Luminous Interiors by Brian J. McCarthy

Recently named to Architectural Digest's esteemed  list of Architects and Interior Designers, the 2014 AD100, Brian McCarthy has published a new book on his work, Luminous Interiors.  Destined to be a classic for years to come, there are 200 color photographs of sumptuously finished rooms accompanied by his very personal and descriptive text.

McCarthy joined the venerable Parish Hadley design firm in 1983, where he worked alongside Bunny Williams, who wrote a most admiring forward to this luxe book. Since starting his own firm in 1991, business has grown exponentially as has his elite client list.

Atelier Mériguet-Carrère plaster panels carved with nature scenes surround this luxurious dining room. 

Wrapping his interiors in an envelope of equisite finishes, this designer works with artisans around the world sometimes having entire suites of rooms crafted at Feau and Sie in Paris. He uses materials such as  gilt, silver leaf, lacquer, Venetian plaster, and bold architectural elements to transform spaces into his clients vision. 

Three elements, reflectivity, texture, and silhouette are hallmarks of McCarthy's interior designs, adding interest across a rooms "skyline".

A pair of bronze crocodile sculptures by artist Claude Lalanne in the Manhattan apartment McCarthy shares with his partner. Art and sculpture fill every corner  of his home down to the Alberto Pinto dinnerware and water glasses by Deborah Ehrlich. Many of  McCarthy's  clients have world renowned collections of art and as a collector himself,  he believes that works of art are what give  an interior design its "zing".

An antique suzani from Madeline Weinrib graces this 19th-century iron four poster bed made in France.

This home on the south shore of eastern Long Island has dining room murals based on Monet's Water Lilies. The porthole mirror is surrounded by sconces of amethyst and beaded glass.

Luminous Interiors

By Brian J. McCarthy

 Stewart, Tabori & Chang, New York 2013

Photography: Francesco Lagnese, Max Kim-Bee, Fritz von der Schulenburg

This is  a book I will pick up many times and one that is a must for your library. 

Copy and images courtesy of Abrams and Sarah Birmingham of Little Bird Publicity

Thank you to my friends and followers who support the arts!

xoxo

Karena

The Arts by Karena