House Beautiful March 2013

1. STEPHEN TREFFINGER WRITER An expert on all things wired and wireless, Treffinger has been writing HB's Tech Support column (page 54) since February 2011. "I continue to marvel at the ways in which technologies are blending," he says. "Now there isn't anything you can't control with your smartphone." Treffinger has covered design and technology for the New York Times and Elle Décor, among other titles. OBSESSIONS Speech-recognition software: "Transcribing takes forever." Finding the perfect pillow: "I've tried dozens. I'm like the prince and the pea. Or Goldilocks?" 2. SEAN MCGOWAN STYLIST "Flowers are usually just seen as the icing on the cake, but I think they're so much more than that," says McGowan, owner of Modern Floristry and the stylist on this issue's Kitchen of the Month (page 120).…

Landing Rugs Next to the bed, in the laundry room, or in any spot that could use a little cheer: colorful, limited-edition cotton rugs by British-Nigerian fashion designer Duro Olowu for J.C. Penney. 33½" L × 21½" W, $25. jcp.com. 1. Hardware One of the best sources for bespoke architectural hardware now has a ready-made line. Project-Ready Bamboo-Inspired Door Hardware Set in Antique Brass, from $194. sabaxter.com. 2. Pillow Felt is so nice to cozy up to. The yellow and gray combo feels fresh, and we love the updated take on a ruffled edge. Felt Fringe Pillow in Yellow, 20" square, $95. mgbw.com. 3. Fireplace Screen Instead of looking at the gaping black hole of an empty, unused fireplace, dress it up with a charming, artist-made screen. Bird Cage Fire…

"This farmhouse, built in 1800, had low ceilings, but great woodwork. Rather than painting it the ubiquitous white so it all went away, I wanted you to see it. That gave me the idea to frame each room with color. The grayish-green on the living room door casing gives way to a yummy pumpkin in the foyer, to warm you up as you walk in. Architecturally, it's a lot more interesting to look from one room to another and see a series of colors. Each becomes an opportunity for a new mood." DARREN HENAULT SHERWIN-WILLIAMS ANCIENT MARBLE SW6162 Sherwin-Williams Hubbard Squash SW0044 "There's a soothing quality to this blue-gray, which makes it great for a study. And then I'd do the adjoining dining room in green-gray, in super high gloss.…

DRAPERY IS A GREAT WAY to introduce texture into a space. I really like to hang it on walls. Coleman Taylor made this custom fabric for a recent project. They do amazing hand-painting and stenciling. ADD SOMETHING THAT'S reflective, instead of another color. Reflection plays up the palette you're working with. I just found some antique silver yogurt pitchers in Istanbul. I love how they're reflective in a bluish way. HANGING A MIRROR IS LIKE adding a window. It would be great to have a mirror in every room. I especially love foxed mirrors—the reflection is cloudy and impressionistic. BENJAMIN MOORE'S REVERE PEWTER always, always works. We first used it in Bobby McAlpine's bedroom several years ago, and now I've used it dozens of times. I swear, it looks good…

WHAT'S YOUR… 1. FAVORITE DESIGN BOOK Mark Hampton On Decorating, a.k.a. the bible of decorating. 2. ALL-TIME FAVORITE SOFA Steven Gambrel's Cooper, sold on deringhall.com. 3. BEST DESIGN ADVICE From my dad: 'Every job starts with a carefully drawn furniture plan. It's your road map.' 4. GO-TO FABRIC Tyler Graphic's Waimea. A great take on a stripe that can be custom-colored to match anything. 5. FAVORITE MIRROR The Duca from Donghia. 6. MOST-USED WEB SOURCE 1stDibs gives me access to some of the best stores, all across the country. 7. FIRST-CHOICE COFFEE TABLE Victoria Hagan's Park. 8. FAVORITE LIGHT FIXTURE Urban Electric's Gwenwood Wall lamp, designed by Darryl Carter. 9. CAN'T-RESIST OBJECT I love interesting chairs like the Jasper Maya. 10. NEXT BIG PURCHASE A Scotty Cameron putter.…

Bright? Yes. Bold? You bet. But also tailored and polished. In this dining room, the Little Rock designer went for a mood she calls "Citrine Chic." LANTERN "Great in a space that needs clean, simple lines. And the color is a real surprise." ART "A pop of modern art invigorates the traditional elements in the room." Shut the door, have a seat, $356. soicher-marin.com. CURTAINS "I always like to have a jumping-off point to inspire me and the whole room. This delicate floral in daring colors was it!" Monsoon Floral, a cotton/linen in canton blue/Soleil. brunschwig.com. Rothesay lantern, $3,900. tobifairley.com. SETTEE "When you don't have the room to pull chairs in and out, a settee is ideal. It maximizes both seating and space." 3203-03, $2,805. leeindustries.com. FABRIC…