Courtney McLeod of Right Meets Left Interior Design believes in the power of colorful spaces. As a three-time participant in ASPIRE Show Houses, Courtney reimagined the Home Cinema at ASPIRE HOUSE McLean by applying a bold wall color and incorporating comfy seating options. Learn more about Courtney’s inspiration in an exclusive interview with Sherry Moeller.
Rendering of The New Home Cinema by Courtney McLeod at the ASPIRE HOUSE McLean Show House.
Sherry Moeller: Describe your room at the show house. How did you come up with the concept and what’s the backstory?
Courtney McLeod: I designed the New Home Cinema at ASPIRE HOUSE McLean. We reimagined the home cinema for contemporary lifestyles. Envisioning a multifunctional space, the media room incorporates a variety of comfortable seating options, a reading nook for solo evenings, and an elegant bar. I selected a sophisticated palette of deep burgundy red and shades of olive green to set the tone for this luxurious space. The space lacks natural light so I embraced this “flaw” by wrapping the walls and ceiling in a deep, rich red – creating the perfect backdrop for cozy moments.
SM: What’s a favorite element you plan to incorporate into your space at the ASPIRE HOUSE McLean?
CM: My favorite element is the paint selection and application. I am a big advocate for bold color gestures in interior design.
A den designed by Courtney McLeod of Right Meets Left Interior Design shows her use of powerful color combinations. Photo by John Neitzel.
SM: What projects have you done in the past that most resemble or relate in some way to what you plan to design at the ASPIRE HOUSE McLean? Or is this a completely different concept?
CM: I recently completed a den as part of the ASPIRE Show House in Bernardsville, NJ. The den also lacked natural light so I used bold color to make a big impact in the space.
SM: Have you participated in other show houses and why?
CM: Yes, this is my third designer show house with ASPIRE. I participated in the 2018 Detroit Designer Show House, the 2020 Bernardsvile, NJ Show House, and now the 2020 McLean Designer Show House. I was also one of 10 designers selected for the inaugural 1stdibs Virtual Designer Show House – Reimagining Iconic Spaces.
A detail of a living room designed by Courtney McLeod of Right Meets Left Interior Design. Photo by John Neitzel.
SM: What’s next for you design wise—are there some projects you’re particularly excited about? Are there any projects you’d love to tackle, sort of a design bucket list?
CM: We have a full and exciting design plate! Our current projects include the renovation of a luxury high-rise condominium on the Brooklyn waterfront; the renovation of a 3,000 square-foot duplex apartment in Manhattan; and the interior design of a 2,500-square-foot loft apartment in Manhattan. I am also working on my first licensed collection – very exciting!
Proceeds for ASPIRE HOUSE: McLean will benefit the ASPIRE DESIGN AND HOME Diversity in Design Scholarship Fund. Click here to learn more, and purchase tickets for the event; open through September 13, 2020.
About the Designer | Courtney McLeod is the principal of Right Meets Left Interior Design, an award-winning Manhattan-based design studio. An avid colorist at heart, Courtney draws from a kaleidoscopic toolbox of texture, pattern, and color to create rooms evocative of one emotion above all others – joy. Her work has been featured in print both in the US and abroad, including the cover of ASPIRE DESIGN AND HOME Magazine. She is a 2019 High Point Market Authority Style Spotter and included on the 2019 list of emerging designers by Luxe Interiors + Design Magazine. Courtney is an S. Harris brand ambassador.
Sherry Moeller is a contributing editor for ASPIRE DESIGN AND HOME magazine.