When I asked designer Nicole Hirsch (nicolehirschinteriors.com) to pick her favorite objects of the moment, I knew I’d get her typical embrace of all things contemporary. She’s renowned in the region for curating spaces marked as much by their tidy, modern lines as for their utility. While the rooms Hirsch designs for clients embrace a lively palette when needed, for fall and winter room revivals, she offers her favorite black- and-white inspirations. Above all, she understands the litmus test for any well-appointed room: If the pieces are exceptional, the rest is easy. Here’s what’s on Hirsch’s current design playlist.
Chic Lumens
“A modern, linear chandelier adds a sculptural element over your dining table,” says Hirsch. “This Nodes chandelier by Kelly Wearstler combines a black metal body with milk white glass shades for a sophisticated look.” Circa Lighting, Boston Design Center, circalighting.com
Soft Landing
“The perfect throw pillows can bring warmth into any space,” says Hirsch. “The Kravet Melanie mohair pillow adds a rich texture and cool black-and-white color blocking.” Kravet Boston, kravet.com
Good Wood
“The amazing team of craftsmen at Aronson Woodworks takes custom wood furniture into an edgy, contemporary space. Their proprietary Claize finish gives each piece a distinctive, woodgrain pattern in a variety of color options,” says Hirsch. aronsonwoodworks.com
Feeling Bookish
"The finishing touch to any room is a stack of gorgeous, oversiezed cofee-table books," says Hirsch. "This stunning photography book by David Yarrow adds a wild, modern punch to any space." Rizzoli, Wellesley Books, wellesleybooks.com
Get Sculptural
“When selecting artwork for a project, sourcing a sculptural piece makes a bold, three-dimensional statement on any wall,” says Hirsch. “Jeremy Holmes’ oversized sculptures are made by bending fine wood into ribbon-like configurations. Truly magnificent.” Lanoue Gallery, Boston, lanouegallery.com
True Reflection
“Is there anything quite as chic as a sculptural mirror in a foyer or dining room? This Deborah mirror by Arteriors Home has chiseled black marble crowns flanking either end,” says Hirsch. “A true reflection of style.” Neena’s Lighting, Wellesley and Boston, neenaslighting.com
Beauty Under Foot
“Rugs should be thought of as artwork for your floors,” says Hirsch. “The Art and Loom Pablo wool rug is a geometric masterpiece that would certainly bring wow factor into any space.” artandloom.com
In the Round
“This timeless Robert James Collection cocktail table is the perfect accent for any living room,” says Hirsch. “A blanco on white oak top is paired with a Baltic metal base, creating an amazing balance of materials.” M-Geough showroom, Boston Design Center, m-geough.com
Meet the Beetles
“Eley Kishimoto has created a line of textiles for Kirkby Design combining sophisticated texture and modern lines,” says Hirsch. “This upholstery fabric transforms any piece of furniture, like this GUBI Beetle chair, into a work of art.” Romo showroom, Boston Design Center, romo.com
Photography by: Courtesy of: Circa Lighting; Aronson Woodworks; Lanoue Gallery; The Art and Loom; Romo
