Dissecting the Details: Ariel Okin

Hello everyone! Nancy of Marcus Design blog here to share an installment of Dissecting the Details with you today. I’m focusing in on NY-based designer Ariel Okin, who is also a contributing writer for Vogue.com, Architectural Digest, and domino. We should also add social-media maven to that list, as domino has named Ariel one of the top 20 interior design accounts to follow on Instagram. Let’s take a look at three key elements that Ariel expertly includes in her living room designs (photography by Seth Caplan).

ART THAT WOWS

Whether it’s gritty street photography or polished chinoiserie screens, Ariel carefully curates the perfect pieces for each space. I particularly love the oversized scale of these examples, and in the piece directly above, the 3-dimensional addition of whimsical butterflies is a textural feast for the eyes against grasscloth walls.

SPACE FOR DISPLAY

Space for display is particularly thought out and carved out in Ariel’s living room designs. Objet’s are expertly mixed with books, and every bowl and sculpture is carefully chosen to speak to the overall space. And where smooth and simple vases are used, rough and textural baskets are added to balance. I am quite partial to the stunning pair of Louis-style bookshelves!

STAND-OUT LAMPS

I love this last detail because as much as you may think it’s a small detail, a beautiful lamp or two can honestly make a room sing. Add a stellar custom lampshade like the woven scalloped beauty above and you’ll be sure to get endless compliments. When in doubt, go large scale; and you can never go wrong with an empire-style lampshade like these. These silhouettes that Ariel has incorporated into each living room are classic and sure to stand the test of time.

And there you have it, three important factors in the living spaces designed by Ariel Okin. Visit her website for more lovely projects, and nearly a dozen more will soon be added to her ever-expanding portfolio in some of New York’s most prestigious addresses. Until next time!