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In an Urban Family Apartment, Greg Natale Uses Pattern to Chic Effect
Whether home or hotel, colors, materials and motifs inject personality into any space, defining and giving it soul. From Denver to New York to Los Angeles, three audacious examples push the limits of design to exceptional results.
In the introduction of his new book “The Patterned Interior,” Australian designer Greg Natale writes: “In the world of interior design, pattern is a conversation-starter. It can delight and surprise, refresh or rebel; it can shock, overwhelm, polarize or please. No two people will feel the same way about pattern.”
Greg Natale adds: “But more importantly, pattern can bring a space to life. It introduces a vital layer to the design of a house, delivering a dynamic buzz, adding contrast and balance, injecting warmth, detail and interest. And I couldn’t live without it.”
Situated in midtown Manhattan, this two-bedroom apartment, designed for a couple with three children, is a testament to that idea. Inspired by the color of Astoria, one of Greg Natale’s patterned wallpapers named after the Waldorf Astoria New York, navy blue prevails in all spaces. Although this was the starting point of the project, pattern was key when it came to furnishings and accessories.
Rugs, including the Python Glory by Diane Von Furstenberg (The Rug Company) in the living room, the London by Greg Natale (Designer Rugs) in the dining room, the custom-designed rug by Jonathan Adler in the kitchen and the Memphis by Greg Natale (Designer Rugs) in one of the bedrooms tie everything together through the use of pattern—whether they feature geometric or abstract motifs. The Australian designer incorporated his signature element into every room of this urban living apartment where some of the vintage and contemporary pieces comprise metallic elements in brass, gold and chrome for a sophisticated effect.
“Pattern is my DNA,” notes Greg Natale.
Greg Natale
Photographs: Courtesy Of © Anson Smart And © The Patterned Interior By Greg Natale, Rizzoli New York, 2018
Studio Gild Brings Lofty Ambition to an Interior Transformation of Modern Space in a Historic Structure
In Denver, Studio Gild—a Chicago and Los Angeles-based interior design firm co-founded by Melissa Benham, Jennie Bishop and Kristen Ekeland—transformed a space nestled in a 1920s-era flour mill into an elegant loft.
Among the original materials and architectural details preserved, the exposed brick on the walls are visible in the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and living room, which is furnished with a Poliform Shangai sectional, a rug from Oscar Isberian Rugs and vintage and custom pieces from Milo Baughman, Blackman Cruz and Newell Design.
This element, which both captures and harkens back to the building’s bygone character and beauty, is complemented by oak flooring refinished in a soft gray tone to add warmth, and contemporary artwork were placed throughout to create the perfect balance between industrial and chic touches.
“We wanted a masculine overtone with an emphasis on honest, artisanal materials,” according to the team at Studio Gild.
“Solid bronze takes center stage at the dining table, on custom island barstools and on the entry’s La Cage chandelier by Hudson Furniture.”
“Leather, suede, horsehair, burl wood and aged wool dominate the living room. Modern meets ancient with Shou Sugi Ban charred wood techniques in the master bath and dining table.”
Bathed in natural light, the loft doesn’t hide the imperfections of the old structure. On the contrary, it was designed to highlight them through avenues like the exposed brick, which brings texture and color, and makes a unique statement blending rustic and modern aesthetics.
Studio Gild
Photographs: Courtesy Of David Lauer Photography
Old Hollywood Collides With Eclectic Style in Refined Fashion for This Martyn Lawrence Bullard Design
Los Angeles-based interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard is accustomed to life and work surrounded by celebrities. His A-list clientele includes the likes of Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian, Tommy Hilfiger, Cher, Ellen Pompeo and Eva Mendes.
So when an opportunity arose to transform a 1939 Hollywood Regency-style building into a boutique hotel in the Whitley Heights neighborhood, he didn’t hesitate. This area, where Bullard once lived, has also been home to James Dean, Marlene Dietrich, Jean Harlow and Rudolph Valentino.
For his first hotel in Los Angeles, The Prospect, Martyn Lawrence Bullard—known for his eclectic style—knew he had to pay homage to the history of the place and incorporate the glamour of the Old Hollywood era through refined finishes and details.
To achieve the perfect look, the interior designer selected custom furniture, vintage finds and colorful wallpapers with exotic patterns. Floral and animal motifs stand out on the walls of the 24 rooms, adding visual interest and unexpected elements to the spaces.
“Each room has been designed to honor one of the old time stars that lived in the area, like Greta Garbo, whose guest suite is inspired by one of her most famous movies, ‘Mata Hari,’ with chinoiserie wallpaper and vintage lacquered furniture,” says Bullard.
“Hip Benjamin Moore paint palettes include malachite green, Chinese yellow, vintage dusk pink, Venetian blue and rose gold. My favorite design elements are the maximal use of wallpapers, which really give an amazing overall vibe, including exclusive colorways from Candice Held and my own designs for Cole & Son and Schumacher.”
Martyn Lawrence Bullard
Photographs: Courtesy Of Jaime Kowal