Heather J. Paper Photos by Gil Stose

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The Patterns

It's not evident, at first, just how many patterns and prints Toby West used in this master bedroom. But that, says the Atlanta designer, is part of the charm; the secret is to use contrasting patterns while staying within the same color palette. "I typically keep things tone-on-tone so no particular pattern stands out," he explains. In fact, he adds, to keep things on an even keel, it's best to carry a single color scheme throughout an entire house. "When you change a color theme from room to room, it also creates a change of mood."

The room that Toby West designed for a recent Cashiers Show House in North Carolina is typical, he says. "People are building larger mountain homes today, often losing a lot of charm and intimacy in the process." But this designer built those elements right back in, using color and pattern as his tools.

To make it seem less cavernous, West first addressed the backdrop of the vaulted space. "I wanted to make it cozy and more intimate, to visually bring the ceiling down," he explains. "We upholstered the walls and the ceiling, not only visually shrinking the space but also padding--and softening--the walls in the process." And the addition of a print--a red-and-cream Cowtan & Tout, in this case--spreads a certain warmth throughout the room. "The color red is very warm and inviting, especially when used with creams or whites," the designer adds. "And by using a lot of red, you create a happy compromise between 'summer' and 'winter' looks. The interior design of mountain homes is more geared to being pleasing during the winter months; after all, winter lasts eight or nine months." But this color combination, he points out, is equally appealing all year long.
DESIGN BOOK Interior Design Toby West, Toby West Ltd., Atlanta, GA, (404) 233-7425