In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
Above all else, Amy Lee McArdle seeks harmony in her work. Born in New York and raised in Seoul, South Korea, the Palm Beach founder of Amy Young Designs worked at the United Nations and on Capitol Hill navigating international diplomacy and public policy before pursuing a career in design. “I’m inspired by the idea of balance,” she tells Business of Home.
Today, she crafts carefully curated spaces filled with artful elements that don’t sacrifice function and livability. “Like my interiors, my flat lay marries sculptural forms with tactile materials,” she says. “Textural contrasts—marble, silk wallpaper and woven fibers—pair seamlessly with playful, organic shapes.”
Metallic-accented cloud wallpaper and a sinuously lined tonal rug set an atmospheric backdrop, while ultratactile finishes ground the scheme. “Together, these pieces demonstrate how design can be both elevated and inviting,” she says. “The result offers elegance and whimsy.”
Here, McArdle breaks down the details, from a monkey-shaped table lamp to a wavy bamboo bench.
1. DILLON RESIN MONKEY LAMP BY TRINX AT WAYFAIR
“I love this monkey lamp because it adds a little personality and fun. It’s playful without being over the top, and the mix of whimsy with the simple linen shade makes it feel fresh but still pulled together.”
2. PAPIER-MÂCHÉ LEMON BRANCHES BY GUSTO
“I love how this papier-mâché adds dimension yet remains monotone, without overpowering the other elements.”
3. RIVULET RUG IN MOOR BY ROSEMARY HALLGARTEN
“A rug is always the foundation of the design. This tonal rug grounds itself with a quiet tone yet bold movement, pairing well with the rest of the softer materials and elements in the board.”
4. DEW DROPS PENDANT BY BORIS KLIMEK FOR BOMMA AT LIGHTOLOGY
“This pendant [captures] the magic of rain suspended in space, just like dewdrops. Whether turned on or off, this is a true sculptural art piece.”
5. AVALON WALLPAPER IN QUARTZ BY AQUALILLE
“I love this handmade wallpaper because it feels like stepping into a work of art—once installed, you’re enveloped in an ethereal wash of watercolor clouds with delicate gilded accents. It instantly elevates the entire board and defines the mood.”
6. DOLCE VITA ACRYLIC WATER GOBLET IN WHITE BY MARIO LUCA GIUSTI AT JUNG LEE NY
“I love this acrylic goblet because it has the sparkle of glass but is completely indestructible. It doubles as both a water goblet and a wineglass, and it comes in so many colors. I especially love mixing different shades for outdoor entertaining. It’s the perfect mix of practical and playful.”
7. MARCELA CHAIR IN MONDO TOAST BY VERELLEN
“I love the Marcela because it’s sculptural in all the right ways, which makes it feel like a piece of art, not just a chair. The fabric makes me love it even more. I’ve been using it across different projects in creative ways; here, it elevates the form while adding a layer of warmth and texture. It’s become one of those pieces I keep coming back to.”
8. BUBBLE LARGE BOWL IN FOG BY TINA FREY
“Tina Frey’s designs always lighten the mood of everything around them. Its sculptural playfulness is a burst of joy—it has a touch of whimsy while still feeling refined.”
9. TOMATO SCENTED TAPER CANDLES BY CARRIÈRE FRÈRES
“I love this candle because it’s so unexpected—tomato isn’t a traditional scent, yet it’s tangy, green and slightly sweet. I always finish a project by layering beautiful scents into each room, because emotional design is about engaging all the senses.”
10. FLUTED ROSSO LEVANTO MARBLE POLISHED MOSAIC TILE BY CEMENTO COLLECTION
“We just installed this fluted Rosso Levanto marble tile in a primary bath, and I feel so strongly about it that I can’t imagine any mood board without it. The texture and deep maroon color anchor the rest of its surroundings.”
11. VASARELY THROW IN WHITE & BEIGE BY UNIQ’UITY
“This Belgian woven throw in alpaca and wool is always a staple in our designs. It embodies warmth, [style] and comfort all in one—an understated luxury piece that ties the narrative together.”
12. MIRAGE HOURGLASS BY ASSOULINE
“An hourglass always feels timeless—pun intended—and with its modern leather design, this one is a total conversation piece that flows so well with the rest of the flat lay.”
13. BAMBOO WAVE BENCH BY AGUIRRE DESIGN AT ANDROS HOME
“The Bamboo Wave bench makes a bold statement without shouting. The true meaning of function meets form, it’s both a striking design piece and a practical seat.”
14. PINCH 05 HANDLE IN POLISHED NICKEL BY NEST STUDIO COLLECTION
“Hardware is the jewelry of the home—a tiny sculpture you can touch that sets the tone for how dressed up a space feels. This piece takes it up a notch, instantly elevating the entire board with its sculptural elegance.”
