VICTORIA HAGAN'S INTERIOR PORTRAITS SHOWS A FEW KEY PIECES CAN MAKE A ROOM SING

Photos courtesy of Rizzoli
After 20 years in the business, New York- based designer Victoria Hagan has assembled a collection of her stunningly serene work. Rizzoli's Interior Portraits, done in a striking large scale format, is filled with lush spreads and calming spaces. The cover happens to be one of my favorite areas she has done, showing the entry of a home with a banquette and modern take on a high backed Federal style benches that look like they came from a Congregational Church circa 1772. As is often the case in Victoria's work, the classics have been reinterpreted for gracious living. Organized by locations, the book delves into "portraits" of Waterside, City, and Country homes, elegant spaces are carefully edited and arranged. Composed of unique custom upholstery, rugs by Elizabeth Eakins, hand picked antiques, furniture from her namesake collection (available through Julia Gray), and client's rarefied art, the results are breathtaking. Her work makes me want to exclaim, "Serenity now, serenity now!" a la Kramer on the classic Seinfeld episode.

A subtle refinement comes across in everything Victoria does. Look at how a few, well chosen key antique pieces can bring a room to life.

With many seaside homes, the calming color palette of pale blue and cream fits the bill. Picking up on the sea and sky, it is one of the most soothing hues everyone can relate to.

Crisp white walls are the perfect balance for the exquisite Greek key molding details and pilasters. The stark white plays off the dark lustre of the mahogany round hall table and Spanish chairs.

Victoria is a master at creating livable old world kitchens. Reminiscent of kitchens found in great estates, this newly constructed Nantucket kitchen is filled with usable space. From the classic detailing to the hardware and soapstone counters, the kitchen is a place meant for lingering.