by M2C Studio provides a soft, diffused light.

78 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 79 Water and light are what it’s all about when it comes to lakeside living; whether you’re talking in an old cabin where moss rather than mortar seems to hold everything together or a spanking new spread where a cool drink comes from the refrigerator and not a well. Rich in creature comforts and keyed to the world outside, this contemporary home at Lake Keowee in Sunset, South Carolina — designed by architects Richie Martin and John Biggs and brought to life by interior designer Veronica Russell — is an elegant retreat amid the elemental beauty of the landscape. Russell, who was brought in during the preconstruction phase to assist with cabinetry designs, finish selections and unique stone features (such as the hearth of the monumental fireplace), defines her approach as organic modern, “the use of rustic, artisanal items and materials mixed with clean-lined contemporary pieces.” This is expressed most fully in the high-ceilinged living room, where lime- painted walls, metals, plastered surfaces, wood and stone all come into play. The central portion of the cathedral ceiling is detailed with reclaimed oak. Below, two large-scale sofas from Verellen face each other across a set of bluestone coffee tables with custom bases. The spacious home offers curated places to gather, inside and out. “We have many areas designed to bring people together comfortably for all occasions and seasons,” notes Russell. The dining room is set with an antique French farm table that runs over 12 feet, with a custom eight-foot chandelier overhead detailed with light- diffusing fringe by M2C Studio. Large glass doors lead from the living room to an expansive deck overlooking the lake, complete with a wood-burning fireplace and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and dining space. The clients weren’t thinking about creating perfect rooms; instead, they explain, “We were thinking about creating spaces where life could happen.” Russell recalls, “The clients envisioned the lower level as the main entertaining space, so we felt that a moody shift would work beautifully for this recreational area.” Here, dark amber, slate blue and various shades of gray predominate. Pride of place is given to an extensive bourbon collection, which is displayed on a custom metal-and-glass shelving system that sits on wood cabinetry with metal inlay details. Blue Jeans marble by Artistic Tile, custom charcoal-stained concrete and six memory-swivel barstools by Vanguard Furniture covered in a performance charcoal bouclé fabric add to the generally masculine aspect of the space. The adjacent lounge area — grounded with a custom wool rug by Jaipur Living — sports a channel-backed, distressed-leather sectional by Vanguard Furniture and a large-screen TV. The kitchen island is topped with leathered Caribbean Island quartzite by Artistic Tile with the deep-walnut-stained wood beneath. Pendants are by Lowcountry Lighting. TOP LEFT: Blue Jeans marble by Artistic Tile, custom charcoal-stained concrete, and barstools by Vanguard Furniture covered in a performance charcoal bouclé fabric add to the moody vibe of the bourbon bar. TOP RIGHT: The downstairs lounge area — grounded with a custom wool rug by Jaipur Living — sports a channel-backed, distressed-leather sectional by Vanguard Furniture and a large-screen TV. LEFT: The kitchenette on the lower level maintains the masculine aesthetic of the adjacent rec room and bourbon bar with accents like leather in the cabinet pulls, knobs and barstools by Four Hands. The pendants by Regina Andrew introduce rich cerused oak, and the dark countertops are wire brushed Grafite marble by Artistic Tile.

80 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 81 “One of our favorite memories is watching our college-aged daughter and her friends make the lower level of the house their own gathering place,” the clients share. “There is always so much laughter, music and easy conversation. Seeing the house become a place where friendships can grow and memories are made has been incredibly meaningful to us.” Since lighting is a very important feature for the clients and they wanted to maximize it in all rooms, Russell describes, “We incorporated recessed lights throughout but kept them on their own zone, separate from the decorative fixtures. The overhead decorative lights are also kept on their own zone on dimmers, which allows for fully customizable layers of lighting, depending on the occasion. For example, when entertaining, the recessed lights can be completely off, while the decorative fixtures are set to create the perfect ambiance.” Treasures acquired from traveling and living abroad are displayed throughout the home. A Burmese Buddha rests in a small alcove in a curved hallway off the living room. A Balinese brass gong hangs on a wall in a guest bedroom, and an ironwood table, acquired while living in Papua, New Guinea, Indonesia, sits in the dining area of the lower level. The blend of high design with the vernacular invests the home with a clear individuality. A vintage Chinese wooden bench sits at the foot of the bed in the primary suite; a simple, well-worn ladder finds a new purpose as a drying rack in the laundry room. Every detail speaks to another. Space, light and water views do the rest. RIGHT: Custom cabinetry by Nicholas James Fine Woodworking houses appliances, the utility sink and a custom dog-feeding area in the laundry room. BELOW LEFT: An inviting Avalon tub by Native Trails anchors the primary bathroom. The Venus chandelier by Arteriors is made of saddle oyster shells. BELOW RIGHT: An ombre-fringed chandelier by M2C Studio and a vintage Chinese wood bench add to the textural interest of the primary bedroom. ABOVE: In the office, a Zaria Chandelier by Arteriors hangs above a custom, double-sided, walnut desk by Bricker and Beam. LEFT: The vanity and floating shelf in the powder room are made from salvaged wood by Nicholas James Fine Woodworking.

82 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 83 GOOD FOR THE SOUL BarlisWedlick Architects and MK Workshop bring heart and soul to a Manhattan apartment TEXT JORGE S. ARANGO PHOTOGRAPHY TIM LENZ INTERIOR DESIGN MK WORKSHOP ARCHITECTURE BARLISWEDLICK ARCHITECTS LOCATION NEW YORK, NEW YORK A study in contrast and sophistication, this navy-hued kitchen pairs blackened steel and glass cabinets and handmade indigo Zellige tiles with crisp PentalQuartz Concerto countertops, creating a modern space that feels both bold and timeless. The foyer features BarlisWedlick Architects’ custom-designed La Palma limestone flooring by Ann Sacks in a trapezoid pattern, a Ralph Pucci Oval Cumulus Chandelier, and a woven tapestry by Rachel Snack of Weaver House.

84 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 85 “What is a soul?” the great musician Ray Charles once asked rhetorically. His own answer? “It’s like electricity — we don’t really know what it is, but it’s a force that can light a room.” When the owners of this newly built ninth-floor New York City apartment in Chelsea purchased the place for themselves and their three active teens, it offered 4,400 square feet, four bedrooms and 360-degree views. What it lacked, however, was an electric charge of any kind. “It was perfectly livable,” recalls Jessie Goldvarg, an architect with BarlisWedlick Architects, based in Manhattan and Hudson, New York. “Everything was white, gray, new and functional, so we didn’t want to be too heavy-handed with a renovation. It was about giving the spaces soul, bringing in warmth.” Petra McKenzie, partner with Jonah Kilday of Texas-based MK Workshop, who was hired to help with the interiors, adds that the clients “wanted more of a cohesive home rather than an apartment” — something that blank white walls simply could not supply. Achieving these goals began with creating what Goldvarg calls a “landing space upon getting off the elevator,” which meant widening the foyer hall and annexing a bathroom to create a mudroom. Laying what she refers to as a “stone rug” floor in this new foyer (utilizing BarlisWedlick’s custom trapezoid pattern in limestone tile by Ann Sacks) interrupted the hall’s existing flooring, allowing guests to pause before being directed toward the gathering spaces. This strategic design decision also gave the residence a more defined sense of flow, a priority for this family’s social lifestyle. “They are avid entertainers,” explains Goldvarg of her clients. But the open-plan living-dining room and kitchen — a common modern trope — proved too open for that purpose. “Once you arrive in the family spaces, it became about creating just enough separation. They wanted to linger in the dining room after a cozy gathering.” Which is why the firm further closed off the kitchen and lowered the ceiling in the dining room to evoke a sense of greater intimacy. The ceiling’s Venetian plaster also added a mottled, warmer texture. Architect and designers then paneled walls in white oak with a curved detailing that added dimension and a play of shadows. The dining room side of this wall received a built-in buffet and bar — “an extension of the oak volume,” notes Goldvarg — that accommodates tableware storage and serves as a surface upon which to prepare cocktails and lay out buffets. The paneling “created an oasis inside that looks completely different from the gray outside,” Goldvarg describes. The kitchen, too, lost its white walls behind a coat of navy-blue cabinetry. MK Workshop is well known for its tactile sense of materiality, expressed through an evocative mix of surfaces and textiles that are “very natural, textured and layered,” McKenzie adds. Here, that manifests through handmade deep-blue tile backsplashes. “We approach projects with a mix of vintage and custom pieces,” McKenzie continues. So in the living room, visitors find a midcentury sofa placed perpendicularly to MK Workshop’s bespoke rosewood sofa, upholstered in Belgian linen. A breakfast area with a custom Verdi Alpi marble top table by MK Workshop The white oak and blackened steel elements found throughout are brought into the kitchen for a harmonious design. Island pendant lights was designed especially for banquette seating. illuminate the honed PentalQuartz Concerto countertop. The cabinets, painted in Blue Note from Benjamin Moore, are a visual statement. Benjamin Moore Blue Note 2129-30

86 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 87 “We approach projects with a mix of vintage and custom pieces.” —PETRA MCKENZIE The firm’s penchant for tactile quality then leads to a pairing of these elements with a blue rug sporting a variable pile that “creates pattern, but with texture,” a leather-wrapped ottoman, swivel chairs and stone-topped tables. In the kitchen’s breakfast nook is a custom table with a straight edge facing the banquette, which morphs into a rounded edge that accommodates three Carlo Scarpa chairs. Linen-wrapped side tables, fabric-covered walls, whip-stitched rawhide lampshades, lacquer and other materials are juxtaposed in ways that activate our senses, heightening tactility and visual charge. This infuses the formerly cool residence with that electric charge — the soul — that Charles articulated. An open-plan living and dining area blends tactile warmth with refined craftsmanship, featuring custom seating, natural materials and a curated mix of art and objects. The main bedroom features a MK Workshop custom-designed area rug in South African mohair, a chandelier from Juniper, vintage travertine table and Wave chaise lounge. In the guest bedroom, the hideaway bed is tucked behind the wall of rift-sawn white oak paneling, which hinges at the bottom. Frédéric Choisel’s “Inextricable 12” painting is custom framed with discreet handle slots hidden on the left and right sides. The picture frame is attached to the wall so it becomes the handle to the wall, allowing the hideaway bed to be lowered. The grasscloth wallpaper is by Holly Hunt, and the rug is custom-designed by MK Workshop.

88 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 89 THE ART OF BELONGING T E X T M U R RY E B E R N A R D P H O T O G R A P H Y L I N D S AY B R O W N I N T E R I O R D E S I G N C H R I S T I N A C R U Z L O C AT I O N A U S T I N , T E X A S very object in this Lake Austin home tells a story. But its greatest achievement isn’t the remarkable collection of art and artifacts displayed throughout; it’s the conversations, celebra- tions and quiet family moments those spaces inspire. Designed as a forever home for a family whose love of travel, history and collecting spans the globe, the 10,000-square-foot residence is richly layered with centuries-old artifacts, handcrafted materials and Spanish-inspired architectural details. Yet despite its museum-worthy craftsmanship, its true purpose is remarkably simple: bringing people together. Originally commissioned to furnish the property’s casita, interior designer Christina Cruz soon found herself reviewing plans for the main residence. As she learned more about her clients, she realized the architecture didn’t fully reflect the lives they hoped to build there. “While beautifully executed, the original plans felt more turnkey than timeless,” Cruz recalls. “They lacked the layers, authenticity and sense of soul that our clients naturally gravitated toward in the places that inspired them most.” Thoughtfully layered with Spanish-inspired architecture and meaningful collections, this Lake Austin home proves true luxury is measured by the life shared within it An antique monastery bench sourced from Spain anchors the foyer, reflecting the homeowners’ passion for history, travel and collecting. What followed was a two-year transformation that introduced Spanish-inspired architectural details, bespoke millwork, artisan finishes and richly textured materials, creating a home that feels rooted in history without ever feeling staged. From the outset, Cruz describes, the goal was never to create a house where extraordinary objects simply sat on display. “Every piece in their collection represented a memory, a place they’d traveled or a chapter of their family’s story,” she explains. “We approached the design almost like curating an exhibition, but instead of asking, ‘What should people look at?’ focusing on ‘How does this family want to feel as they move through their home?’” That question became the project’s guiding principle. Artwork and antiques were given room to breathe, while furnishings were chosen to invite conversation instead of appreciation from afar. Rather than standing alone, each element was selected to complement the next, creating rooms that feel collected over time rather than carefully composed. Throughout the residence, expansive gathering spaces naturally give way to intimate retreats, creating opportunities for both lively celebrations and quieter moments spent with books, music or conversation. E Soaring plaster arches offer a warm welcome, establishing the Spanish-inspired architectural language that defines the home, with a chandelier from Visual Comfort, tile from Material Bespoke Stone + Tile, and an antique mirror.

90 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 91 The living room features sculptural architecture like the dramatic, arched niche. Carefully selected furnishings — including a custom settee covered in mohair by Fishman’s Fabrics, Four Hands nesting tables, Danist vintage accent chairs covered in Lee Jofa Allonby Weave, a family heirloom rug, and pendants from Visual Comfort — create a welcoming setting for family and friends to gather. Throughout the home, artwork and antiques are treated as the foundation of the design rather than decorative accessories. Each piece contributes to a dialogue between the homeowners’ per- sonal collection and painstakingly sourced furnishings. The kitchen reflects the home’s layered approach to design, with exotic stone slabs of Cristallo Quartzite, counter stools from MaidenHome and pendants from Visual Comfort. Cabinets painted in Sherwin-Williams Cyberspace exude a moody vibe. That philosophy extends to the home’s material palette. Rich leathers were selected to develop a beautiful patina over time, natural stone was celebrated for the character it gains through everyday use, and performance fabrics ensure children and grandchildren can enjoy the spaces without hesitation. “True luxury is a home that becomes more beautiful as life unfolds within it,” Cruz shares. “The wear, the memories and the stories collected over time are what give a home its greatest character.” Perhaps nowhere is that spirit more evident than in the custom “hobbit nook,” inspired by the homeowners’ love of The Lord of the Rings. Conceived as an immersive library versus a themed destination, the space features layered millwork, nature-inspired Rebecca Atwood wallpaper and a concealed passage leading to the guest suite. It’s whimsical without feeling theatrical — a place designed to spark curiosity, encourage storytelling and invite visitors of every age to get lost in a good book. Looking back on the project, Cruz hopes guests notice something less tangible than the handcrafted plaster, sculptural stone or carefully curated antiques. “The spaces feel elevated and collected, yet never intimidating. They invite you to sit down, gather with family and truly experience the home rather than simply admire it.” Sherwin-Williams Cyberspace SW 7076

92 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 93 OPPOSITE: Natural stone, warm wood and inviting seating — including ottomans from Maiden Home and Four Hands chairs re-upholstered in Dedar fabric — reinforce the idea that luxury is meant to be lived in. Vintage family heirlooms like the coffee table and rug provide an ideal backdrop as family memories unfold. A chandelier from Schwung Home illuminates the space. LEFT: Designed for everything from everyday meals to large family celebrations, with a custom table from Naturalstated Fabricators and chairs by Athena Calderone for Crate and Barrel, the dining room and open living space flow together effortlessly. The chandelier by Paul Matter creates a point of interest above the table. “The spaces feel elevated and collected, yet never intimidating. They invite you to sit down, gather with family and truly experience the home rather than simply admire it.” —Christina Cruz

94 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 95 Quiet moments are equally important. Built-in shelving, picture lights from Hudson Valley Lighting and intimate seating in the form of vintage stools offer a cozy retreat where books, collected objects and conversation share equal footing. Inspired by the homeowners’ love of The Lord of the Rings, the custom hobbit nook features Rebecca Atwood wallpaper and a French mattress cushion topped with Schumacher performance velvet and bolsters in custom Perennials fabric. From here, a concealed passage leads to the guest suite. Designed to spark curiosity and storytelling, the whimsical spot invites visitors of every age to get lost in a good book.

96 AUTUMN 2026 last words NO RESERVATIONS Founded by two New York moms on a hunt for napkins with actual personality, No Reservations makes embroidered linen and luxe disposable cocktail napkins, velvet wine bows and hosting gifts for the host who takes her dinner party seriously but not herself. shopnores.com Photography by Erin Rechler © ambria harnesses the natural strength of pure quartz so you never have to choose between enduring beauty and effortless performance. For luxury stone surfaces designed to last for generations, there’s only ambria. Experience the ambria ifference. CambriaUSA.com DESIGNED WITH FOREVER IN MIND TRAYMORE BAY ™