Classic mouldings and symmetrical ceiling beams keep this look simple, letting furnishings and art take centre stage.

This Jackson Hole, Wyoming home, designed by California designer Barbara Barry, recalls the simplicity of Shaker buildings with minimal decor and high-quality craftmanship. “The creative process, for me, begins with a series of watercolours,” explains Barry. “I think of rooms as paintings, with the same requirements of composition, colour and clarity of line that create a balanced whole. Here, the colour palette was a restrained brown, ivory and black, with touches of blue like the clear Wyoming sky.”

See more of Barry’s designs in our photo gallery.

Facing a green golf course, this modern house in Indian Wells, California evokes an air of casual refinement.

California interiors and furniture designer Barbara Barry designed this space with texture in mind. “As an artist, I see the world very much in terms of light, form, colour and texture,” she says. “The concrete floors are stained a deep chocolate and waxed to a high sheen. There is a conversation of light play throughout the day between the shiny and matte, the smooth and the textural.” The sofa fabric doesn’t compete with the glossy floor, and the chunky sisal rug and contemporary art add texture to the neutral space.

See more of Barry’s designs in our photo gallery.

Seating vignettes are arranged around mid-century modern tables, drawing the eye to different areas of the room.

Barry filled this Los Angeles living room with plush armchairs in classic shapes instead of one or two sofas. The neutral panelled walls offer a perfect backdrop for the eclectic furnishings.

Floor-to-ceiling drapes add height and character.

This principal bedroom seating area, by California designer Barbara Barry, features a palette of soft grey, pale amethyst and crisp celadon that mirrors the soft tones of the garden outside the window. A signature Barbara Barry Bracelet chair in the foreground is covered with her Celestial fabric for Kravet, adding pattern and texture to the mostly-beige room.

See more Barbara Barry designs in our photo gallery.

A ceiling done in pale ivory with silver leafed capitols brings light into this large space.

California designer Barbara Barry added luxe style to the The Westin St. Francis lobby in San Francisco. “Restoring a classic means honouring the past,” says Barry, who custom designed all the furnishings in this lobby. A custom onyx clock replaced an old grandfather clock and inspired the name for the Clock Bar below. The custom rug and low leather banquettes recall the Art Deco era that was so key to the hotel’s history. Upholstery in leather and velvet elevate the space — an easy trick to bring home.

See more of Barry’s designs in our photo gallery.

Dark wood furniture tempers a feminine palette.

In this San Francisco living room, a large custom Tibetan rug anchors the various seating areas. Barry added even more colour with soft green drapery that lends a classic, formal look.

Clever sliding doors create an indoor/outdoor sanctuary.

This Richard Neutra-designed home in Brentwood, California was built in the 1940s while the world was at war. Its humble materials of wood, brick and cement are elegantly proportioned to showcase the lush gardens. Designer Barbara Barry did her best to create a seamless indoor/outdoor transition with light linen upholstery and simple furniture that wouldn’t take away from the views beyond.

See more of Barry’s designs in our photo gallery.

The deep fig exterior has a subtle pirouette pattern for which the collection was named.

Barbara Barry’s new line of luggage for Hartmann was designed for the woman on the go. Full of feminine details and hidden pockets, the collection is beautifully understated and practical, just like her furniture designs.

See more of Barry’s designs in our photo gallery.

Walnut and silver define this elegant dining room.

California designer Barbara Barry‘s subtly patterned Carmel chairs and Larchmont dining table (through Baker) rest atop a silk and wool carpet by Tufenkian Carpets. Even more texture is layered in with a gorgeous wallpaper, the pattern of which is mirrored by fresh blooms on the dining table.

See more of Barry’s designs in our photo gallery.

Vintage accessories and art add retro style to comtemporary furniture.

Golden silk wall coverings surround and embrace bleached oak tones in this cosy library designed by California designer Barbara Barry. Paired with soft blue-grey leather and wool upholstery, textured silk carpeting, a vintage 1940s lamp and photography, the look is reminiscent of mid-century modern.

See more of Barry’s designs in our photo gallery.

A well-proportioned cabinet does double duty.

This Social Study desk, by California designer Barbara Barry, boasts a simple form and quiet face, and would fit perfectly in a small condo living room or cramped home office. “I love to create pieces that can stand the test of time because they are simple, elegant and well-made,” says Barry. “This is where beauty supports function. When can you hide all the things you need from a desk in style?” This piece even has a leather-lined pullout perfectly designed for a keyboard or writing surface.

See more of Barry’s designs in our photo gallery.