Decorating & Design
November 11, 2020
An Enviable Collection Of Art Brings This Maximalist Living Room To Life
New Jersey-based interior designer Beth Diana Smith is best known for her eclectic maximalist style where color, pattern and texture live in perfect harmony. Her living room is a prime example of her design ethos. “I’m big on texture because it makes a room feel well layered,” says Beth. Touches of luxurious velvet, brass and wood provide a backdrop for statement accessories like pillows, art and rugs to command attention. Beth uses her living room for lounging and entertaining guests. “The key to loving where you live is to plan and furnish based on how you want to live instead of having your furniture and decor dictate it for you,” she says. Scroll down to learn how she nailed the maximalist look while maintaining a cohesive feel.
Beth describes the vibe of her living room as “eclectic, fun and interesting.” She adds: “I wanted to create a space that had a lot of visual interest, room to sit and kick your feet up and most importantly, comfort.”
The gallery wall was a labor of love, according to Beth. “I used a mix of old and new pieces,” she says. “The Paris library in plexiglass is something I’ve had for more than seven years, but it’s one of my favorite pieces. It’s moved around my home based on my art needs.” She paired the piece with custom abstract works from Texan artist Virginia Beshears and fans from Reflektion Design.
There’s also a print from Brooklyn Dolly, one of Beth’s favorite artists, a vintage shield from the online marketplace Chairish, photography prints, and a piece of cloth from the Kuba Kingdom of Central Africa, which Beth framed as a DIY. “The goal was to have a mix of materials and sizes so it felt well-curated.”
If Beth had to pick a favorite item in her living room, it’d be her sofa, which is the Rhoe model from Bungalow 5. “I had it upholstered in Violet Velvet from Trend by Fabricut,” she says. “The color is high-impact and brings so much personality to the space — and it is insanely comfortable.”
Color has always played a huge part in Beth’s design, but she’s strategic with how she uses it and how different shades look together. “I always recommend sampling everything, including paint and fabric swatches, and looking at them together,” she advises. “Always be cognizant that color never looks the same digitally as it will in person.”
Beth incorporated storage pieces that add both function and style. “An oversized media cabinet can store everything from books to throws to additional decor,” she says. First plan for what you need to store, then shop for furniture based on those needs, advises Beth.
The painting above the gilded bar cart is by Malene Barnett, artist and founder of the Black Artists + Designers Guild. The portrait is called Makeda, Queen of Sheba.
The living room is open to Beth’s dining room, which can make it difficult to create a feeling of separation. She accomplished this by using large grounding pieces such as area rugs. “It provides a clear distinction on the floor between the spaces,” says Beth. “The furniture, art and lighting should follow suit.”
A captivating portrait by Chicago artist Natalie Osborne draws the eye to the dining area.
Mike Van Tassell
Beth Diana Smith