7 Playful Ways to Add Contemporary Design to Your Space

Installation view, Sotheby's Contemporary Living (July 2016). Photo courtesy of Sotheby's, arranged by Fernando Santangelo Inc.

As owner and Principal at Platemark Design, interior designer Craig Tevolitz has developed a reputation for dreaming up refined and elegant rooms. He also has a knack for successfully combining art collections with home decor, especially for those of us who crave a life filled with contemporary style.

Focusing on the playfulness of adults, eye-catching colors, and a juxtaposition of the modern and classic, Tevolitz carefully selected standout works from Sotheby’s Contemporary Living sale (July 28, 2016) and offered advice on incorporating similar pieces into your home.

Lot 130, Pair of armchairs attributed to Viggo Boesen, stained beech, sheepskin upholstery,
Sotheby’s (July 2016)

“These armchairs are too fabulous for words. If you don’t know where to begin with decorating a room, start here and just have fun with it. Perfect for a ski cabin, pair these with some minimalist furnishings near a roaring fireplace and you’re good to go.”


Lot 48, “Lips” by Ormond Gigli, 1960, oversized chromogenic print, edition 8/10, Sotheby’s (July 2016)

“This unblemished photograph by Ormond Gigli adds the right amount of sensuality to a room. There’s enough gloss here to cover a hundred surfaces, so save on the wall paint and let it carry the room. That crimson shade is the perfect jumping off point to other unexpected elements to tie together like-colored accessories, custom lampshades or a striking leather footstool.”


Lot 2, Cassina rocking chair, walnut, fabric upholstery, and rubber, Sotheby’s (July 2016)

“Every home needs a rocking chair. This one will recline you back – way back as you drift in and out of sleep. The profile is beautiful and I love this modernist take on a centuries old classic. Its footprint is a bit generous, so I would let it stand on its own, filling an unoccupied bedroom corner or enclosed porch.”


Lot 241, Marc Newson set of five “Bucky” chairs, from an edition of 50, electrostatically
upholstered polyurethane foam, five original aluminum connectors, Sotheby’s (July 2016)

“Sculpture, furniture, or a science project? No matter, these ‘Bucky’ chairs by Marc Newson are named ‘after the newly-discovered carbon molecule, the Buckminsterfullerene’ and are wildly fun. At first look, one would think they belonged in a playroom. Adults can play too, they would make a great statement outdoors or in a large living area with a low center table.”


Lot 158, “Blackglama (Judy Garland)” (F. & S. II.351) by Andy Warhol, screenprint in colors,
signed in pencil, numbered 181/190, Sotheby’s (July 2016)

“What becomes a room most? Almost any Andy Warhol silkscreen. This master of American Pop Art features that other cultural legend, Judy Garland, as inspired from her advertising campaign for the Blackglama Fur company. One can pick up on the electric blues, purples, and pinks of this iconic image to celebrate the glamour of celebrity in one’s own home.”


Lot 110, Puppy vase by Jeff Koons, 1998, glazed porcelain, inscribed with
the artist’s signature, dated, numbered 204/3000, Sotheby’s (July 2016)

“If you don’t (or can’t) have a dog, here’s your chance with this puppy vase by Jeff Koons. Put it anywhere, you can’t go wrong.”


Lot 200, “Libra Lux” counterbalance table lamp by Robert Menghi, bronze, brass,
lacquered metal, and rubber, Sotheby’s (July 2016)

“Task lamps can be quite mundane but this counterbalance table lamp stands apart in both its form and function with clever construction. Suitable to perch on any surface, its versatile design lends itself to reading, task or occasional lighting alike.”

Find contemporary furniture & art available now on Invaluable.


About Craig Tevolitz

Craig TevolitzCraig Tevolitz is owner of Platemark Design, a well-established interior design firm that, in addition to providing distinct interiors, helps clients integrate their art collections with their home décor. He is known for taking a clever approach to dreaming up refined and elegant living spaces that are truly special, customized, and exceedingly livable.

Craig is also a collector of Contemporary photography and American Painting 1950 to present and is on the Board of Overseers of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.