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Ray Booth Designs a Room Around an Entrancing Anish Kapoor Mirror

As evidenced by this private library, the interior designer always strives to combine pieces from an array of periods

By Jacqueline Terrebonne
Collage of modern furniture and decor, including a colorful wall art, vases, chair, sofa, table, and lamp on dark background.
A room designed by Ray Booth around the work *Mirror (Purple to Pagan Gold)* (2017) by Anish Kapoor. The background is Black Fox by Benjamin Moore. Photo: Dave Morgan, Courtesy of Anish Kapoor Studio, BK Antiques, 1stdibs, Hickory Chair, Arteriors, Oliver Gustav, and John Salibello

At the architecture and design firm McAlpine, Ray Booth brings meaning to every space he crafts. He wants to help people connect to an interior by creating rooms that are open invitations to enjoy and explore. By cultivating a diversity of styles, ages, and patinas, he uses textures and materials to conjure a visual symphony that resounds with a feeling of truly being home.

Ray Booth.
Ray Booth. Photo: Courtesy of McAlpine

“When you look at these mirror paintings, they literally spin you on your head and change your perception of space,” says Booth. “Designing a private library around a Kapoor allows someone to spend time alone contemplating its mystery and beauty.”

Large round wall art with a gradient blend of purple and yellow on a white brick wall background.
Photo: Dave Morgan, Courtesy of Anish Kapoor Studio

Anish Kapoor, Mirror (Purple to Pagan Gold), 2017.

Modern light gray three-seater sofa with clean lines, plush cushions, and metal legs, providing a sleek and comfortable seating option.
Photo: Courtesy of Hickory Chair

Cradle sofa by Hickory Chair.

Modern floor lamp with a white cylindrical shade and sleek black stand on a rectangular base.
Photo: Courtesy of Arteriors

Piloti floor lamp by Arteriors.

Round brown wooden table with a single pedestal base on a white background.
Photo: Courtesy of Hickory Chair

Triad side table by Hickory Chair.

Stone amphora vase with two handles, tall neck, and round base.
Photo: Courtesy of BK Antiques

Ceramic vase by John Born from BK Antiques.

Square amber-colored transparent box with a shiny surface.
Photo: Courtesy of John Salibello

Glass box from John Salibello.

A vintage beige rug with geometric patterns and faded motifs, featuring a border with zigzag accents.
Photo: Courtesy of Keivan Woven Arts

Rug from Keivan Woven Arts.

Rustic ceramic dinner plate with a speckled white surface and a brown textured rim.
Photo: Courtesy of Oliver Gustav

Plate by Michaël Verheyden from Oliver Gustav. 

Elegant wooden armchair with tan leather upholstery and nailhead trim.
Photo: Courtesy of 1stdibs

Antique desk armchair from 1stdibs.

A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2020 Summer issue in the section The Artful Home: Focal Point. Subscribe to the magazine.