Fern Santini, Inc.

“The one constant in our designs is that the mix is always different,” says Texas designer Fern Santini, who keeps her home base of Austin weirdly and tastefully inventive with interiors like this conservatory-style casual gathering spot for jewelry designer Kendra Scott. The entry to the room is framed by a circa 1960 Italian buffet, a pair of Gilles sconces from Studio Van den Akker and an eccentric yet majestic brass and copper giraffe by sculptor Sergio Bustamante from Scott’s personal collection. The groined-vault ceiling and complementary grids of the windowpanes and custom rug create a classical architectural backdrop for the black-and-white space, with its accents of gold and Kentia palm–tree green and hint of decorator William Haines mid-century glamour. “The juxtaposition of the gilded papier-mâché chandelier with eighteenth-century sconces and the contemporary furnishings — like the multilevel marble coffee table by Pietro Russo Design that I found on 1stDibs — mixed with traditional pieces like the Formations bobbin chair and ottoman, keep the room lighthearted and casual,” Santini says.