Every great designer and every lover of great design has a collection of books they turn to for inspiration. A how-to guide or a favorite glossy, there’s a lot to be said about rediscovering your love for a read that’s a few years old. The other day I rediscovered Naturally Modern: Creating Interiors with Wood, Stone, Leather, and Natural Fabrics.

A design book by Ros Byam Shaw, former Features Editor of World of Interiors, I was immediately immersed in the details of Andrew Wood’s photography and reminded as to why I have this book in my library—TEXTURE and COMPOSITION. Celebrating the natural characteristics of wood, leather, stone, and textiles such as linen, cotton, and wool, reading this book is like taking a trip through the entire Pfeifer Studio collection, noting specific Pfeifer Trends along the way: Natural Glamour, Animal Instincts, New Mexico Modern, Tribal Influences and Asiatique.


Shaw pays the utmost respect to wood in Naturally Modern, and pictured on page 24, this incredible teak chair from Japan is a prime example of wood’s versatility and pays homage to Pfeifer’s Natural Glamour trend with objects made from organic materials mixed with contemporary design and ethnic style. Sundried teak smoothed to perfection, we see a bit of New Mexico Modern and Asiatique for its eastern sensibility and focus on simplicity meets the design savvy of the West.

Showcasing tables and artifacts made from organically textured leathers and hides, Shaw references the fact that, “Just like a human fingerprint, each hide carries its own unique history.”


Like a tear sheet right out of the Pfeifer collection, on page 48, Pfeifer’s Animal Instinct trend is boldly apparent in the genuine ostrich leather cube and stack of pillows made from ostrich and crocodile. Reminiscent of Pfeifer’s skillfully embossed leather tables and accessories, hand cut leather offers the look of true alligator and crocodile skins.

Aside from the obvious appeal of natural textures found in wood and leather, Shaw also presents a brilliantly descriptive coverage of the natural beauty found in stone and textiles. But, what I love most about Naturally Modern is the use of composition, especially when taking naturally modern elements and placing them in a traditional architectural setting.


My personal favorite photo takes place in the grand Paris apartment on page 81 and bridges the gap between urban and vintage. Collectively representing all of the Pfeifer trends, including Tribal Influences seen in the distinctly shaped wooden side tables, Naturally Modern is a true keeper. A great design book is timeless and travels with us wherever we go. From a city loft to my north shore vintage brick home, when I flip through this book I’m still pleasantly surprised and inspired…even 10 years later.

Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)

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