Katie Ridder is such a natural with the details of color and pattern play that her books are even decorated- when you open the cover you will be met with delightful wallpaper patterns, which you will also find on the front and back covers and binding. Her sense of design is upbeat, magical and clever.
The above photo is a client’s library. Her bold use of red lacquer walls with the blue lacquered desk, and mix of patterns between the window treatments and carpet result in a perfect environment for the writer-client.
Above- detail of a family room. Charming and packed with details that bring everything together, the antique mahogany chest is styled against a lively wallpaper with a pair of chinese vase lamps with grosgrain- trimmed lampshades. Ridder knows how to have fun with decorative details and pattern-play.
In this Upper East Side townhouse kitchen, Ridder covered an entire wall with Mosaic House tile. The halothane pendants reflect the natural light from the garden beyond. I love Ridder’s purposeful use of honed Carrara marble counters- which are meant to age with use like those in Parisian bistros, and the butcher block which is intended to acquire a patina over the years. Design choices of this nature add warmth and character.
She thoughtfully addresses what guest bedrooms should be designed to provide: where to unpack the bag, where to put the laptop, where to read a book. She promotes that all of these questions should be answered gracefully through thoughtful interior design choices.
When it comes to bathrooms, Ridder has some basic rules of design that are worth consideration. One is that the shower should be separate from the bathtub whenever possible. Furthermore, the bathtub should never be chosen for looks alone- should be comfortable as well (and that is not too much to ask). Powder rooms are one place to NOT hold back. Because we spend limited time in them and because they are small, they should have a big impact. Their limited size bring down the cost of elevated finishes, so go big. Don’t ever underestimate the power of wallpaper to transform a room. Ridder designs beautiful wallpapers, fabrics, and rugs– her new Menagerie wallpaper, which covers the binding of this book, will leave you searching for a project to paper in this pattern.
Ridder has engaged in multiple collaborations with artists, artisans, craftsmen, workrooms, antiques dealers, and fabric houses- openly and graciously giving credit where it is due. Her fashionable clientele extends across the most posh areas of NYC and beyond, which is why we have seen her work through the years in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Town & Country, New York Times, Domino, and Kips Bay Showhouse.
Her purposeful contrasts make her projects unique to the client, often with distinctive results that mix decadence with practicality. Ridder’s style is a fresh and energizing mix of color plays, old & new, texture and pattern – resulting in design that celebrates life.
If you are inspired by what you see here, order a copy of More Rooms for yourself or a stylish friend.
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Another unique designer you expose us to, at least some of us. I love my education through your style and knowledge.