DESIGN BLOG

The Francis Files

Take Five: February Design Inspiration

FEBRUARY 20, 2023 - Written by Kevin O'Gara

From my latest style campaign with Express

1. Bedroom install with some favorite fabrics

Install days are the most rewarding part of any design project, and I recently added the finishing touches to a primary bedroom refresh, featuring some of my favorite fabric selections. A dark green striae velvet headboard is complemented by floral euro shams with yellow piping, and classic blue ticking stripe roman shades.

2. The gardens at Petworth House in England

Some of the most recognizable landscapes in England are found on the grounds of Petworth House in West Sussex, England. You've probably seen more corners of these gardens than you realize if you're a period-movie-lover like myself, and this moment captured by photographer Ngoc Minh Ngo is one of my favorite images. 

3. Inside Lucian: bookstore and restaurant

The book shop, restaurant, and wine bar Lucian in Buckhead has maintained quite a buzz thanks to its omelette and caviar entree landing on the New York Times' 2022 best restaurant dishes list. I recently stopped in with my mom for a glass of wine and split the chicken liver pâté, which was delicious.

4. How to install a staircase runner rug

Although I left my "DIY" days back in my early design-blogging years, I still like to tackle the ocassional home project myself, and this stair runner for my client in Ansley Park was an easy but effective addition to dress up the staircase. I love the navy-striped jute runner I found, and the install was a breeze – save my Instagram post for all of my install tips and key supplies!

5. My campaign for Belgard's colors of the year

This winter I produced a multi-day outdoor decor campaign for Belgard at Lake Lanier, styling backyard vignettes for twelve holidays with tablescapes, fireplace, firepit, and outdoor kitchen vignettes highlighting Belgard's pavers and hardscaping materials. For this design, I featured their "colors of the year" tidepool and seagrass with teal and sage green decor.