A Chat With Darryl Carter

Washington, D.C., designer Darryl Carter grew up in Maryland, graduated from Georgetown law school, and spent his early years as an attorney, so his penchant for classic, rational interiors is understandable. But what makes us return to his work again and again is his ability to take the refined and loosen it up a bit. He chooses his words as sparingly and thoughtfully as he does accessories, all for an extremely well-edited mix.

Southern Accents: What does a Darryl Carter space look and feel like?
Darryl Carter: Rooms should be both beautiful and functional. A number of my commissions are predominated by art, so the objective is to create rooms that respect those objects while remaining intimate. An environment should be welcoming, and this is achieved by using approachable textiles and integrating timeworn objects.

Your rooms are classic, very up-to-date, and never trendy. How do you make traditional look so fresh?
By pairing classic, time-honored forms with unorthodox textiles. Many antique pieces have a striking simplicity when executed in an unexpected fabric. Typically, I juxtapose these pieces against modern art in a relatively monochrome palette.

What designers, past and present, inspire you?
First, I would start with architect John Pawson. Picture a modern, glass box on a very private beach, with landscapes inspired by the late Dan Kiley. Also, Thomas Jefferson. Monticello is as brilliant today as it was when it was designed. Bill Blass' Connecticut home was perfection. And I admire Axel Vervoordt for his dexterity.

We've noticed that you use mostly solid fabrics. What do you do if your clients request rooms with patterns and prints?
I deliver them with a restrained palette, often using patterned material on its reverse so that it does not graphically overwhelm, but rather suggests more of a watercolor. This generally produces visual calm. The trick is a sensitivity to scale and balance.

Are there things that you feel have to be new and some pieces that you prefer to be antique?
I love the patina of a well-worn antique, but on a practical note, a credible reproduction might work just as well. Upholstered pieces can be better new for comfort. Good is good.

Name some of your favorite artists who complement your style.
I have a tremendous respect for Cy Twombly, Willem de Kooning, Franz Klein, and Pablo Picasso's early sculptures. And I support a number of emerging artists, including William Willis, Mahmoud Hamadani, Meredith Pardue, and Linn Meyers.

What's next on your horizon?
I have a book titled The New Traditional (Clarkson Potter, 2008, $45) that is expected to be available by early fall. It is a beautifully illustrated "self-help" guide to creating your own interior. I also have a home collection for Thomasville, debuting this spring at High Point Market and coming out this fall. It's very diverse and speaks to a range of tastes -- I wanted to give people varied and accessible options so that no two homes are alike.

RESOURCES: Darryl Carter, Darryl Carter, Inc., 866/234-5926, www.darrylcarter.com. Thomasville, 800/225-0265, www.thomasville.com.