PROFILE-The Interior Design Issue, February 2012

DESIGNER: Christine Maclin | Maclin Design

Photography Trent Bell

This Space, This Way:

Designer Christine Maclin can remember this room’s former days well: “It was vanilla from top to bottom: light floors, blank walls, no contrast, no drama.” Sharing a love of travel with her client, Maclin knew a little visual drama was in order. She chose fabrics from her new fabric line with patterns based on a collection of antique wood blocks.

“My motto is ‘function first,’ so we decided that a library/TV room was the best use of the space. Using a dark gray on the walls helps the floors really pop. It also shows off the fabric prints to great advantage. The braided jute rug, almost the color of the floor, is quiet and adds a feeling of coziness. The sectional fabric is a simple natural linen, similar to the background of the prints used on the Roman shades and pillows. We wanted the room to be intimate and inviting, particularly in the evening.”

Signature Style:

“I like ordered, calm spaces where people feel comfortable and happy. I am very particular about the distances between pieces of furniture; it is important to have a feeling of good, close connection and communication without needing a bullhorn (too far) or feeling like you are on a crowded subway (too close).”

Trick of the Trade:

“Plants give rooms energy, life, and color. White votive candles provide ambience. And lamps behind the sofa are great for reading, a sense of intimacy, and—of course—light.”

The Goods:

Sectional: Simply Home, simplyhomepage.com
Leather chairs, coffee table & console table behind sectional: Restoration Hardware, restorationhardware.com
Bookcases/drawers: Nicholas Heller, Heller Custom Woodworking, nicholasheller.net
Fabrics on pillow & Roman shades: EAST by Christine Maclin, 207-774-9545
Parish Buffet Lamps in gilded iron with natural paper shade: Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com
Flat-braid jute rug: Pottery Barn, potterybarn.com

For More: maclindesign.com