WHY IN DESIGN COLUMN: The How and Why Of Light Academia Interior Design Aesthetic

Light Academia Interior Design Style

via Brian Guckenstein (author of the Art of Home)

What is 

Light Academia Interior Design Style 
and

Why Does It Have Staying Power?

First, There was Dark Academia Style

Which Swept Fashion and Design in the early 2020's

credit: New York Public Library; Off-Black by Farrow & Ball / Octopus Publishing;

From the Halls of Harvard, The Dark Academia scholarly, rich design style was born. I love Dark Academia design, and it’s like gothic aesthetic meets up with prep-school library (with lots of leather and worn books in wooden bookcases) with a little bit of the Old English Design style (think horses and hound dogs and layered rich tapestries) have all come together in one beautiful curio cabinet, curated home (and by the way, I'm certain collectors live this way). This is a niche side of the ongoing maximalist style emphasizing layers, moody hues and, well, it’s a designer’s dream. However, the dark and moody coloring may not be for the faint of heart.

This Year, Light Academia Style has been filling my social media feed, featured in magazines- it's the new design darling aesthetic. But, make no mistake about it- the look and style of this interior design vibe has staying power because in many ways it's a re-branding of Classic and Neo-Classical design showing a mix of old and new against sometimes muted and creamy or white coloring, and rich but light colored architectural detailing, Greek and Roman sculptures, greenery and framed old-world art. One of my favorite Boston interior designers. William Hodgins dedicated his career to a similar style. I remember seeing Hodgins' Boston projects in the glossy pages of magazines back when I was in design school, and I was smitten.

William Hodgins 

Light Academia aesthetic brings this lovely classic and nostalgic vibe with a passion for craftmanship against a clean, fresh backdrop and, voila- you have a home that many can live with daily. The lightness gives the eye a chance to travel and settle in on all these details in a way that is refreshing.  The style is keeping with natural materials (like wood) against a neutral, warm color contrast.  Picture a dark wood floor with crisp creamy white walls and antique art. Refreshing comes top of mind. In Light Academia there is most certainly natural material- marble and stone- and a mix of designs periods to boot (pairing a mid-century table with Chippendale chairs, perhaps). The lighting creates a moody ambiance with varying sources like sconces, dimmed chandeliers and a warm glow from many table lamps. Pulling from the influence of Renaissance art, herringbone wooden floors and creamy hued architectural detailing. A few current designers utilizing and adding onto this design style, include:

1. David Jimenez Paris apartment with 15 foot ceilings is the perfect backdrop for Light Academic Aesthetic via David Jimenez LLC

credit, Stacy Zarin Goldberg / Zoë Feldman / 1stDibs

2. DC designer Zoë Feldman often uses soft hues, with a cozy vibe and historical influences. homesandgardens.com

3. Santa Monica California’s Windsor Smith is known for her layered design in a modern light and always elegant (love the parquet wood floor and the zebra rug). credit, via Windsor Smith LuxDeco.com

   4. Vicky Charles of Charles & Co. was the designer of the infamous private club, Soho House and layers her interiors with elegance and comfort. The photo shows a mixture of woods, natural materials, old and new together and curated art wall.  credit via homesandgardens.com

Credits, 

Homes and Gardens 

Dark Academia, homesandgardens.com

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