Take Five: January Design Inspiration

January 5, 2023

Take Five: January Design Inspiration

Winter outfit try-on moment shared by Kevin Francis O'Gara on Kevin Francis Design

A try-on moment while shopping this winter

1. Monir Farmanfarmaian at the High Museum

The Iranian artist Monir Farmanfarmaian’s exhibition "A Mirror Garden" at the High Museum explores her iconic mirrored mosaics inspired by Persian motifs. Her patterned works—ranging from architectural panels to rug designs—highlight the artistry of local craft and the resilience of creative expression during exile. I found her multidisciplinary approach to design incredibly inspiring.

2. The Castello di Reschio in Umbria, Italy

Set on nearly 4,000 acres, Castello di Reschio is a dream destination. I was especially drawn to the Palm Court with its velvet seating, tufted benches, and towering palms under greenhouse windows. The estate, once a private castle, now serves as a boutique retreat spread across nine farmhouses nestled in the hills of Umbria—Italy’s lesser-known but equally charming alternative to Tuscany.

3. Graphic Quilts from Gee's Bend, Alabama

The Gee's Bend quilts offer a powerful lens into African American culture and creativity. These graphic textiles—crafted by generations of women in Alabama—blend heritage with artistry, and their influence is now seen in museums around the world. Their legacy continues to inspire designers and collectors alike with bold pattern and improvisational style.

4. Inside Beaulieu in Newport, Rhode Island

This photo from the historic estate Beaulieu in Newport captures old-school glamour perfectly. Decorated in the 1960s and untouched since, it’s a lesson in timeless style. Formerly owned by the Astor and Vanderbilt families, the mansion was sold off-market last year in a landmark Rhode Island real estate deal.

5. House Beautiful's ‘Whole Home’ Showhouse

I had the chance to tour House Beautiful’s Whole Home Atlanta showhouse with Frontgate last month. Every detail—from lacquered doors to soaring windows—was spectacular. Frontgate’s outdoor furniture added polish to the lush Buckhead garden spaces.