Anatomy of a Room - #2 Daryl Carter

This is the second post in my series called Anatomy of a Room, where I break down a room to tell you why it works. This week we will showcase Daryl Carter, a DC designer. Daryl's tag line is the "new traditional"but I think he is the master of creating the unexpected in terms of furniture arrangements, mixing of styles and simplicity. 

Look at this living room: 

photo via Elle Decor

What works: 

1. Simple base of black and white

Notice how he white washes the room in white - walls, ceilings, trim even the valances on the windows. This unifies the room. The accents of black - long panels, art, lamp shade and armoire help pull your eye from one side of the room to the other. This makes the room seem warmer. 

2. Mixing furniture styles while keeping fabrics similar in color

Notice the 2 sofas are more of a contemporary style mixed with farm tables, pine coffee tables, planked armoire, Chippendale chairs. The fabrics are similar from piece to piece but the vary in texture from the sofa to the wing chair. Even the sisal rug and hide rugs are of similar color. This technique gives the room a softness in contrast to the black and white. 

photo via Elle Decor

He is such a master at combining styles from animal heads and Early American art, textures of stone bowls against wood grains, black velvet and linen. His style is current but rooms are filled with antiques. It is just a brilliant mix. 

3. Creating two seating arrangements in one long room

This can be difficult for most people but notice how Daryl's sofa choice of 2 low backed sofa doesn't stop the flow but allows the room to function as one. The single sisal rug helps unify the space as well but repeating 2 hides in the individual spaces keeps them separate. There are many pieces in this room but the similar color of even the accessories keeps it from looking too busy. 

photo via Elle Decor

Here is the master mixer himself. 

photo via Elle Decor

I hope you can use some of these tips to work on your own home. 

Until next time.....

Happy Designing 

How to use black and white?

Happy New Year Everyone!

Working with black and white can be difficult. The color combination is bold and graphic. This creates a problem for some because the print, fabric or wallpaper can dominate a room. I used the black and white Clarence House print in this living room as an anchor for the design. The bold black and white print on the wing chair and pillows help carry the eye from one side of the room to the other.



By painting the wicker sofa black, I continued the black and white scheme and the black paint also helped to anchor the room. The slipper chairs are upholstered in a tan and black check. This continues my black scheme but I am softening the white with subtle shades of cream and khaki. Khaki walls and sheer silk linen draperies complement the graphic pattern of the print.



The drapery tiebacks were made from a plaster mold. The client had 2 from an aunt. We loved them and had them copied to be used as tiebacks. The treatment was soft and light. I thought it provided just enough coverage on the windows and gave just enough drama.





The Stark sisal rug in the natural and black diamond pattern continues my black color scheme. I bordered the rug in a black and gold velvet to encompass the room with a defined border.



Working with black and white can be challenging but always remember to balance the room. Subtle surprises of color or pattern and calculated editing are the most important parts of design a room.