In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
Simone Haag looks to art for design inspiration. The Melbourne, Australia–based designer combs vintage markets and global galleries for one-of-a-kind furnishings that will help set a creative tone for her interiors. “As with many of my projects, my flat lay began with a single piece—in this case, a painterly animal-print paper that felt both wild and grounded,” she tells Business of Home. “From there, the narrative unfolded instinctively.”
A jewel-toned fabric with metallic embroidery provided the palette for the scheme, which features shades of teal blue, deep purple and emerald green. Next, Haag layered in an array of idiosyncratic artisan-crafted items for character and interest, including a sculptural, furry wool–upholstered ottoman and a set of surrealistic lamps made from recycled paper and wood. “I like to create a dialogue between the objects in a room,” she says.
A through line of raw materials and superior craftsmanship connects all the pieces, while organic forms and zippy motifs introduce a graphic element into the design. “It’s a celebration of materials with memory and objects with soul, brought together in a way that feels both curated and instinctual,” she explains.
Here, Haag breaks down the details, from coffee table books to a circus tent–like table lamp.
1. OKAPI FABRIC IN GLACIER BY PIERRE FREY
“This is a high-touch fabric with a strong visual language. I am drawn to anything tribal, animal-inspired and soft to touch—it just needs to be used in a big enough application so you can enjoy the pattern in all its glory.”
2. BLING BLING ANIMALIER OTTOMAN BY PIETRO FRANCESCHINI AT ARTEMEST
“A true sculptural statement that references animal markings and playfulness. It celebrates character and individuality within the narrative.”
3. DEEP TEAL BY PORTER’S PAINTS
“Used as a grounding tone, this deep green teal adds depth and an earthy coolness to temper the warmer and more expressive elements in the flat lay.”
4. CUSTOM DANCER TABLE LAMP BY COCO FLIP
“A joyous and architectural piece that’s almost circus-like. Its rhythm and graphic nature add levity and design precision.”
5. TADOBA WALLPAPER IN TIGRE BY PIERRE FREY
“This print introduces painterly abstraction and movement, echoing themes of camouflage and patina, reinforcing the primal-meets-refined sensibility.”
6. IVORY & BROWN CERAMIC TRUMPET PENDANT LIGHT AT 1STDIBS
“There’s a nostalgic, hand-painted softness to this light that feels both folksy and refined. Its curvature offsets the geometric moments below.”
7. RED EARTH LUMINARY LAMP BASE WITH METAL LAMPSHADE BY TINJA
“A mushroom-like light that taps into folklore and clay craft traditions.”
8. NATTE WALLPAPER IN OSIER BY PIERRE FREY AT L.A. DESIGN CONCEPTS
“This woven wallpaper adds a subtle graphic grid and tactile neutrality. It acts as a woven bridge between the more expressive moments.”
9. THING 1 STOOLS BY KONEKT STUDIO
“Konekt Studio’s horsehair finish and totemic forms feel both primitive and elegant. They represent a meeting of material curiosity and sculpture.”
10. HORIZON 55 SHOES IN TIGER CALF HAIR BY ANONYMOUS
“This is fashion as an interiors reference; this element draws in the animal print narrative while reinforcing the contemporary eclecticism of the story.”
11. TEDDY MOHAIR FABRIC IN CYCLONE BY PIERRE FREY
“The wild forest-like pile of this velvet introduces both texture and mood. It conjures the spirit of the wild while remaining luxurious and cocooning.”
12. SOBREIRO CORK WALL TILE IN LEATHER BY THE FLOORING CO.
“Whether as wallpaper or floorboard, these tiles evoke a burnt timber or bark-like quality that wraps the scheme in an organic intensity and a sense of permanence.”
13. ‘ART IN RESIDENCE’ BY NICOLE ENGLAND AT BOOKSHOP.ORG
“A symbolic gesture to how art lives within the home, and how this [flat] lay champions collectible and meaningful design.”
14. ‘MOUNTAIN HOUSE’ BY NINA FREUDENBERGER AT BOOKSHOP.ORG
“A nod to lived-in, elemental design. It roots the scheme in the idea of place and retreat.”
15. ORSINI FABRIC IN PALETTE FARDÉE BY ÉLITIS
“This embroidered textile sets the tone for the scheme—tribal, tactile and dimensional. Its rich palette and crafted detail evoke a sense of heritage and hand.”
16. LUME STANDING LAMPS SET BY JOANNE ODISHO AT CRAFT
“The whimsical yet earthy nature of these lamps adds a hint of surrealism and local artisan energy to the story.”
17. METRO VENEERS IN MACASSAR SWIRL BY FIRST WOOD & LAMINATES/ADE
“These marbled pieces introduce surface art and mimic organic phenomena like tree rings or topographic maps—tying into the theme of natural mysticism.”
18. NERIKOMI COLLAGE PLATES BY YAAY CERAMICS
“I love how these pieces translate from a functional object to a decorative moment—again, a tribal motif, where repetition and abstraction merge. I love ceramics almost as much as textiles, so they were an important element in my scheme.”
19. CUSTOM COFFEE TABLE BY CHRISTOPHE DELCOURT
“This geometric timber table by Christophe Delcourt echoes tribal inlay and offers bold graphics. It speaks to the materiality and structure behind the scheme.”
