Contemporary Designer Profile: Kerry Joyce

There’s a level of refinement that is sometimes lost the more comfortable a space is created. When you bring textures and materials down to a more casual level, you can lose that je ne said quoi that makes a space pop and sparkle. We found one interior designer who seems to be a master at materials—and combining that certain je ne sais quoi with the skills of making a sophisticated and comfortable space. Today’s contemporary designer profile is Kerry Joyce.

Skimming through Joyce’s online portfolio, you will see a lot of simply refined spaces. Color palettes are classic: whites, creams combined with darker wood tones and black. Layouts aren’t surprising, and art isn’t exactly shocking. To be honest, the whole composition of spaces really strikes you all at once; nothing jumps out at you or tries to grab your attention.

You can see he’s a fan of lots of classic elements that work with a lot of different tastes and which bring that sophistication in right at the beginning, like four-poster beds, sumptuous drapes, over-sized mirrors, stacks of books, creams and neutrals, delicate side tables and more. But, though he has elements and ideas that carry from project to project, each room and home retains its own distinct personality, no doubt informed by the client’s personality.

Again, nothing is particularly striking or overly surprising about Joyce’s work, but that’s its charm. His skills lie in letting the architecture of a space and the materials lying there within really sing. He tells a story through simplicity, and lets the main characters be the people who live in these spaces. That sort of restrained approach is its own kind of luxurious—and we find that very swanky.

Based in Los Angeles, Kerry Joyce is an interior designer, interior architect and furniture designer. He’s won tons of awards for his interiors, including even an Emmy award! He’s been named one of the “Design 100” for Metropolitan Magazine and has been featured in other publications like House Beautiful.

Swank Lighting is an amazing resource not just for the best vintage Murano glass lamps in the market today, but also a wonderful resource for interior design inspiration and a great place to get an education about past and present designers. Keep up-to-date with everything we do on our Facebook page and our twitter.

This Week's Top 5 Favorite 1stdibs Items: The Circus Comes to Your Home!

We're big fans of lots of great television shows and movies here at Swank Lighting. Or more specifically, we're really big fans of beautiful atmospheres created by great-looking sets! One such television show that excelled at atmosphere was the now defunct HBO show Carnivale. Carnivale was set during the Great Depression and the Dust bowl and focused on a great cast of characters that made up a traveling circus. We were absolutely romanticized by the sets, the fashion and yes, the decor. So much so we thought we'd search through today's newest 1stdibs listings and see if we could come up with any carnival inspiration of our own!


1) Clown Shooting Gallery Target
You can't have a circus without a clown, and this cute little guy is from the same era that we are talking about: the 1920s and 1930s. Not as garish as clowns usually are, his soft color palette is just the tongue-in-cheek element to add to as space.
Price: $5,200
Dealer: Clifford A. Wallach


2) Antique Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunk
One would imagine that a life in the circus is mobile and always moving. Gypsy-like, even. That's why a nice, sturdy trunk would be essential, and this one from the turn of the century looks to be perfect. Of course, Louis Vuitton might be a little high-end for the circus!
Price: $22,500
Dealer: M.S. Rau Antiques


3) Rare Petite Streamline 1930's Art Deco Cigar Cutter
Even if you don't smoke cigars, you'll want to incorporate this sweet and stylish Art Deco Cigar Cutter, from the 1930s. It's so sleek and stylish, and would for a great table top accessory.
Price: contact dealer
Dealer: TFTM


4) Crystal ball on custom iron stand
Everyone knows that a palm reader and psychic are necessary additions to a circus, and bring some of the mystical magic to your home with this fun crystal ball.
Price: contact dealer
Dealer: Antiques on 5


5) A Pair of Fire Gilded Six Light Candelabra
After the last item, we're not sure if we're decorating a home or preparing for a seance! Whatever look you're going for, we think these candelabras would be an unexpected and fun addition!
Price: contact dealer
Dealer: Guy Regal LTD

Don't forget to check out the rest of this week's listings from 1stdibs, where you can find more fabulous, one-of-a-kind, show-stopping pieces, as well as a number of other great items! Also: please visit our revamped Facebook page for more information about us and follow us on twitter (@swanklighting) to always be up-to-date on Swank Lighting happenings.