My inspirational WOW! for 2024 is a mosaic floor at the Naples Archeology Museum in Naples Italy which David and I visited in the fall. It was discovered at the “House of the Geometric Mosaics,“ created in the 1st century B.C. in Pompeii. This dazzling floor represents an underwater wonderland of Mediterranean Sea creatures. The center of the design depicts a lobster wrestling an octopus. I love the subject, the palette of materials, and the wonder of commissioning such a floor for a domestic interior. The close-up image depicts a polka dot flounder swimming at rush hour! It is so impressive and incredible that this work of art and craftsmanship was rediscovered and has survived so well and for so long.
-Fritz
This May, several friends and I took a road trip to hike in the five national parks of Utah. We spent one evening stargazing at Bryce Point in Bryce Canyon National Park. After we turned off our headlamps, and our eyes took time to adjust to the darkness, more and more stars revealed themselves to us. And it was this simple act—of taking care and practicing patience in the way we look at things—that was inspiring to me.
-Lucia
Seeing Eltham Palace during a visit to London was a lot of fun. In all my trips there I had never seen it, and a good friend who is also a colleague said I had to go. It is an absolutely a one-of-a-kind amalgamation—from the ship-like Art Deco circular reception room to the medieval party hall and the glittering mosaic bathroom that all fit into a “Wrennaissance” extension to the original structure. There are numerous details to see: marquetry, leather paneling, gold mosaics, period built-ins. Because there are so many different components, old and new, and multiple architects/designers from all over Europe that worked on it, the palace practically entertains you as you tour it. It’s a great reminder that not everything has to be so serious.
-William
Earlier this year, I visited Donald Judd’s home and studio at 101 Spring Street. Being admirers of his work, we at MR like to find special ways to incorporate his pieces into our design projects, so seeing the environment where they were first conceived was a truly transformative experience. Walking through the restored cast-iron building in SoHo is like taking a walk through New York City history. The interior is minimalist with an open-plan layout, wooden floors, plaster walls and an abundance of natural light. It’s the perfect backdrop for Donald Judd’s work and brings his philosophy on simplicity, space, and functionality to life. Aside from his own furniture, there are pieces by Alvar Aalto, Frank Stella and John Chamberlain and site-specific art and lighting installations by David Novros and Dan Flavin. It was very evident, being there, that Donald Judd placed a great importance on the connection between art and its environment. I hope to make a trip to Marfa, Texas very soon to visit the Judd Foundation’s monumental spaces in the desert. I can imagine they are incredible in such a vast and unique landscape!
-Allison
In February of this year, I had a chance to go to Hearst Castle while visiting a close friend (who is also an interior designer) in California. This historic estate is the once private retreat of the media mogul William Randolph Hearst, located in San Simoen, perched on a hilltop overlooking the central coast, with breathtaking gardens and panoramic views. The property is an inspiring destination that captures the grandeur and creativity of early 20th-century architecture and design—a great source of inspiration for the two of us! On our tour, we got a glimpse into a world of luxury and imagination. The castle is rich in architectural details, with opulent art and furniture and upholstery techniques not often referenced in modern, minimalist design. The different ceiling patterns throughout the space and mix of textures from room to room were particularly interesting.
-Kim
The Rijksmuseum Tunnel, located beneath Amsterdam’s iconic Rijksmuseum, is a striking example of modern architecture blending with historical surroundings. I had a chance to see it while traveling earlier this year. Integrated into the museum’s renovation, which was completed in 2013, the tunnel bores though the museum’s main building, visually connecting the two wings of the structure and offering visitors a seamless transition between these two zones. It also acts as a threshold between the more urban area of the city and a large pastoral park. I recall a wonderful street violinist playing at the entry as bicyclists and pedestrians were sharing this promenade. The sounds of cityscape and the classical music reverberated against the stone coffers inscribing onto me a core memory not to be forgotten.
-Gary
As I spent most of this past year staying local, I tried my best to take advantage of the time in the city by getting out and exploring as often as I could. I don’t do this enough. One Saturday, mid-spring, I ventured to Chelsea and did a walking tour of the art galleries that dot the blocks from 19th to 28th Streets between 10th and 11th Avenues. I always find it so inspiring to see original works up close and personal, and visiting galleries is a way to see art by artists I don’t know much about while also avoiding the crowds you find in museums. One of my favorite exhibitions was called Spill Spell at Pace Prints on 22nd Street. It was made up of handmade paper prints by an artist named Keltie Ferris, in swirly, evocative designs in bright, rich colors. In my dream life, I could take one home with me, but I’m happy to at least have had the chance to walk amongst them for a day.
-Andrea
At the end of summer, I visited Art Omi in Ghent, New York with friends. It was an experience that inspired my creative process. The outdoor installations and unique sculptures set against the backdrop of nature sparked new ideas and fresh perspectives. As we explored the diverse range of artwork, each unique piece, most of them interactive, pushed me to think outside the traditional boundaries of design. The open-air environment fostered a sense of freedom and fluidity, allowing my mind to wander and make unexpected connections between art, nature, and design. Sharing the experience with friends added an element of collaboration. This trip reminded me of the power of creativity in all forms, reinforcing the importance of seeking inspiration from different sources and embracing new experiences in the design process
-Becca
My creative best for the year was a trip I took—a summer vacation to Greece, which included a few days in Athens and a requisite visit to the Acropolis. It was inspiring to see the monuments including the Parthenon which have stood the test of time. The experience also gave me the opportunity to reflect back on my prior visit to the site 27 years prior.
-Scot
In April, I went to Taipei, Taiwan for the first time in ten years to see my relatives. We visited the Taipei 101 which is the tallest building in Taiwan. At the top of the building there is a 660 ton damper that swings like a pendulum to stabalize the building during an earthquake. Coincidentally we experienced a 7.4 magnitude earthquake the day after we visited the building and thankfully there was no damage and we were all safe!
-Karina
In February of 2024, the decor team from MR visited Dana Barnes’ art studio on the Lower East Side. The building was constructed in the 1870’s and has been a synagogue, an orthodox church, and studio for Artist Milton Resnick and his wife Pat Passlof. Brush strokes and paint spills from the 1960’s still cover the walls and floors. The building itself is an inspiration on its own, but the addition of Dana Barnes’ fiber work and materials against the historical backdrop was captivating. We had the pleasure of taking a full tour of all floors of the studio. While we walked through we got to see the fiber artists at work and hear stories from Dana about her travels and own personal inspirations for her works. it was a very inspiring evening amongst tactile, artful pieces and creative minds.
-Annie
2024 saw the completion of a ground-up new home we designed in the Hamptons for a repeat client. Most important to me is that I believe our client is truly delighted with the results. With this commission, we were able to realize our most complete work to date including architecture, interior design, styling and art as well as guiding in the overview of the landscaping. I am very proud of this accomplishment and even prouder of the work of my associates in making all of this happen: William Clukies, Allison O’Connell and Fritz Karch.
-David