Mally and Gabriella Skok, above, sit under a watercolor Mally made for her darling daughter, as she calls her. It says "kind heart, fierce mind, brave spirit." Built-in bookshelves and Farrow & Ball Red Earth paint enhance the ultimate reading spot, right. Using high-gloss paint for the nook separates it a notch from the rest of the room.
The best inheritance in Mally Skok's family is an unquenchable thirst for charm. We joined the mother-daughter duo on a tour of Gabriella's New York City apartment and sought out the best secrets of their style DNA.
Q I feel unbridled jealousy over your apartment. Tell me about it.
GABRIELLA: It's really a representation of our family. Both of my parents are South African and moved to England, where I was born. We moved to the States when I was little, so I've always had a global perspective on design and aesthetics, and traveling back to South Africa to visit my mom's side of the family has been a huge part of my love of color and maximalism. Through my maternal grandmother, I inherited a deep relationship with antiques. It's not just an affinity: They're more than objects to us. They are living things we cohabitate alongside. Even the most cheapo basket that we bought in the market on a trip is an heirloom to us because it's part of a shared memory from our travels together. It's much like an eclectic mix of high, low; English, South African, New York cosmopolitan; a little bit old school, a little bit new school.
Q Decorating this together, where did you disagree?
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TIMELESS CHARACTER
Well-worn finishes and upcycled materials mix with muted colors and rich textures to elevate wintry icons into instant heirlooms.
Natural DELIGHTS
Modern interpretations of evergreens and mistletoe imbue spaces with cozy warmth and textural impact. Use fabric, wood, yarn, and wool felt to assemble holiday decor with farmhouse-friendly appeal.
THE bright side OF THE season
Let your decor shout with joy. Vivid colors highlight seasonal favorites, bringing lively energy and unexpected excitement to Christmas trees, tabletops, and packages.
WARM WISHES
It's the most wonderful time of year to hunker down and experiment with cozy fabric, felt, trim, yarn, and more. No sewing required!
ARCTIC playmates
A pink-cheeked snowman scouts the landscape with furry friends to explore cold-weather joys. Paint, glitter, and greenery customize the clay crew.
Peppermint WITH A Twist
Sweet as candy, these decorative dynamos inject texture and whimsy using red-and-white stripes and swirls. Complete each eye-catcher using simple techniques and a few standard materials.
Winter IN THE Forest
Burnished gold, mossy green, fiery red, and burnt orange celebrate the season's glories. Create a woodland utopia filled with cheeky mushrooms, tiny birds, and chic trees.
Make it THE MOST magical time OF THE Year
Fairies cavort. Snowmen sled. Wreaths welcome. Holly dresses place settings. Clues to the season scatter mesmerizing intrigue on doors, trees, tables, and walls.
Enthralled WITH FALL
When crisp coolness fills the air, warm colors and haunting characters cast an enchanting spell. Use felt, faux suede, burlap, and other comforting textural materials to whip up a cozy collection of delights.
READY, SET, FUN!
Skip the hassle of gathering supplies. These DIY kits put everything you need into one convenient package.
