2023 Real Simple Home
PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHRISTOPHER TESTANI
David pulled his paint shades from the wallpaper and landed on the rich Summer’s End green and the cool Mountain Midnight blue, both by Valspar.
TO BUYRuth’s Garden Wallpaper by David Quarles IV, from $105 per roll; chasingpaper.com Valspar Signature Mountain Midnight 8004-37G (walls), Summer’s End 6005-4C (ceiling), and Dark Kettle Black 4011-2 (trim) Paint, each $42 per gallon; lowes.com Lotta Bed, from $1,975; joybird.com Border European Flax Duvet Cover, from $249, and Pillow Shams, from $70; cb2.com Small Velvet Knot Pouf, $594, Copper Cobblestone Texture Moroccan Rug, $5,800, and Tiger Silk Pillows Set, $1,650; dyphorshop.com Finnely Closed Nightstands, $1,799 each; arhaus.com Este Wall Sconces, $206 each; mitzi.com Blyford 20" Pendants, $1,200 each; hvlgroup.com Vertical Shadings in Rhine; kirsch.com for info The Duvet Cover Cinnamon Linen Curtains, from $49; etsy.com
Grace Inlay Mirror, $249; cb2.com Brock Seven Drawer Dresser, $4,299; arhaus.com Systane Complete Preservative-Free Eye Drops; systane.myalcon.com for info
Primary Bedroom
@david.quarlesiv
The Memphis, Tennessee–based designer created a playful oasis featuring mixed patterns, lush textures…and a tiger pillow triptych. He took color inspo from the city below, with an orange shag rug (the sunset), navy blue walls (the night sky), and an earthy green bed and ceiling (the trees). Speaking of the ceiling, the overhead light (seen on previous page) is actually three identical pendants, hung at varying heights to look like a custom fixture. An accent wall displays the ’70s-style biophilic wallpaper David designed and named after his grandma, Ruth (aww!). “I’m putting the jungle back in concrete jungle,” he says.
Office
Michelle Gage
@michellecgage
You can do a little wallpaper, or you can do a lot! Michelle went with option B. “I try to strike a balance with bold prints and patterns,” the Philadelphia-based designer says. “I wanted it to feel exciting but not overwhelming.” She kept some decor nice and neutral—the woven shades, framed rabbit print, dark wood desk, and rattan console. But other elements, like the blue chair and purple closet doors, echo the wallpaper’s bold color scheme. The effect is a harmonious space that’s a maximalism how-to.
Plummy Rouge by Valspar
DYes, you can hang art on top of wallpaper! Michelle’s trick was to pick a blackand-white piece to provide contrast.
TO BUYOpia Magna Wallpaper, from $235 per roll; houseofhackney.com Leaping Hare by Holly Hudson, from $34; minted.com Valspar Signature Plummy Rouge 8003-2G Paint, $42 per gallon; lowes.com Mercer Console, $4,498; serenaandlily.com for similar Jackson Desk; us.julianchichester.com for info Nedret Vintage Rug, Blue, $1,419; revivalrugs.com for similar Felicity Small Ottoman, $499; magnolia.com Stafford Sea Blue Velvet Dining Chair, $595; oka.com Carthage Table Lamp (on desk), $1,039, and Linden Medium Lamp (on console), $739; visualcomfort.com Fermoie Lampshade in Blue Rabanna, $150; hollywood athome.com Ferm Living Verso Table Vase in Bright Blue, $135; beambk.com Bistro Tile Margot “M” Mug, $14; anthropologie.com Clear Acrylic Scissors, $26; russellandhazel.com Woven Woods Window Treatments in Fresh Tan; kirsch.com for info
Living Room
Bobby Berk
@bobby
Now this is a living room we could live in! We tasked the Queer Eye star with making this big, bright, glass-and-steel box feel cozy, inviting, and fun. Bobby started with an energizing palette of blue and peach, anchoring the space with a plush, peacock blue rug. Then he added some curves to all those edges: a wavy sofa, a cushy armchair, circular ottomans, a round-leg coffee table, squiggly sconces. Textures finish the job—especially the gnarled bouclé upholstering on the sofa, which makes us want to stretch out with a good book, or just gape at that amazing view.
TO BUYValspar Signature Gosling 8007-4F Paint, $42 per gallon; lowes.com Shift Peel and Stick Wallpaper by Bobby Berk (on ceiling), $48 per roll; tempaper.com Diane Sofa, $2,855; roveconcepts.com Brushed Herringbone Throw (on sofa), $80; westelm.com Josef Accent Chairs (left), $2,498 each; luluandgeorgia.com Threshold Cozy Feathery Knit Border Striped Throw, $30, and Threshold Traditional Tweed Pillows (on accent chairs), $20 each; target.com Pica Ottomans, $199 each; article.com Herly Armchair, $2,495; sohohome.com Threshold Oblong Boucle Color Blocked Pillow (on armchair), $20; target.com Modern Rug, from $795; nordicknots.com Field Coffee Table, $990; sundays -company.com Faux Potted Donkey Tail Plant, from $39; westelm.com High Gloss Rectangle Tray, $50, and Links Decorative Modern Chain, $149; cb2.comThe Men’s Fashion Book, $80, and Living in Color: Color in Contemporary Interior Design, $40; phaidon.com Turn Tall Side Table (by sofa), $595; bludot.com Threshold Severna Ceramic Accent Table (by armchair), $100, Threshold x Studio McGee Antilles Shaped Ceramic Table (between accent chairs), $110, and Threshold x Studio McGee Ceramic Wavy Vase, $25; target.com Field Stool (by window), $250; sundays-company.com Sidnie Lamp (on stool), $399; schoolhouse.com Platform Planter Terrazzo, from $45; tortugaliving.com Onda Plug-in Sconce, $450; mitzi.com Deco Screen, $599; theinside.com Wendolyn Mirror, $798; luluandgeorgia.com Noir Brook Coastal 2-Door Sideboard, $2,649; kathykuohome.com Hankins Table Lamp, $284; hvlgroup.com Clara Resin Inlay Decorative Tray, $199; crateandbarrel.com Glass Decanter and Wood Base, $110; rabbitwine.com Essex Barware Cocktail Set, $150; farmhousepottery.com Colored Wine Stemware, $185 for 6; estellecoloredglass.com for similar Ceremonie Dining Chair by Athena Calderone, $499; crateandbarrel.com
A rounded room divider hides HVAC stuff.
TO BUY
Miles Media Console, $3,727; mgbwhome.com Foldover III by Bobby Berk (left), $1,573, and Geometry I by Bobby Berk (bottom right), $765; perigold.com Perfect Composition Original Artwork by Ilana Greenberg, $475; minted.com Alba Ceramic Sculptural Object, $50; westelm.com Threshold x Studio McGee Ceramic Link Bowl with Handles, $40; target.com Architecture in the 20th Century by Peter Gössel and Gabriele Leuthäuser, $80; taschen.com Nova Marble Candle Holders, from $60; industrywest.com for similar Faux Pencil Succulent, $50; crateandbarrel.com Lulu Table Lamp, $298; anthropologie.com for similar
Guest Room
Megan Hopp
@meganhopp
“I wanted a blue-and-red scheme while avoiding any kind of Fourth of July vibes,” says Megan, who’s based in New York City and Washington, D.C. “So I opted for bright, electric shades of each,” like Valspar’s Sweet Melon (on the doors) and BFF Blue (the ceiling and trim). “Then I threw in some pinks as a bit of a surprise.” But in this space, which blends modern maximalism with a 1960s style, pattern is the main story—specifically Megan’s favorite, stripes! There’s the zigzaggy wallpaper, the candy stripes on the rug, and the cabana-print bedding. Megan broke the first rule of pattern mixing: Hers are all around the same scale. It works, though, because the varied colors and configurations give the eye focal points. Cool trick!
TO BUYOttoline Bloomsbury Stripes Wallpaper, $298 per roll; anthropologie.com Valspar Signature BFF Blue 8001-42D Paint, $42 per gallon; lowes.com Driftaway Dresser, from $3,998, and Balboa Rattan X-Base Stool, $528; serenaandlily.com Sailing Stripe Indoor/Outdoor Rug, from $74; annieselke.com Custom Penelope Rose Canopy Panels, from $118; pepper-home.com Fletcher Triple Hook Rack, from $135; rejuvenation.com Cabana Stripe Robe, $145; bathenshop.com Lexington Wall Mirror, $1,579; perigold.com Ingrid Table Lamp, $350, Rattan and Acrylic Tray, $225, and Ginger Jar with Gold Details, $195; williams-sonoma.com Large Globo Box, $425; jonathanadler.com
Renew Blue by Valspar
Feast your eyes on Valspar’s 2024 Color of the Year!
Entryway
REAL SIMPLE Editors
OK, it’s more like a hallway, but the apartment’s narrow entrance is another opportunity to make a statement. A serene blue paint and an aluminum-mounted acrylic print from Minted adds color while keeping the small space clean and tone-on-tone.
TO BUYValspar Signature Renew Blue 8003-37D Paint, $42 per gallon; lowes.com Triple Hourglass Table, $738; shadesoflight.com Structure I by Kamala Nahas, from $34; minted.com
TO BUYNero Counter Stools, $369 each; article.com Harriet Glass Vase, $50; homegoods.com for similar Barcelona Nesting Lazy Susan, $230; burkedecor.com Handmade Charred Oak Small Wooden Bowls, $100 each; food52.com Weilan Cereal Bowls, $68 for 4, and Livia Oval Plates, $84 for 6; luluandgeorgia.com Essential Dinner Napkins, $28 for 4; hawkinsnewyork.com Liquid Hand Soap, $5; mrsmeyers.com Zwiesel Glas Pure Bordeaux XL Glasses, $96 for 6; williams-sonoma.com Madera Coffee Mugs, $12 each; cb2.com Gold Rim Champagne Coupe Glasses, $80 for 4; williams-sonoma.com Amber Glass Mugs, $28 each; schoolhouse.com Spice Jar Set, $38 for 10; neatmethod.com The Barista Touch, $1,100; breville.com Marin Utensil Holder, $20; crateandbarrel.com Round Serving Board with Handle, $130; food52.com Olivewood Rectangular Cheese Board, from $70; williams-sonoma.com Glass Jars, from $16; neatmethod.com
Kitchen & Dining Room
Kim & Scott Vargo
@yellowbrickhome
Natural, muted, pretty. With pale wood cabinets and a big ol’ marble island, this kitchen is mostly light and bright, with splashes of dark color from the matte hardware and deep green paint. Kim and Scott, the married duo behind the popular design blog Yellow Brick Home, found thoughtful ways to maximize space, layering cutting boards, neatly stacking dishes, and placing a modern lazy Susan front and center to hold entertaining necessities. They went with matching cane counter stools and chairs to tie the kitchen and dining areas together.
Aged Pine by Valspar
Valspar Signature Aged Pine 6011-5 Paint, $42 per gallon; lowes.com Klara Sofa, $1,699, and Netro Dining Chairs, $299 each; article.com Losaria Pillow (on sofa, left), $170; us.audocph.com for similar Aleca Pillow, $59; article.com Orbita Dining Table, $1,893; houzz.com Handmade Charred Oak Large Wooden Bowl, $195; food52.com Loloi Giada Rug in Lagoon, $929; burkedecor.com Large Pallas Planter, $148; thesill.com Spyder Plug-In Wall Lamp, $875; lampsplus.com Let’s Go on a Trip I (right) and Let’s Go on a Trip II by Alain Castoriano, from $35, Rotisserie Chicken by Elliot Stokes (far right, top), $37, and Two of Us by Karyn Denten (bottom), $60; minted.com
Pop Containers, from $12; oxo.com ForceFlex MaxStrength Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags; glad.com for info Command Universal Picture Hangers, $4 each; amazon.com If You Care Compostable Paper Snack and Sandwich Bags, $6.70 for 48; buyifyoucare.com
GreenSaver Produce Keepers, from $21; oxo.com Kerrygold Salted and Unsalted Pure Irish Butter; at grocery stores
Items in the fridge and pantry got organized in narrow rows for easy hunting. Clear, food-safe containers put ingredients on display.
Like David, who designed the primary bedroom, Kim and Scott were inspired by the apartment’s locale: “The city backdrop is what makes the space unique,” Kim says. “We wanted to play with that by pulling in an earthy, lush palette for our design.” They coated the walls in the dining area with Valspar’s Aged Pine and brought in a rust-colored velvet sofa to complement it. Yes, we said sofa! The cute perch with a shallow seat is a clever makeshift banquette. To keep the space grounded, they brought in neutral elements, like the cane-backed chairs and a big oval dining table with a faux-wood-grain top. It’s a great central spot for homework time, hanging out, and of course, meals!
Custom powdercoated steel shelves add storage in the outdoor kitchen.
TO BUYRound Outdoor Dining Table with French Beam Base, $4,869, Marol Dining Chairs, $299 each, Cruz Outdoor Dining Table, from $4,749, Tulum Outdoor Dining Side Chairs, $1,079 each, Oriel Performance Rug, from $1,599, and Newport Outdoor Lounge Chair, $3,639; arhaus.com Custom Gold Shelving; archgrille.com for info Linjer 1 by Kate Baird (top shelf, left), Urban Scene by Lucia Coppola, and Kitchen Clay by Jenni Kupelian (bottom shelf), from $34; minted.com Madalena Dinnerware, from $100; ballarddesigns.com
Linda Hayslett
@lhdesigned
To keep this big outdoor space from feeling vast, cold, and unruly, Linda (who’s spent years designing in sunny Los Angeles) arranged the furniture in five sections with distinct purposes and personalities—a formal dining spot, a casual kitchen hangout, a lounging nook, and two conversation areas. “By creating zones, outdoor areas can function just like indoors,” she says. More room for more fun!
TO BUYCE x She She Agape Wallpaper; somerselle.com for info Valspar Signature Southern Road 1006-9C Paint, $42 per gallon; lowes.com City Ragtimes by Catilustre, from $34; minted.com Terrace Bar Cart, $549; westelm.com Spirits Drinkware, $69, and Wythe Bar Tool Set, $89; ballarddesigns.com Custom Shelf Front Plate; archgrille.com for info
Linda painted and wallpapered a closet and rolled in a gilded bar cart (with liquor!) to add to the party vibes on the second floor.
PROMOTION
Real Simple Home
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KEY CONTRIBUTORS
ABC Carpet & Home
Afloral
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Amber Interiors
Annie Selke
Anthropologie
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Arhaus
Article
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Ballard Designs
Bathen
Beam
Bludot
Bobby Berk Home
Breville
Burke Decor
CB2
Chasing Paper
Circa Lighting
Crate & Barrel
Dyphor New York
East Olivia
Farmhouse Pottery
Food52
Hawkins New York
Hollywood at Home
House of Hackney
Hudson Valley Lighting
Jonathan Adler
Joybird
Julian Chichester
Kathy Kuo Home
Lamps Plus
Lands Downunder
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Lexington
Loloi
Lulu & Georgia
Lumens
Magnolia Home
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Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
Mitzi
MPL Home Renovations
Neat Method
Nordic Knots
Ottoline
Pepper Home
Phaidon
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Quiet Town
Rabbit Wine
Rejuvenation
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Room & Board
Rove Concepts
Russel & Hazel
Schoolhouse
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Shades of Light
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Tempaper
Terrain
The Home Depot
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The Sill
Tortuga Forma
Urban Outfitters
West Elm
Williams Sonoma
World Market
QUAY TOWER
Quay Tower, which was developed by RAL Development and Oliver’s Realty Group and is sold and marketed by SERHANT. New Development. The 28-floor apartment building is located on Brooklyn Bridge Park with unobstructed and unprecedented views of Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn Heights, and Brooklyn Bridge Park. The apartment is equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides, a spacious roof deck and entertaining space, an open kitchen, and more. The Quay Tower hovers over Brooklyn Bridge Park and is nestled in the charming Brooklyn Heights neighborhood.
SERHANT. NEW DEVELOPMENT
SERHANT. New Development gives developers and financial institutions an unmatched advantage by providing insightful and results-oriented step-by-step guidance and support from site acquisition to final sellout for projects of all sizes, price points, and locations. It uses comprehensive market analytics to hone planning, design, and branding strategies, and it leverages SERHANT. Studios and ID Lab to deliver potent, breakthrough content and sales campaigns that are targeted and amplified through SERHANT. ADX, a tech-powered innovation platform.
Sponsors
3M HEAVYWEIGHT HANGING
Hang up to 20 lbs damage-free with Command™ Picture Hanging Strips and for even heavier items use 3M CLAW™ Drywall Picture Hanger to hang up to 65 lbs. No tools and no studs needed.
3m.com/hangheavy
ELKAY®
For over 100 years, Elkay® has been making innovative plumbing products and providing exceptional customer care. We take pride in offering products that make life easier, inspire change, and leave the world a better place.
elkay.com
GLAD
Glad® ForceFlex MaxStrengthTM with Clorox trash bags help eliminate food and bacterial odors and are 25% more durable*.
*vs. Glad 13 gallon ForceFlex bag
glad.com
IF YOU CARE
If You Care products are carefully crafted to have the least environmental impact and lightest carbon footprint possible, while also delivering the most effective results. Healthy Home. Healthy Planet. Healthy You.
ifyoucare.com
KERRYGOLD
Kerrygold butter and cheeses are made with milk from grass-fed cows that are raised on small, family run Irish dairy farms. The all-natural milk our cows produce is what makes our products so flavorful and creamy.
kerrygoldusa.com
KIRSCH
Transform your windows with Kirsch custom coverings and hardware, the epitome of elegance and quality. Discover a world of superior design.
kirsch.com
MINTED
Premium design marketplace Minted constantly curates freshly sourced art and home decor from the most talented artists and makers around the globe.
minted.com
OXO
OXO products make everyday life easier in every room of your home. From cooking and baking to brewing and entertaining to cleaning and organizing to everyday adventures with little ones. We design tools that fit comfortably in your hand and in your life.
oxo.com
SYSTANE
SYSTANE® CO rovides fast hydration an g relief from the #1 doctor recommended brand of lubricant eye drops.
systane.com
VALSPAR®
Every project matters. Valspar’s here to help every step of the way to make your paint or stain project a success.
valspar.com
SCAN HERE TO EXPLORE THE REAL SIMPLE HOME 360º TOUR OR VISIT REALSIMPLE.COM/RSHOME23
PROP STYLING BY OLGA GRIGORENKO. HEADSHOTS: COURTESY OF DAVID QUARLES IV; COURTESY OF MICHELLE GAGE
HEADSHOT COURTESY OF BOBBY BERK
HEADSHOT COURTESY OF MEGAN HOPP
HEADSHOT COURTESY OF YELLOW BRICK HOME
HEADSHOT COURTESY OF LINDA HAYSLETT
