In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
Jenelle Lovings prefers bold patterns over vibrant colors. The St. Louis–based designer employs graphic, high-contrast motifs in muted tones when she wants to make a statement without overpowering a room. “Moody, desaturated hues can be just as impactful as bright, cheery ones,” she tells Business of Home.
When crafting her current mood board, she leaned into her favorite color combination: classic black and white. “I laid the foundation with a black-and-white carpet, and then layered in items that mimicked its curvy pattern,” says the designer. “I used pops of sophisticated color—including powdery pink tile and rich camel-colored leather—to help ground the composition.”
The final flat lay showcases a medley of geometric prints mixed with eye-catching silhouettes and unruly organic textures. “Most of the materials I selected have some sort of curve or linear element,” explains Lovings. “The scheme feels very free-flowing and natural, but if you take a closer look, you can see similar shapes, especially arches, throughout the design.”
Here, the designer breaks down the details, from outdoor-friendly velvet upholstery to two-toned wood flooring.
1. GEM BY KELLY WEARSTLER ELOPE FIELD TILE IN EBONY BY ANN SACKS
“I am drawn to anything black and white. This tile is so fun and bold.”
2. KENYAN COMB BY BROTHER VELLIES
“Brother Vellies has this wonderful subscription service called Something Special, and every month you receive a specially sourced item, like this Kenyan comb.”
3. GEM BY KELLY WEARSTLER MODE FIELD TILE IN ROSE BY ANN SACKS
“This tile has all of my favorite elements: geometric patterns, muted colors, and it’s designed by Kelly Wearstler.”
4. LUXURY SMOKED OAK ACOUSTIC SLAT WOOD WALL PANELS BY THE WOOD VENEER HUB
“This is such a versatile product. It is an easy way to elevate your walls while absorbing sound.”
5. CALACATTA LUCCIA QUARTZ COUNTERTOP BY MSI
“When working on commercial projects, true marble isn’t always appropriate. I love this quartz because you get the beauty of a natural marble, but the durability of a man-made solid surface.”
6. WAVES NERO MARQUINA BLACK FLUTED 3D HONED MARBLE TILE BY TILEBAR
“I love the irregular sizes of the ridges in this tile. It’s an unexpected twist on a classical look.”
7. HEATHER FABRIC IN SNOW BY DESIGNTEX
“I am really attracted to menswear, so I gravitate toward any fabric that has that look and feel.”
8. SILICONE ELEMENT FABRIC IN VELLUM BY DESIGNTEX
“What do I love the most about this faux leather fabric? The array of colors it comes in!”
9. LUTRA VELVET IN FIG BY BRENTANO
“This outdoor-rated velvet in a deep wine is a perfect addition to any space slated for luxury and sophistication.”
10. AVION LEATHER IN SESAME BY GARRETT LEATHER
“Leather is a timeless material. No matter how you use it—on a bag, sofa or car interior—it’s always going to feel current and rich.”
11. PLUSHY FABRIC IN ASH BY PERENNIALS
“This fabric is perfect because you get the same softness as mohair, but it’s rated for outdoor use, which means it will hold up under pressure.”
12. SWERVE AREA RUG IN HIGH BY SHAWCONTRACT
“Black and white is such a classic combination, and this pattern is not only fun but practical.”
13. NOMALANGA WALLPAPER IN MOCHA & BLACK SAMPLE BY FORBES MASTERS FOR MITCHELL BLACK
“I love this African-inspired pattern. The addition of the chocolate with the black and cream elevates that design and makes it feel sophisticated and luxurious.”
14. SADE WALLPAPER IN BLACK BY FORBES MASTERS FOR MITCHELL BLACK
“Patterns have a way of tricking your eye. Although it is flat, the depth of this pattern makes you think it’s a woven fabric.”
15. ZAIRE WALLPAPER IN WHITE BY FORBES MASTERS FOR MITCHELL BLACK
“The Forbes Masters collaboration is one of my favorites. As someone who loves neutrals and patterns, this wallcovering is the perfect blend of both.”
16. SAVOY CLASSIC CIRCLE FIELD TILE IN GRAPHITE BY ANN SACKS
“This tile is so simple yet impactful. I love when basic designs can create a bold statement.”
17. BRASS LOVE OBJECT BY WEST ELM
“This is one of my all-time favorite accessories.”
18. SWOOP OAK WOOD TILE IN BLACK ONYX AND PICKLED PEARL BY JAMIE BECKWITH COLLECTION
“This brand carries some of the most unique wood flooring I have ever seen. The array of patterns and customization is a designer’s dream. This two-tone look is right on brand for me.”
19. GEOTZZO RIBBON BLACK DECORATIVE TILE SAMPLE BY ARTISTIC TILE
“This tile is interesting because not only is it a unique pattern that has an organic feel, but the black is actually a terrazzo, so it adds an additional layer of depth.”
20. HIDE SOCIETY LEATHER IN BLUSH BY JERRY PAIR LEATHER
“Jerry Pair has some of the best leathers in the game. They have so many colors, and the quality is superb.”
21. CINQUE TILE IN PINK POWDER BY PLATFORM SURFACES
“When it comes to ceramic tile, I prefer ones that are hand-molded, or at least feel that way.”
22. TERRAZZO RENATA FLUTED FIELD TILE IN BLACK BY ANN SACKS
“I love the scale of this fluted marble. Not only is it a classical aesthetic, but the base is a honed terrazzo, so it still feels very current.”
