In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
Shannon Eddings believes that unexpected details make a space memorable. The Austin-based designer strives to create spaces that are rooted in tradition, yet infused with imaginative colors, patterns and forms. “I think a sense of unpredictability is essential to good design,” she tells Business of Home.
Her current flat lay provides a superlative case in point. Set against a backdrop of stippled floral paper and sunbaked yellow paint, the scheme features an array of imaginative pieces, ranging from a striped ceramic table lamp to a shell-shaped wall sconce. “I wanted to capture the feeling of shopping at a French flea market, while layering in classic English and American design elements,” she explains.
The final composition strikes the balance between sophistication and whimsy. “The mood is Wes Anderson meets Jane Eyre,” says Eddings. “It’s filled with vibrant color, captivating patterns and sculptural forms that generate a compelling visual tension.”
Here, the designer breaks down the curation, from a vintage burlwood box to an alabaster chess set.
1. FLEURONS D’HELENE LA FOLIE PILLOW COVER IN SAFRAN BY MOTIFPILLOWS AT ETSY
“This fabric pattern brings me so much joy! I love all of the colors, and I’m thrilled that an Etsy seller is selling custom pillow covers in it.”
2. SHELL WALL SCONCE IN ANTIQUE BRASS BY ROAN IRIS
“This wall sconce brings a lot of charm in its lovely antique brass finish and clamshell design. It reminds me of some antique lighting I’ve seen from the 1920s, and I love that it has an adjustable arm to direct the light.”
3. LARGE WOODEN BOX (1970) AT 1STDIBS
“I scour antique markets and stores for old wood boxes. They are my go-to accessory for bookcases, entryway tables, etc. This particular one would be lovely styled on top of a stack of art books in a bookcase.”
4. CHLOE WALLPAPER IN LIGHT OLIVE BY TEYSSIER
“I’m looking to use this wallpaper in a project—or my own home—soon. It’s a lovely design from a cool little studio in Essex [England] by Kate Teyssier. She designed all these pieces from patterns in her personal collection of historic textiles, books and papers.”
5. VERA FABRIC IN BLUE BY DÉCORS BARBARES
“This fabric is just beautiful. I’ve used it in a few recent projects and continue to find it shines in the space.”
6. OCHRE BY BENJAMIN MOORE
“This is the perfect shade of yellow. I love it on trim in a room with creamy white walls, but am anxious to use it in a color-drenched space filled with natural light.”
7. FRENCH IRON LANTERN PENDANT WITH TEXTURED GLASS (1950S) AT SOUTH LOOP LOFT
“I love the delicate details, like the iron scrollwork, on this midcentury French lantern. It has so much character, and would be a sweet statement fixture over a round breakfast table or in an entryway.”
8. BUDDHA’S BRANCH TILE IN CLAIRE + BARCELOS BLUE BY OUTERCLÉ
“Gorgeous hand-painted tiles from one of my online favorites, Clé. These are perfect for a powder bath backsplash or behind the oven in a little tiled alcove. Reminiscent of delft tiles, they are chic and timeless.”
9. “WILD FLOWERS OF THE WAYSIDE AND WOODLAND” AT TWO ARTISTS SHOP
“I discovered these vintage books from this cool seller out of the U.K. They are quite unique, and with their hand-drawn covers and illustrations, they are like little works of art.”
10. MID-CENTURY CERAMIC TABLE LAMP (1960S) AT 1STDIBS
“I’m always drawn to green and to stripes. This lamp has both, and is a one-of-a-kind handmade beauty. It’s the perfect table lamp for a moody living room or even on a kitchen countertop to add some charm to a stark space.”
11. VINTAGE TURKISH BESSARABIAN ROSE CARPET AT 1STDIBS
“This style of rug is my current obsession. It’s like a funky grandma’s rug, but chic. Colorful and quirky, they are perfect for an entryway or in a secondary space to bring a pop of color and pattern to the room.”
12. FRENCH CARVED SIDE TABLE BY CHARLES DUDOUYT AT CHAIRISH
“One of my favorite techniques for adding tension and interest to a room is the use of sculptural furniture pieces. This classic Dudouyt side table is a go-to for me—especially when I can find a deal on one—for my clients’ homes. Paired with a clean-lined sofa or chair, it can add instant whimsy to a sitting area.”
13. ALABASTER CHESS SET IN RED & WHITE BY CHESSSTOREIT AT ETSY
“I got really into chess a few years ago and learned to play on a beautiful antique alabaster chess set similar to this one. It makes playing the game even more enjoyable when the set is as beautiful as this. This would make a really special gift as well!”
14. “ROCKY SHORESCAPE” OIL ON CANVAS PAINTING AT SHANNON EDDINGS INTERIORS
“Hunting for antique artworks is a favorite pastime of mine. I purchase from a favorite auction house somewhat regularly and sell the pieces on my website. This atmospheric coastal piece is one of my favorites.”
15. ANTIQUE GREEN FRANÇOIS CARRÉ SUNBURST GARDEN CHAIRS AT CHAIRISH
“Iconic Sunburst garden chairs. I’ve been wanting some for years!”
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