In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
Amy Kalikow can play it cool—or turn up the heat. From stormy travertine to taupe faux leather and pearlescent glass, endless permutations of icy white, warm ivory and nuanced greige come together in the New York designer’s interiors, creating delectably creamy, clean and sophisticated spaces for all seasons. Luxurious yet livable, they reveal her eye for detail with every look. Bathroom tile is fluted, wall panels quilted and topstitched, alpaca velvet brushed till it feels like fur.
“Soft, calming colors lead this selection,” says Kalikow of her springtime mood board. It begins with a foundation of white oak flooring cushioned by Moroccan wool and Indian dhurrie rugs. Golden and aubergine veining in Calacatta Viola marble introduces colorful accents, while hints of pink can be found in painterly grasscloth wallpaper. “Textures and tones that have us dreaming of days in the sun are at the forefront,” she adds.
Among the abundance of soothing neutrals, artistic touches weave in intrigue. A glazed stoneware piece by a local ceramicist recalls organic forms, and sculptural lighting from a onetime fashion accessory designer combines biomorphic and brutalist attributes. The elegant end result is not only light-colored but lighthearted. “The theme of the flat lay is ‘happiness,’ inspired by signs of spring,” says Kalikow. She describes her choices here.
1. SABA FABRIC IN CHALK BY MOKUM
“This linen fabric uses long, interlacing floats to mimic the appearance of embroidery, bestowing subtle texture and geometric pattern on throw pillows.”
2. CERAMIC CHANDELIER BY OLIVIA COGNET
“Organic, unique ceramic light fixtures by a French maker who once worked as an accessory designer in the fashion world give an unexpected touch to a room.”
3. GEMINI FABRIC IN CLOUD NINE BY POLLACK
“Absolutely loving this three-dimensional texture and half-moon pattern for some bonus whimsy.”
4. STORMY GREY TRAVERTINE BY BAS STONE
“You can’t go wrong with this stone’s natural elements.”
5. DOWNPOUR FABRIC IN URBAN BY LEWIS MILLER DESIGN FOR WEITZNER
“The perfect painterly wash of color, in muted tones to softly introduce impact to a neutral palette.”
6. CERAMIC PIECE BY JOAN WALTON
“We are such advocates of working with local artists!”
7. STONEWORK PEAK MARBLE TILE IN ALASKA WHITE BY TILE BAR
“We are big fans of fluted stone for bathroom accent walls; it makes a statement in a soft and subtle way.”
8. LUXE COLLECTION HARDWOOD FLOORING IN STRATUS BY SOTA FLOORS
“White oak flooring that’s soothing, sturdy and neutral.”
9. LUCIA BRANCH CHANDELIER LIGHTBULB BY LUXE LIGHT & HOME
“We [recently specified] this beauty for an entry fixture, customized to the space.”
10. QUADRATA WALLCOVERING IN OXIDE BY BLACK EDITION
“So luxe!”
11. DOLCE FABRIC IN GREGE BY MISIA
“The softest, most luxurious alpaca wool velvet fabric for any space.”
12. NAPOLI ETNA CHIARA TILE IN GRIGIO BY STONE SOURCE
“This porcelain tile is the perfect collection of neutral colors, with a subtle nod to terrazzo.”
13. NEGEV DHURRIE RUG BY BEAUVAIS
“We are loving the texture of this all-wool carpet—it’s the perfect ground for any room.”
14. NAO FABRIC IN SAFFRON BY LARSEN
“This small-scale geometric offers that little bit of color to add something special to an otherwise simple space.”
15. GAWAIN SHEER FABRIC IN NATURAL BY BARRY DIXON FOR VERVAIN
“Textured fabrics like this Belgian linen lend an added layer of depth and character to drapery.”
16. MOROCCAN RUG IN IVORY/GREY BY BOKARA RUG COMPANY
“This handwoven wool piece is the epitome of texture and style—and it’s family-friendly!”
17. MATARA TESSERE VEGAN LEATHER IN TAUPE BY DESIGNERS GUILD
“We just used this embossed performance leather for a bench fabric and absolutely love it! It has durability and style all in one.”
18. CUSTOM-FINISHED GLASS TABLETOP BY GLASSWORKS
“The unique textures and finishes make for a fabulous kitchen table.”
19. CALACATTA VIOLA EXTRA MARBLE BY BAS STONE
“A timeless marble that brings beauty and sophistication to any space.”
20. BON TON WALL PANELS IN CITY GREIGE BY MASSIMO BRANCATI FOR STUDIOART
“I just love these leather wall panels! They are customizable in size and design. The tonal stitching and alternating flat and padded surfaces make them so special.”
