In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
Rabih Hage believes texture speaks louder than color in a room. The architect and designer—who splits his time between London, New York and the south of France—gravitates toward tactile finishes in natural hues that don’t overpower the intricacies of the materials. “Textures can talk,” he tells Business of Home. “Especially in a monochromatic interior.”
His current mood board offers a compelling case in point. Though it’s grounded in soft neutral tones, an assortment of unruly organic lines—think crackle marble veins and wild wood graining—ultimately take center stage.
The final flat lay showcases a medley of architectural elements and artisanal touches, such as custom faux bois paint effects and cast glass accented in silver leaf, to energize the scheme. “I work with the best craftsmen in the world to create a narrative through texture,” says Hage.
Here, the designer breaks down the details, from gold-stained cabinetry to porcelain pool tile.
1. CUSTOM IN-HOUSE PLASTER FINISH
“Light infuses the cream-on-cream color of this art-deco-style pattern with texture, giving it depth and substance.”
2. ANTIQUE GOLD STAIN FINISH BY BOFFI
“I really love this kitchen cabinet finish from Boffi, a revered Italian design brand. I am inspired by the paint effect of liquid bronze.”
3. CUSTOM CAST GLASS SAMPLE BY WONDERGLASS
“This cast glass sample is made using traditional methods and features a black silver leaf finish.”
4. CUSTOM IN-HOUSE PAINT FINISH
“This is paint! When applied to large areas, this linen-like finish creates the effect of fabric, yet it can travel over moldings and dado rails in rooms, creating intrigue and warmth.”
5. CUSTOM IN-HOUSE PAINT FINISH
“I love the silver marble effect of aluminum mixed with a great paint color. We apply it using a wide, flat silk brush.”
6. AYO PRECIEUX FABRIC IN PERLE BY PIERRE FREY
“This is a great geometric embroidery fabric, ideal for drapes, blinds and wallcoverings.”
7. CUSTOM IN-HOUSE PLASTER FINISH
“This is another sample made by our in-house plaster and paint effect specialist that I particularly enjoy.”
8. FILETTO LIGHT 26112019 POLISHED MARBLE BY MGLW
“A gorgeous hard marble from Brazil.”
9. CUSTOM IN-HOUSE BEECHWOOD SAMPLE
“This is made by our in-house cabinetmaker and French polisher. I love the dark gray stain.”
10. CUSTOM CAST GLASS SAMPLE BY WONDERGLASS
“WonderGlass are experts in the art of bespoke glass.”
11. NERO ARGENTO CROSS CUT POLISHED MARBLE BY MGLW
“I love this luxurious cut from MGLW made from very rare Italian black marble.”
12. ANTIQUES BRASSE FINISH BY ATELIERS SAINT-JACQUES
“This is waxed brass finished with oil. Ateliers Saint-Jacques creates some of the most beautiful examples of French craftsmanship, and in a sustainable manner, which is important to me.”
13. FILETTO LIGHT 17042024 POLISHED MARBLE BY MGLW
“I love this limestone cut in reverse direction, and MGLW is a brand I use often and can rely upon.”
14. TWEEDLEDUM FABRIC IN POMICE BY DEDAR
“This tweed fabric features a wonderful boucle effect.”
15. CUSTOM IN-HOUSE BRUSHED OAK SAMPLE
“Another finish by our in-house cabinetmaker and French polisher. I like its layers of deep gray.”
16. CUSTOM IN-HOUSE PLASTER FINISH
“I love this handmade plaster wall finish by our in-house specialist.”
17. CLIFFSTONE IN BEIGE MADEIRA BY LEA CERAMICHE
“This is my go-to material for swimming pools and wet rooms.”
