Homes to Inspire | Gillian Tennant

I'm currently recovering from what I hope will be the last nasty head cold I get this year. Spring is nearly upon us (here in the Southern Hemisphere) so that should mark an end to the winter sniffles! Progress on the home decorating front has also been a bit delayed in that we didn't get started on the kids rooms as planned on the weekend, however I did have fun talking to the boys about how they would like their rooms to look. More on that later! 

Today I'm going to share a lovely home belonging to New York based fashion designer Gillian Tennant, thanks to Badlands Studio. The space, an old artist's loft in downtown Tribeca was built around the mid-1800's. Once a textile factory, many of the original and quirky features have been retained including 'wonky' timber floors (as Gillian describes them), 16 foot wood beam ceilings and exposed brick walls.

Situated in a quiet street with a roof terrace that overlooks a city that can feel grey and grungy, Gillian has in contrast, kept the interior light and fresh. Painting every surface white has provided a lovely canvas for layering in a mix of vintage and tribal touches and that winning combination of high and low end pieces. 

The light-filled living area features two incredible vintage pieces that I covet, the Beni Ourian rug and Arne Norell Safari Chairs. Further texture is added with the Moroccan pouffes and Ikea sheepskin throws, while smaller details like the Diptyque candle and coffee table books give the large, open-plan space a warm and homely feel.

Oversized lanterns hang alongside a sofa layered with a Moroccan wedding blanket.  

Painted white bricks provide the perfect backdrop for large pieces of furniture like the sideboard and dining table. Pretty details like flowers, vintage vases, string lights and handmade pendants contrast beautifully with the rustic timber.

White with pale wood details, the sweet little kitchen is simple yet functional. 

Gillian's pared-back style has a soft, feminine edge. The Be Calm print is by Louise Bourgeois. 

I love the studio corner that includes assorted fabrics, a simple clothes rail with pieces from the stunning Gillian Tennant Spring-Summer '13 collection, inspiration pics, a Moroccan market basket and Ikea sheepskin. 

Another lovely corner with a Thonet Chair and simple pot plant, book pile and vintage Polaroid camera.

There's a delicate quality to Gillian's styling that is so appealing. Uncluttered yet relaxed, I think she has struck the perfect balance. To see more pop over here.