In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
Palmer Weiss’s designs hint at faraway destinations. The clovered fields of Ireland, the cozy homes of Sweden, the grand Rajasthan palaces of India: Suggestions and souvenirs of each can be found in the fabrics, finishes and ephemera she selects for her opulent yet inviting spaces. “Mixing high and low, glamour and comfort, sophistication and family-friendliness is a cornerstone of my approach,” says the Charleston-raised, San Francisco–based designer. Sprinkle a dash of Southern eccentricity on top of the hospitality, and each of her interiors becomes a world unto itself.
Along with exotic locales, intriguing color combinations play an impactful part in Weiss’s aesthetic. “I have been feeling ocher and mulberry for some time now, and it is not getting old!” she exclaims. With spring on the horizon, verdant hues make an appearance in her flat lay too, in velvet, tweed, and even papier-mâché. “Let’s be honest: You can never go wrong with an infusion of green,” she continues. “It’s the basis of everything in nature, and it keeps things feeling fresh.”
For a foundation, Weiss taps into an entire palette of colored concrete and terrazzo tiles in shades of lavender—industrial materials that throw down a strong contrast to a handcrafted table lamp, gilded cord trim and treasured necklace. Another custom border provides a geometric counterpoint to a classic linen in full bloom, and a single candle scents the air with apple, ginger, jasmine and spearmint. “It’s all about finding that perfect balance between refined and relaxed,” the designer says. Here, she discusses each component of her mood board, including a dream-come-true trip to Jaipur and an influential Italian fashion house.
1. CAMILLE LINEN FABRIC IN YELLOW BY ROSE CUMMING FOR WELLS TEXTILES
“I adore this old-world linen print by Rose. The colors are to die for—especially the nebulous ‘Is it brown or is it purple?’ deeper tones.”
2. ETRO FALL 2024 COLLECTION
“The fashion brand Etro is the perfect metaphor for this board: founded in the 1960s, Italian family–owned, print-driven and heavily influenced by Indian textiles.”
3. HARWELL GODFREY NECKLACE
“Other than my wedding ring, this is my favorite piece of jewelry. By Bay Area local Harwell Godfrey and found at the incredibly chic Oakland boutique McMullen. Godfrey’s designs are based on ancient textiles and ethnic motifs, and crafted in a modern fashion in the most beautiful metals and stones. Again, a truly perfect metaphor for my flat lay!”
4. HANDMADE CEMENT TILE PALETTE IMAGE 3 BY GROW HOUSE GROW
“Grow House is based in my hometown of Charleston, and their decorative and custom capabilities are superb. This is one of their color chart samples, and I frankly love how it looks in and of itself!”
5. BONE BOX FROM INDIA
“A decorative trinket I picked up at a rest stop on my fabulous trip to India with Grant Gibson.”
6. COLETTE LINEN FABRIC IN THISTLE FLOWER BY KERRY JOYCE TEXTILES
“I love the fresh simplicity of this lavender Irish linen by Kerry Joyce. It is the ultimate weight for upholstery—not too frail, but still so light and airy.”
7. VINTAGE SWEDISH PILE RUG FROM DORIS LESLIE BLAU
“I have become fascinated with Swedish rug designs. They’re so rooted in classic elements but have a very modern and updated feel—and often much fresher colors than you might find in a typical Turkish or Persian rug.”
8. SPLENDIDO SILK VELVET FABRIC IN GOLD BY DEDAR
“I adore the movement and ambiguity of color in silk velvet—especially in this beautifully complex green-gold Dedar fabric.”
9. CUSTOM TRIM BY CLAREMONT FURNISHINGS
“Claremont is unparalleled in its customization offerings, and its trims give designers the most interesting tools to make our designs feel special and unique, whether on a small pillow or all the walls in a room. This design is compelling for its modern, almost art deco feel, which gives a graphic counterbalance to a floral piece.”
10. LAMP BY TENNANT & TENNANT
“Craftsmanship is so important to me, and it’s harder and harder to track down in our modern world. I had the great fortune of visiting with the talented people of Tennant & Tennant in Edinburgh, and wanted to pack every treasure from their studio into my suitcase.”
11. ASMARA RUG IN CUSTOM PLUM BY STUDIO FOUR NYC
“I just noticed the name—Mumbai—of this rug collection by Studio Four. Clearly there’s a theme emerging here! Flatweave rugs have a more casual feel, and when paired with elegant furnishings are a wonderful yin to a fancy yang.”
12. POLISHED BRASS FINISH BY SOANE BRITAIN
“Speaking of craft, no one has done more for preserving many of the decorative ones (at least in England) than Lulu Lytle and Soane. I always love a touch of bling in even the most humble of rooms, and her beautiful sample is our go-to stand-in for inspiration boards.”
13. RAJAMAHAL PALACE HOTEL IN JAIPUR
“Some two years later, I am still processing all of the beauty and wonder I experienced in India. I truly feel it is a must-visit mecca for anyone who loves color and pattern.”
14. AND 15. TERRAZZO PICCOLO TILE IN HEATHER AND ARMONIA TILE IN WINDSOR BY PORTLANDIA FOR WATERWORKS
“I spent part of my childhood in Florida and have distinct memories of my bare feet running on terrazzo floors. Sadly, none were as cool as these latest editions: lavender- and chocolate-hued beauties from Waterworks!”
16. GALON GRAINS DE BLÉ À LUISANTS CUSTOM CORD TRIM BY CLAREMONT FURNISHINGS
“Building on Claremont’s exceptional customization capabilities mentioned before, this trim pattern offers another striking example of the company’s artistry.”
17. TARA WOOL TWEED FABRIC IN LICHEN BY PIERRE FREY
“I love everything Pierre Frey makes, but this ingeniously heathered wool is a favorite curtain fabric. The flecks of purple make it feel anything but commonplace. It’s a clever update on a traditional material.”
18. ABD EL KADER CLASSIC CANDLE BY CIRE TRUDON
“Not only is this candle so chic with its smart green-and-gold container, but the smell is exquisite. It’s a very exotic scent, but not overbearing, and a truly wonderful complement to any visual backdrop.”
19. HANDMADE PAPIER-MÂCHÉ FIG VINE BY CASA GUSTO
“I have had a real love affair with faux flowers of late (probably because of my very ungreen thumb), and Casa Gusto has the most delicious options, from potted tole roses to these papier-mâché fig vines. They make incredible wall decor and can bend and twist to fit all sorts of tricky hanging spots.”
