In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
Avery Cox likes to reimagine past designs in modern ways. The Austin-based designer approaches each project with a toolbox of time-honored finishes, zippy patterns and cheery hues that infuse her spaces with playfulness and old-world charm. “I think a lot of people are afraid to try bold colors in their homes, so I love a scheme that doesn’t think twice,” she tells Business of Home.
Her mood board—inspired by the listening lounge she designed for last month’s Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Dallas—is no exception. Swathed in a classic shade of eye-catching robin’s-egg blue, the scheme offers a well-balanced blend of earthy warmth and retro glamour. “Chocolatey browns and natural textures ground the flat lay,” says Cox. “It feels very Old New York, with dashes of flair and drama.”
A through line of traditional motifs draws the design together, while strong lines and graphic prints plant it firmly in the 21st century. “These are timeworn materials presented in a contemporary context,” she says.
Here, Cox breaks down the details, from chevron trim to dark red marble.
1. HUGO FLORAL FABRIC IN FADED BLACK BY SCHUMACHER
“The scale and washed-out feel of this fabric is so welcome against more typical clean-lined punchy selections. I’m a sucker for a large scale, and this beautiful pattern does not disappoint.”
2. ANTIQUE MAJOLICA DISH
“I have been a lifelong collector of majolica dishes, and this organic-shaped begonia leaf adds the perfect amount of old-world charm and earthy whimsy.”
3. SILK MATKA #45 FABRIC BY MURIEL BRANDOLINI AT HOLLAND & SHERRY
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve been obsessed with Muriel Brandolini’s fabric collection. I love that this pattern is at once darling and strong.”
4. OIL PLUS 2C STAIN IN PURE ON WALNUT BY RUBIO MONOCOAT
“This is a stain sample for a custom table we had built. We love using Rubio Monocoat on custom wood pieces for its old-world sheen and natural look.”
5. MOTTLED TILES IN M3 AND M8 BY BALINEUM
“We were so excited to use these tiles in our Kips Bay room in Dallas. I’ve used a version in at least two other colorways. It’s an absolute favorite because it adds sheen, color, texture and depth without being too graphic.”
6. ODESSA FABRIC IN SAVANNA BY SISTER
“Sister is a favorite line of mine out of London. Sophie Ashby keeps producing collections that feel so incredibly fresh while still being completely usable. [It’s] the perfect pattern to mix with.”
7. ANCA FABRIC IN MULTI BY DÉCORS BARBARES FOR NAMAY SAMAY
“The perfect ‘unbuttoned’ stripe: masculine and understated. I’m so happy these two creators got together on this one.”
8. SAVANNA TRIM IN COPPER BY HOLLAND & SHERRY
“This is a chic chevron if I’ve ever seen one. The tonal color palette makes this polarizing geometric pattern feel soft and, dare I say, preppy.”
9. BIRD’S EGG PAINT BY BENJAMIN MOORE
“This hue shaped my earliest memories of home because it was the color my mom painted our entry hall and, subsequently, the kitchen of a farmhouse my family purchased in rural Texas when I was in eighth grade.”
10. BEHANZIN FABRIC IN CUSTOM COLORWAY BY PIERRE FREY
“I’ve been carrying around this fabric for many years. The red and yellow are just divine, but what really captures my heart is the weight and chunky woven texture.”
11. WOOD FABRIC IN TAN BY BRUNSCHWIG & FILS AT KRAVET
“All things faux bois have always sparked my curiosity. I love the whimsy of this historic pattern and its ability to be mixed in with almost any scheme.”
12. EPOQUE COTTON VELVET FABRIC IN SIENNA BY MARK ALEXANDER
“Like a thick blanket of faux fur, this velvet is as plush as it gets.”
13. HEIRLOOM BRASS FINISH BY THE URBAN ELECTRIC CO.
“This is my favorite metal finish of all time.”
14. MEDIUM TRACK FABRIC IN WEDGEWOOD BY OPUZEN
“A chunky corduroy for the win, in an absolutely dreamy shade of blue. I’ll take this on an easy chair, please, next to a roaring fire.”
15. BEST KEPT SECRET FABRIC IN CELADON AND BROWN BY CULLMAN & KRAVIS FOR HOLLAND & SHERRY
“Another absolute classic. The little bowties make for such a playful pattern. When we need a small-scale print, this is always one of the first ones I grab.”
16. RIGOLETTO VELVET FABRIC IN SIENNA ROSE BY KERRY JOYCE
“The velvets and mohairs coming from Kerry Joyce have so much depth and color variation. Plus, this pinky brick tone adds such an unexpected element to this palette.”
17. FOUND RED MARBLE SAMPLE
“Dark red marble? Yes, please!”
18. CAWDOR WOOL CARPET BY ANTA
“I’m so into these Scottish wool plaid rugs. They are so graphic and fun and feel like they will last 100 years.”
19. HAZE FABRIC IN QUINCE BY GEORGE SPENCER DESIGNS
“An absolute stunner of a fabric, this gorgeous mohair gives the perfect green apple hue. Mohair is a favorite for upholstery, especially in high-traffic areas. This one has such a nice hand to it.”
20. FULHAM LINEN VELVET FABRIC IN CORN BY LEE JOFA AT KRAVET
“I’m a big fan of linen velvet. It has enough texture to hide spills and handprints while still being absolutely luxurious.”
