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Step Inside the Most Remarkable Rooms Created by Today’s Leading Designers

A gorgeous new tome features a dazzling array of transportive spaces by Kit Kemp, Kelly Wearstler, Vincenzo De Cotiis, Brigette Romanek, and many more

By Jill Sieracki
Colorful modern living room with a large sectional sofa, patterned armchair, abstract artwork, and decorative accents.
A Floral Court, private residence in London, curated by Studio Ashby. Photo: Philip Durrant, Courtesy of Studio Ashby

Whereas years ago a perfectly executed interior would be best described as “decorated,” today’s masters of the craft conceive spaces that reflect individuality. To identify those who excel at executing these remarkable rooms, Phaidon reached out to a panel of international tastemakers; more than 100 of their selections are featured in By Design: The World’s Best Contemporary Interior Designers (Phaidon), out May 26.

“It’s such a mix of styles and design directions one sees in the book,” says Phaidon’s William Norwich, who penned the introduction. 

Cover of "By Design: The World's Best Contemporary Interior Designers" featuring abstract art and geometric patterns.
By Design: The World’s Best Contemporary Interior Designers (Phaidon). Photo: Courtesy of Phaidon
Elegant restaurant interior with ornate decor, stained glass ceiling, red chairs, and set dining tables.
Humbert & Poyet’s design for the Beefbar restaurant in Paris, France. Photo: Francis Amiand, Courtesy of Humbert & Poyet

The list of nominators is as vast and varied as the designers selected. Helping curate the featured talents were gallerist Eleanor Acquavella, Phillips Head of Design Cordelia Lembo, and educators Julie Cirelli from Harvard Graduate School of Design and Graeme Brooker from the Royal College of Art in London, as well as fashion’s Amy Fine Collins and Rachel Zoe. Also offering insight were photographers Matthieu Salvaing and Simon Upton and design editors from around the globe, including Galerie‘s editor in chief, Jacqueline Terrebonne.

“We wanted to make this as international as possible,” Norwich tells Galerie. “Phaidon fortunately publishes internationally so as a team we have lots of people who have strong connections around the world. We looked for nominators who we knew are both passionate and informed about the world of design and whom we could trust to judge fairly.”

Ornate room with grand clock, gold-framed mirror, patterned chair, and nature-themed wallpaper.
Kit Kemp crafted this Hyde Park Gate private residence in London. Photo: Simon Brown, Courtesy of Firmdale Hotels

By culling advice from myriad sources, the tome offers a wide variety of established and emerging interior design talents. Inside are inspired rooms from Kelly Wearstler, Brigette Romanek, Robert Stilin, SheltonMindel, Ken Fulk, Vincenzo De Cotiis, and Martyn Lawrence Bullard, as well as transportive spaces by rising stars like Humbert & Poyet, Young Huh, and Beata Heuman. Projects range from private residences to hospitality clients; some are tranquil and minimalist in their designs while others are maximalist to the fullest extent.

“In this post-postmodernist world, anything goes. But the production standards are very high,” says Phaidon’s William Norwich, who penned the introduction. “But, and, as a result a higher level of sophistication, discipline, and actualization—the production standards—are very high. Artful. Smart. Thoughtful. Do whatever you want, pursue any style, but do it very, very well.”

Here, a sample of some of the remarkable rooms featured in By Design: The World’s Best Contemporary Interior Designers (Phaidon).

Modern living room with green armchairs, gray walls, and view of a library in the background.
Studioilse conceived this hotel design for the Ett Hem Stockholm. Photo: Magnus Marding, Courtesy of Studioilse
Modern living room with glass doors, striped sofa, colorful artwork on walls, and wooden floors.
A den in a Malibu private residence, designed by Brigette Romanek of Romanek Design Studio. Photo: Justin Coit, Courtesy of Romanek Design Studio
Beautiful indoor garden restaurant with lush greenery, elegant table settings, and vibrant floral arrangements.
The Garden Room at Annabel’s, a private members’ club in London, conceived by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. Photo: Martin Brudnizki Design Studio
Colorful modern living room with diverse artwork, unique furniture, and a patterned rug.
A Floral Court, private residence in London, curated by Studio Ashby. Photo: Philip Durrant, courtesy of Studio Ashby

A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2021 Spring issue. Subscribe to the magazine.