Sasha Adler Design

The blue-chip side of Chicago

Photo by Douglas Friedman

“This room could be hosting a Pokémon-trading gathering for kids in the afternoon and effortlessly transition to a formal cocktail party by evening, without so much as a pillow fluff in between,” says Sasha Adler — who, like many designers, is a consummate pillow fluffer when she has to be. The look she aimed for in this living room in a 1930s Chicago building was “curated yet comfortable.” She attained it by deploying pieces from different eras and a cavalcade of stars: Jean Royère’s Croisillon daybed and René Prou sconces meet a Pedro Friedeberg gilt occasional table and Louis XVI bergères (sourced on 1stDibs). By keeping the room’s center of gravity low and creating flow around precious furnishings, Adler allows everything to breathe in a way that reads as the height of elegance — and distinctly kid-friendly, too.

Photo by Weston Wells

“I always like to select pieces from different eras, origins and of varying materials that work symbiotically, complementing one another yet allowing each other’s differences to shine.”
— Sasha Adler

Designer Picks

Jean Royère Sideboard, ca. 1940, Offered by Thomas Gallery Ltd Shop Now
Jean Royère Sideboard, ca. 1940, Offered by Thomas Gallery Ltd

“This living room features a Jean Royère Croissillon daybed, one of my favorite pieces of furniture ever, and this Croissilion sideboard is equally exquisite. I am especially in love with the rattan detail overlay.”

Marie Suri for Liz O’Brien Celestial Fire Screen, New, Offered by Liz O'Brien – Furniture Shop Now
Marie Suri for Liz O’Brien Celestial Fire Screen, New, Offered by Liz O'Brien – Furniture

“Marie Suri’s fireplace screens feel like delicate works of art.”

Pair of Louis XVI–Style Bergère Chairs, 1930, Offered by Carrocel Shop Now
Pair of Louis XVI–Style Bergère Chairs, 1930, Offered by Carrocel

“You can never go wrong with a great pair of classic Louis XVI bergère chairs — modern lines, comfort and classic detailing. I always look for ones with the original timeworn paint.”

Dimoremilano Abatjour Floor-Ceiling Lamp, New, Offered by DIMOREMILANO Shop Now
Dimoremilano Abatjour Floor-Ceiling Lamp, New, Offered by DIMOREMILANO

“This metal tension-rod floor lamp with silk fringe is the perfect marriage of form and function. Although not visible in our 1stDibs 50 room image, the banquette area would be perfectly complemented by the floor lamp’s presence.”

Louis XV–style Fireplace in Breche Violette Marble, 19th Century, Offered by Thornhill Galleries Shop Now
Louis XV–style Fireplace in Breche Violette Marble, 19th Century, Offered by Thornhill Galleries

“I always specify antique fireplace surrounds when given the opportunity. They work in both a modern and a classical context. The beautiful detailing and patination immediately ground the room with a sense of  history. I’ve had my eye on this one recently.”

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