As partners in Rose Hill Designs, Tori Karp and Marley Spitzer encourage each other to step beyond their comfort zones. The result, they say, is a more layered, refined version of each of their visions. When it came to designing the living room in the South End condo that Karp shares with her husband and toddler, the mushroom velvet upholstery on the swivel chairs was the ingredient that brought the room from good to great. “I wanted a calm, minimal shell since our days are filled with so many patterns and colors,” Karp says. “Marley encouraged me to add this darker element for contrast to give the space depth and character.”
1 The small reclaimed wood sideboard subtly partitions the seating zone from the dining area and also provides storage for serveware. Unable to find the perfect vintage mirror, the designers chose a sculptural cast metal one by Uttermost.
2 The monochromatic palette and repetitive pattern of the black and white photograph by Australia-based fashion photographer Troy Freyee lends contrast without distraction. “The lack of focal point is the point here,” Karp explains. “It’s meant to blend and feel serene.”
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3 Maiden Home’s Dune sofa in white performance linen fills the long space without appearing clunky and is comfortable without seeming sloppy. “The bench seat is tailored while the slipcover is informal but not slouchy,” Spitzer says.
4 Custom drapery in off-white performance linen from Etsy vendor Noom Fashion helps establish a clean, airy backdrop as do the jute shades which also add texture. A local metalworker made the delicate curtain rods. Hanging them as high as possible without touching the moldings accentuates the tall ceiling.
5 A braided jute rug with a raised grid pattern is a neutral foundation that offers texture and dimension. Petite striped footstools handmade in India were the room’s finishing touch.
6 The pair turned to Boho in Boston to source a vintage coffee table. This bilevel travertine table from Germany is actually two pieces on wheels, making it both fun and flexible.
Marni Elyse Katz is a contributing editor to the Globe Magazine. Follow her on Instagram @StyleCarrot. Send comments to magazine@globe.com.