Interior designer Beata Heuman‘s London townhouse is a riot—in every sense of the word. It’s a riot of colors, a riot of textures, a riot of patterns. It scoffs at convention. And it’s just downright fun. “Every room should sing!” the Swedish-born designer tells us. “In the course of a lifetime one gathers a multitude of views, experiences, and objects. The home should make it possible to take in all of these things.” Such is the case with her own home, which she shares with her husband and two young daughters. “Growing up in Sweden, my childhood home was influenced…

I have learned, over the past 79 days or so, that the apartment I moved into in January is not a good summer apartment. No matter which way my boyfriend and I configure the four windows in our place—windows open in the front and the back of the apartment, to catch a cross-breeze; front windows open only; all windows open, with shades drawn to keep out the sun—there’s not hint of air flow to be had. It is totally, completely still, and stifling hot. Which means I—who, in my last apartment, had the luxury of being anti-AC and pro-breeze—have had…

Founded by Ronan O’Connor in 1953, General Paints Group is a family-run Irish paint company known for its reliably high-quality products. The company recently launched a new line of premium paints called Curator, a designer collection of 144 colors taking inspiration from the work of an eclectic group of Irish designers, painters, sculptors, potters, and artisans. Now available at Ring’s End stores in Darien and Fairfield and at McDermott Paint & Wallpaper in Greenwich, the Curator collection will be available in California and Oregon later this year. Here’s a look: Above: A sampling of water-based, low-VOC paints from General Paints Curator line. Above: A…

Bath Before and After | Sophisticated Sanctuary 1 × BEFORE | Space Challenge BEFORE | Space Challenge A foolish consistency is, well, let’s just say unnecessary when it comes to the look and feel of your home. Just ask Rick and Amy Steinhauser, who appreciate how their lodge-style home suits its lakeside setting in Plymouth, MN, but, as frequent travelers, also longed for a master bath with the fine finishes and luxury amenities they have enjoyed during hotel stays. Original to the 2003 house, the existing bath “was brown, woodsy, and dark,” says Rick of the 184-square-foot space. “We wanted…

Made in Connecticut: Accordance with Nature (AWN), beautifully designed, multi-functional storage implements, evocative of Shaker brooms and boxes, by Patrick Turiello, a self-daught woodworker and metalworker with a background in sculpture and sound design and a degree in architecture. We originally spotted AWN when Turiello exhibited at Field & Supply a couple of years ago; now, we’re taking a closer look at a few favorite pieces. N.B.: Turiello also offers custom work, as well as a “set” of many pieces “in the same specials of wood/metal;” inquire for more. Photography via Accordance with Nature. Above: Turiello’s Clamp and Vessel, shown here in…