STYLE PROFILE: The Rath Project

If you love bold color, mid-century modern style, and having oodles of fun with design, then Diane Rath is your girl. Her interior design firm The Rath Project specializes in residential design with a collected and eclectic flair, punctuated by bright colors and pattern play. Founded in 2016, The Rath Project strives to create family friendly spaces that have a sense of sophisticated whimsy: an approachable, fun aesthetic.

Rath, a mother of 2 lively young boys (and two equally lively dogs) believes strongly that a home should be beautiful and absolutely functional, yet never perfect. Smart choices in materials and finishes, as well as furnishings that serve to please both the eyes and the home's performance are at the heart of The Rath Project's design.

DP: How do you describe your personal style?

DR: I tend to lean into the mid century style for its clean lines, simplicity and use of warm woods as a foundational design element and build from there, layering in colors. funky patterns and lots of interesting art. Vintage and the reimagination of antiques is also deeply rooted in my being, and I strongly believe every room should have a piece, if not several pieces, of something pre-loved. I don’t shy away from any style and love an eclectic, curated and well edited environment that feels unique and tells a story.

DP: What types of projects excite you? And what are you hoping to do more of?

DR: We LOVE top to bottom design- full renos and remodels that revive the home, while keeping the original style and integrity of said home intact. And nothing feels better than being able to fully finish a remodel with furnishings, floor coverings and window treatments atop of of all that new drywall and hardwood! Would we want to leave for a party without the cutest shoes, statement jewelry and timeless handbag? I think not!

DP: What people, places, or things inspire you (can include brands and other designers). OR, any other fun facts or about you OR favorite local or global spots you’d like to share?

DR: I am a huge fan of Miles Redd, Jonathan Adler and Patrick Mele, mostly for their use of color and unapologetic, “follow no rules” way of designing a space. I am also very much inspired by artists and makers. Anglea Crusciaki Blehm’s use of color and her pop art graphics are incredible. Lewis Huffman, a local artist, whose career started as an architect, is so talented in the way he creates an image- you can see the architect coming through those funky characters he paints every single time and it’s genius! And then you have potters and ceramicists like Helen Levi and Jill Rosenwald who add whimsical patterns to things we can use and touch everyday- those are the pieces that make you smile- the coffee cup that you grab in the morning to start your day- that’s inspiration!

One of my all time favorite travel destinations is Egypt- the history, the grit and chaotic bustling nature of the cities, the warmth of the people, as well as the juxtaposition of desert and sea- it’s thought provoking. What’s more special is that there, beauty is found in so many things that don’t immediately appear beautiful on the surface.

Website: therathproject.com

Instagram: @TheRathProject

Email contact: Office@TheRathProject.com