Discover visionary talents and new products that aim to elevate every aspect of the home with well-being in mind.
Sheer Genius
For nearly 70 years, Jack Lenor Larsen’s eponymous line of textiles has been a go-to source for organic-meets-contemporary fabrics, utilizing techniques both old and new to create one-of-a-kind designs. Of Larsen’s many offerings—decorative weaves, nubby wovens, velvets and wools—it’s the brand’s attention to the humble sheer and its duty to diffuse the light from a sun-drenched window that designers have long admired. Take the Koto textured sheer (from their latest collection inspired by African crafts) hung here. The gauzy open weave texture is a blend of wool and linen with a hint of metallic yarn that subtly shimmers in the sunlight—a glimmering surprise even on winter’s longer and darker days, letting the outdoors in.
Standouts from Larsen’s newest collection include Koto, a dreamy sheer woven with metallic thread, and Kifi, a diamond-shaped jacquard weave.
All Natural
Ali Davin has spent decades in the industry developing her unique approach to luxurious, sustainable design, which in many cases begins with using environmentally safe, nontoxic materials alongside lots of natural light. See, for instance, the Healdsburg, California, dining area at left, which features reclaimed wooden beams, linen drapery and metal furniture as well as limestone flooring. Door ventilation on three sides of the room activates a lovely cross breeze, and the space was designed with sunrise and sunset positioning in mind to create energy efficiencies. Curious where to start when creating your own healthy space? Davin, who owns San Francisco-based Jute Interior Design, recently published Live Natural , a book offering inspirational visuals and accessible tips for creating a cleaner home.
Artful Endeavor
The latest collection from Roche Bobois is a true meeting of the minds and a fusion of cultural heritage. For this expansive collaboration encompassing furniture, lighting, ceramics and rugs, the storied French design house tapped creative Jiang Qiong Er, who lives in both Paris and Shanghai and draws on the rich repertoire of Chinese art and handcrafts in her work. Entitled Bamboo Mood, the striking assemblage of pieces takes inspiration from the plant, which is prolific in Asia and a symbol of integrity, resilience, simplicity and harmony. The result is a collection of poetic, calming designs, including, at right, the Mei Floor Lamp, which reimagines the traditional paper lanterns of the Far East in a sleek porcelain form; the Bamboo Mood Screen, with four openwork wooden panels; and the Armchair in soft celadon, a hue that references the earliest pieces of Chinese porcelain.
Luxe Linens
Inspired by the pursuit of well-being, Italian bedding and bath linen company Frette has introduced its winter designs. An ode to wellness rituals, the collection invites you to relax at home and cozy up in extremely luxurious bedding, blankets and pillows. CEO Filippo Arnaboldi explains that this season is all about “transforming spaces into authentic sanctuaries of refinement,” and the new pieces, which emphasize natural materials like silk, cashmere and cotton, are indeed ideal for immersing yourself within your own bedroom oasis. Seen below are the Palace Throw and Decorative Cushion, Nest and Luxury Cashmere Velvet Decorative Cushions, and Knop and Pure Cashmere Throws.
Light The Way
Lutron’s smallest downlight to date, the new Ketra D2 comes in an array of minimal trims finely honed for a flush-to-the-ceiling aesthetic sought out by top designers. “The sleek, 2-inch aperture is a testament to modern design, allowing me to integrate lighting seamlessly into my interiors without overpowering them,” says Young Huh, founder of Young Huh Interior Design, who frequently uses Lutron pieces. The fixtures also leverage Ketra’s full-color, four-channel optics to create the widest light spectrum available and adapt to various moments throughout the day. “Their discreet presence means I can focus on overall aesthetics, using light to showcase key features—like beautiful artwork or textured fabrics—without detracting from the design narrative,” Huh shares.
Expert Opinion
When it comes to color and its effect on well-being, textile designer Lori Weitzner, a true expert on the subject, sums it up in two words: It’s personal. What feels calming or exhilarating to one individual might have the opposite effect for another. In her book Ode to Color , Weitzner has developed a test (which is also available online) that readers can take to learn which hues are best suited for them. The results are one of 10 unique “color worlds” composed of nuanced palettes for nuanced needs. Of the over 100,000 completed tests, the leading outcome is Fragrant Woods—the shades of an ancient forest like mossy greens and dark woods that, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, feel “grounding, rooting and nurturing,” explains Weitzner. Look out for these richer tones in the year ahead.
The leading results of Lori Weitzner’s color test are hues found in nature, like rich greens and warm woods. Clockwise from top right are new paint colors Paris Rain, Leather Saddle Brown, Rosepine, and Cinnamon Slate by Benjamin Moore.
Open Vista
Marvin windows are redefining the concept of a “room with a view.” In response to requests from architects, the company’s new, state-of-the art Modern Corner Window brings penthouse vibes and unobstructed views to any room of the house. As the name indicates, the window has two panes that meet at a right angle, seamlessly framing the exterior surroundings into a postcard-worthy panorama. The Corner Window maximizes two important elements: sight lines and natural light. It’s both an impactful design choice, creating a dramatic focal point, and a pragmatic solution for letting more light into a room.
