ELLE DECOR Summer 2020

WHEN THE ELLE DECOR A-LIST WAS INTRODUCED 10 YEARS ago, it celebrated the work of 25 designers (and five to watch!). Almost all of those names continue to appear on our annual directory of the top talents in the business, and they have since been joined by many other voices and visions—too many, some have suggested. The argument is that an A-List of 125 designers dilutes our original mission to salute the absolute best. We, however, believe that it only makes the list stronger, fortifying our mission to cover the best in the world and to make sure that the A-List also reflects that world. So as we celebrate the A-List class of 2020 in this issue (page 21), here is our vow: We will continue to seek out and…

In the 10 years since ELLE DECOR inaugurated the A-List, our annual roster of the best design talents has grown from 25 to 125 global firms. We even created an A-List devoted to architects, allowing us to focus here on spotlighting the decorators who bring joy and great style to our homes. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that a safe and welcoming home is essential to our well-being, and that talent is everywhere. We continually seek out diverse designers creating A-List-worthy interiors, and that effort is reflected in this class of 2020 and will continue to be central to ELLE DECOR’s mission. THE NEW MEMBERS Apartment 48 STYLE Boho layers PROJECTS A Manhattan townhouse on the Upper East Side, a modern home in Miami, a New York City flagship for Rent the…

The social-media app is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, too. Beautiful images are the stock-in-trade of great design, so it’s no surprise that Instagram has revolutionized the decor world since it first appeared on our iPhones a decade ago. With its direct access to an image-hungry public, the app allowed newcomers like Paloma Contreras, Alyssa Kapito, and Mark D. Sikes to build their brands, while star designers like Nate Berkus and Kelly Wearstler reached out to delight fans with a steady stream of selfies—from Pilates sessions to candid family pics. Even such icons as Bunny Williams and Charlotte Moss have gotten into the act, sharing intimate peeks at their living spaces. The result is an endless, addictive loop of eye-candy interiors.…

When the A-List was launched 10 years ago, the intent was for it to be both a resource for readers and recognition for the greatest interior designers of the day. So it’s no surprise that nearly all of the original A-List members are still on the list today. Vision and taste mature as time passes, but talent is forever. INTERIORS, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: ERIC PIASECKI (2); TIM STREET-PORTER; DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN; SIMON UPTON…

Known for creating expressive, inviting interiors, designer Amy Lau draws inspiration from nature and adds her own luxe twist. A signature trick? Layering hues to create a serene and harmonious space. “I love a bold statement like painting the ceiling, walls, and trim in a lacquered gloss,” Amy explains. “For this room, I chose Thunderbird by Benjamin Moore. When you enter the space, it’s like dipping your toe into the Caribbean!” Here, Amy reveals the Benjamin Moore shades she’s loving right now. MANCHESTER TAN A timeless, elevated khaki, this is an essential grounding shade to play against brighter hues. SUMMER LIME This upbeat pale yellow reminds me of a sunny day. Try it in a playroom, or as an accent in a more sophisticated space. CRYSTAL BLUE The ultimate calming color—this tranquil soft blue-green signals the…