Creating Lively Charm in Homes with Libby Cameron

After 14 years under the guidance of renowned decorator, Sister Parish (and eventual partnership) at influential NYC design firm Parish-Hadley, Libby Cameron, branched out on her own. As a creative interior designer, she founded Libby Cameron LLC in 1995. Libby's aesthetic is readily recognizable due to her eclectic styles and love of color who readily mixes new pieces with beloved family heirlooms. Doing so gives her upscale designs a warm and lively charm that stands the test of time.

Her talent to create luxurious, yet comfortable rooms is highly sought after. Libby’s work in fine homes was featured in design publications including AD, House Beautiful, and The New York times. She was listed as one of House Beautiful’s 100 Best Designers multiple years running in 1999 through 2003.

Libby’s vintage home decor and design services resume includes fine homes found throughout the greater New York tri-state area, New England, the South, out West, in the Bahamas, and “across the pond” in London.

This cozy nautical inspired living room features an oversized ship painting above a green and ivory print sofa surrounded with an assortment of antique and vintage pieces. All blended seamlessly through a mix of colors and textures. Image courtesy of Libby Cameron.

How did you get your start?

After a few jobs that didn’t feel fulfilling, I got an internship working at Parish-Hadley when I was 23, and knew right away that I had found my dream job. I started as Albert Hadley’s assistant on the restoration of Gracie Mansion – the official residence of the mayor of New York City. I then ended up working with both Mrs. Parish and Albert Hadley.

Light fills this living room which features rich brown-black walls juxtaposed with cream-tone furnishings and pops of bright pink, turquoise, and yellow in throw pillows and decorative accessories. The crystals on the vintage chandelier create a luxurious and elegant design in this Boston apartment. Image courtesy of Libby Cameron.

How would you describe your personal design aesthetic?

I definitely have eclectic taste and love to use as much color as possible.

Each project is different so I don’t think that I stay within one style or realm. I like to mix up the old and the new, the painted and wood pieces, and am always drawn to a mix of patterns.

The historic influence is evident in this stunning New Jersey dining room with a carved antique fireplace mantle finished in medium blue and surrounded by colorful bold print wallpaper. Brass accents from the antique mirror and vintage wall sconces add another layer of elegance to the room’s decor. Image courtesy of Libby Cameron.

What is your favorite thing purchased from an estate sale or online auction?

I bought a painting of a ram from the Mario Buatta sale at Stair Galleries – which makes me feel good every time I look at it.

It is playful, and happy, and whimsical. The ram is painted on a bright green background so it is very jolly. I like that Mario loved it, and that it makes such a statement-just as he did.

This playful and "jolly" painting of a ram fills a warm, rich watermelon toned wall in this delightful dining room. Image courtesy of Libby Cameron.

Libby’s Guest Curation

In this edition of Complementary. Guest Curation, Libby selects current online auctions’ offerings that highlight her design aesthetic. You can use her designs for inspiration along with any of Libby’s top picks to easily achieve a similar design style in your home.

Lighting is Essential

While beautiful furniture and strategic layouts are important elements to design your space, lighting is definitely the key to set the mood. Libby is meticulous in choosing lighting for her projects.

From understated and recessed to over-the-top statement pieces, Libby knows the importance of choosing the right stylish and functional lighting is key to overall designs. Images courtesy of Libby Cameron.

She understands the importance of lighting … from understated and recessed lighting to over-the-top statement pieces like grand antique chandeliers. Choosing the right stylish and functional lighting is key to overall designs.

Here are her lighting favorites currently available at auction:

1. Collection of Five Wire and White Fabric Lanterns for Votives (item #: 219065)
2. Pair of Green Glass Hanging Bell Jars (item #: 215851)
3. Antique Kerosene Oil Lamp Now Electrified (item #: 220419)
4. Set of Four Orange Fabric and Wire Lanterns for Votives (item #: 219067)
5. Decorative Good Quality Green Double Ceramic Lamp (item #: 222566)

When in Doubt, Go With Blues

While the Color of the Year is green, blue is the world’s all-time favorite color. For Libby, the paradoxical hue evokes clarity, pureness, and increased intuition. In the home, shades of blue color palettes are immediately calming and welcoming.

One of Libby’s favorite colors to use in her designs is … well … blue!

Inspiration to incorporate shades of blue into your home decor. Images courtesy of Libby Cameron.

What if your style doesn’t include going all-out-blue in your room? There’s no need to worry. Libby has that covered! Pops of blue can be integrated into almost every design.

Here are a few of Libby’s favorite blue accent pieces. Add a dose of calm to your decor.

1. Metal & Wood Blue Paint Decorated Towering Bird Cage (item #: 219071)

2. Partial Service of Churchill England Willow Pattern with Compatible Pieces (item #: 221271)

3. Pair of Chinese Blue and White Ginger Jars (item #: 221216)

Value Your Vintage Finds

“I like to mix up the old and the new,” Libby tells us. By mixing in vintage elements with newer pieces, you inject personality and character. Newer pieces add a shine and crispness that plays well with vintage items. Vintage pieces bring a unifying soul or history to your space.

She can’t help herself from selecting some key vintage pieces available in our online estate sale auctions for her curation.

Vintage ladder back chairs add additional seating to this corner breakfast nook with built-in banquette seating. The key is finding vintage pieces in good condition. Image courtesy of Libby Cameron.

Here, Libby selects a fun and diverse assortment of vintage pieces that can be integrated into any space.

1. Vintage Auffray & Co. French Country Upholstered Bench (item #: 222177)

2. Rustic Bamboo Game Table (item #: 222186)

3. Pair of Woven Orchard Baskets (item #: 219024)

4. Collection of Six Bamboo and Rattan Dining Chairs (item #: 222169)

Follow Libby

Want to find more home decor inspiration? Follow Libby on Instagram @libbycameronllc or visit her website at www.libbycameron.com

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Keywords: mixing vintage and modern, design services, creative interior designer, colors and textures, creative interiors, interior design