In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
In with the new—but keep the old too: That’s Birmingham, Alabama–based designer Nicole Roby’s approach to interiors. “Our lives are layered; our homes should reflect this as well,” she explains. A walk at dusk and dinner with friends are the kind of mundane yet meaningful everyday activities that influence her design decisions, and she often reaches for warm wood, mixed metals, and natural fibers and textures to capture that same sense of intimacy. “We curate spaces through memories and moments,” says Roby, who also creates furnishings for her lifestyle company, Rome Curate.
A sturdy, 19th century Georgian oak tallboy dresser and a pair of vintage military trunks are among the story-rich anchor pieces in her earthy yet opulent flat lay. The chest sits atop her take on an exotic Oushak rug, while the trunks serve as side tables, their metallic accents reflected by the fringe of a triple-tiered brass chandelier. More frippery appears in a two-tone tasseled trim, a meadow-green wallcovering of rustling trees bordering a riverbank, and the frothy yellow blossoms of wild rabbitbrush spilling from the mouth of a sculptural plaster vase.
“To create a subtly serene and vernal mood, I drew inspiration from the artistry of the mural’s muted landscape and the natural lavishness of the wood of the tallboy,” says Roby, who assesses each selection based on its capacity to stand the test of time—and to stand alone. “What draws these pieces together is that, while they are all stunning positioned side by side, connected by their vivid, complementary features and handsome saturation, they also work individually,” she notes. “If you do not adore a piece on its own, then live without it.” Below, she shares her thoughts on the choices that made the cut.
1. CORSO SCONCE BY THE URBAN ELECTRIC CO.
“The tarnished brass of the fixture with the silk of the shade is a perfect mix of traditional with a modern flair.”
2. MOSAIQUE AU 24 PLATINUM TEA SET BY BENOIT PIERRE EMERY FOR HERMÈS
“Whether it is passed down through generations or bought new, this porcelain tea set can add comfort in any location. The geometric, platinum-flecked pattern evokes the original art deco mosaics of the Hermès flagship store in Paris.”
3. MODULO CORDED EMBROIDERY FABRIC IN ANISE BY BLACK EDITION AT ROMO GROUP
“The wrapped chenille yarn woven through this fabric creates the most stunning movement.”
4. VISTA MURAL IN MEADOW ON MARSHMALLOW HEMP BY PHILLIP JEFFRIES
“This mural was inspired by an 18th century drawing found at a Paris market. The landscape is elegant and exudes the peaceful environment that it bodes.”
5. SUTTON THREE-TIER CHANDELIER BY FISHER WEISMAN FOR VISUAL COMFORT & CO.
“Who can ever say no to a fringe and burnished brass combo?”
6. MULTICOLOR ALABASTER SOLITAIRE BY ROME CURATE
“I love a natural stone, and this alabaster solitaire holds the perfect neutral pops of color that catch my eye so often.”
7. ARMATO SMALL TABLE LAMP BY KELLY WEARSTLER FOR VISUAL COMFORT & CO.
“The silhouette of the contrasting materials—a black metallic base with an antique brass shade—is such a showstopper. The ceramic glaze shouts artistry and natural texture.”
8. EPOQ CHECK SUEDE FABRIC IN SAGE BY KELLY WEARSTLER FOR LEE JOFA MODERN AT KRAVET
“I have always loved a suede—this has a playful modern touch with its small square checks.”
9. DOUBLE FRINGE IN ANTOINETTE BY JAMES HARE
“When I found this double trim, I immediately fell in love. The traditional tassel effect is subtle yet charming.”
10. DIXON MOHAIR PILLOW IN VICUNA BY SCHUMACHER
“The earthy neutral palette of this mohair allows the natural texture to add to the depth of any room.”
11. ROBÉRT ARMCHAIR BY CENTURY FURNITURE
“The grandeur of the neoclassical framework of this chair is balanced by the playfulness of hand-carved, ebonized lion legs and heads. Gilt framing gives it all an extra-ornate dash.”
12. BOND RUG BY NICOLE ROBY FOR ROME CURATE
“I could not be prouder of this line of rugs I designed. The timeless Oushak pattern contains hand-knotted, 100 percent New Zealand wool, and its rich, natural hues elevate any room.”
13. EARLY-19TH-CENTURY ENGLISH GEORGIAN OAK TALLBOY DRESSER
“This antique tallboy has endured through the ages. The grain of the wood is stunning. I like to discover designs from different decades on specialty furniture websites.”
14. REMI VASE IN WHITE BY LEMIEUX ET CIE FOR GLOBAL VIEWS
“Every room needs a natural touch, and I love clustering elements like this golden rabbitbrush. The icing on the cake is the juxtaposition of the effusive yellow blossoms with an undulating, textural, white plaster vase.”
15. NOELLE CHANNEL BACK SETTEE BY NICOLE ROBY FOR ROME CURATE
“When I designed this settee, I had a multifunctional piece in mind. It can be used as a banquette or small sofa. Chic, classic and so comfortable, it showcases style.”
16. PAIR OF WORLD WAR II–ERA MILITARY TRUNKS
“Discovering these trunks was such an exciting day for me and my client! They still boast the embellishment of the officer’s regiment, as well as his initials.”
17. DANIKA RUG IN PEARL BY ASHLEY STARK HOME AT STARK
“Hand-knotting ensures that no two of these will be exactly the same, and that is why I love this geometric wool rug design so much.”
