WHERE MAGIC LIVES: THE BEAUTY OF UNEXPECTED DESIGN

 
 

August 2024
POST FIVE

Project:  Upper East Side.

T

he beauty of design lies in its ability to surprise, inspire, and break the mold.

I’ve always believed that magic happens when we dare to push boundaries and embrace the unexpected.

Whether it's layering vibrant patterns that "shouldn't" go together or mixing textures that are seemingly at odds, the key is to trust your instincts.

Design is about more than creating beautiful spaces—it’s about creating spaces that tell a story, evoke emotion, and invite you into another world.

To find that magic, we have to let go of the rules.

Clashing patterns, high and low contrasts, and blending eras—these are the tools that transform a room from ordinary to extraordinary.

The secret is not in perfect symmetry or in matching, but in discovering harmony in the tension between elements.

It’s about combining the playful with the sophisticated, the bold with the subtle, and letting the magic unfold in the mix.

When we let go of what design "should" be, we allow the true essence of the space to emerge, and that's where the magic truly begins.

Clashing.

“Design is at its best when it tells a story and creates harmony through contrasts.”

When it comes to clashing, I’ve always believed that design is at its most compelling when it tells a story and creates harmony through contrast.

For me, it’s about embracing the unexpected and allowing bold patterns and vibrant textures to coexist.

A striped fabric paired with a floral rug or geometric prints against organic forms—these are the moments that make a space come alive.

My tip: Don’t be afraid to mix styles that seemingly don’t belong together. Start small, like adding a statement cushion or rug, and let your intuition guide you. It’s in those daring choices that the true magic of design unfolds.

The Art Of Upper East Side Contrasts.

 

Let the unexpected spark joy; it’s in those contrasts that a room truly comes alive.

My advice: Start by choosing a dominant color or shape and repeat it in unexpected places. This will create a sense of cohesion even when you're mixing bold patterns and styles. It’s the secret to making a room feel adventurous yet curated.

Refined Picks

 
 
 

XO,

Fawn Galli

 
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