// ROMANCE ME!
DESIGN STAR BARLAS BAYLAR CAME BACK FROM GREECE WITH MORE THAN A LOUSY T-SHIRT. INSPIRED BY THE MED, HE’S DELIVERED A MAGICAL COLLECTION FOR RH.
Design star Barlas Baylar came back from Greece with more than a lousy T-shirt. Inspired by the Med, he has delivered a magical collection for RH.
Barlas Baylar is renowned for his live-edge dining tables, which sell for tens of thousands of dollars out of his Brooklyn, NY, studio, Hudson Furniture. But rather than do an obvious iteration of that concept for his first-ever outdoor collection, he has embraced natural materials in a different way with the Aviara daybed for Restoration Hardware. The weathered teak is still the star, but so are the reams and reams of billowing fabric. We got the scoop from Baylar about how it all came together.
The inspiration: “Mykonos is known for its flat-roof cubic architecture, which is simplistic and humble with clean style,” says Baylar. “It is truly inspiring with tranquil and magical views [and] a relaxed, informal culture. Inevitably, my inspiration [came] while spending time in such an environment.” Alluring geometries: “The clean lines are simple but charming and warmly enveloping,” says the designer, who wants people to “nestle into the modern design.” The materials: Baylar insisted on sourcing sustainably harvested teak—so you can clear your mind and your conscience. Inside versus outside: When designing for the outdoors, says Baylar, his focus was on “ensuring the harmonious coexistence of modern furniture and its natural surroundings—discreetly blending them [so] as not to distract from the beauty and tranquility of nature.” $6,795, 1222 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-625-2771; rh.com
“THE CLEAN LINES ARE SIMPLE BUT CHARMING AND WARMLY ENVELOPING.”—BARLAS BAYLAR