One of my favorite designers to follow is Aussie Anna Spiro. Her Bloomsbury Group/English manor house aesthetic with its revived vintage brown furniture and pattern-on-pattern audacity always makes exploring her projects a veritable gold mine of surprises and inspiration.
Her latest doesn’t disappoint — and if you go for this kind of layered look, you’ll love the what I have for you today.
1. Moody & Muddy Color Combos
I can’t say that I’ve seen Marigold Yellow & Moss Green together before, but, WOW!
Not to mention Brown Paper Bag & Wedgewood Blue …
… or Black & Tan.
Perhaps she was inspired by the beer cocktail?
2. Colorful Patterned Tile
I WANT this kitchen. There’s nothing overdone or fussy.
This tile mosaic is to die for. I wish I knew where she found it. Probably custom.
Patterned encaustic tile blends wonderfully with old world English style.
3. Patterned Gathered Fabric on Doors
This is one technique I’ll be employing in the minuscule mudroom of my “Remodeling a Remuddle” project.
4. Vintage Oriental Rugs
5. Fun with Contrast Trim Details
Nothing looks off-the-shelf when you add some fun brush fringe on pillows!
6. Carrara Marble Everywhere!
Carrara marble is actually not terribly expensive, compared to many other counter materials. It instantly adds soul without breaking the bank like many of the less-densely-veined white marble varieties.
How glorious is that bathtub?!
7. Custom Lampshades
I’ve written about my love of custom lampshades (and my Etsy sources) before. Yes, it takes thought and planning, but the style payoff is huge!
You can see even more images of this amazing project here.
Other designer stories you may enjoy:
5 Lessons Learned from Brittany Bromley
Nina Farmer’s Historically Sensitive Style
I’ve been working on a post about a tour I recently took of the largest underground quarry in the world. I also have a ton more to share with you about our upcoming kitchen remodel!
More details soon!
‘Til next week!
-Amy
7 thoughts on “Designer Story: 7 Lessons in Layered Style from Anna Spiro’s Latest Project”
Yes, wonderful surprises! The best was she had managed to find the beautiful Portuguese patterned tiles around the stove that I had looked high and low for when I was doing my kitchen and could not find.
Those tiles are amazing. I, too, was tempted to have a patterned tile by my range, but my range wall opens to the dining room with its wallpaper in clear sight. Sadly, I felt it wouldn’t make for good sightlines 🙁 can’t do everything!
I could feast my eyes on the pictures in this post for days! I have always loved how the English put together patterns, textures, and colors in such an appealing and effortless looking way. I will take this look any day over much of what we see so often in homes of no color or pattern or anything layered or interesting. I guess what I typically call the English country look has always appealed to me. I realize that it takes skill and experience to pull this together in such a beautiful and uncluttered way. Thanks so much for your blog and the information you make available.
~Paula
You’re are welcome! This look is so personalized and storied. But it’s hard for the average homeowner to pull it off on her own, for sure. I think that’s why we see so many neutrals — some people choose it because they want that calm, clean quality but others out of fear and uncertainty. I understand.
Wow, what a beautiful house. I could live in each and every room. This is right up my alley.
Glad you enjoyed! This is my cup of tea, too! ☕️
Is there a book or website with tile layout options? Do you know the source of that amazing multi-stone tile??? LOVE
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