David Samuel Ko’s kid-friendly mix of striped fabrics, splatter-glazed tile and chunky carpets
What I Love | Aug 28, 2023
In our series, What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
David Samuel Ko likes to blur the line between fashion and interiors. In his projects, the Los Angeles designer behind Maison Ko draws on everything from the latest streetwear crazes to archival dress patterns. “I’m really drawn to unique textures and materials, and applying them in uncommon ways,” he tells Business of Home. “Oftentimes, when I shop for fabrics or wallpapers, I find myself thinking, ‘Wait, would I wear that?’”
For his current flat lay—inspired by a kids’ bedroom he designed for a recent project—Ko employed a similar ethos. Using an of-the-moment mix of runway-ready 1970s-style and classic Americana motifs, he fostered a space that strikes the balance between child-friendly and refined. “I wanted to create a room that felt like a playground, but that was sophisticated enough to grow with them,” he says. “Of course, you want it to be a place the parents like spending time in, too.”
The final scheme reads equal parts earthy and elevated, with playful pops of whimsical patterns and highly touchable materials, ranging from star-patterned fabrics to furry ochre-hued wools. “The textures and colors are timeless yet engaging, so nothing feels age-specific,” says Ko.
Here, he breaks down the details—from vintage mushroom sculptures to card deck–themed wallpapers.
1. VINTAGE MUSHROOM SCULPTURE
“I came across this mushroom during one of my many sourcing trips, and when it comes to kids’ rooms, I love adding that touch of whimsy and playfulness. Choosing something vintage versus new brings a more personal touch, with something as mundane as a mushroom on a bookshelf.”
2. CUSTOM LIMESTONE FINISH SAMPLE BY KAMP STUDIOS
“Applying this custom limestone finish by Kamp Studios to the ceiling brings depth and warmth into the space.”
3. LAGUNA FABRIC IN PINSTRIPE BY THREADS BY SOLÉ
“I love how light and airy this fabric is—a great sheer for window treatments.”
4. LINEN SHEET SET IN BONE BY PARACHUTE
“Linen sheets elevate the neutral bedding.”
5. LINEN BOX QUILT IN OCHRE BY PARACHUTE
“This quilt ties in the ochre color and provides a bedding alternative for summer months.”
6. VERDI LUMA WEAVE RUG IN WHITE FIQUE WITH BONE AND GRAY ALPACA BY HOLLY HUNT
“Rather than using wood floors, I would apply this super plush and textural carpet from wall to wall to really envelop the room and create a soft play environment.”
7. SHUFFLE WALLPAPER IN BLACK BY THE LAWNS
“This wallpaper feels youthful but not too juvenile, and the pattern is interesting without being overly busy.”
8. NEWBURG GREEN HC-158 PAINT BY BENJAMIN MOORE
“I like to use this hue as an accent color on a built-in bookcase or dresser in a flat finish. It blends in very well with the rest of the scheme.”
9. JAPANESE ARMOUR FABRIC IN SILVER BY JASPER FABRICS BY MICHAEL S. SMITH INC.
“This fabric feels very 1970s to me—great for reupholstering a vintage walnut stool with a cushion.”
10. MUSTIQUE FABRIC IN SEA BLUE BY TEMPLETON FABRIC BY MICHAEL S. SMITH INC.
“The texture of this fabric is amazing and reminds me of denim, but it’s much softer for a kids’ room.”
11. PYLA FABRIC IN ARDOISE BY PIERRE FREY
“Although this is not a performance fabric, it is designed for intensive use.”
12. ST. ELMO FABRIC IN NO. ZFSTEEM-01 BY ZAK+FOX
“This fabric is absolutely perfect for a kids’ room—youthful without being too childlike.”
13. STURDY STRIPE FABRIC IN DEEP SEA BY KATIE LEEDE & COMPANY
“This is an outdoor fabric, yet it feels soft enough for upholstery.”
14. BRIGHT SIDE 4 LIGHT IN RED SAND BY ALLIED MAKER
“This bright cherry-red piece feels reminiscent of Jean Royère’s lighting and brings a classic Americana feel to the room.”
15. CUSTOM WHITE OAK BED FINISH
“This room calls for a clean-lined bed crafted from white oak.”
16. HAMPTON QUILT IN PARCHMENT BY GLANT
“A super comfortable and durable fabric that would make a great bolster pillow.”
17. POLISHED BRASS DRAWER PULLS IN STYLE A BY DECOR FUN HARDWARE AT ETSY
“I wanted to tie in polished brass hardware that wouldn’t compete with the other textures in the room.”
18. MILMA FABRIC IN YP20005 BY DESIGNS OF THE TIME
“Who wouldn’t want to sit on a chair covered in 100 percent virgin wool fabric all day long?”
19. GLAZED CERAMIC TILE IN MANTA RAY BY MISSION TILE WEST
“Applying this tile [by Mission Tile West] in the en suite bathroom from floor to ceiling really envelops you in the color scheme.”
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