From legendary doyennes of interior design, who are transforming spaces with boundary pushing aesthetics and vintage modern patterns here’s the 411 on modern living

by ARCHANA AITHAL ROSE

GIFTED AND GROUNDED
There’s no denying the power of carpets and rugs when it comes to adding a spring refresh to your indoor space. Rendering texture, color, and refined elegance, all in one fell swoop, the right kind of covering acts as couture for the floor, immediately elevating a room. A pioneer in upscale floor coverings, Weinstein by Stark (a revered partnership of two stellar designer brands) has been bringing unmatched finesse to bespoke homes and commercial spaces. With sprawling showrooms spread across New Jersey and New York, the stylish team has a finger on the pulse of what’s shaking in the carpet world. Freda Honono, co-owner of Weinstein Carpet and Flooring said, “The new trends for 2021 focus so much more on personal style than merely what’s in style. We’ve all reconnected with our homes, feeling the need to adhere to our own tastes by creating a cocoon for ourselves and our families, rather than a show house. Customers are therefore leaning more toward texture for comfort, jewel tones to inject joy and optimism into a space, while also combining elements of traditional with contemporary, an aesthetic that has a more personal meaning to them.” weinsteinflooring.com

Farmhouse rules
Not merely a trend, but more a preferred philosophy of living, farmhouse conversions are quickly becoming a prime choice for those seeking a connection with nature and a need for expansive space. NJ-based interior designer Jill Ryan’s promising new project stems from working within the framework of a newly renovated farmhouse in Cranbury. “It’s a real 13-acre farm from 1902 and we started working on the interior design in June 2020,” noted Ryan of completing this ambitious venture. The designer worked closely with her clients, whose vision involved a modern farmhouse with rustic accents, “garnering an atmosphere that’s rooted in the past but also connected to the future,” said Ryan. Standout elements like reclaimed wood for the two exterior fi replaces, a mammoth movie theater, a teen room with a bohemian aesthetic that features a swing for that touch of whimsy, and two dining rooms, one outfitted with 22 formal dining chairs. “The color scheme is white and soft neutrals, cozying it up with lots of textural details that give the home an appearance of a serene oasis.” jillryaninteriors.com

CHECK MATE
Evoking a sense of nostalgia and a memory of happier times, the quintessential plaid has made a timely comeback in interior trends this year, except it’s less cabin-like and more contemporary. A prerequisite in traditional home décor dating back to the early ‘70s, today’s plaid takes a whole new approach to the classic pattern. In tartan, bold buffalo check, or gingham, plaid is simply perfection.

Massoud Sienna Blue Leather Wing Chair
From the rich, muted earth tones that make up the wool upholstery to the solid pine frame, and from the plush leather seat cushion to the minute nail head trim of this statement wingback chair, every handcrafted element is a conversation starter. $4,089, neimanmarcus.com

Ralph Lauren Evan Madras Euro Sham
Make this cotton and linen sham the start of your design’s narrative story. In a washed-out finish, the cool two tone Madras motif is a plush layering piece. $79.99, ralphlauren.com

MacKenzie-Childs Golden Tartan Rug
Like a burst of sunshine for spring, the traditional wool and nylon tartan rug reimagined in a contrasting patchwork of zesty orange is a design even the most glamorous of Scots could get behind. $275, horchow.com