In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
Nicole Fuller is enamored with the Moroccan dunes at night. The international designer—who splits her time between New York, Los Angeles and London—drew inspiration from the exotic allure of the desert landscape when planning her Bernhardt Designer in Residence showcase for Fall High Point Market. “I want to transport you to a world under the starlit sky,” she tells Business of Home.
While crafting the mood board that guided the design, Fuller employed an array of sumptuous textiles to set a warm, enveloping backdrop for the scheme. “I needed lots of layers to create the earthy but luxurious depth,” she explains. “I balanced dense velvets and elaborate trims with soft, flowy wovens and natural wood finishes, and anchored the palette with heavy metallics.”
The final flat lay is equal parts elegant and otherworldly, grounded in rich earth tones and highly touchable textures and punctuated with exuberant accents such as beaded “evil eye” tapes and pierced brass lanterns. “This is a celebration for our design community,” says Fuller. “My hope is that our guests feel like they’re wrapped in warmth, with a sense of familiarity and unity.”
Here, the designer breaks down the details, from brocade fabrics to scalloped tassels.
1. MORESCO FABRIC IN BLACK & GOLD BY FORTUNY
“I chose this stunning Fortuny fabric for its unexpected, intricate geometric pattern. The earthy tones give it a grounded luxury that works well with the rest of the space.”
2. PEINTURES DE PAIX FABRIC IN MORDORE BY MISIA PARIS
“I was drawn to this fabric for its weight and ethereal gold streaks. The velvety base evokes the dark night sky, while the subtle shimmer of gold brings a sense of movement and magic. It reminds me of moonlight and stars—[with] gold as the focal point—like lying under a clear desert sky, feeling at one with the earth.”
3. ZELINA FABRIC IN LILAS BY PIERRE FREY
“I love to add an unexpected twist, like a classic stripe, in an otherwise dramatic space like this. The elegance and simplicity of this fabric creates a clean, linear look that’s both sophisticated and playful.”
4. AURELIA DOUBLE TASSEL TIEBACK IN SAPPHIRE BY SAMUEL & SONS
“This tassel felt like the perfect complement to the golden tones throughout the room. Tassels are inherently luxurious, but this modern take adds a little fun and liveliness.”
5. LISU FABRIC IN SANDY BROWN BY JIM THOMPSON
“This stripe’s natural muted colors are grounding and comforting; it adds a sense of stability and reminds me of a desert’s horizon line.”
6. VINTAGE PIERCED LANTERNS AT 1STDIBS
“Lighting always sets the mood, and these brass lanterns are no exception. Their stunning design enhances any room, but here they contribute to the warmth of the atmosphere while adding an exotic, worldly flair. They’re the perfect adornments, blending beauty with ambiance.”
7. BOSQUET FABRIC IN TABAC BY THE HOUSE OF SCALAMANDRÉ
“The repeating diamond pattern and floral motif brings the perfect touch of historical and traditional charm I felt the room needed. With so many contemporary-leaning textiles, I wanted to introduce a sense of balance by blending opulence with natural elements.”
8. ANTIQUE INDIAN WOOD AND IRON DOOR AT CHAIRISH
“It was important to me to have vintage pieces in the space. They provide an authenticity that just cannot be imitated.”
9. MIND’S EYE BEADED TAPE IN BROWN & GOLD BY SCHUMACHER
“I am absolutely obsessed with this beaded eye trim—it was a must-have for the space. The symbolism of the eye perfectly complements the mystical, otherworldly vibe of the desert, making it an ideal choice for this event. Plus, it’s undeniably chic!”
10. LAOTZE FABRIC IN OXBLOOD SPICE & GOLD BY FORTUNY
“The large, scrolling design and balmy damask hues in this fabric create a current that mirrors the flowing shapes of the sand dunes. It reminds me of sun-warmed earth.”
11. MOORISH BRASS BLUE PENDANT LANTERN AT CHAIRISH
“Vibrant lanterns and heritage pieces transport you with their soft, flickering glow.”
12. SERA FABRIC IN SURFACE IRISÉE BY ÉLITIS
“I selected this fabric for the skirt of a large Bernhardt sectional to introduce a playful element to the space and showcase how beautifully these exquisite pieces can be transformed to complement any aesthetic.”
13. CHEVALLERIE SCALLOPED TASSEL FRINGE IN ORO BY SAMUEL & SONS
“I fully embraced my maximalist passion in this space—more is more, and even better with tassels galore! This particular golden scalloped tassel added the perfect touch of whimsical refinement to a contemporary ottoman, striking just the right balance between charm and elegance.”
14. ALHAMBRA ENTERTAINMENT CREDENZA BY BERNHARDT
“Bernhardt’s craftsmanship is truly unmatched. The wood’s surface, with its intricate detailing and natural texture, adds just the right touch of organic softness, perfectly complementing the desert-inspired aesthetic.”
15. PEINTURES DE PAIX FABRIC IN BLEU PAON BY MISIA PARIS
“This cotton-velvet has a deep, moody color palette with warm undertones that resemble the interplay of light and shadow at dusk. It enhances the design with its richness and drama.”
16. EMBROIDERED STAR PILLOW IN NAVY COTTON VELVET AT CHAIRISH
“These adorable shooting star pillows are one of the subtle yet essential details that elevate the overall design.”
17. STAR FABRIC IN DÉTAIL ÉBLOUISSANT BY ÉLITIS
“I absolutely adore the radiance of this woven fabric. It beautifully captures the serene essence of desert sands at golden hour, when the landscape is at its most tranquil, just before nightfall. The dramatic, billowing drape mimics the gentle sweep of a desert breeze.”
