I know that some of you who subscribe to this suite already know about my background in design, but I wanted to take it a step further and share with you the designers, artists, and architects who have made the biggest impact on my design philosophy. This will be called the "Spotlight" blog - and we're starting off with my absolute favorite designer, Barbara Barry.

Barbara BarryBarbara Barry

Excerpt from www.boydlighting.com:

"Barbara Barry is among the world's most prominent and talented designers. Her name stands for a unique blend of sophistication and livability. Barry's homes are as comfortable as they are beautiful, as simple as they are refined, and as peaceful as they are powerful. The signature Barbara Barry interior is a finely tuned expression of design, a home that's a calm haven in a hectic world."

Her projects include The Savoy Hotel, Brooks Brothers flagship store on Madison Avenue, and the Avon Spa in Manhattan. Taking her Northern Calfornia roots and translating them into a style that embraces its viewer, Ms. Barry has broadened her empire to include Ann Sacks Tile and Stone, Baccarat Crystal, Baker Furniture, Boyd Lighting Company, Kravet Fabrics, McGuire Furniture, and Tufenkian Tibetan Rugs, among others.

So, why am I so crazy about her designs?? Well, take a look for yourself!

Blum ResidenceBlum Residence

Glabman ResidenceGlabman Residence

Hollywood Hills ResidenceHollywood Hills Residence

Kenelly ResidenceKenelly Residence

New York ResidenceNew York Residence

Are you seeing what I'm seeing? Even though all of these interiors are distinctly different in style, they all seem to have a common thread running through them - a thread that lends sophistication, refinement, and elegance to each space. That is the mark of a truly great designer. When you can create interiors that reflect the end users' tastes, and retain a level of understated aesthetic quality, you've done your job - and you've done it well.

Onyx LoungeOnyx Lounge

Savoy GrilleSavoy Grille

And, if you're interested in what her product lines look like, here is a sampling of those as well:

Furniture for HBFFurniture for HBF

Furniture for McGuireFurniture for McGuire

Furniture for HendredonFurniture for Hendredon

So, that's the first in my Spotlight blog series. I'll work out the kinks and try to make them more interesting as I get better at this. But I knew I wanted to start with Barbara Barry because of her great talent and her phenomenal success in today's design industry. I hope you enjoyed it!

To learn more about Ms. Barry's life and design firm, you can visit her website at www.barbarabarry.com.