In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
Christine Markatos Lowe has an eye for unique design elements. The Santa Monica designer likes to strike the balance between posh and playful by employing a mix of refined materials and frisky motifs in her pattern-infused projects.
Her current mood board—filled with intriguing prints and sumptuous finishes—is an excellent example. In addition to a charming petal-esque rattan pendant, she incorporates everything from star-accented tile to a frog-shaped planter to energize the design. “I like traditional materials in unexpected patterns,” says Lowe.
A symphony of soft pastel hues ultimately ties the palette together, while a sprinkling of coastal-style pieces sets a soothing tone for the scheme. “We imagined the client being a groovy gal who summered in the Vineyard,” says the designer. “She’s a little bit preppy, a little bit glam, and loves color.”
Here, Lowe breaks down the details, from embroidered fabric to satin brass hardware.
1. EVENING STAR WITH WHITE LINE TILE IN COLOR NO. 21 BY FILMORE CLARK
“This watery star tile [by Filmore Clark] feels perfect for a kitchen backsplash, adding a casual pattern to create some graphic interest in a serene space.”
2. SMALL MARIANNE PENDANT NECKLACE BY BRENT NEALE
“This necklace brings a rainbow of color, and is great to layer with other [jewelry] pieces.”
3. DRIP GLAZE FINISH SAMPLE IN PINK BY PAUL SCHNEIDER CERAMICS
“Paul Schneider’s sculptural lamps bring a vintage vibe, but his drip glazes give an unexpected pop of color.”
4. TRESSA TABLE FINISH SAMPLE IN BLACK/MOP SHELL BY MADE GOODS
“This pearly side table reads like a found shell and adds a little sparkle to the tabletop.”
5. MEDIUM GUMBALL HOOP EARRINGS BY IRENE NEUWIRTH
“Who knew you could wear gumballs on your ears? These hoops by Irene Neuwirth bring effortless color and great style to any outfit.”
6. NANTUCKET FABRIC IN COVE BLUE BY SEEMA KRISH
“I love the fresh approach of this fabric for a seaside scheme. The embroidery adds an unexpected twist.”
7. LAWRENCE GRASSCLOTH WALLCOVERING IN QUARRY LAKE BY FERRICK MASON
“Raffia is a classic wall solution in a beach house, but finding one with a funky printed pattern makes it feel quirky and modern.”
8. CUSTOM RUG BY MARK NELSON DESIGNS
“This vibrant plaid carpet [by Mark Nelson Designs] brings a nostalgic vibe, and there’s nothing better than a flatweave underfoot at the beach.”
9. VICTORIA BUD PENDANT BY RO SHAM BEAUX
“These beautiful floral pendants are light and airy, and add a little feminine touch to a porch or hallway.”
10. CLASSIC KNOB IN SATIN BRASS BY NEST STUDIO
“Satin brass hardware is a timeless choice, but a modern shield shape gives it extra flair.”
11. LARGE JEAN ROGER FROG PLANTER FINISH SAMPLE IN LEAF GREEN AT KRB
“Jackie Kennedy collected these frog planters, and we think the modern edition brings whimsy to your tabletop.”
12. GLAZE FINISH SAMPLES BY MUD AUSTRALIA
“We love the way Mud Australia’s palette adds personality to the tabletop.”
13. FOUND BRASS FINISH SAMPLE BY URBAN ELECTRIC COMPANY
“We love using unlacquered brass on light fixtures such as the Crown flush mount. The live metal will patina over time to create a vintage look.”
14. ROUND LAMPSHADE SAMPLE IN TURQUOISE WICKER BY FERMOIE
“We love using this sheer lampshade in our room, as the pattern gives a simple lamp lots of personality.”
15. RATTAN IN NATURAL BY SOANE BRITAIN
“I love Soane’s use of rattan, especially on its slipper chair—it creates the prettiest little perch in a bedroom corner.”
16. VINTAGE POUCH
“The embroidered print on this vintage pouch brings a 1970s vibe to the scheme.”
17. ARBOR FABRIC IN GREEN-BLUE BY REBECCA ATWOOD
“This woven fabric is hearty and great to use on upholstery, as it will take heavy use gracefully.”
