Design Dissect 3 - Alison Loehnis - Drawing Room

Jan 23

AD - alison loehnis, DE ROOSE SA design

The vibes are romantic in this one. The more I do this series, the more I learn that there are unlimited ways to design a room and thus endless emotions to feel. Maybe it’s because this house is in England and not in California so the American influence is partially lost. Or maybe it’s the intentional departure from casual to elevated. Likely, it’s examining Claire Sa and Max de Rosee’s interior design style rather than Jane Hallworth’s. Whatever it is, I’m excited to explore it more.

User Bio/User Goals - Alison is an executive at Net-a-Porter. Specifically, she’s president of Luxury and Fashion at the firm. But, outside of her high-profile career, her style and vibe read casual, airy, dreamy, with hints of bold touches.

Alison is a boss and a mom. She’s an American in England. She’s incredibly artistic and incredibly entrepreneurial. Most importantly, Alison is efforlessly cool.

I feel like her space will be personal and every object meaningful. Her drawing room is a perfect place to examine this prediction.

Loehnis wants her guests to feel comfortable but engaged in activity while in the drawing room.

Architectural Bio - Before writing this, I wasn’t entirely sure what a drawing room was. After doing some research, I learned that there’s an emphasis on proportion, symmetry, and understated elegance. The iconic drawing rooms from Downton Abbey and Pride and Prejudice came to mind and so did the thought that they are more of a UK, not American, thing.

The two tall windows in the room each face one of two armchairs - a nod to the symmetrical feature of Georgian homes. The fireplace that I’m sure is in full use during the winter months floats out, while adjacent walls, also seemingly symmetrical, sink in and showcase art. Lines and symmetry are intentionally brought out in the drawing room over the existing architecture and layout. The molding is super decorative yet sophisticated - a nod to the elegance of Georgian homes.

Similar to other rooms in the home that don’t have panels on the ceiling, there is a sleek feeling to the drawing room. Unexpectedly, the windows in the drawing room slide up, less traditional than casement windows in other parts of the house that crank open and out.

Materials Bio - On an edge table, a Vaughan table lamp in a ceramic finish plays off the stoneware that makes up the fireplace. The Arne Hovmand-Olsen chairs have a deep blue leather finish and dark mahogany frame that contrast the sofa across the room which is an overwhelmingly lighter striped Paolo Moschino in blush and cream.

There is no element of great weight in Loehnis’ drawing room. The drapes on her floor to ceiling windows and the carpet tying the room together, like her, feel airy and light.

Color Palette - The colors in this room specifically are very dependent on the materials. Colors chosen for a room or a product are chosen based on the effect and reaction that the designer wants the user to have. Loehnis and De Roose Sa want guests in the drawing room to feel comfortable but energetic enough to engage with one another. De Rosee Sa achieve this with a neutral palette of beiges and creams contrasted with pops of deep blues and cool tones.

Art Bio - Curiosity is sparked by the Picasso prints on either side of the fireplace. If I was hanging out in this room, I’d want to know their story. With so many of these prints, I wonder, are they related? Is there one message that they work together to convey? How is my interpretation different from yours?

More curiosity is again sparked by the painting over the fireplace whose origins I sadly couldn’t find. A guard in dismay is front and center because it seems that there’s a fire going on in the background. The soldier feels like he’s part of the room and wants to be around you - also in dialogue with other guests. Does he act as a guard of the guests? Is he the keeper of the drawing room With so many open questions, the art has fully done its job, which is why, in my opinion, it’s the room’s star of the show.

Overall Impressions - I’m always in shock by how an analysis of a space can bring its impact to full fruition. At first glance, this drawing room feels muted, calm, and peaceful. After further examination, I’m brought to life by the intentionality of each and every piece. Power comes not from force and volume, but from impression. Nothing in this room screams, yet its message is loud and clear.

Architectural Digest Article - https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/step-inside-this-fashion-insiders-cozy-london-row-house