In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
This winter, Hillary K. Cohen will be nothing if not warm. Based in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, and serving clients throughout the New York tristate region, the principal and founder of HCO Interiors is no stranger to the Northeast’s deep freeze. And she knows that layering applies to more than socks, scarves and mittens.
“My flat lay is inspired by a desire to create a layered yet deconstructed aesthetic, one that marries classic and modern elements with contrasting textures and materials,” says Cohen. Combining mohair upholstery, tufted wool carpeting, a radiant copper sink, and a linen swivel chair the color of hot cocoa, her selection is complex yet welcoming. “The rich patinas and tension between different fabrics keep your eye rhythmically moving, inviting exploration,” she explains. When it’s time to take a rest, rock-hard components like Calacatta marble and cement tile provide a solid foundation.
Snug and dense as her assortment may be, it’s not just about hibernation: It also includes traces of times gone by—or hints of those to come. An earthy tomato candle and redolent jasmine plant summon up the lazy days of summer, perhaps as glimpsed through gauzy pinstriped curtains. “These pieces reflect a sense of transition and evoke a touch of whimsy,” says Cohen.
Until those sunnier horizons return, the designer is content to keep comfy and carry on. “The mood I’ve captured is deeply rooted in winter’s cozy afternoons,” she says. “Imagine curling up in a thick sweater as the temperature drops and the daylight fades.” Here, Cohen describes her choices, from a brass-burnished pendant to hand-painted burgundy bread plates.
1. LURI LINEN PLACE MAT SET BY ELSIE GREEN
“I love the casual feel of linen on a table. These place mats add beautiful texture, and the subtle contrasting trim is a nice pop of color.”
2. ROMA HEIRLOOM TOMATO CANDLE BY FLAMINGO ESTATE
“The unique smell of this candle transports me to the Italian countryside.”
3. STONE LAMPS IN THE STYLE OF JEAN-MICHEL FRANK BY COADE STUDIO AT BURDEN
“The slight twist of the lamps with the corded shades is so unusual and a nod to deconstruction.”
4. MONTAUK PINSTRIPE SHEER FABRIC IN NATURAL by TONIC HOME
“Subtle pinstripes add a gentle, classic touch to a modern design.”
5. SARAH SURFACE MOUNT IN CLOUD BLUE BY LOSTINE
“I love the unique contrasting brass trim and laser-cut holes on this pale blue leather ceiling mount.”
6. CALACATTA VIOLA FIELD MARBLE BY CLÉ
“This showstopper can make a dramatic impact in a powder room or butler’s pantry.”
7. TOWN NUBUCK IN MINK BY DUALOY Leather
“This beautiful earthy tone brings both warmth and texture when I am trying to diversify a project.”
8. PIATTO LARGE PENDANT BY THOMAS O’BRIEN FOR VISUAL COMFORT & CO.
“The hand-rubbed antique brass coating on the interior of this white shade lends a thoughtful surprise and contributes to this pendant’s burnished glow.”
9. AGED COPPER SINGLE SINK BY DEVOL
“I love the way that this hand-aged sink can patina and continue to infuse a design with both glamour and life over time.”
10. POPPY POD TAPER HOLDERS BY THE ARK ELEMENTS
“These cast-bronze candlesticks are perfectly imperfect.”
11. COQUETTE FRINGE SQUARE CEMENT TILE IN BLACK/BLUE BY THATCHER STUDIO
“The way that the half-moons on these cement tiles can join together to create a myriad of combinations is so fun.”
12. FORLINI CARPET IN STONE BY MISSONI For STARK
“The play of patterns and colors on this carpet adds an elevated touch of whimsy for a project that may be family-centric.”
13. RIgO STELLA PLATES IN COCO BY THE ARK ELEMENTS
“The gorgeous dark burgundy color of these plates screams for a holiday tablescape.”
14. LINEN SWIVEL CHAIR IN BROWN BY DOVETAIL
“This swivel chair adds a grounding, transitional touch in a rich and lush color.”
15. IRON LOOP STOOLS WITH BROWN MOHAIR BY PANOPLIE AT 1STDIBS
“The whimsical iron base on these stools has so much personality—and they’re upholstered in a luxe fabric to boot!”
16. BRANDY CARPET IN LINEN by STARK
“The neutral tones in this carpet enhance its flexibility, while the play of both vertical and horizontal materials woven together adds interest.”
17. FRESH JASMINE BUNCH FROM TERRAIN
“Jasmine adds its own natural perfume to a home, while the wild leaves and flowers make for a special decorative touch that brings a space to life.”
18. HALLIE STOOL IN CHOCOLATE suede BY MADE GOODS
“These are ultrasoft and make a striking statement with extra-long fringe. I love the texture and playful nature of these stools.”
19. BORDEAUX ARGENTO HERRINGBONE LIMESTONE FLOOR TILE BY FRANCOIS & CO.
“Classic and flexible. I’d love to use this in an upscale mudroom or bathroom project.”
