This week at The Bookworm: Focus on interior design

Due to the pandemic, we have spent and continue to spend more time at home than ever before. This has influenced architecture and interior design as people try to make their homes comfortable, stylish and functional all at the same time. Fortunately, “Modish: The Book of Great Design”, featuring 25 talented designers, is released this summer.

Join a duo of the aforementioned interior designers and architects, George and Maria Tracy of Tracy Design Studio, in conversation with Bookworm Events Manager, Ali Teague. Teague will choose the brains of the CEO and creative director to find out what makes a house a home. Come up with all your architecture and interior design questions unanswered, these experts are sure to have the answers.

Prior to Tracy Design Studio, George and Maria were professors of design and architectural history, which influences their work today. “The in-depth knowledge of how architecture has developed since antiquity that we have acquired through research and study abroad as teachers has been transformative and has impacted our work to date. ‘to date,” Maria said. “We now understand scale, symmetry, framing, as well as an understanding of what makes spaces anthropomorphic.”

This research has also proven useful, as current trends seem to follow their historical predecessors. “Human scale, symmetry, etc. are consistently present in all trends,” says Maria. “We dress architectural elements with different materials and finishes, in addition to developing structural prowess and detailing that is only available with our current technology.”

An example of this fusion of current technology with historical trends is the spline. “The fluting is a really old technique used in architecture. It is a series of shallow grooves that cross a surface, creating a pleasant play of light; it’s a way to add texture to a room,” explained Maria. “The look is now becoming a key element inside homes, from kitchen cabinets and kitchen islands to vanity units, shower doors, sinks and lighting.”

Not only are current design trends influenced by history, but they are also driven by cultural shifts, such as those due to the pandemic. “COVID has had a huge impact on the world of architecture and interiors. As people spent long periods of time at home with their families, their perceptions began to change and they addressed issues of closeness and functionality,” said Maria.

“Although the American lifestyle demands open spaces, the constant presence of family members has generated a need for privacy. The family office certainly took center stage, while the family rooms and bedrooms required a change in fabrics and materials that elicited a sense of comfort.

The hard work the Tracys put into satisfying their customers and keeping up to date with the latest design trends is what prompted the author, Beth Benton Buckley, to include them in her book; a whole new experience for them. “The original aim of the book was to curate one with a vast array of styles, but all unified by being impeccably named, bold, edited; the epitome of great design,” recalls Maria. “Then we selected the featured images, which was the hardest part, as we had to figure out what to say and what best represents the blood, sweat and tears that went into creating this project.”

The hard work of all the featured designers has resulted in a truly beautiful book that is sure to inspire all new and long-time owners. “The individuals featured in the book are more than just designers. They are artists, teachers and innovators. The spaces they design and the pieces they masterfully find to fill those spaces is an exceptional undertaking,” said Maria. “May the collection inspire people to seek out the skills, vision and commitment of these celebrated designers, or allow their artistry to guide you on your personal journey of creating a home.”