Wild Things Guest Room

After visiting a friend’s timeless Julia Morgan Abode, I noticed the previous designer stuffed a lot of amazing, meaningful gems in an extra room. Curiosity led us into a deep dive convo about the unique objects and wildlife photography in the damp and cold room. I wondered why this talented photographer’s photos were no where to be seen in the home! The room spoke to me and I was called to create a “Where the wild things are — adult room edition.” The clients asked if I could design the guest room, honoring his photographic talents and the gems that were passed down to his family.

Initially, I wanted to dress the walls and ceilings with a moody original dark blue and deep green colourway on Empire Blue dyed silk de Gournay wallpaper, but the clients opted for my other suggestion: a lighter, airy Ellies View - Areca On White Paperweave by Phillip Jeffries. The fabulous fronds and tantalizing textures were grounded by an oversized plush faux zebra print robin’s egg blue and cream coloured rug, custom grasscloth woven blackout shades and brass hold downs. I finished off styling this room with an African stool and tapestry from a sustainable, fair trade flea market vendor and a sprinkle of meaningful objects and oddities — heirlooms from both sides of the clients’ family. Peacock side table lamps with Maison Maison wicker shades from France offer a warm, welcoming hue and marvelous mood to the abode and pairs perfectly to the semi-flush Leslie gilded iron candelabra from Visual Comforts — a nod to Max from “Where the Wild Things Are” (one of my fave childhood books) and to the imagination of the lucky few who get to experience and luxuriate in this adventurous and sumptuous abode.