In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
Elizabeth Roberts takes a layered approach to her interiors. The New York architect, designer and author of Elizabeth Roberts Architects: Collected Stories tells Business of Home that she likes to pair unexpected elements to create spaces that feel “refined yet effortless” and “elevated but inviting.”
For her current mood board, she started with a backdrop of a hand-drawn wallcovering and incorporated everything from jute-and-mohair rugs to an analog flip clock to infuse the scheme with texture and intrigue. “These are all things that I love and that I’m truly drawn to,” she says of the design. “The variation reflects the variety of spaces we create.”
The final palette is grounded in versatile neutrals and rich earth tones—including rusty brick red and deep indigo blue—alongside a sprinkling of sumptuous organic finishes and energetic graphic motifs. “The flat lay feels luxurious and approachable, with depth, soul and a little humor,” says Roberts.
Here, she breaks down the details, from pilea plants to porcelain faucet handles.
1. PILEA PEPEROMIOIDES PLANT
“Plants always help; no space is complete without them.”
2. LEATHER SAMPLES BY BILL AMBERG STUDIO
“Leather is an art form, and Bill Amberg’s byproduct leather and bespoke goods are one of a kind and always the highest quality.”
3. TYPE H TILES BY DELFT TILES
“This new geometric line of tiles by Delft combines history with whimsy.”
4. PANCHO FABRIC IN 03 AND 05 BY DESIGNS OF THE TIME
“These fabrics are incredible and earthy. They are textured and beautiful to the touch while bringing in deep, sophisticated colors. They remind me a bit of my California origins.”
5. ‘IMAGINING THE FUTURE MUSEUM’ BY ANDRÁS SZÁNTÓ
“As the world changes, museums are changing too—in many ways for the better. Each chapter [of this book] is an interview with a different museum architect and each begins with a sketch.”
6. SCENIC WALLPAPER BY ELIZABETH ROBERTS FOR CALICO
“This paper makes it possible to bring hand-drawn landscapes into any project, no matter the scale.”
7. TWEMCO CLASSICE WALL FLIP CLOCK BY TIME WILL FLIP
“I love analog tech stuff—the flipping numbers [on this clock] are the best.”
8. PHINDA RÉ FABRICS BY TOYINE
“Handcrafted fabrics made on traditional French looms.”
9. ‘THE LENGTH OF THE HORIZON’ BY KAPWANI KIWANGA
“Kiwanga is a Canadian artist whose work considers colonialism, gender and the African diaspora. I recently saw her show at the Copenhagen Contemporary—she is representing Canada at this year’s Venice Biennale.”
10. MANTAS DE REGUENGOS BLANKET SAMPLE BY FABRICAAL
“We often include authentic artisan fabrics and products with deep histories in our projects. Fabricaal works with designers to create modern takes on traditional textiles.”
11. VICTORIAN FLOOR TILES BY ORIGINAL STYLE
“These encaustic tiles are beautiful, timeless and practical.”
12. VINTAGE PORCELAIN FAUCET HANDLES
“I have a soft spot for vintage porcelain cross handles. The authentically old ones are best.”
13. PARLOR RUGS BY ELIZABETH ROBERTS FOR RADNOR
“These rugs are hand-carded and hand-knotted in mohair with handwoven jute fringe. They are of the highest quality and responsibly sourced. I love the combination of the rustic fringe with the mohair.”
14. SEA CORK WALL TILE BY AMCORK
“I love using cork as flooring and also a wall treatment. It’s humble and warm, and has a beautifully marbled natural pattern that looks great in rooms that are dressed down.”
15. CARMEL FABRIC IN CAYENNE AND CHOCOLATE BY KUFRI
“This women-centered brand combines handloom weaving techniques with sophisticated color and pattern. The irregularities in the weave give it such character and depth.”
16. VINTAGE AUSTRIAN WALL HOOKS BY HERTHA BALLER
“Love a good sharp brass hook, and these are timeless and sculptural.”
