After stints in big fashion houses, Valéry Damnon launched his own brand of fine leather goods in 2011. He focuses on the intrinsic value of item, bringing together his creativity and the highest quality craftsmanship. This approach is also reflected also in his decorative style. Valéry’s apartment is located in the bohemian chic Paris 10ème arrondissement, between Canal Saint Martin and the Haut Marais. His style is infused with Scandinavian touches, which are the result of roaming flea markets and ‘vide greniers’ to find rare and beautiful pieces from the 60s and 70s. His design concept is contemporary Parisian meets northern simplicity. Merci beaucoup, Valéry, and Carla Coulson for the lovely photos! –Anne

Image above:  Serge Mouille is my favorite light fixture designer. He remains famous primarily for his minimalistic designs and use of uniformly black painted metal materials. This double arm light fixture reproduction is very discrete but also very functional. I found the old table in the southwest of France and I mixed it with three Eames chairs and one Arne Jacobsen.

Image above: I like the Scandinavian designs idea that beautiful and functional everyday objects should be affordable for everyone. The mix of material and fabric is a guideline for my work, and inspired me for my living room: a pipistrello lamp by Gae Aulenti, a 60s pair of Danish chairs, cushions from Ferm Living and framed butterflies inspired by the iconic Maison Deyrolle form the perfect mix. The little touch of red is ensured by an oil paint reproduction of Kubrick’s movie ‘ Lolita,’ which was a gift from a friend.

Click for more inside Valéry’s Parisian apartment after the jump!

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Like many artists and designers, Whitney McGregor often finds it more difficult to design for herself than for a client. When she’s working with clients, she is always focused on their individual needs and personal aesthetic, but when it comes to her own space, she often has trouble narrowing her focus. She and her husband bought this home in Greenville, SC about three years ago. The couple rushed into buying and ended feeling like they sort of settled for this house. It wasn’t oozing with charm or curb appeal, but it was clean and practical. In three years, we have groomed and polished it to be a place they love. The fact that it’s the only home their children have known make it extra special for the family. Whitney has addressed the common designer problem of how to choose amongst all the many beautiful things on the market by treating her husband and two small children (2 and 1) and her clients. Bright colors, patterns, interesting shapes and lots of artwork (Whitney makes much of her own) are a must, as well as durable furniture with good bones and washable upholstery.  The end product is eclectic and sometimes worldly, sometimes traditional and always interesting. Thanks Whitney and family! Thanks to Heidi Geldhauser for the lovely photos! -Amy

Image above: Our home is a ’50s ranch and has a very characteristic living room/dining room combo.  I would say this room is far from a finished space.  It’s the first place new pieces go when I find them and then a furniture shuffle ensues.  The antique french sofa I found for $90 and had reupholstered, the dining room table was a work table that was in my mom’s garage left from the previous owners and the dining chairs are vintage Bertoia’s.  The light fixture is IKEA.  The color in here is my go to gray for myself and clients.  It’s warm and not too purple, Benjamin Moore’s London Fog.

Image above: In our den, the gallery wall includes hand-me-down paintings from creative family members, Lilly Grace originals alongside art purchased at estate sales and thrift shops.

See more of this Greenville, SC home after the jump!
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