THE GLASS COFFEE TABLE keeps the room airy and allows people to see the ornate Pakistani rug underneath.

BALANCING A DESIGNER MIXES SHIMMERING GLAMOUR WITH DISTRESSED ANTIQUE PIECES IN HER 1939 Act PASADENA, CALIFORNIA, HOME. By Emily Irby Styled by Charmean Neithart Photography by Erika Bierman Photography FROM THE CLAY HORSE HER DAUGHTER materials all work together symbiotically. The matte [left] AN ANTIQUE MADE TO ORNATE QUEEN ANNE DESKS, furniture, like the buff leather couch, complements the STATUE of Venus rests interior designer Charmean Neithart proves that metallic designs of the pillows. atop an intricately carved mantelpiece that has French style can be elegant while still allowing your been a part of the home house to feel like a home. She shares her tips on how SHABBY AND CHIC since it was first built. The to create a balanced room. A chipping bust of Diana the Huntress thrifted in hand-forged screen was the garden section of an antiques shop sits atop an installed into the fireplace LIGHT AND DARK ornate French marquetry desk, illustrating the kind of as opposed to resting on “Whatever your palette is, anchor it with black,” juxtaposition that makes this living room unique. “I the hearth for a more Charmean says. With all of the gold and glimmer in really like to be a little ironic sometimes; I don’t think seamless look. this living room, there are also pieces like the black everything has to be so precious,” Charmean says [above] THE baby-grand piano and ebony floors that add depth regarding her eclectic style. ORMOLU GILDING and drama. While some of the pieces certainly are precious, ACCENT ON THE The heavier pieces of furniture, like the sofa and like the 1920s Coromandel screen that takes up DESK, paired with the A DESIGN THIS BEAUTIFUL should not go unnoticed; placing flowers the chaise, are on opposite sides of the sitting area to nearly an entire wall, others are picked specifically dark brown of the stool, on this Syrian inlay table brings attention to the details on the top of it. FRENCH STYLE

WINTER 2017

evenly distribute the “weight” of the room. Charmean for their imperfections, like the aged mirror next to mimic the colors of plays with the way contrasting textures, shades and the doorway. the 12-paneled screen 118

behind them. 119 HERE AND THERE While the overall décor and design of the living The designer includes furniture from all over the room can be described as French colonial, the room world as well as pieces from different time periods: is not restricted to any particular décor, giving it The octagon inlay table near an antique velvet chair personality and variety. Charmean uses this design is from Syria, the rug that covers most of the room is strategy in the homes she styles. “People have many from Pakistan and the Blanc de Chine bookends on stories, so a room should reflect the people of the the mantelpiece are from China. house,” she says.

GREEK OR ROMAN BUSTS are statement pieces that don’t take up too much space and add an air of sophistication to your home. Plus, like most art, they’re HOW TO great conversation pieces when entertaining guests. BOOKENDS, like Charmean’s Blanc de Chine treasures, add decoration to shelves and mantels while also being functional. A pair of white or neutral-colored ones BRING balances the busyness of the books between them.

HISTORY TO WHETHER PERSIAN OR PARISIAN, RUGS are the perfect way to add pattern and color to a room without overwhelming the space.

A HOME COMBINE FUN WITH AESTHETIC by putting out classic games like mancala or chess. Often, the older a game is, the more beautiful the board and pieces are. Pick ones made of chestnut or marble so that you’ll want to keep it on your coffee table even when not using it.