When I found Amanda Barnes Interiors on instagram, (and subsequently screenshotted her profile) I mistook her work for pretty.

It is that, of course. It has all the bright whites, soft hues, and gold accents to qualify as such. This illusion is further supported thanks to its being photographed by one of my absolute favorites and total veteran behind the lens, Alyssa Rosenheck.

But a deeper look at her portfolio reveals a much more sophisticated skill set than mere prettiness.

It’s damn difficult to be original, and to create original works. But you know? I’d hazard to claim that Amanda succeeds at it. While her portfolio is unquestionably cohesive, and rooted in a neutral, fairly restrained palette, she somehow manages to surprise.

Like, just when you’re about to write her off as a contemporary-beige-hit-wonder, she goes and uses a big, old vintage trunk as a bar. Or, an exposed brass and charcoal-slate shelf situation as a credenza. Or, the occasional horn. Or animal skull.

Though its foundations are clearly trending in the entirety of the world of design, in the end, I think, you’re left with the impression that her portfolio is truly one of a kind, and not in the slightest bit contrived.

Image credit: ©AlyssaRosenheck2016

Image credit: ©AlyssaRosenheck2016

Image credit: ©AlyssaRosenheck2016

Image credit: ©AlyssaRosenheck2016

Image credit: ©AlyssaRosenheck2016

Image credit: ©AlyssaRosenheck2016

Image credit: ©AlyssaRosenheck2016

Image credit: ©AlyssaRosenheck2016

Image credit: ©AlyssaRosenheck2016

Image credit: ©AlyssaRosenheck2016

Image credit: ©AlyssaRosenheck2016

Image credit: ©AlyssaRosenheck2016

Image credit: ©AlyssaRosenheck2016

Image credit: ©AlyssaRosenheck2016

Image credit: ©AlyssaRosenheck2016

Image credit: ©AlyssaRosenheck2016

Image credit: ©AlyssaRosenheck2016

Image credit: ©AlyssaRosenheck2016

Image credit: ©AlyssaRosenheck2016

Image credit: ©AlyssaRosenheck2016

Image credit: ©AlyssaRosenheck2016

Now I gotta go, because I’m doing that sleep-blogging thing again.

Somebody take the wheel.