ELLE Decor Magazine recently released the 2012 A-List: Their third-annual compilation of the country's most talented designers that we should be sure to keep our eye on! 10 new names were added: Brockschmidt & Coleman, B Five Studio, Aman & Meeks, Emma Jane Pilkington, Fisher Weisman, Steven Harris Architects Rees Roberts and Partners, Haynes-Roberts, Paul Fortune, J. Randall Powers, and Celerie Kemble. We were lucky enough to chat with ELLE Decor's editor-in-chief, Michael Boodro, to share with you what goes into putting the A-List together.
The decision as to which designers to add was tough! In addition to Boodro, a team including Anita Sarsidi, ELLE Decor's Design Director and Florentino Pamintuan, ELLE Decor's Creative Director weighed in by looking at the projects they had published over the year for the ones that were the most memorable -- and had also particularly excited and pleased their readers.
We asked Michael if he noticed any themes among these designers' work. Although the publication features eclectic projects with many different styles, two distinct directions have emerged. Refined modernism with a paired down aesthetic, mastered by designers such as BG studio and Steven Harris is one. Boodro says this approach is more difficult to pull off than the layered look, which can be more forgiving. Also trending? Traditional design (the kind that uses old-world techniques), with a youthful twist. Celerie Kemble is a designer that carries this out beautifully. Of course he can't play favorites, but Boodro says Brockshmidt and Coleman have particularly caught his eye as important designers moving forward. The home of Lynn Nesbit, published last year, exemplifies these contemporary designers' skill and grace.
These exciting projects and hundreds more can be viewed in ELLE Decor's New LookBook App that launched just last week. With this app, you can see interiors photos organized by either style or room type making it very handy for decorating on the go! We love that you can easily create files, email images to friends for feedback, and bring it on shopping trips for inspiration at a glance.
To read more about ELLE Decor Magazine 2012 A-List or their new LookBook App click here and don't forget to view our slideshow of work by these fabulous designers below.
ELLE Decor's A-List
Cover of ELLE Decor's June 2012 Issue(01 of12)
Open Image ModalCheck out the magazine's A-List in this issue on stands now!
A Tasteful Manhattan Library (02 of12)
Open Image ModalThis serene space by designers Brockschmidt and Coleman is a harmonious mix of antiques and modern furnishings. Photo by William Waldron
Sleek Miami Beach Living Room(03 of12)
Open Image ModalB Five Studio created a sleek and contemporary oasis for homeowners in Miami.Photo by William Waldron
A Tailored New York City Living Room(04 of12)
Open Image ModalThis timeless and elegant living room by designers Aman and Meeks comes to life with beautifully curated fine art.Photo by Eric Piasecki
Calming Manhattan Library (05 of12)
Open Image ModalAustralian-born designer Emma Jane Pilkington punctuates this neutral sitting area with a bold floor and modern art. Photo by Pascal Chevallier
Glamorous New York City Living Room(06 of12)
Open Image ModalTimothy Haynes and Kevin Roberts, partners in the design team Haynes-Roberts, made this living room shine with their choices of glimmering finishes and bold pops of color. Photo by William Waldron
Indoor-Outdoor Dining Room In New York(07 of12)
Open Image ModalThe architectural and design collaborative efforts by Steven Harris Architects and Rees Roberts and Partners were the forces behind this effortless dining area. Look how beautifully the space seamlessly meshes with its upstate New York surroundings. Photo by William Abranowicz
Surprising Master Bath in Sonoma County(08 of12)
Open Image ModalWho wouldn't want to soak in this free-standing tub under an intricate shell-adorned chandelier in this master bath by the design team Fisher Weisman? Photo by Grey Crawford
A Wordly Master Bath(09 of12)
Open Image ModalPaul Fortune chose unique furnishing and a graphic tiled floor to complete this light-filled bathroom.Photo by Tim Street-Porter
A Bright Houston Bedroom(10 of12)
Open Image ModalThis airy and bright bedroom by J. Randall Powers combines clean lines and classic styles. We would love to wake up to here every morning! Photo by Joshua McHugh
Eclectic Manhattan Townhouse(11 of12)
Open Image ModalCelerie Kemble is known for mixing traditional furnishings with modern twists to create livable but still glamorous spaces.Photo by William Waldron
Brand New LookBook App(12 of12)
Open Image ModalMake sure to download ELLE Decor's new LookBook App for access to these inspirational images and over 700 others, making it easy to create and save files of your favorite rooms!