TRULY INSPIRED: MODERN LUXURY BY RICHARD MISHAAN

Photos Courtesy of The Monacelli Press
Interior designer Richard Mishaan is a New Yorker, but takes his clients on a global journey, mixing objects from African Tribal to Art Deco in their homes. As a master colorist, he uses this to great effect in his first book, Modern Luxury, written with Elizabeth Gaynor, principal photography by George Ross, published by The Monacelli Press. Do not be put off by the title of the book, Modern Luxury. Yes, we are in a recession, but inspiration and fantasy are always in style. The book takes you on an American grand tour, through art-filled apartments and weekend homes. For those that love designer scoop, his Shopping Sleuth section reveals his favorite shopping hot spots. His rooms are fun, festive, bold and sophisticated, and he is not afraid to mix unexpected antiques with modern pieces. Mishaan had a great Madison Avenue shop called Homer, where his custom furniture, sculpture and candy-color bright vases introduced new clients to his fun style. Artful arrangements and unique designs brought shoppers looking for that special object or two. There are vignette shots of the shop in the book, and this became his incubator for projects to come.


Cool and calm with pops of black, a curvy leg farm table mixes with clean pendant lights lined in a black and white damask wallpaper. The contrast in styles results in a Modern Americana moment.

Bright green and pale blue take a country living room and turn it into a bold statement. By mixing roman shades and floor-length panels, the mood of the room changes from day to night.

For a global feel, chinchilla pillows and zebra ottomans bring graphic pattern to the smooth surfaces. A shock of peacock blue lacquer instantly makes this room soigne, and chrome lamps with shiny white tables push it further into Hollywood modern.