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14 | Homes & Estates
customers are way more
educated than they
ever have been. I think
they’re more aware of
design, more aware
of what’s out there,” says New York City’s Shawn D
Henderson, who is one of the Architectural Digest’s
100 top designers.
“The high end usually wants to be on to the next
big thing. It goes back to wanting something different
and not feeling like they are walking into every friend’s
house,” observes Beverly Hills designer Christopher
Grubb, who frequently speaks at design events.
Today,
white and gray
continue to reign as
preferred neutrals.
Mid-century Modern
is emerging
as a touchstone for architecture, and contemporary’s
sway extends beyond the coasts and the Sunbelt.
Neutral palettes unify open concept plans, but high-
end dwellings that appear as simple streamlined white
boxes don’t tell today’s design story.
Comments from notable designers as well as
insights gleaned at Design and Construction Week
reveal a narrative, especially for luxury homes, more
nuanced than simply white, gray and contemporary.
“The most sophisticated interiors today are
contemporary
, have a lightness about them, and
feature intriguing artisanal furniture, lighting and
accessories. Even more
traditional
rooms are
devoid of pattern and rely more on texture and color
to keep them current and today. No one wants to live in
grandma’s dusty attic,” shares Jamie Drake, principal
of Drake/Anderson in New York City.
“To me it’s getting those layers in there and
those pieces that speak to each other and play off of
each other. To me that’s what it’s all about,” explains
Henderson.
Color
is also part of schemes, but used judi-
ciously with restraint. “Colors may still be vibrant, yet
used with thoughtful place and discipline for maxi-
mum effect. We utilize strikingly hued pillows, chairs,
accessories and occasional pieces to accent more
neutral schemes. Colors that are especially trending
are aquas, citrines, peridot greens, purples, plums and
coral pinks,” says Drake.
No facet of Design and Construction Week
gives better insights into what’s ahead, particularly for
DESIGN
2017
BY CAMILLA MCLAUGHLIN
HARBINGERS OF FASHION AND DESIGN,
AFFLUENT CONSUMERS HAVE BECOME VIRTUAL ARBITERS
OF WHAT’S IN AND WHAT’S OUT.
“My
COURTESY JAMIE DRAKE, DRAKE/ANDERSON