Luminous Interiors: Brian J. McCarthy

© Luminous Interiors by Brian McCarthy Decoration, Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 2013

Cover Photography by Fritz von der Schulenburg

It's wonderful to see designers who got their start with the venerable Parish Hadley firm branch out on their own and start their own firms. The experience and exposure one learns from working at Parish Hadley is unmatched, and the houses in Brian McCarthy's first book, Luminous Interiors, published by Stewart, Tabori & Chang - New York, is a fantastic collection of layered, and grand homes.

You might remember from my book review month, that the power house designer, Bunny Williams, also got her start with Parish Hadley, so it's no surprise that she and McCarthy are good friends, and Ms. Bunny penned the foreword in the book. Describing McCarthy as a handsome, constant student - always learning, traveling, absorbing to create a brilliant, innovative, and timeless body of work, Bunny's review is nothing but glowing. Her final words, "This book will become a classic."

© Luminous Interiors by Brian McCarthy Decoration, Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 2013

Photography by Francesco Lagnese

Now, if Bunny Williams gives such praise, why do you need my review? Just scroll down and buy your copy! HA! Well, I'll give you my review anyway, and as you can certainly imagine, it doesn't compete with Bunny's. No, in fact, I do believe that the images and homes in this book are timeless, inspiring, and indeed classic.

 © Luminous Interiors by Brian McCarthy Decoration, Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 2013

Photo by Fritz von der Schulenburg

His layers are complex, his rooms are perfectly edited, his style is sophisticated, but unique and not at all formulaic ... yes, McCarthy is one to be inspired by. The bedroom above, complete with a taxidermy Zebra bust named Fortuny (by the owner) is a study in pattern pairing. I love the fretwork carpet, and the custom designed paisley fabric on the chair and curtains paired with that fretwork pattern and the zebra hide. McCarthy's spaces dare to be different and double dare to be bold.

© Luminous Interiors by Brian McCarthy Decoration, Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 2013

Photo by Francesco Lagnese

Brian uses the very best of art in his interiors, fabulous antiques, and heirloom textiles. His rooms are full of luxury at every turn. As I mentioned in my review of Mary McDonald's book, I love when designers show us their own homes. Brian does that times two, with his NYC apartment and his country home, where the bedroom above exists. 

© Luminous Interiors by Brian McCarthy Decoration, Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 2013

Photo by Max Kim-Bee

If traditional interiors are your thing, this is the book for you. If bohemian interiors are your thing, this is the book for you. If transitional interiors filled with glamour, pattern, grandeur, complexity, and playful artistry is more your style, this is the book for you, too ... and likely will be for years and years to come.  I'm so happy to have Luminous Interiors in my collection - and I hope you add it to yours. You'll love it! Published by Stewart, Tabori & Chang, and given top shelf publicity by Little Bird, pick up your copy via amazon below:

Happy Reading!