Catch the Intrepid Design Spirit, Courtesy of Brian J. McCarthy

“One of Albert Hadley’s great talents lay in his ability to create surprise: to ring a delightful, sometimes audacious change on expectation that could make what otherwise may have been a very traditional room crackle with excitement,” writes Brian J. McCarthy of his iconic mentor. McCarthy himself has that keen designer’s eye and intrepid spirit that let him mix with confidence — European and American antiques, abstract art and classical architectural details, zebra patterns with traditional silhouettes. When he can’t find the piece he needs, he designs it himself or commissions it from an artist. The results always have that crackle.

Luminous Interiors - $60 In his new book, Luminous Interiors, McCarthy shares nine stunning projects. Bonus: Even though I don’t buy books for their covers, I love this one even more for what’s under the jacket: a bold turquoise cover with gold embossed lettering. While I’ll open this book often for inspiration, I’ll also leave it out on display as a superchic accessory.

Create the crackle of design excitement. The jacket depicts a Manhattan apartment designed by McCarthy; the couple who live here wanted New York glamour and a modern take on traditional. In the living room, classical architectural details are rendered in a modern way, and the bold Milton Avery work mounted on the mirrored wall creates the crackle.


Balance old and new, ornate and contemporary. “Each room has a judiciously selected mixture of antique and modern pieces, and the palettes were kept simple,” McCarthy writes. White Venetian plaster walls and black lacquer details give the master suite updated Hollywood glamour, while textile patterns including embroidery, paisley, fretwork and zebra show a subtle Anglo-Indian influence.


Don’t shy away from windows in the bath. In the same apartment, the translucent glass you see behind the round mirrors is a window that provides great natural light and privacy.


Add some spice to a white kitchen. The deep orange McCarthy chose for these French-style chairs takes this kitchen from simply lovely to spectacular (there’s that crackle again).

Table, chairs: custom designed by McCarthy


You can be relaxed and sophisticated at once. This home is on a rural site in a coastal town, which should lend an easy-breezy vibe. In the formal dining room, McCarthy combined a sculptural table, wall murals based upon Monet’s lilies, an 18th-century Italian glass chandelier, a mirrored buffet, beaded glass and amethyst.

All of these materials are luxe but not the least bit heavy; the light palette and sun-drenched spot make it a tranquil room. “The room is relaxed, but with an elegance that bridges the gap between a casual weekend house and a more formal dwelling,” he writes.

Table: Bill Sullivan; mural: Point 618


You can decorate a home in a seaside locale without shells. In the same home, McCarthy references the coastal setting via watery blues, wave patterns on the walls, ethereal curtains with coconut fiber woven into the fabric, and glass.

Painting: Sophie von Hellermann


Amp up the drama with a dark painted ceiling. Deep chocolate adds depth to this otherwise light room in McCarthy’s own Upper West Side apartment.

Crocodile consoles: bronze, Claude Lalanne


Go for subdued in a bedroom. Neutrals like off-white and champagne encourage a restful night, while a mix of artwork, textiles and finishes expresses McCarthy’s and partner Daniel Sager’s personal styles. For instance, there’s a curvy bench at the foot of their clean-lined bed; the bench is from the 1800s, and they found it in Antwerp.

The couple describe themselves as art crazed, and their photography collection includes works by (from left to right) Minor White, George Rousse and Brett Weston. Cotton, wool, gilt shagreen, brass, leather and even paper (via the Noguchi Lantern overhead) create a rich material palette in the calming space.


Redefine tradition. Classic silhouettes take on new life with unexpected fabrics, like on this bold paprika zebra chair. A casual rug and gilded wall lights mix harmoniously. Regarding the large lantern, McCarthy writes, “in a space that texture has infused with nervous energy, the stillness of a compelling object gives the eye an opportunity to rest.” That’s a good one to remember.

Wall lights over mantel: Hélène de Saint Lager


Shimmer is good. The walls in this dining room received a very luxe treatment: They were coated in Venetian plaster, lacquered and flecked with gold.


Look at familiar places with a fresh perspective. Once a bit of a Berkshires, Massachusetts, snob, McCarthy had never thought much of Ulster County, New York. But after a weekend visit to a friend’s home, the woods, rural character and views of the Catskills had him hooked. He and Danny built a new home inspired by the simplicity of farmhouses but with more graciously sized rooms and higher ceilings. The retreat is a casual alternative to their more ornate Manhattan apartment.

The couple filled the house with art, furniture, books and accessories they’ve been collecting around the world for years. The suzani on the console table dates to the 1800s.


In design, nothing is ever done; explore your design curiosity. “I’m always encouraging clients to just go and look at everything, because the more you’re exposed to, the more willing you’ll be to go in unusual, unexpected directions,” McCarthy writes. “Our place, I hope, expresses that curious sensibility. It’s always evolving, some things work better than others — but in a way, that’s what makes it a home.”

Four-poster bed: French, iron, found in Rhinebeck, New York; suzani: antique, Madeline Weinrib; artwork over bed: Joseph Kosuth

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