Guest Picks: Star-Designer Favorites for the Home
Get in on megawatt designer style with offerings from Nate Berkus, Mary McDonald, Thom Filicia and Jonathan Adler
This month I had the amazing opportunity to meet interior designers Mary McDonald and Thom Filicia. I was in awe not only of their personal styles — McDonald is classic and tailored while Filicia is very colorful and casual — but also of how accessible they have made their designs to the masses. Anyone can now browse their books or even buy their products at retail stores. Below are just a few of my favorite pieces currently available from the lines of popular designers McDonald, Filicia, Nate Berkus and Jonathan Adler. — Julieann from CreateGirl
Mary McDonald: Interiors: The Allure of Style
McDonald's The Allure of Style is a gorgeous book filled with rooms that are livable, tailored and have a bit of a twist.
Robert Abbey 2573 Mm Spence 1 Light Wall Swinger in Silver
You can find Mary McDonald lighting through Robert Abbey and online stores like Lamps Plus. This wall sconce with a faux ostrich insert is complete luxury.
Mary McDonald Directoire Black Brass Ceiling Light
I'll be honest: It is a challenge to find good looking flush-mount lighting, but this Directoire fixture proves me wrong. The mix of antique brass and black glass would have everyone looking up.
Don't Fret, Lettuce
The Don't Fret fabric designed by McDonald for F. Schumacher features a gorgeous fretwork embroidered on linen. OK, could I afford to do an entire wall of windows in this? Maybe not, but I know I could afford a few accent pillows for my blue sofa. Splurging on a few custom pieces will give your room that Mary McDonald–designer feel, and you will love it forever.
Chinois Palais, Tangerine
If you watched McDonald's show Million Dollar Decorators, you know her love of chinoiserie. This tangerine colorway is by far my favorite for this fabric.
The Things That Matter
Nate Berkus' The Things That Matter is all about surrounding yourself with pieces you love.
Nate Berkus Cream Pineapple Figural
Never underestimate the importance of accent pieces; they often give a room that finished feel. This ceramic pineapple from the Nate Berkus line at Target could be used in multiple rooms on an end table or bookshelf to create interest.
Nate Berkus Chevron Storage Box, Brown
This 3-1/2-inch square chevron wood box is a handsome piece for your man's spare change or cuff links, and it will look great on his dresser.
Nate Berkus Inca Print Window Panel, Cream
These Inca print panels from Target are fantastic! Often I add a tape trim to a solid panel to create a custom look, but this panel is already edged with a simple stitched pattern. Perfect.
Nate Berkus Ahmar Fabric, Citrine
The Ahmar fabric in this colorway is one of my favorite fabrics from Berkus' collection at Calico Corners. The yellow and gray trend still seems to be a winner.
American Beauty: Renovating and Decorating a Beloved Retreat
Thom Filicia documents the renovation of his summer retreat in American Beauty. Be warned: It will make you want a summer cottage of your own.
Vanguard Living Room Upholstered Chest
The collection Filicia created for Vanguard is exceptional. This upholstered nailhead chest is stunning in person, and unlike other designer items, it can be purchased at retail stores!
Griffith Park Rug, Sea Glass/Blue
The Griffith Park rug in sea glass is casual and transitional with its nod to the chevron pattern. The color is incredible. I would easily use this in a living room, especially since it is wool, which means it will be comfy to lounge on.
Tioga Rug, Ink
Filicia's Tioga rug will be timeless with its easy pattern. It's even available in this ink colorway, which I have come to consider a neutral. I could see it in a cottage or coastal-feeling room.
Spot Table
The Spot table looks as if it could leap off the floor, which might just be the bit of fun Filicia was looking for. It is such a whimsical piece that makes a room come to life.
100 Ways To Happy Chic Your Life
With a title like 100 Ways to Happy Chic Your Life, you would be crazy not to pick up this book! It seems to sum up all that is Jonathan Adler.
Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler Lola Owl Accent Lamp
Did you know that Adler now has a collection called "Happy Chic" exclusively sold at JCPenney? This Lola Owl lamp would look darling in a child's room and is affordable at just $35.
Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler Elizabeth Duvet Cover Set & Accessories
The classic combo of blue and white in the Elizabeth bedding collection would be versatile in any room. I would love to see it in the cottage house — you know, the one I dream of having!
Brass Tic-Tac-Toe Set
OK, so it might be an Adler splurge, but this brass tic-tac-toe set would make for a striking accent piece on your end table.
Scales Melamine Divided Tray
This divided tray is high up on the "I want" list! Adler sure knows how to make a girl happy. It would be the perfect size for afternoon treats by the pool.
Next: Thom Filicia Takes On a Fixer-Upper in American Beauty
Next: Thom Filicia Takes On a Fixer-Upper in American Beauty