It's a jungle out there...

Zebra has been around a while, I mean a really long time.  The use of animal skins in interior decorating has a long and distinguished history dating back centuries.  It recently made a comeback a few years ago and still seems to be going strong.  As crazy as it seems, that classic black and white almost geometric quality of the zebra makes it a cool match for a wide array of interiors and styles. It can go classic or crazy.  It does seem to be everywhere, but despite this I still love Zebra -- especially paired with neutrals or even in a crazy Moroccan theme...So what do you think...too trendy and close to the exit or is it here to stay a while longer?



Jan Showers via decor pad


Damiano Biellas black and white library.
via decor pad


elizbeth culter
via decor pad


via decor pad

eclectic living room design by los angeles interior designer Kelley & Company Home

eclectic living room design by los angeles interior designer maison21

http://www.houzz.com/

eclectic living room design by los angeles interior designer maison21

eclectic living room design by los angeles interior designer Elizabeth Gordon

traditional staircase design by providence interior designer Kate Jackson Design

traditional bedroom design by new york interior designer Tiffany Eastman Interiors, LLC

traditional family room design by atlanta interior designer Valerie DeRoy Interiors, LLC

eclectic living room design by san francisco interior designer Kendall Wilkinson Design

traditional hall design by new york interior designer Anthony Como of Luxe Interiors

modern living room design by new york interior designer Tara Seawright

via apartment therapy






via decor pad


via decor pad

Well, hello there...

My name is Amal and I am inspired --- some would say obsessed --- by beautifully designed spaces. I decided to start this blog to track my favorite trends and share my musings about interior design as well as chart the progress of my own design dilemmas. 

I have always had a love of fine art and painting – a gift from my talented artist mother, Lucelle Raad http://www.thewonderofchildren.com/.  I was born in South Africa, but grew up in Garden City, New York. My childhood was filled the coming and goings of a bohemian artist  --- I grew up running around art shows and helping with the family art business.  A graduate of Amherst College and Vanderbilt Law School, I practiced law until the birth of my first boy (I have two). Despite having chosen law as a career, my creative juices were constantly looking for an outlet and I found it in interior design. Following some soul searching, I decided to succumb to my addiction to beautiful interiors, forgo law, and return to school to study interior design.  Currently I am working with a well known designer on the North Shore of Long Island and I could not feel more blessed. My design aesthetic is somewhat eclectic -- it has classical roots with a modern flair. I love mixing comfort and beauty; the ideal space to me is inviting, cheerful, layered and embodies a relaxed, unpretentious elegance. 

My wonderful husband, two boys and I live in the Huntington, NY area, overlooking a lovely little harbor.  In addition to interior design, I love gardening, being on the water and cooking (when it doesn't involve chicken nuggets or hot dogs). My design style is new traditional in that I am somewhat eclectic -- I swoon over chinoiserie, despise clutter and dig bright colors and graphic prints (at the moment). I guess I would describe myself as a little black dress type; my secret indulgence is chinoiserie anything -- but have been known to swoon over some contemporary art pieces now and then. My favorite haunt is a fabric store or an art show, and I can barely refrain from passing an antique shop without going in. Whenever I enter a friend's house, I start mentally rearranging the furniture (after a few drinks at a party, this sometimes makes it into reality).

I have decided to hang my shingle out in the interior design business and I started this blog to help chronicle my journey.  I feel blessed to share what I love with others. Please stop by from time to time to check out the posts. I hope that you enjoy the items and pictures, and would love to hear your thoughts and comments, so please share. 

If you would like to get in touch or have a question, feel free to email me at amalkapen@gmail.com or 917-701-8383. 

Cheers!