Home Design with Kevin Sharkey

Color can provoke so many different associations. It's universal.

I find one of the most beautiful things about color is that it's constantly shifting, though we often run through our days without noticing these changes, and missing the experience of beautiful color impressions. It makes me happy to flip through the work of photographers at National Geographic who travel the world and catch these incredible colorful moments we so often miss. The book Life in Color is a collection of these moments.

From scenic views, animals, architecture, fashion, and culture, this collection can speak to each of us and our personal color associations and experiences.

The interior work of San Fransisco-based designer Ann Getty is so incredibly rich that I could easily devour page after page, project after project, in her new book by Diane Dorrans Saeks.

Focusing around antique pieces of art, while skillfully mixing colors, and textures, this socialite-turned-interior designer is fluent in classical as well as period styles. My favorite thing about her though, is that she's a master at mixing and matching time periods; focusing her work in historical design, but maintaining a fresh, vibrant interior. Getty is one of the world's leading art collectors and this book showcases her ability to source a vast array of objects, and lavish materials from across the globe.

Thomas Jayne’s interiors always send me into deep contemplation on "American Decoration." also the title of his latest book. I’ve come to recognize his mastery of pulling from traditional design and reinterpreting it for a contemporary lifestyle; merging the two in a unique way that few are able to do.

The author, historian, and decorator has a well established studio here in New York City. He complied some of his best projects in this stunning publication. These designs seek a balance of colors, and show a thoughtful consideration of composition. Jayne also has a profound understanding of light as a design element and plays on its intensity.

As a supporter of quality and craftsmanship, Jayne has a few signature elements, including natural materials, handwoven fabrics, and hand-printed wallpaper that make his spaces memorable. Here is a look at a few projects that showcase his style.

Townhouse, Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Notice the 18th century relief over the fountain, and the incredible balance of composition and color.

Thomas Jayne's Apartment in New Orleans, Louisiana. This main room, features a mural decoration, and a draped table used for dinner parties.

Apartment, New York City. This dinning room features multiple collages like the one above by artist James Mont, and nineteenth century English porcelain including two vases decorated with a floral design.

Robert Clepper's apartment, New Orleans, Louisiana. French doors that open onto a courtyard.

Robert Clepper's apartment, New Orleans, Louisiana. The original curved staircase displays small works of art by Damien Hirst, Sally Mann, Cindy Sherman, and Robert Warner.