Vern Yip’s “Design Wise” A Must Buy for The Design Enthusiast!

Vern says “the tighter the budget the less room for error” so getting the measurements right is critical, simply because there is no room for error.”  Follow his tried and true rules of thumb outlined in the book and errors will become a thing of the past in designing your home.  

I was fortunate to be a guest in Vern and Craig’s home for a dinner when Vern’s fabric collection launched with Fabricut.  Their home is a reflection of attention to detail both in decorating and in the art of being gracious hosts.  It was an amazing evening.  As we toured the home and Vern shared with us special artifacts and memories of travels, family, and collections.  The book features many beautiful photos of their home which are beautiful to view but to understand the math behind the rooms as Vern explains in the book, will help you understand design on an entirely different level. 

I was in the home at night and enjoyed the beautiful light reflections from the modernist Baccarat crystal and wire chandelier but the light-filled foyer shown here and photographed for Traditional Home magazine by Emily Followill shows the foyer during the daytime.  The decoration of the home gives hints to Vern Yip’s history.  The center table belonged to his mother, Vera.  The color red is a common thread throughout the house which symbolizes good fortune in China.   The home is traditional in style but Vern has woven together a mix of Asian artifacts, contemporary art, and traditional pieces which create interesting rooms that captivate all the senses.

Forgive my photography but this was one of my favorite moments in Vern’s home.  I love the juxtaposition of Jackie O above an asian artifact which gives reference to Vern’s history of being an American designer of Chinese descent.