Happy New Year, Gentle Readers! 2026 is going to be OUR YEAR! It’s going to be amazing! As the kids say, We’re manifesting that [stuff]!
As we approach the end of January, I’m feeling extremely grateful for the clients and projects we have right now. We’re working on renovations of historic houses (below, the lighting is ours, and everything else is coming!);
whimsical new builds;
and houses in cities and on mountains and islands;
all filled with color, pattern, and personality.
(And we’re adding to our team — again! So if you know anyone…)
We’re having a ball. but ya always gotta be thinking ahead. So. Here are some things I’d like to do in 2026.
Decorate another house built in the 1910s-1920s, e.g. a pre-war apartment in NY. It’s my favorite period: I love the gracious proportions and strong (not ornate) details from this time. Some current projects in this category are wrapping up, so let’s book a new one!
Design a bedroom around a super tall headboard, à la Kit Kemp. Momentarily, I’m heading over to one of the hotels she’s designed, the Knightsbridge in London, and I’m hoping that inspiration will strike. This goal is kind of unfair to list, because it’s 100% attainable: I’m redoing my own bedroom right now. (My house is my lab, remember.) The contractors demo-ed the adjacent bathroom on Friday. — we’re connecting the two rooms — so time is of the essence in getting that design plan together. I’ll keep you posted.
Paint a room “Arsenic.” Not the poison (those nutty Victorians, with their silent but deadly wallpaper), but the color. Which doesn’t exist as such. It’s almost like this:
Or this.
Farrow & Ball has a color that’s actually called Arsenic, but it’s wimpy! It lacks conviction. My imaginary Arsenic has a bite. (I actually did a TikTok about this, if you’re interested ;) )
Find a fantastic resource for high-end bedding that provides samples I can show clients and that isn’t super annoying to work with. Sheets, quilts, duvet covers…I need it all. Emphasis on that second part: you can’t believe how complicated some manufacturers and vendors make this process. We had the bedding below custom-made. It’s gorgeous, but it took months to arrive.
Fifth and finally, cover a living room in a low-contrast, small-scale wallpaper such as Schumacher’s Burley in Straw. I’d especially love to do it in a yellow/camel color like this:
The installation photo of this Schumacher pattern, Mira, illustrates the effect I’m going for.
See how subtle it is? In my book, I caution wallpaper novices against tiny patterns because they’re kind of old fashioned. Correct. That is intentional here. Since living rooms are today’s final frontier when it comes to wallpaper, that’s what I want to do. A small-patterned, low-contrast wallpaper will create a cozy, charming backdrop for an intimate hangout space. I can’t wait.
Bonus goal: I’d love to decorate another apartment in New York. Please keep that in mind ;)
To achieve these goals-slash-wish-list-items, we’re adding to our team — again! So if you know anyone…
I hope your new year is off to a terrific start, Gentle Readers. You’ll be hearing from me on a more regular basis now that I’m back in the swing of things ;)
Annie has been an interior designer in Washington, D.C. for more than 20 years, so she knows a thing or two. Her book, My Neighbor Saw Me Naked, and Other Reasons You Need Drapes: The Essential Decorating Handbook, is for sale via online retailers and in very cool brick-and-mortar bookstores.
Annie Elliott Design is booking projects for spring 2026. Please be in touch to discuss.