In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
Tiffany Skilling is inspired by pieces that feel collected and deeply personal. The Indianapolis-based designer relies on items with character, texture, and a sense of history to infuse her projects with depth and individuality. “I’m always drawn to objects that feel a little unexpected together but still create a beautiful sense of balance,” she tells Business of Home.
For her current flat lay, she incorporated an array of one-of-a-kind, handmade designs—including a blown-glass table lamp and a hand-painted bridal cabinet from the early 19th century—to anchor the scheme in craftsmanship and authenticity. “Every item feels artistic in its own way,” says Skilling. “Together, they create a layered look that feels thoughtful, soulful and lived in.”
Artisanal elements unify the mood board, while playful accents, such as an antique snake brooch and parrot-shaped vases, bring warmth and whimsy to the design. “I love interiors that feel refined but never too serious—spaces that have personality, and make people feel comfortable the moment they walk in,” she explains.
Here, the designer breaks down the details, from a bronze bust to a planter modeled after the orangerie boxes at the Palace of Versailles.
1. VINTAGE PARROT VASES
“These vibrant vases have such color and personality that they can really bring a surprising sense of character and individuality to a space.”
2. SWEETS LINEN CUSHION IN ROSEMARIE ASFALTO BY CARLOTTA ODDONE
“With its muted tones and florals, there’s a beautiful softness to this cushion. A little understated but still incredibly rich and layered.”
3. VICTORIAN SNAKE BROOCH (CIRCA 1860–1880) AT 1STDIBS
“I adore antique jewelry with a little bit of mystery, and this brooch immediately captured my attention. The vivid demantoid-garnet ‘eyes’ are incredibly dramatic and romantic, and its engraved inscription feels rich and personal.”
4. CARRY SECRETS SATIN MINAUDIÈRE WITH FLORAL EMBROIDERY BY VALENTINO GARAVANI
“Accessories can be jewelry for a room, and this glamorous minaudière is no exception. The floral embroidery and satin finish feel incredibly delicate and feminine, but there’s still a boldness that makes it modern and memorable.”
5. VINTAGE FRAMED OIL PAINTING
“I love incorporating vintage artwork into a room because it instantly brings a sense of history and soul. The soft coastal palette and expressive brushwork here is elevated by the ornate giltwood frame.”
6. MARCO FABRIC IN ROUGE BY RAOUL TEXTILES
“This has a beautiful sense of movement and rhythm, and the rouge colorway is richly saturated.”
7. PORTOFINO TRUNK BY LAERRE TRUNKS
“An incredibly cinematic trolley, full of the old-world elegance of a well-collected life. The brass accents, leather trim and structured silhouette are refined but not too formal.”
8. GLENCOE CEDAR-AND-COMPOSITE ORANGERIE PLANTER BOX BY KIMBALL & BEAN
“These planters remind me of pieces you might find in an old European garden, formal but fully livable.”
9. LOUISE FLORAL FABRIC IN NAVY/OLIVE BY MARESCA TEXTILES AT SUPPLY
“The scale of the floral pattern and the rich navy-and-olive palette give this fabric so much depth and personality without feeling overly formal.”
10. RUSTIC FARMHOUSE FOLK ART PAINTED BRIDAL CABINET (1827) AT CHAIRISH
“With its patina and historic detailing, nothing about this cabinet can be easily replicated.”
11. MARINA TABLE LAMP BY LAMPEX ITALIANA AT ARTEMEST
“The blown-glass silhouette is so distinctly Venetian; its dome shape gives it a sculptural quality, and the bold red stripes add high contrast and energy.”
12. INCANTO SCULPTURE BY GALLERIA ROMANELLI AT ARTEMEST
“Extraordinary sculptures have the ability to give emotional presence to a space. This classical-inspired bust is graceful and expressive; the bronze is almost alive.”
13. WREATH RUG BY ROSS ALEXANDER FOR MAKROSHA
“The pattern of this rug almost appears hand-sketched, and its wool-silk blend gives a subtle depth and luminosity that changes throughout the day.”
14. ASSORTED LIMOGES BOXES BY ROCHARD
“Charming and whimsical, each of these little boxes contains its own tiny story.”
15. WINTER MAGNOLIA CEILING LIGHT BY CHRISTOPHER AND NICOLA COX AT COX LONDON
“This hand-forged piece looks suspended in motion, with branches reaching outward in the middle of winter.”
