This fall, selections from PAGODA RED were included in The River North Design District (RNDD) Gallery Walk, in vignettes created by designer Lauren Collander at the Roca Tile Showroom. Lauren juxtaposed objects from PAGODA RED with paintings by Matthew Nguyen, creating a dialogue between ancient objects and contemporary works. Lauren’s arrangements prove the power of designing around art — here are five takeaways we gathered from her innovative installation.

“For the 10th Annual RNDD Fall Gallery Walk, we created an immersive vignette centered on togetherness, connection, and the stories that connect us across time.”

1. Create architecture with art.

To create a vignette centered on gathering, Lauren suspended two paintings from the showroom’s trusses. Facing one another and framed by a patterned curtain, the paintings create an intimate environment for PAGODA RED’s Lacquered Calligrapher’s Table, Spindleback Side Chairs, and Chrysanthemum Ladies’ Chairs. The airy simplicity of the space contrasts with the patina of the paintings and the mid-19th-century furniture.

2. Use objects to string together stories.

The Calligrapher’s Table Lauren chose for her vignette once belonged to a Qing-dynasty scholar. To cultivate inspiration, that scholar would have arranged a few carefully selected objects on the table  —  possibly a brush pot, inkstone, and brushes. In the same tradition, Lauren curated the table with a Red Lacquer Writing Set and Earthenware Jars. Ornately painted with celestial dragons and clouds, the writing set contrasts with the minimalism of the clay jars. Rather than adhering to one era or style, Lauren’s choices make her arrangement richer.

3. Decorate with nature for depth.

The Earthenware Jars Lauren chose are crafted from clay and finished with natural glazes. These simple materials have survived hundreds of years, from the Han (206 BC – AD 220) to Ming(1368 – 1644) Dynasties. Displayed next to fresh sprigs of hydrangea, this arrangement speaks to the longevity and ephemerality of nature — a subtle pairing that unearths deep truths.

4. Hang objects to draw the eye up.

In a corner, Lauren hung two Barrel-Form Birdcages, circa 1900. Crafted from bamboo, their light fretwork forms balance the solidity of the suspended paintings. The bamboo rods cast beautiful shadows on the curtain wall, and the staggered heights draw the eye upward. This helps to highlight the Matthew Nguyen painting as a focal point, while also guiding the viewer to other objects around the room.

5. Add antiques as a counterpoint to trends.

As the Year of the Fire Horse charges ahead, we’ve noticed equestrian trends everywhere, from heritage brands like Ralph Lauren to a revival of cowboy-chic aesthetics. Lauren incorporated the trend in a more timeless way, with this Northern Qi Equestrian Figure. Sculpted in Shandong province over 1,500 years ago, it couples the pleasures of horseback riding with the patina of a time-worn object, imbued with meaning over centuries.

We loved collaborating with Lauren, Matthew Nguyen, Roca Tile, and the River North Design District to bring this project to life. For more information on the RNDD Gallery Walk, visit rivernorthdesigndistrict.com.

Visit the Roca Tile Showroom to see the installation through October 9, and shop this story in our Chicago gallery.[email protected]

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