One of the most rewarding aspects of designing La Femme Den for the Mansion in May interiors showhouse was the opportunity to collaborate with exceptional design partners whose work elevated the room’s narrative and sense of place. Each selection was made in service of the story – layering texture, pattern, and craftsmanship to create a space that felt transportive, eclectic, and deeply considered.
Pattern as Atmosphere: Quadrille & China Seas
Wallpaper played a central role in establishing the room’s Palm Beach–inspired spirit, all while keeping in mind that we are still in Northern New Jersey. We turned to China Seas for their unmistakable point of view – bold pattern, rich color, and a sense of global influence that feels timeless rather than thematic. Used on the walls and echoed in key furnishings, along with Quadrille fabrics, these patterns brought energy and movement to the space, creating a backdrop that felt lively, layered, and intentionally eclectic.
Tailored Comfort
For seating near the fireplace and dry bar, we selected Lee Jofa fabrics for a pair of custom slipper chairs. Upholstered in a textile that balanced softness with structure, the chairs were designed to feel inviting without sacrificing refinement. Positioned alongside the marble fireplace we designed and installed, they provided a moment of tailored comfort—perfect for conversation or quiet pause within the room.
At the center of La Femme Den sat the room’s true focal point – and a signature Toledo Geller move: the confident use of plaid in a modern context. For the pair of back-to-back sofas anchoring the space, we selected a plaid fabric from Osborne & Little, chosen for its graphic clarity and unexpected softness. A playful thread of mint woven throughout the pattern brought a sense of freshness, lifting the fabric and keeping the composition feeling light and a bit playful rather than traditional. Used at scale, the plaid felt bold but approachable – an example of how pattern, when handled with intention, can feel both timeless and current.
Lighting as Jewelry: Urban Electric
An oversized flush mount from Urban Electric anchors the main seating area, acting almost as jewelry for the ceiling. Its scale and craftsmanship bring presence without heaviness, reinforcing the room’s balance of glamour and restraint. Lighting was treated as an architectural element throughout La Femme Den, and this fixture played a key role in shaping the mood.
Grounding the Space: Stark Carpet
To ground the room and introduce a sense of confidence, upholstered game tables were placed atop a large leopard area rug by Stark Carpet. While undeniably bold, the leopard pattern was treated as a neutral in this space – anchoring the room rather than overpowering it. Used underfoot, the motif reads almost as an abstract texture, adding depth and movement while quietly grounding the entire composition. It was a deliberate, daring choice that reinforced our belief that when pattern is scaled and placed thoughtfully, it can function as structure as much as style.
- Read more about the design of La Femme Den at Mansion in May
- Explore the House Beautiful Whole Home Showhouse we designed in Texas
