More than three years after it folded, Domino — the seminal DIY shelter magazine — is back in print. The former monthly is now edited by interiors ace Michelle Adams, who began her career at the original Domino before launching the digital decor mag Lonny. At the new quarterly Domino — which features a robust online retail component — Adams is taking a particularly hands-on approach to interior design. Indeed, she’s all over the magazine — from hotel-hopping in Paris to bazaar-shopping in Morocco. Here, Adams shares her thoughts on making rooms lighter, apartments brighter and the enduring appeal of print magazines.
The easiest way to make a room seem larger is to play with lighting. Rather than rely on a single overhead light, opt for smaller lamps placed in all four corners of a room.
The most common mistake made when decorating small apartments is failing to plan ahead. Modest-sized spaces require far more precision than grand homes because there’s no room to waste. I like to plot out floor plans on graph paper before buying furniture. This way I get a true sense of how a room might look and make sure my furniture actually fits!
One of the biggest designing myths is that you have to completely furnish a room all at once. A home should evolve with time; filled with pieces that are truly investment-worthy and reflect your taste and style for years to come.
One of my favorite cities right now is Tangier, where we shopped for caftans and ceramics in Laure Welfling’s chic boutique. We loved the Dar Nour hotel (darnour.com) with its fabulous terraces and traditional interiors. We met so many stylish expats there — Tangier has really inspired me to restyle my home.
I also love Paris’ Hôtel Marquis Faubourg Saint-Honoré, which just opened with interiors by architect-designer Michele Bönan. The 15-suite property is set in a historic mansion from 1730 — yet includes modern elements, such as Keith Haring artwork and antiques like an authentic Louis XVI marble fireplace.
It’s not always in my budget, but I shop for design in New York at Flair , which also has branches in Rome and Milan. I’m a fan of their mid-century and ’70s Italian items. I also like Aero Studios and John Derian. Both are downtown, and I often pop in during my weekend runs. I’ll be sweaty, but it’s the best time to scout out new things.
Print mags will always have a market because print is where the best original content is created. Blogs are great, but they typically celebrate what’s already out there. Domino was ahead of its time in breaking down barriers between editorial and consumers. The new magazine will still serve as a conversation-starter.