Issue #61 | The Design Issue
My growing obsession with interior design. Plus, the Friday Five
A few years ago, something shifted in my news-reading habits: every weekend, when the Sunday edition of The New York Times arrived on my stoop, the first section I opened wasn’t news, arts, or style — it was real estate. I wasn’t even in the market to buy an apartment; I just wanted to see what was out there, and I loved the interior design stories. That curiosity sparked a growing interest in design and architecture, one that has only intensified since. The only new magazine I’ve subscribed to in recent years is Architectural Digest.
A few months ago, my wife and I found out we had to move out of our Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, apartment. It’s never fun to have to relocate, but we both realized we were excited about the idea of a new place — and what we might do with it. We’ve spent a lot of time browsing interior design inspiration on Instagram and online, and we’ve noticed a few trends we really like.
1. Maximalism Is In
Scandinavian minimalism, beige walls, and big white spaces are out — cluttered bookshelves, bold rugs, and gallery walls (see below) are in. Lately, there’s been a rise in pattern mixing, funky wallpaper, and eclectic furniture pairings.
But there has to be a method to the madness; otherwise, a maximalist interior just looks like clutter. Notice in the image above how the gallery wall feels intentional, with a balanced mix of large and small pieces; a table that’s decorated but not overly busy; and rugs and furniture that complement each other. It’s busy but thoughtful — and that’s what makes it work.
2. Gallery Walls Are Back
Oh, hey there, Walton Goggins, Style King. Nice West Lang piece above the fireplace. Not only is Goggins a world class suit-wearer and shirt-unbuttoner, he’s also a big art collector and enjoys displaying his collection all over his Upstate New York farmhouse.
When I arrived in New York in 2013, every Brooklyn coffee shop had a gallery wall of random shit the owners had picked up at Long Island estate sales. It was cool at first, but then it became ubiquitous. The gallery wall died. But after a decade of bright white spaces, it’s making a comeback.
Gallery walls can still veer into that Brooklyn–coffee shop vibe, but with the right pieces and thoughtful placement — smaller works in mixed frames arranged around one or a few larger anchors — you can achieve the Goggins Effect.
3. Sectional Fever
Love ’em or hate ’em, sectionals are in. They’re the perfect furniture for movie and TV watching, and I think they look great, especially in a large living room.
During Covid, I moved into a loft near the Navy Yard in Brooklyn and bought the Sundays Movie Night Sectional (it was a lot cheaper back then). When I moved again, I only considered apartments big enough to hold it. I’ve spent countless hours lounging on that thing, often falling asleep watching TV with Mrs. Front of Book — much to her annoyance.
4. Wood Panels Galore
Wood paneling has been teleported from the 1980s into the present, and I’m all for it. If it weren’t so expensive, I’d panel the hell out of our new apartment. Even a small section, like in the top photo, goes a long way. It adds so much warmth and character to a room.
5. Plaster Walls
There’s very little I don’t like about Michael Shannon’s Brooklyn apartment featured in Architectural Digest (or about Michael Shannon himself) — from the vintage MP-81 lounge sofa (a mere $21,000) to the rugs on the ceiling (!) to the secret windowless mystery room for his kids.
Almost unnoticed are the Venetian plaster walls in the living room. They give the space a subtle texture and personality without overshadowing the furniture and accessories. The way light and shadow interact on plaster walls makes them look almost alive.
Speaking of Micheal Shannon, he plays the short-lived President Andrew Garfield in the excellent new Netflix limited series Death By Lighting, which is dangerously close to going under the radar. Come for Shannon, stay for co-stars Matthew Macfadyen, Nick Offerman, and Bradley Whitford.
Follow Death by Lighting with a chaser of HBO’s The Chair Company. Tim Robinson is hand’s down the funniest man in America right now. That face alone!
Print is Back, Part 1:
and of Central Division (two of the most prominent menswear writers in the game) have just published print newspaper covering travel, style, sports, and more.
Print is Back, Part 2: My old employer Roads & Kingdoms has returned to form with the launch of its own annual print magazine and a host of other editorial offerings. Issue #1: Pleasure-Seeking in a Deranged World is out now.
In the market for a new parka? I’m drooling over William Elery’s Whidbey Wonder:
That’s all for this week. Enjoy the weekend and see you back here soon.
Mitch
Question? Comment? Suggestion? Caught a typo? Email me at mitch.moxley@gmail.com