In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
Samantha Stathis-Lynch is feeling green. For a jolt of energy, a sense of calm, or a clean start, it’s her go-to hue and modern-day neutral. “As someone who is heavily influenced by nature, spring is my favorite time of year,” says the Hoboken, New Jersey–based principal at Samantha Ware Designs. “After a long, cold winter, I love to go for leisurely walks with my dog, taking in the birdsong and the damp ground speckled with flowers. The sense of renewal it brings sparks my creativity.”
Fresh shoots and deep roots intertwine in Stathis-Lynch’s flat lay, which draws inspiration, she says, from “those first few weeks of the season, with its crisp air, moody skies and green leaves.” Olive-pinstriped ribbed-cotton upholstery would be at home on an overstuffed club chair in both a classic English country estate and a beachside cottage, perhaps grazed by embroidered linen drapery fluttering in the breeze. Informed by the designer’s background authenticating vintage furnishings for art galleries and high-end decor brands, midcentury-influenced pieces provide a striking sculptural counterpoint to the relaxed organic greenery.
“My designs are heavily anchored in contrast, often between old and new, industrial and plush, ultimately culminating in a layered arrangement chock-full of visual interest and tactile experiences,” says Stathis-Lynch. From an aesthetic perspective, a weathered pastel fabric alongside an angular articulated sconce may be unexpected, she explains, “but done correctly, the materials come together to create a beautiful and emotional space.” Here, she describes her selections, including a chunky sisal rug and soothing celadon dinner plates.
1. SUMMERBY FABRIC IN BLUE BY COLEFAX AND FOWLER
“With its stunning hydrangea embroidery, this fabric captures the essence of growth and spring awakening. What I love about this colorway in particular is that you get the lightness of the pale blue next to a sharper olive green that prevents the textile from feeling too ‘pretty,’ instead making it deep and ethereal.”
2. AIX FLOOR LAMP BY HOLLYWOOD AT HOME
“The raw iron finish of this lamp gives it an industrial appeal, while the arched neck and oversize linen shade simultaneously convey elegance.”
3. JOSÉPHINE FLORAL GARDEN CLASSIC CANDLE BY TRUDON
“With spring in bloom and my garden nostalgia at its peak, I’m itching to bring the outdoors in, and what better way to do so than with a beautifully floral-scented candle? Trudon’s Joséphine has notes of rose, jasmine, iris and camellia, evoking the scents to come this season.”
4. ANVERS 3-ARM WALL LAMP BY WO & WÉ
“Both industrial and sculptural, this oversize sconce creates a dramatic effect without being overbearing. Whenever I see this fixture, I think of an artist’s loft, its walls covered in paintings, swaths of potted plants hanging by the windows.”
5. LILY NATURAL JUTE RUG IN NUTMEG BY ERNESTA
“As someone who is constantly inspired by the natural world, I love a good woven jute rug. They feel casual yet sophisticated and go with just about anything—making them a great investment.”
6. ARGIA FABRIC IN YP25015 BY DESIGNS OF THE TIME
“A beautiful light linen in a subtle French blue that expressively encapsulates damp spring skies. The rich color looks gorgeous against greens, soft whites and browns.”
7. SIRENA CELADON DINNER PLATE BY LABORATORIO PARAVICINI for the ark elements
“As someone who loves to host dinner parties and revels in setting a beautiful table, the perfect plates can make all the difference when it comes to creating the mood. With dreams of warm evenings at the forefront of my mind, these sumptuous, hand-painted floral celadon plates are lovely for a night spent under the stars with family and friends, surrounded by garden roses and lavender.”
8. ARABESCATO CORCHIA MARBLE BY ARTISTIC TILE
“The ever-popular Calacatta’s close cousin, Arabescato creates the epitome of the nature-inspired kitchen with its rich colors and heavy, abstract veining. It looks beautiful complementing deep green cabinets and natural wood tones.”
9. CORDED STRIPE FABRIC IN OLIVE BY SOANE BRITAIN
“There is nothing better than a great pinstripe, so when I came across Soane’s ribbed cotton Corded Stripe in the Olive colorway, I knew I’d have to find a place for it. The green has hints of brown, making it feel more like a neutral than a color, meaning it can essentially be deployed anywhere.”
10. CHIEFTAIN CHAIR BY HOUSE OF FINN JUHL AT FAIR
“A true midcentury classic, the Chieftain chair feels sophisticated yet simple. The design is timeless and versatile. I love to offset a feminine space with something modern and masculine, adding dimension and interest to the room.”
