Finding inspiration from one of the greatest designers of our time is very easy to do. I had the opportunity to listen to Thomas O'brien speak a few years ago, and remember it as if were yesterday. I had seen his work, appreciated and respected it. Too, I knew that he was dipping into all aspects of design including fashionable china, and home decor for the everyday consumer. What I didn't know was his love for his family history, his passion for detail, and his sincere dedication to the history of art and design. It was truly inspiring. Now, when I see his designs... I read more into it and remember the few stories he told (of himself growing up, of the home his grandmother lived in, and how every detail that he incorporates into his design has some kind of reflection of his memories).
From looking at this china set that he designed for Target, you see many aspects of design that he also pulls into his interior design as well. Casual AND Elegant, Masculine AND Feminine , Modern AND Traditional, Simple, and Functional (PSST... it doesn't have to be one or the other!)
Here is the perfect example, to me, of how to use "VINTAGE". Though I do love the rustic vintage look, many have taken it to the extreme and have used their vintage/rustic pieces for everything (vs. the example of adding one rustic chair with a new furniture piece). This to me, creates a trend... which then turns into boredom and eventually leads to the desire for something new (avoiding a classic look). In his personal kitchen, he has restored vintage items to new, mixed in modern elements (like the appliances and white cork floors), and added 'rustic' elements (like chalk boards and butcher block). All of these together create a vintage look, with clean elements, and is functional for everyday use.
All Pictures from Washington Post
Here are a few design elements that stood out to me in Thomas O'brien's living room:
Mix symmetries, crisp modern tables (all unique), contrasting woods, straight arms/legs mixed with shaped, create a focal point, mix textures, use different scaled pieces with other items to make everything balanced. Oh ya... LOTS OF COMFY PILLOWS!
Be sure to check out his most recent book: American Modern
- Julianne
