Thank You Note: Victoria Hagan

In the first installment of "Thank You Note" I sang the praises of Michael S. Smith for expanding my appreciation of layers of detail in home design. Today I am going to share my deep admiration for Victoria Hagan and her mastery of simplicity. And I do not mean plain, I mean sensational. I purchased Victoria Hagan's first book, Interior Portraits after seeing her work in a publication. I was immediately impressed and wanted to see more. The book is filled with fantastic rooms and homes and lucky for me (and all!) the wish to see more was granted with her second book, Dream Spaces, another book filled with truly beautiful spaces. Victoria's third book, Live Now, will be available at the end of the month and I already have it on pre-order!

I shared a kitchen that Victoria Hagan designed yesterday in "On Trend Tuesday" and referred to it as a starry night - the more you look the more you see and that is the way to describe all of her designs. At first glance her interiors are calming and attractive, approachable and welcoming. They all remain this way and grow in depth and beauty the more you look at them. Victoria Hagan interiors, much like I mentioned for Michael S. Smith, do not have a particular signature element or feature that immediately have them pegged as hers, they do have similar building blocks though - symmetry, texture, and superb styling.

Following is a sample of some of Victoria Hagan's beautiful work from photographs I took from the pages of her books.

First off, she knows how to make an entrance!

The millwork, stair balusters and newel post are the textural elements in this space. The bench, with its graphic cutouts, the subtle striped blanket, and the simple artwork are the perfect decorative complements.

photo by Scott Frances

In this entrance, the chest and artwork above, as well as the bench and chair with similar lines provide the texture. The black and mix of whites in the space, and the decorative items on the chest are striking.

photo by Peter Estersohn

The rug and the paneling add the texture to the space and the hats, pillows, artwork and console table bring the space to life.

photo by Peter Estersohn

The next three images show the impact of well placed furniture and accessories. This shows you do not need a lot of items, rather a space can be gorgeous with single elements that make a strong, eye pleasing statement.

The sightline of the wood shark above the doorway in the stair landing, the chair in the dormer space and the peak into the room with the blue chair is near perfection.

photo by Scott Frances

This lattice screened hutch with the urn on top and chair to the side is stunning.

photo by Thiabult Jeanson

The small sconces and minimal styling on the mantel is lovely. You can also see a bit of what I think of as one of her design building blocks - symmetry - with the chairs by the fireplace that are the same size as the loveseat in the foreground, both with throws on the back.

photo by Peter Estersohn

The following rooms further highlight Victoria Hagan's use of symmetry in her designs.

photo by Thiabult Jeanson

The five over five artwork display above the long console table and the matching lamps supply the symmetry in this room and the paneled walls the texture. I am a big fan of the botanical prints.

photo by Scott Frances

This room is almost mirror images if you split it right down the middle. The tall windows and floor lamp on one side balance out the artwork and bench on the other making this room a work of art.

photo by Eric Piasecki

The bookcases, chairs by the fire and X-Benches are all symmetrical, grounding this beautiful room.

photo by Michael Mundy

This room is a beauty for sure. I love the way the pitchfork on the left balances out the chest and artwork on the right. Do you spy the beautiful black leather wingback chair in front of the pitchfork? Furniture Fever!

photo by John Lei

The end tables, lamps and windows create the symmetry here. The paneling adds the texture and the artwork and mirror bring it all together. I also love the way the walls above the paneling look like raw plaster - so pretty and more texture.

photo by Scott Frances

The four chairs and benches create perfect symmetry around the coffee table. The petite figurines on the mantel paired with the large round mirror add a wow factor in their simplicity.

photo by Durston Saylor

The ceiling makes this room completely symmetrical and I love the way the bookcases frame the space on the far wall with the window and door becoming symmetrical elements surrounding the artwork in the center. Gorgeous.

photo by Peter Estersohn

It doesn't get more symmetrical than this!

photo by Peter Estersohn

I love the way the bookcase adds height to the left side of the room, matching the ceiling rising as it crosses the room.

photo by Peter Estersohn

The lighting and ceiling again add symmetry in this kitchen. The island is also perfectly centered. This room takes an all white kitchen next level!

photo by Peter Estersohn

In these next three rooms, the fireplace does all of the talking!

photo by William Waldron

photo by Lisa Romerein

I will end with some examples of superb styling. I have dubbed Sean Anderson the master of detail in previous posts and here I am going to declare that Victoria Hagan is the queen of vignettes! Her table styling is next level - it is a constant source of inspiration.

photo by Durston Saylor

photo by William Waldron

A basket makes everything better :-)

photo by Scott Frances

photo by William Waldron

This entire entry hall set up is swoon worthy. The table styling, including the flanking chairs, seems so simple and yet is a starry night - it is extremely well curated and attractive. The bench across the way with the large mirror, sconces and wooden whale is the perfect set up for the opposing wall. The bell jar lantern is the icing on this entry hall cake. There is nothing I would not want in here.

photo by Peter Estersohn

This next picture is a master class on how to style a table. Love this!

photo by William Waldron

And the last image is one of the best vignettes I have ever seen. It looks like it could be a display at MOMA actually. Really, really love this. It goes to show that there is almost no limit on what can be used as artwork.

photo by William Waldron

I hope you have enjoyed taking a peak at the remarkable work of Victoria Hagan and join me in thanking her for the creative inspiration she provides. Every time I look at her work I see something new to admire and appreciate. It is fitting that I ended with vignettes today as I will be back tomorrow with a Vignettes of the Month post. See you there.

Thank you for stopping by today,

Kerry