In a room design, a photograph can act as a portal, bringing the truth and glamour of another person, place, or time into the present moment. The following spaces by Dering Hall designers and architects showcase large photographs, in both black-and-white and opulent colors, that help remake the boundaries of our interior environments.

A SPLASH OF PURPLE

Here, Mark Cunningham Inc. used a vivid photograph by Wolfgang Tillmans to bring color to a neutral living space.

LOOKING OUT ON THE LAND

In this bedroom, Dane Austin Design added a landscape photograph to enhance the natural aesthetic of a mid-century dresser lined with linen.

BRING ON THE BLUE

A photo by David Drebin lets a burst of blue enter this design by J. Fisher Interiors.

GOOD AS GOLD

An oversized photograph complements a contemporary sideboard in this vignette from Holly A. Kopman Interior Design.

POWER OF PORTRAITS

For a Palm Beach foyer, Margaret Costello Interiors chose a vivid portrait to breathe energy into the space.

HIGH CONTRAST

A collection of Argentinian photographs offsets the textured walls in this space by James Duncan, Inc.

PAIRED WITH PANELS

Vintage photographs give a spark of emotion to a contemporary, walnut-paneled room from Gonzalez-Abreu | Alas Architects (GAA).

SOFT SHIMMER

A photograph featuring a shining body ushers a hint of shimmer into this bedroom by Benjamin Johnston Design.

LARGER THAN LIFE

A photograph from Isaac Julien expands the size of this office by Dunagan Diverio Design Group.

WORK FROM HOME

A navy home office by S.B. Long Interiors benefits from sleek black-and-white photography.