I began by literally pulling from the shelves what I felt were the “greatest hits” in my collection–quickly realizing there were far too many books in this towering stack to include in one post. So I will be breaking my selections down into several posts, starting with what I consider twelve absolute must haves for any lover of interior design.

My criterion ... Read More »]]>

My Top 12 Design Books. Photo by KKM

I love books. I love design. So when these two loves collide it results in a pretty fantastic design library. Over time, I’ve amassed a collection that includes books on architecture, historic preservation, biographies of iconic designers + architects, furniture reference guides, graphic standards manuals, art, fashion, landscape + garden design. I thought I would share a few of my absolute favorites with you, as these books would make a wonderful foundation for building a design library of your own.

I began by literally pulling from the shelves what I felt were the “greatest hits” in my collection–quickly realizing there were far too many books in this towering stack to include in one post. So I will be breaking my selections down into several posts, starting with what I consider twelve absolute must haves for any lover of interior design.

You can judge a design book by its endpapers! Photo by KKM

My criterion for choosing these twelve books was their unique combination of beautiful imagery (for we are a visual crowd!) with great writing. There are endless “pretty faces” when it comes to books on design, but the truly special works are the ones that you find yourself pulling down time and again–due to the quality of their content and compelling points of view.

So here it is–my list with a brief sidebar on why I made each selection–enjoy!

KKM’s Top 12 Design Books

#1 David Hicks: Living With Design (copyright 1979) by David Hicks in collaboration with Nicholas Jenkins

Beautiful tablescapes from David Hicks: Living With Design. Photo by KKM

David Hicks: Royally cool and elegant. His work: Timeless and unapologetic, graphic and unforgettable. His book: You won’t want to put it down.

#2 David Hicks: Designer (copyright 2003) by Ashley Hicks

Ashley Hick’s beautiful book includes pages from his father’s 1968 design scrapbook. Photo by KKM

This book, written by David Hick’s son Ashley, reads like a love letter from a son to his father. Fleshes out David Hicks as a human being, and deepened my appreciation of both the man and his work.

#3 Billy Baldwin Decorates (copyright 1972) by Billy Baldwin

Timeless, welcoming interiors from Billy Baldwin Decorates. Photo by KKM

Since we aren’t lucky enough to have Mr. Baldwin here with us today, and this book feels like an afternoon chat with the designer, as he describes his brilliant approach to interior decoration.

#4 Billy Baldwin Remembers (copyright 1974) by Billy Baldwin

Baldwin gives great insights into his designs in Billy Baldwin Remembers. Photo by KKM

Because twice as much Billy Baldwin is still not enough! His wisdom transcends the passage of time and trend in this fascinating exploration of a multitude of his interiors and his elite clientele.

#5 In The Pink – Dorothy Draper: America’s Most Fabulous Decorator (copyright 2006) by Carleton Varney

My all-time favorite Dorothy Draper interior! Photo by KKM.

Draper was a wonderful female force to be reckoned with, encouraging women to “realize that only in being kind to yourself can you really be kind to others.” She fearlessly paved the way for future designing women, employing her trademark bold colors, grand scale and dramatic flair—along with her outsized personality. Varney’s beautiful book is a vibrant, lovely tribute to Draper and her life’s work.

#6 The House Book (copyright 1974) by Terence Conran

Charming dining room possibilities from The House Book. Photo by KKM

An extraordinary amount of useful information is packed into this terrific book. Reading this one puts a smile on my face and teaches me something new every time I read it. Also, as a child born in the seventies, this 1974 edition is a happy trip down memory lane to the interiors of my childhood.

#7 An Affair With A House (copyright 2005) by Bunny Williams

Bunny Williams’ stunning dining room from An Affair With A House. Photo by KKM

There is a real comfort in discovering people who share your same passions in life. This book is an instant classic, and Bunny Williams’ zest for life and love of home are both palpable and contagious. My favorite part: her recounting of hanging the wallpaper in her dining room herself. She’s a woman after my own heart, and a great example for all designers.

#8 Jeffrey Bilhuber’s Design Basics (copyright 2003) by Jeffrey Bilhuber and Annette Tapert

Jeffrey Bilhuber’s Design Basics is packed with useful information + quiet elegance. Photo by KKM

Quiet, elegant, calm and classic. This book is a perfect reflection of this wonderful American designer. Mr. Bilhuber is an excellent teacher, offering helpful information on everything from building a budget to choosing colors. I am especially fond of the floor materials and color charts he shares in the book, and I continue to use my own versions of these charts in my design work.

#9 Interior Design (Third Edition, copyright 2003) by John F. Pile

Pile’s Interior Design is a great resource. Photo by KKM

This book was actually one of the textbooks in my Master’s program at the Corcoran College of Art + Design, and it offers a comprehensive overview of interior design. Beginning with historical precedents, leading all the way through modern design practices, this reference book is a good choice for anyone interested in the field. I believe a more recent fourth edition of this book is now available.

#10 Domino: The Book of Decorating (copyright 2008) by Domino Editors Deborah Needleman, Sara Ruffin Costello, and Dara Caponigro

Domino: The Book of Decorating is both a field guide + a feast for the eyes! Photo by KKM

Fantastic field guide to the A-Z’s of tackling your own interiors. Beautifully organized, and broken down in such a way that the subject never feels daunting. It would be impossible to read this volume without feeling inspired. Three cheers for the three talented editors of this wonderful book!

#11 The Perfectly Imperfect Home (copyright 2011) by Deborah Needleman

Deborah Needleman’s marvelous writing + charming watercolor interiors = modern day classic! Photo by KKM

Speaking of Deborah Needleman, this amazing lady produced a brilliant encore to her work on Domino. The Perfectly Imperfect Home is a book you will treasure. From the exquisitely charming watercolor illustrations, to the brilliant writing that encourages you to create your own unique version of a “perfect” dwelling. Needleman’s book opens with this lovely Billy Baldwin quote: “Any house or room remembered with pleasure has the look of being loved by those who live in it.” I wholeheartedly agree!

#12 Sister Parish Design: On Decorating (copyright 2009) by Susan Bartlett Crater and Libby Cameron

A dramatic Sister Parish interior featuring “glossy aubergine walls.” Fabulous! Photo by KKM

Sometimes, judging a book by its cover really pays off! Any fan of Sister Parish’s work will immediately be drawn to this book’s cover, printed in her Burma pattern, one of her most beloved textile designs. Co-written by Parish’s granddaughter Crater and Libby Cameron, and associate with the legendary firm Parish-Hadley. The authors not only offer insight on Sister Parish, they have also culled great advice from current top designers, including Jeffrey Bilhuber, Bunny Williams and Miles Redd. My favorite chapter is “Decorating on a Shoestring”—it is wonderful to see the creativity and resourcefulness of these clever designers when they were once faced with their own limited budgets!

Phew! Well, that is my list—but be sure to follow your own instincts and interests when choosing books for your design library. The result will be a collection from which you can draw endless inspiration and motivation. Best of luck and happy summer (design) reading!

Additionally, they recently added an online store to their website, which can be found here. But be sure to travel to Old Lucketts Store in person if possible to see all they have to offer–you won’t be disappointed! Over the years, I have purchased antique ... Read More »]]>

Old Lucketts Store. Photo via Pretty Petals.

Just outside of Leesburg, Virginia in the tiny village of Lucketts, is one of my absolute favorite places to shop for vintage home decor. Old Lucketts Store is filled, often to the brim, with wonderful finds and the prices are fantastic! The owners have lovingly restored a historic general store and turned it into a wonderland of “vintage hip” treasures. They have also transformed the neighboring farmhouse into The Design House, a monthly (always evolving) interior design showcase. The Design House is a great source of inspiration–and everything you see in the house is for sale!

Lucketts Design House. Photo via luckettstore.com

Additionally, they recently added an online store to their website, which can be found here. But be sure to travel to Old Lucketts Store in person if possible to see all they have to offer–you won’t be disappointed! Over the years, I have purchased antique armoires, settees, enormous mirrors, farm tables, beautiful lighting–the list goes on and on. My clients love not only the uniqueness of the pieces I’ve found here, but also the value–there are truly amazing deals!

Inside Old Lucketts Store. Photo via luckettstore.com

Old Lucketts Store also holds great events throughout the year, such as their popular Spring Market. The Market brings dealers from all over the country to Lucketts, and as these photos attest, they bring wonderful wares!

Lucketts Spring Market 2012. Photo by KKM.

Lucketts Spring Market 2012. Photo by KKM.

Lucketts Spring Market. Photo via luckettstore.com

Lucketts Spring Market. Photo via luckettstore.com

I bought this beautiful tomato red lady’s secretary desk at the Market–it is now filled with pretty stationery and is right at home on the upstairs landing of our home.

One of my purchases from Lucketts Spring Market 2012. Photo by KKM.

Hopefully I’ve convinced you by now to make the trip to Old Lucketts Store! It is an exciting new adventure on every visit. And if you see me, please say hi! You’ll know it’s me because I’m always the one carrying something three times my own size.

I will be divulging some of my other favorite places to shop for your home in upcoming posts, including a few local gems in nearby Leesburg, Virginia. Our area, Loudoun County, Virginia is loaded with great antique and vintage shops with even better prices. Happy hunting to you all!

I decided to devote last weekend to getting our entry in order. In an otherwise pleasant home, the area with the least charm was definitely the foyer. The space was too dark, relying on just one small ceiling mounted fixture for the majority of its light. The existing paint color on the walls had all the charm of a well ... Read More »]]> Lately, I’ve been so busy working on the homes of my interior design clients that my own home has been patiently waiting on the sidelines for some attention. My husband and I and our four children live in Corner Hall, a gracious 1890 Victorian in the friendly, no-stoplight historic town of Round Hill, Virginia.  It is a lovely, tranquil place to live, and we are so glad we made the decision almost two years ago to move out to the country.

Our Home Sweet Home, Corner Hall

I decided to devote last weekend to getting our entry in order. In an otherwise pleasant home, the area with the least charm was definitely the foyer. The space was too dark, relying on just one small ceiling mounted fixture for the majority of its light. The existing paint color on the walls had all the charm of a well worn pair of Dockers–namely, none.  I thought painting tone-on-tone soft green stripes on the walls of the entry would create more visual height and would also suit the home’s Victorian architecture.  While I do not consider myself a full-fledged DIY-er, I am quite handy with a paint brush and decided to tackle painting these wall stripes myself. Full disclosure: I eagerly call in the pros for tougher jobs such as exterior painting and paper hanging. I enjoy the ritual and rhythm of painting. In a strange way, I feel like picking up the brush myself creates a bond between me and my home– an acknowledgement that we are looking out for one another. “I’ll give you shelter from the storm if you agree to get me out of this unflattering khaki number.” Okay, it’s a deal! One caveat–I admitted to myself that if the end result looked like a homemade disaster, I would call in my painters and have them rescue the walls from me. Having had no experience with painting stripes, I did a little research. This is always a good idea when taking on an unfamiliar task–you can fully grasp the scope of the project and have any necessary tools/supplies you might need at hand. I found some incredibly helpful tips from Centsational Girl’s DIY blog. I also came across a series of short Expert Village youtube videos on the subject. Armed with this knowledge, I dove in! Here is a photographic trip (my apologies for my lack of skill with a camera!) through the steps I followed–be sure to check out the two DIY sources I mentioned above if you would like a more detailed explanation.

First, paint all walls with your lighter shade–in my case, Benjamin Moore Aura in Dark Linen. Reminds me of the translucent green on the inside of a cucumber. Quick shout out: we are lucky to have a wonderful Benjamin Moore store, The Paint & Paper Place, just down the street from our house on Main Street in Purcellville, VA. I highly recommend them to those of you in the area!

Goodbye Dingy Dockers, Hello Dark Linen!

Next, measure very carefully with a laser level–the more time you spend on this step, the better. I spent much of Friday maniacally measuring out 6″ stripes–I decided these would be the perfect width stripe after measuring out the walls and seeing how many would fit across. I didn’t want the stripes too narrow or too wide. This measuring + marking was definitely the longest and most frustrating (@#$%!) part of the job, although using a laser level made it tolerable. When taping your lines, be mindful to place tape on the outside edge for the darker stripes you will be painting. Press tape down firmly. I would recommend the Frog Tape I used–slightly more expensive, but creates very sharp lines with no paint bleed.

Use Laser Level to Guide Your Taping

Add post-its to the areas you want to avoid painting–I added more post-its than were probably necessary, but didn’t have any mistakes!

Beginning to Tape Lines for 6" Stripes

Paint over tape with original lighter colored paint to create a seal–will help keep lines crisp

Seal Edge of Tape With Base Coat (Lighter) Shade

Paint darker stripes using two coats. I chose Benjamin Moore Pale Sea Mist for the deeper stripes.  The color conjures up the confection perfection of a Ladurée macaroon. Yummy!

Completed Painting of Stripes

Remove tape after the second coat, while paint is still wet.

Remove Tape While Paint is Still Wet

The result: very crisp, very beautiful stripes!

Ta Daaaa!

I tackled the light problem by replacing the picture light on the wall with a Circa Lighting Vendome Triple Sconce. Thanks to my handsome husband Eddie for installing the sconce–and for not electrocuting himself in the process!

New Wall Sconce is Installed

My last steps were to hang the custom monogrammed plates I ordered from Kelly Wilson Antiques–each member of our family is represented by the letter of our first name. Eddie, Katie, Seamus, Declan, Owen & baby Maeve. The central ‘M’ platter stands for McCormack.

Lastly, I transported the vintage Baker console from our dining room to the foyer and it was the perfect finishing touch for the space. Don’t be afraid to move your furniture from room to room–you might find an even better home for it!

Last Touch: Baker Furniture Console

Of course, a designer’s work is never “done,” so the hunt continues for the perfect petite hanging lantern, a gilded mirror, and a vibrant rug to elevate the space. We are also planning to remove or cover the radiator since it is no longer use, and to replace the front door with a more beautiful salvage door from the same period. But Rome wasn’t built in a weekend! So for now, this much warmer welcome will suffice.

And lastly, to my home, thank you for being so patient with me.

My favorite lighting company is Circa Lighting, based in Savannah, Georgia. If you aren’t familiar with them, be sure to visit their website to see some of the most impressive designs in lighting today. Their beautiful High Point showrooms did not disappoint. I quickly spotted the Vendome Triple Sconce, designed by the endlessly talented Thomas O’Brien, and ordered it in a hand-rubbed antique brass finish for an upcoming design project. I will use these sconces to create a gracious, warm welcome in an entryway.

As an admitted bookworm, I am a sucker for library lighting, and Circa Lighting is the undisputed champ ... Read More »]]> My first visit to High Point Market was an overwhelming and wonderful experience. The sheer volume of exhibitors and their wares was amazing! I want to share just a few examples of the beautiful lighting I discovered while at Market.

My favorite lighting company is Circa Lighting, based in Savannah, Georgia. If you aren’t familiar with them, be sure to visit their website to see some of the most impressive designs in lighting today. Their beautiful High Point showrooms did not disappoint. I quickly spotted the Vendome Triple Sconce, designed by the endlessly talented Thomas O’Brien, and ordered it in a hand-rubbed antique brass finish for an upcoming design project. I will use these sconces to create a gracious, warm welcome in an entryway.

Circa Lighting Vendome Triple Sconce by designer Thomas O'Brien

As an admitted bookworm, I am a sucker for library lighting, and Circa Lighting is the undisputed champ in this arena. My pick: their Dean 24″ Picture Light designed by Alexa Hampton. This handsome fellow will add elegance to any home library or gallery wall. I will be using these Alexa Hampton lights in my own residential design work, and will share the results when they are complete. Don’t you and your beloved books deserve the best? Of course you do!

Circa Lighting Dean 24" Picture Light by designer Alexa Hampton

Another Circa Lighting sconce that caught my eye was the lovely Strie Wall Sconce by designer Sandy Chapman. The Strie sconce is both stunning and unique, with its minimal design and exquisite texture. Sandy Chapman’s design is an instant classic, and would be at home in many different settings, from modern to traditional. I could literally stare at this sconce for an abnormal amount of time–thank goodness I am in the right line of work!

Circa Lighting Strie Sconce by designer Sandy Chapman

One of the most exciting discoveries for me at High Point was Currey & Company, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. I had only been familiar with their beautiful chandeliers before my visit. Their showroom an unbelievable feast for the senses! Dotted throughout were beautiful one of a kind ottomans upholstered in gorgeous antique fabric. I even found a chaise covered in this same fabric to rest for a moment–High Point is apparently a marathon, not a sprint!

KKM (that's me!) sitting a spell on a gorgeous chaise at Currey & Co.

Currey & Company’s spectacular lighting offerings made it difficult to pick favorites. I fell for this whimsical stacked turtle table lamp, appropriately dubbed the Whimsy Lamp.  This would be wonderful in a child’s room, as it brings on the fun without being overtly juvenile or saccharine. Don’t let the lack of color and detail in my iPhone photo fool you–this is a very striking lamp with a pleasing antique crackle finish–it’s a real keeper! I have three sons, and I predict a pair of these lamps will find their way into one of their rooms.

Currey & Company Whimsy Table Lamp

Now for something completely different–Currey & Co.’s Serena Sconce, a dazzling creation of aqua glass balls that would add sparkle to any room. This sconce is offered either hardwired or with a plug, making it versatile as well as beautiful. The Serena collection also includes large and small scale coordinating chandeliers. I love the modern twist on the classical shape of this Serena sconce. As a lover of historic homes (and the proud owner of an 1890 Victorian), this clever riff on the classics appeals to me greatly.

Currey & Company Serena Sconce

One of the greatest highlights of Market for me was discovering the Bunny Williams Beeline Home collection. I have been a fan of All Things Bunny for a very long time, and seeing her in person at High Point was a thrill. What a design rock star! Her entire line of lighting is worth swooning over–first up, the Brush Stroke Lamp in blue. A modern take on the Chinese ceramics we all love, this classic double-gourd lamp is a true treasure. It must be seen in person to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship–after all, this is a Bunny Williams lamp!

BeeLine Home Brush Stroke Lamp

My next favorite is the BeeLine Home Turquoise Lamp–the perfect choice when looking for that often hard to find oversized table lamp. But this one isn’t just large in scale, it is also abundantly beautiful due to its luminous layered glazes and subtle tone-on-tone pattern. I want one. Strike that–Every home needs one!

BeeLine Home Turquoise Lamp

You can view the entire line of BeeLine Home lighting here. Be sure to view the whole collection–it is gorgeous with a capital B–for Bunny!

Hope you enjoyed these highlights from my illuminating first trip to High Point Market! To learn more about Market, please visit their website here. It’s definitely worth the trip!

Thanks for visiting–

Katie Kelly McCormack

www.kkminteriordesign.com

So when my wonderful friend and fellow Corcoran alum Susie Kwon gave my daughter Maeve this beautiful outfit, I was immediately drawn to its vibrant, chromatic stripes. Thanks to the very generous Susie, and to my tiny muse, Miss Maeve.

One of my absolute favorite sources for wallcoverings, Phillip Jeffries Ltd., was displaying their new Spring 2012 Collection. With choices ranging from their menswear-inspired Herringbone, richly textured Horsehair, to industrial-chic Rivets, the collection is at once both stunning and innovative:

For me, Phillip Jeffries Star Dust Silk Collection is the bee’s knees. Woven of fine silk with a metallic sheen, these wallcoverings ... Read More »]]> Just got home from my first visit to High Point Market in North Carolina–such a thrill to see all the beautiful furnishings and to meet so many friendly and supportive fellow designers!  After giving the house a good scrub-down from the “Mom’s Out of Town So Let’s Eat Chinese Food in Every Room of the House Party” that appears to have been held in my absence, I wanted to share some of the beautiful finds I made at the Market.

One of my absolute favorite sources for wallcoverings, Phillip Jeffries Ltd., was displaying their new Spring 2012 Collection. With choices ranging from their menswear-inspired Herringbone, richly textured Horsehair, to industrial-chic Rivets, the collection is at once both stunning and innovative:

Phillip Jeffries Spring 2012 Wallcoverings Collection

For me, Phillip Jeffries Star Dust Silk Collection is the bee’s knees. Woven of fine silk with a metallic sheen, these wallcoverings have an elegant, shimmery appeal. My favorite colorway is the Star Dust in Asteroid Orange, which reads as a soft, golden-kissed apricot. If I could I would rub it on my face and wear it as blush! Instead, I’ll settle for using it in an upcoming Master Bedroom project, to evoke a magical nighttime glow.

Phillip Jeffries Star Dust Silk Wallcovering in Asteroid Orange

Lastly, I want to give a shout out to the incredibly chic and helpful reps that I met at the Phillip Jeffries showroom at High Point Market–thanks so much, ladies!

I am hitting the road today headed for High Point, North Carolina, the epicenter of the home furnishings industry. Wonderful American furniture companies such as Hickory Chair were founded in this part of the country. High Point Market Week, held twice annually, is the largest furniture trade show in the world: 10 million square feet of exhibit space, filled to the brim with the latest and greatest in design.  Some of my favorite brands, Visual Comfort, Baker Furniture, Oly, Global Views, Bungalow 5 and Made Goods will all be exhibitors at the Market. I will be posting more from the road—and hopefully tucking into some delicious Carolina barbeque!