M Naeve Designs a Moody Gallery and Powder Room for Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas

Overview of the powder room and entry gallery

“I started with a center table from Black Creek Mercantile and a dramatic hanging fixture from Apparatus,” says designer Margaret Naeve. “This not only provides a dramatic entry, but also separates the long gallery into two spaces. The art I installed consists of Paul Lee, Amanda Martinez, and Jason Karolak — all from David Shelton Gallery. I played with scale for the art, at times opting for a small yet powerful piece on some of the larger walls in the gallery. The art as a whole is a good collection of materials, texture, and composition. For the gallery, even the furniture and lighting are pieces of art in their own way, from the Green River Project stool to the early-20th-century pieces. I’m known for a neutral palette but opted to go for a very moody powder room. For this space, I changed the location of the toilet to allow for a full wall-to-wall integrated stone vanity and sink. For the walls, I partnered with Cle Tile to install a 4-inch x 4-inch black zellige tile. To complement the dark walls, I elected to install a wide-plank white oak floor. Lighting was again from Apparatus, which I complemented with a vintage mirror that I sourced from Hollywood at Home in Los Angeles. There was an awkward utility closet within the existing powder room that did not work with the flow. Accordingly, I elected to close-off the space and create an inset plaster shelving installation that really finished out the space.

“While both rooms could stand alone, there is a common thread that not only connects both spaces but reflects my design aesthetic.” — M Naeve

Margaret Naeve of M Naeve on highlights, collaborations, and sources:

Highlights

I stayed with the theme of a gallery, from the art installation to the individual furniture and lighting selections. From the Green River Project stool to the Erica Sellers side table, everything can be considered a work of art. I especially loved the Apparatus light installation that immediately grabs your eye as you enter the home.

Collaborations

I worked with David Shelton Gallery for the art that was utilized in the gallery. I have a great working relationship and friendship with David, so it was a great experience. Apparatus Studio and BCMT are two lines that I carry in my store, and it was exciting to be able to display their craftsmanship in my space. Carol Piper rugs generously provided the beautiful hemp runner that connected the entirety of the space.

I partnered with Cambria Dallas showroom to build the monolithic vanity in the formal powder.

My builder Blake Evenson of Hudson Construction in Dallas did an amazing job and was crucial in pulling the room together

A favorite piece in your room

I absolutely love the clam chair. It grounds the end of the gallery and is an iconic 20th-century piece. Plus, it is amazingly comfortable.

Biggest challenge

Honestly, dealing with the project from afar and having a room in the middle of daily foot traffic proved to be the biggest challenge. Also, making a small bathroom feel impactful and memorable. I pulled that off by using a dramatic black zellige tile from Cle Tile to create a moody vibe. I’m really proud of the way the powder bath turned out.