Iantha Carley Interiors

People are so often referring to their “jewel box powder rooms”…but what if made our laundry rooms jewel boxes, too?? I’ve recently done a couple of laundry room makeovers and would have been thrilled to take the spaces to the next level. I’m delighted to share a few inspiring laundry rooms, featuring a mix of gorgeous painted cabinets, whimsical wallcoverings, and colorful tiling.

A huge thanks to , , , .adams.interiors, , , , , and for your beautiful, ever-inspiring work!

Happy 4th of July, everyone!

As an African American, I’ve had a complicated relationship with this holiday. For a long time, I allowed myself to feel disenfranchised from the celebrations, knowing that while America gained its independence in 1776, my ancestors were still enslaved and could only dream about being free.

But with age comes wisdom and I’ve come to realize the importance of acknowledging this day. Despite the injustices and struggles, so many of my ancestors played crucial roles in building this country. Their resilience and contributions are woven into the very fabric of America.

Today, I celebrate their strength, their sacrifices, and their unyielding spirit. This 4th of July, let’s honor all who have contributed to building this nation.
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BTW, this is the closest I’ve ever come to doing a red, white and blue color palette!

It is my dream to own a vintage Defender, preferably one that is attached to a farmhouse in the Cotswolds 🇬🇧🌳 So when I first stumbled upon today’s , I literally couldn’t contain my excitement. Please head to to follow the adventures of a defender named “Hutch” and its lovely owners, Amelia and Al.

On this last day of Pride Month, I want to thank someone who taught me at an early age to live without bias or prejudice (except for stupid, narrow-minded people), my Mom. When I was growing up in the mid-sixties, we had a neighbor who had a couple of friends who would visit quite often. They were two of the nicest men and really loved children. They would bring their reel-to-reel recorder and my sister and I would spend hours singing, playing board games and simply talking. One day, I asked my Mom why the two men were always together. There was nothing that occurred that prompted the question, it was just a childhood observation. My mother replied quite simply, “they’re just really good friends”. Good enough answer for me. As I got older and came to realize the nature of their relationship it made me so happy to know that my Mom was so kind and respectful, particularly for the time period. People are people. People are either decent or not and it has nothing to do with who they love. Hope your Pride Month was spectacular and let’s keep it in our hearts all year. Love is love🏳️‍🌈.

Unlike many designers, I don’t keep a ready inventory of accessories and lighting, as I so often love to keep the items for myself! The moment I saw this chandelier - a beautiful mix between Dorothy Draper and Syrie Maugham - I knew I had to have it. Fortunately for me, my clients were not as enamored with it as I, so I traded them a couple of additional service hours for it. It will be a while before I can put it to use in my next dining room…but it’s going to look incredible!

We’re back in the Eastern Shore, where I have a new update on our waterfront project. If you can believe it, blue and white color palettes are actually my least favorite for waterside living. It’s just a bit too…expected. When selecting fabrics for my client’s patio, I was thus faced with a quandary, especially after stumbling upon this irresistible fabric from called “Zip.” The ”Sunburst” colorway was giving me serious vibes while the “Grasshopper” colorway was a total . Yet in the end, the blue-shaded “Rainwater” was perfect, encompassing a mix of blues and grays that go beautifully with the azure cushions and umbrellas 💙

An important rule to remember in design: “Expected” doesn’t always mean bad.

What does one do when one’s client comes across a magnificent piece of driftwood? Three words: Display, display, display!

I had so much fun working with to create a metal base for this wonder of nature, which we paired with a sleek, acrylic table from . It’s so sculptural, and I just love the transparency of it all.

It’s been quite a while since I’ve done a or a , so I thought I’d cross two birds off and share a room that is both inspiring AND green. Shades of a lush summer garden make their way into the bathroom of Julia Amory’s Palm Beach cottage, as featured recently in . A masterclass on mixing patterns, the room features a gingham skirt sink (an all-time favorite detail of mine!) as well as a Renaissance-inspired wallpaper by .

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I am beyond excited to be working with a couple to restore and furnish this incredible mid-century home. It has so many pieces and elements that I’m working hard to keep, such as this custom screen divider. Don’t you just love it?

The month ended with an incredible trip sponsored by the to the Kips Bay Showhouse and the New York Design Center! The whole showhouse was spectacular, though the spaces that resonated with me most were that ones that adhered to personal, livable design. I love when you can see a designer’s authenticity shine through!

Once at , we had the best time thanks to our hosts, Julian Chichester, Jiun Ho, and Desiron. We also got to sneak in a few quick trips to a few of my favorite showrooms, including Vaughan Designs, Benjamin Moore, and House of Hackney.

Always a great time in the big apple!

Summer is almost in full swing (I’m still on the calendar of when our public-school year ends!), though May was quite a month! For the rest of this week, I’m going to be sharing some of my highlights from the last month of spring, beginning with an intimate dinner to celebrate the recent
opening of the brand new showroom in Bethesda.

As you’d imagine, the new showroom is just gorgeous and filled with so much natural light. It was so wonderful meeting so many new designers and to catch up with old friends. The guest of honor was designer, stylist, and creative consultant , who recently collaborated with the brand on their current ad campaign – it’s very Slim Aarons and perfect for summer!

If you’re looking for some pure escapism – plus a little bit of an adrenaline rush – then look no further than my next : .2.capetown. The account follows three young doctors from the UK (Karen, James, and Spence) as they make their way from their home in London to South Africa. Oddly enough, I never even thought of this as something that could even be done! As you can imagine, it’s been quite an adventure for the trio – rivers, deserts, police shakedowns, and car trouble with their Toyota Hilux, which they lovingly call “Edna.”

My only advice to them would be next time – drive a Rover!

Another look at my table, “Riverside Elegance: in A Rappahannock Oyster Affair,” for the Spring Tablescapes Showcase on behalf of 💚💕

Vendors:

Photography:
Tablecloth Fabric:
Floral Arrangment:
Chargers:
Dinner & Oyster Plates:
Glassware:
Napkins:
Oyster Napkin Rings:
Oyster Placecard Holders:

What a joy and a privilege it was to participate in my first-ever Spring Tablescapes Showcase on behalf of Little Hands VA. For my table – “Riverside Elegance: A Rappahannock Oyster Affair” – I drew inspiration from the coastal towns of Maryland and Virginia, where oysters are an essential food group. I decided to cover my table in a gorgeous floral print, pairing it with dreamy oyster plates that I found on . I loved the glassware and napkins, while the oyster rings, oyster napkin holders, and flowers by really added that extra special touch!

Swipe to see some of my favorite highlights of the event. I saw so many friends and heard so many interesting people speak 💛 Plus, oysters were served! Can you think of anything better?

There’s the first Monday AND the last Thursday in May!!! Join us for an unforgettable design adventure sponsored by the Design Collective DC (DCDC) Hop aboard our bus trip to the renowned Kips Bay Showhouse and the New York Design Center at 200 Lex in NYC ( did I mention it will be Design Week?)!!!Get ready to immerse yourself in the latest design trends, breathtaking interiors, and endless inspiration. From stunning showrooms to exclusive insider access, this trip promises an unforgettable experience for designers and enthusiasts! Seating is limited so reserve your seat now and be part of this epic journey. To register, scroll left for the QR code for the link!

“Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible moms out there! Today, let’s celebrate not just those who gave birth, but every nurturing soul who has loved, guided, and cared for others. Motherhood transcends biology—it’s about the boundless love and selflessness that shape lives. Thank you to all the amazing mothers, in every form, who have given endless support and unconditional love. You are appreciated today and every day! 💕

This past market, I came across this charming antique rattan étagère from my dear friend , who had a booth for his incredible brand. Josh has such great taste and a really sharp eye for antique objects and art.

When I saw this étagère, it was love at first sight. I knew it would be perfect for my client’s entry hall - so much character, color, and interest! Now it’s time to accessorize for the upcoming graduation soirées my clients will be hosting later this month ☺️

Last night was nothing short of magical. I had the absolute pleasure of attending a dinner hosted by the very lovely and at Elway Hall, the stunning home of designer and . The setting was nothing short of perfection, with grand architecture, interiors and lush greenery surrounding us.

We indulged in a delightful feast, each course crafted with care and filled with flavor. The conversations flowed as easily as the wine, and the laughter echoed through the loggia.

It’s not every day you get to share such a special evening with wonderful people in a place that feels straight out of a fairytale. Feeling grateful for moments like these. Here’s to more nights filled with good food, great company, and beautiful memories!

Utterly obsessed with this David Hicks-inspired tile from Popham Design, which I have just used in a project. The pattern of interlocking H’s was taken from the late designer’s logo!

This has been in my design wish list for years! Do you have an item that you’ve been waiting for the perfect project ?

I have absolutely loved watching – Apple’s new show about Christian Dior and Coco Chanel during and after World War II. What a joy to see studios investing in more shows and movies about fashion’s golden age. The clothes are not background but actively part of the story, like characters in their own right.

Of course, as with many things, the show forced me to have a “Santa isn’t real moment” regarding Coco Chanel. Although I’ve read biographies of her and knew she was problematic, this series really brings her flaws to the forefront…Nazi sympathizer/spy, homophobe, and anti-semite are less than admirable traits! She’s a big “no” for me (apologies to for giving her the same forename…!).

With all that said, the show is truly excellent. Here’s to more homages to Dior like the dress Natalie Portman wore at Cannes last year – a recreation of his famous Junon dress. Fashion is ever-evolving, but classic is classic!

I finally got a chance to watch . In it, Thelonious or “Monk” (played by Jeffrey Wright) is a frustrated professor who specializes in academic adaptations of ancient Greek plays – for years, his work has been misbranded as “African American fiction” simply on account of his race. As a joke, he sets out to write a new book under the pseudonym Stagg R. Leigh, incorporating every Black cliché (“deadbeat dads, rappers, crack”) he can think of. Yet in the end, the joke is on him as his fake book becomes an instant bestseller.

As a designer and an African American woman, Monk’s experience felt familiar to me. So many people assume that because I’m Black, my specialty or interests are strictly “Afrocentric.” They can’t imagine my love for David Hicks, oyster plates, or sprawling English murals. Ironically, my most “African” project belongs to a white couple who love to visit the continent!

Remember – we are all so much more than we seem.

Last month, Jim and I had the great fortune and privilege of visiting the Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse in Palm Beach. We were pleasantly surprised by how livable and functional each space was. If I had to choose, I think my favorite was the “Peony Pavillion” by , with the reiminaged library by and the 15-foot ceiling bedroom by coming in as close seconds.

I must say the “I’m the queen of everything” poster in the “De-Loo-Loo” by Megan Gorelick stole my heart. Every woman needs one of those….! 👑

It’s hard to believe it’s time for another KBS in NYC.
is planning another road trip to KBS on May 23 — be sure to mark your calendars!

I loved Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, though I have one complaint…the show does NOT feature enough interiors! In real life, the homes of Lee Radziwell, Babe Paley, C.Z. Guest, and Slim Keith were breathtaking: Rooms wash with light, Regency-era furniture, Biedermeier settees, gilded mirrors, canopy beds, Rubelli stripes, and green loggia…can you think of anything better?

We are nearing the finish line on my Eastern Shore project, which has been so much fun thanks to my wonderful and patient clients! Part of this project was mired in the MGBW debacle, so we’ve needed to do a lot of sorting out and reordering. Thankfully, that’s all been resolved, and everything should be in place by late summer.

A single install would be preferential – of course – though I must say there is something wonderful about watching a home come together piece by piece. Here’s a sneak peak of the Ashari coffee table from . It was perfect to use as a bench in the main entry, especially because it complements two of my favorite pups!

All ready for my closeup 💋💄A sneak peek of a recently finished en suite renovation featuring one of my favorite wallpapers from !

Our version of the Oscars selfie 🎬✨ I’m usually pretty bad about taking photos at events because I’m so busy enjoying time with friends, both old and new! So glad I got in this snap at this week’s at the . It filled my design heart to see so many people take time out of their busy schedules to participate in such an incredible day. I feel so hopeful and excited for the future of our DMV design community - let’s keep the momentum going!

Back in January of 2020, I made the decision to stop
coloring my hair. Since I wear it short, I figured the process would be pretty easy. Little did I know a global pandemic was on the horizon, and I wouldn’t be able to color my hair if I wanted to. Talk about timing!

When we emerged from COVID and began socializing again, many people remarked that something about me had changed – they were talking about my hair, of course, though I wonder if perhaps they picked up on my new boost of confidence.

Gray hair is a superpower, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!

This morning, I woke up to Nancy Sinatra’s hit “These Boots Were Made for Walkin’,” which really took me down memory lane. I remember that when the song came out, my sister and I each got a pair of white go-go boots. We didn’t care that it was summer!

Sinatra’s song and the boots she inspired really empowered me at a young age. When you grow up singing a song like “These Boots,” you know not to put up with anyone’s BS!

What a beautiful reminder on this International Women’s Day. We have the power — let’s put on our boots!

Last week, and I were delighted to appear on a panel at the Painting Contractors Association () conference in Orlando. Thank you so much to and who did an amazing job as moderator!) for including us and to the wonderful and engaging attendees.

The relationship between the designer and contractor is so critical. Truly - the contractors are the ones who bring our visions to life! We’d be lost without them.

Today on this final day of , I wanted to urge everyone to watch “High on the Hog” – a powerful documentary series on Netflix that chronicles the history of African American food. As it travels around the world with host Stephen Satterfield and Dr. Jessica Harris, the show uses food as a canvas to tell Black stories, with the most recent season covering the Great Migration – something that touched my own family very deeply.

I cannot recommend this show enough. Just be prepared for your stomach to growl…! 😋