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Sarah Sherman Samuel Conjures a Handsome Bedroom Suite Around a Milton Avery Painting

The Michigan designer molds residential spaces with instinct and a sensitivity to art

By Ryan Waddoups
Modern interior design collage featuring furniture, lighting, decor, and artwork on a muted green background.

Michigan designer Sarah Sherman Samuel molds residential spaces with instinct and a sensitivity to art. That perspective underpins her richly detailed new monograph, Sarah Sherman Samuel (Abrams), and guides a handsome bedroom she conceived around a Milton Avery canvas. “Color is the workhorse of the painting,” she says.

Vibrant painting of pink and white flowers in a green vase against a textured yellow background on a red surface.
Milton Avery, Bouquet (1962). Photo: COURTESY OF CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2026

Milton Avery treads the line between abstract and literal so well. His shapes could almost come alive”

Sarah Sherman Samuel

Rather than mirror the palette, Samuel took cues from the overall aesthetic, choosing statement pieces that harmoniously coexist with the captivating artwork.

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Stone rose conical chandelier by Chen Chen & Kai Williams from The Future Perfect.

Cashmere-and-wool throw by Villa Como from Artemest.

Vase by Ligne Roset.

Angel candelabra by Fisher Weisman.

Cinder sconce by Ironware from Thomas Lavin.

Grinza bed by Fernando and Humberto Campana for Edra.

Jayne bedside table by Baker.

Folia mirror by Trnk.

Stroll fabric by Kelly Wearstler for Lee Jofa.

Artistic chandelier with multiple arms adorned with decorative glass orbs, hanging from a white ceiling.
Pink knitted blanket with fringed edges displayed on a white background.
Green and blue gradient glass vase with a vertical ribbed texture standing on a white background
Bronze candelabra with two lit candles, featuring a winged figure and decorative details.
Triangular bronze metallic shield with a gradient surface displaying shades of brown and gold.
Unique bed with artistic, wavy wooden frame and white bedding, showcasing modern and artistic furniture design.
Wooden nightstand with a single drawer and open shelf, featuring a minimalist design and light brown finish.
Modern decorative wooden framed mirror with irregular shape on a white background.
Patterned fabric with small black rectangles on a brown background creating a geometric, textured design.
Artistic chandelier with multiple arms adorned with decorative glass orbs, hanging from a white ceiling.
Pink knitted blanket with fringed edges displayed on a white background.
Green and blue gradient glass vase with a vertical ribbed texture standing on a white background
Bronze candelabra with two lit candles, featuring a winged figure and decorative details.
Triangular bronze metallic shield with a gradient surface displaying shades of brown and gold.
Unique bed with artistic, wavy wooden frame and white bedding, showcasing modern and artistic furniture design.
Wooden nightstand with a single drawer and open shelf, featuring a minimalist design and light brown finish.
Modern decorative wooden framed mirror with irregular shape on a white background.
Patterned fabric with small black rectangles on a brown background creating a geometric, textured design.

A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2026 Spring Issue under the headline “Budding Wisdom.” Subscribe to the magazine.