Even the Kitchen Island in This L.A. Artist’s Home Is Covered in Her Signature Waves

Katie Szymanski, a therapist and entrepreneur, partnered with interior designer Leah Ring of Another Human to transform her 1920s Mount Washington home in Los Angeles. The primary goal was to create a living space tailored entirely to Szymanski's individual preferences, focusing on vibrant colors and personalized room functions. Szymanski reconfigured the traditional layout to better suit her lifestyle. A guest bedroom was converted into a walk-in closet, featuring floor-to-ceiling curtains made from a 70s-inspired Kristy Stafford fabric. This space not only serves as a functional closet but also as an optimal location for recording audio. Another guest room was repurposed into a home office and sunroom, designed for relaxation and listening to music. The largest space remained the primary bedroom. A significant aspect of the design was the extensive use of color, a hallmark of Ring's design philosophy. Each room was assigned its own distinct palette, carefully chosen to evoke specific moods and feelings. Despite the individual color schemes, Ring ensured overall cohesion, as many spaces are visibly connected. For instance, the kitchen features periwinkle cabinetry and a matching hood, utilizing Benjamin Moore's Summer Blue. The secondary bathroom incorporates teal tiles and paint, accented with pink stone. The living room is adorned in peach tones, while the sunroom boasts two shades of pale green for walls and trim. Szymanski's background in studio art informed her appreciation for the emotional impact of aesthetics. She noted that the chosen colors in her home contribute to feelings of happiness and energy. Beyond color, the design integrated various patterns, including a daisy-patterned tile arrangement in the primary bathroom, a Lisa Corti quilt in the bedroom, and a House of Hackney floral wallpaper in the dining room. Initially, Szymanski questioned her bold design choices, concerned about potential partners' opinions. However, a friend's advice affirmed that the right partner would appreciate the home because it reflected her personality. During the renovation, Szymanski began dating someone, and while she made no significant design changes, she did add a desk to the sunroom to accommodate separate workspaces. Her partner reportedly finds the home to be a "coziest, happiest place," despite its vibrant aesthetic contrasting with his own preference for more muted tones. #HomeTour #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #LosAngelesHomes #PersonalizedDesign #LeahRing #KatieSzymanski #VibrantInteriors #RoomTransformation

Anna Albury, a textile designer, freelance interior stylist, and cofounder of Cool Stuff NYC, integrated her personal design philosophy, described as “colorful, joyous, and human,” into the redesign of her Brooklyn living room. As a rug designer for Crosby Street Studios, Albury applied her professional expertise to her personal space, creating a custom rug that became the central element of her living room's refresh. The rug's design originated from a cut-and-paste collage, which she subsequently digitized and refined, adjusting the layout and color scheme to fit her vision. Her approach emphasizes the inclusion of hand-drawn elements, a technique she learned in college, where the focus was on beautifully rendered individual components rather than simple pattern repetition. The process of transforming her living room around this custom rug involved a thoughtful selection of existing items to retain and new elements to introduce. Albury kept a navy couch, a chartreuse side table, and a pink reading chair. Items that were removed or repurposed included red velvet curtains and a media console, with a wooden coffee table finding a new home in the bedroom. To complement the new icy blue rug, a fresh set of curtains was installed behind the couch, also serving to conceal closets. This strategic integration ensured that every piece in the room harmonized with the rug's aesthetic. For individuals who may not have the option of commissioning a custom rug, Albury suggests exploring vintage options as a starting point for room redesigns. She recommends using specific keywords on platforms like Etsy, such as desired colors, to narrow down searches. For instance, if a room features a green couch and the owner wishes to introduce pink and yellow, these colors should be included in the search terms. This method allows for the discovery of unique pieces that can serve as foundational design elements. Albury also highlighted the importance of considering the rug's pattern and details in relation to furniture placement. In her own living room, she meticulously planned where different shapes and colors within the rug would fall, ensuring that the light blue sections were near the navy couch and the pink dots were close to, but not directly under, the pink chair. This careful consideration of spatial relationships ensures that each color in the rug interacts with an alternating color in the surrounding space, creating a cohesive and visually engaging environment. The outcome of her design process is a textile that genuinely reflects her artistic identity, resonating positively with anyone who experiences the space. #BrooklynLivingRoom #TextileDesign #CustomRug #InteriorStyling #HomeDecor #RoomRedesign #VintageRugs #ColorPalette #SpacePlanning #AnnaAlbury

Textile designer Aelfie Oudghiri, founder of her eponymous home goods company, embarked on a unique journey to build and decorate her Long Island East End home. Unlike her "madness" of a Brooklyn home, Oudghiri aimed for a colorful yet peaceful aesthetic in her Bridgehampton residence. The project began when she discovered an oddly shaped piece of land with two dilapidated shacks, which she decided to tear down and rebuild from the ground up with her father, Alfred P. Tuff, a builder and developer. This collaboration proved to be a significant learning experience, allowing Oudghiri to refine her design skills while incorporating her bold vision into her father's practical expertise. Construction of the two-story contemporary cottage took eight months. The exterior features a black wood finish, achieved using the Japanese _shou sugi ban_ technique, which chars wood for weatherproofing, mildew, insect, and fire resistance. The interior was designed with a modern floor plan and architectural details inspired by Oudghiri's travels, particularly to her husband’s native Morocco. Initially, she painted the interior Decorator’s White, creating a blank canvas that allowed her to introduce vibrant colors and textures through key design elements, including a striking cobalt blue kitchen faucet, a lavender velvet headboard in the primary bedroom, and marigold walls in the powder room. Color and texture were integrated in innovative ways throughout the home. The library, with its floor-to-ceiling shelves, became a repository for books and travel souvenirs. Oudghiri experimented with elaborate flooring, designing a graphic black and white marble inlaid pattern for the powder room, inspired by Optical Art, and recreating one of her early carpet designs using pink quartz, green granite, and black onyx in the main bathroom. To bring the outdoors in, she incorporated glass doors that open onto the yard, offering views of the garden and swimming pool, a nod to a vintage British garden print she and her husband cherished. For the interior furnishings, Oudghiri drew heavily from her own collection, Aelfie. A vintage Moroccan rug grounds the dining area, while a soft pink and marigold dhurrie rug from her Heat Wave in Rajasthan collection defines the living room. Pillows and poufs add comfort and warmth to every space. The guest bedroom features an overdyed rug and one of her company's first bedspreads, combining coral, blue, and royal purple to create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Oudghiri views the entire process as a period of growth, acknowledging that her taste is maturing, yet emphasizing that color will always remain a crucial element in her design philosophy, recognizing its powerful impact. #HomeTour #TextileDesigner #ColorfulInteriors #LongIslandHome #CustomBuild #ShouSugiBan #InteriorDesign #VibrantDecor #Aelfie

Designer Jana Lam has cultivated a vibrant home studio in Niu Valley, Hawai‘i, mirroring the cheerful and colorful aesthetic of her distinct prints. Her entryway sets the tone with a marigold-yellow front door and a pink-and-green pineapple patterned doormat, leading into a spacious, sun-drenched side room that functions as her primary operational hub. This ranch-style home, built in 1947 and previously owned by her husband's grandparents, became the foundation for Lam's brand expansion when the couple moved in in 2012. The availability of this dedicated space was instrumental in scaling her business and team from a single-person operation struggling with orders. Since then, her line has grown to feature over 30 hand-drawn tropical designs, and her studio now supports a staff of five who manage textile design, production, and e-commerce. Lam describes her studio's overall aesthetic as "light and bright." The space is efficiently organized with rows of fabric bolts lining one wall and a spectrum of notions and zippers neatly stored in clear plastic drawers. Antique Chinese-style furniture has been replaced by large fabric-cutting tables, which are consistently covered with interfacings and various fabric swatches awaiting assembly. The opposing wall displays a dynamic mood board, combining artistic doodles, fabric samples, framed inspirational quotes, and cherished photographs of her children, Lyon and Aili, aged four and one respectively. One of the most significant benefits of having her workspace at home, according to Lam, is the close proximity to her children. She values the unique opportunity for her work and family life to intersect, acknowledging its challenges while emphasizing the deeper bond it has fostered with her kids. The studio also features a shaded screen-printing nook located just outside, where screen printer Kellie Hirata works. Large, sliding French doors open from the studio to a small patio and an expansive beachfront lawn, framed by lush foliage and tall palm trees, creating a picturesque setting. This outdoor area serves as a venue for family Christmas parties and even weddings. Lam's popular Shellini print was directly inspired by her beach walks and treasure hunts with her son, Lyon. Lam’s current projects include a venture into home textiles, such as tea towels, placemats, table runners, and tablecloths, showcasing her classic Sea Flower print and the new Anthurium pattern. She considers the Anthurium print to be her strongest design to date. With a background in interior design, this natural progression into home accents is just the beginning of her aspirations. She aims to expand into other home décor items like bedding, curtains, wallpaper, and upholstery in the future. #HomeStudio #JanaLam #TextileDesign #HawaiianPrints #InteriorDesign #WorkLifeBalance #NiuValley #TropicalDesigns #HomeDecor

This article details the transformation of a 1950s ranch home in Nashville, owned by painter Elizabeth Stern, into a vibrant and personalized living space. The renovation, led by local architecture firm Pfeffer Torode with lead architect Erin Cypress and interior designer Liz Bonesio, focused on enhancing natural light and integrating a distinctive color palette inspired by the homeowner's artistic vision. Initially, the ranch lacked sufficient light and color, presenting a blank canvas for the design team. A primary objective was to open up the internal structure to allow more natural light to penetrate. Cypress achieved this by designing a series of cased openings that connect the private sleeping quarters with the public entertaining areas. These public spaces were conceived to be free-flowing, suitable for parties, pool, and mah-jongg. A significant addition was a sunroom extension off the kitchen, living, and dining rooms, designed with numerous windows and high ceilings to create a seamless connection with the garden and patio, making the outdoors feel like an integral part of the interior. Stern also expressed a preference for minimal recessed lighting. Bonesio addressed this by sourcing various flush-mount fixtures throughout the house, ensuring an even distribution of light without relying heavily on overhead recessed lights, except for a few essential ones in the kitchen. The color scheme played a crucial role in reflecting Stern's artistic sensibility. A recurring earthy, pink-toned terra-cotta, found in the plaster walls of the dining room and reclaimed French _parefeuille_ floors of the sunroom, became a central theme. This warm hue was harmoniously paired with blues, primarily Farrow & Ball Skylight, a pale blue-gray, which served to highlight the warmth of the terra-cotta tones. This deliberate choice of colors created a harmonious and personal atmosphere, aligning with Stern's artistic preferences. The renovation extended to various rooms, each featuring carefully selected details and materials. The living room showcases built-ins painted in a combination of mineral paint and fine paints, flanking an original marble mantel. Custom elements like a Remains Lighting Company flush mount, a Materia's Forchette 24 Chandelier, custom Lee Jofa fabric curtains, and an Erden custom rug contribute to its unique character. The kitchen features an oak island designed without plumbing, along with cabinets painted in Domingue Architectural Finishes' Chapel and Cristallo Azul quartzite countertops. Barber Wilsons & Co. faucets and Balsamo pendants complete the look. The butler's pantry, converted from a storage room, includes a deep Kohler sink for flower arranging, complemented by pendants from Remains Lighting Company and London Silk quartzite countertops. Its cabinets are painted in Benjamin Moore Sandblast and Sherwin-Williams Blustery Sky, with Zak + Fox wallpaper backing Stern’s ceramic collection. The sunroom, referred to as the “catbird seat,” is an idyllic dining area with a Soane pendant, Zak + Fox fabric shades with Bruder trim, and a custom banquette. The dining room, intended for parties, features paneling painted in Farrow & Ball Skylight, allowing for art salon-style displays, and includes a dining table that doubles as a pool table, alongside a piano. The mudroom incorporates a vintage Facebook Marketplace sink with de-plated Chicago Faucets, and walls painted in Benjamin Moore's Seapearl, Pilgrim Haze, and Blue Note, with Currey & Company pendants. The primary bedroom features a Dennis Miller bed upholstered in Rose Tarlow fabric, a Brett Design nightstand, a Soane sconce, and Libeco Home bedding. The guest room uses Peter Fasano wallpaper to inspire a natural palette, with custom beds lacquered in Fine Paints of Europe GC603, Made Goods nightstands, and custom Osborne & Little fabric coverlets. Bathrooms are equally detailed; the primary bathroom includes a gilded papier-mâché Fisher Weisman chandelier, a Victoria + Albert bathtub with Barber Wilsons & Co. tub filler, custom Etamine fabric café curtains, and an Eliko Rugs rug. The guest bathroom, a jack-and-jill style, features a Lacava trough sink, Farrow & Ball De Nimes paint, Tabarka Studio wall tile, a Remains Lighting Company ceiling light, and a Circa Lighting sconce. Lastly, a Hartley Botanic Victorian plant house serves as a greenhouse and potting shed for garden herbs, reflecting Stern's personal touch throughout the entire property. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #NashvilleHomes #ColorPalette #SunroomDesign #KitchenDesign #ArtistHome #HistoricRanch #PfefferTorode

This article details the transformation of a 1915 San Francisco home by designer Kevin Sawyers, who aimed to imbue it with the vibrant personal style of its owner. Although the house was in good structural condition, it lacked personality and cohesive color. Sawyers addressed this by developing a “lip-smacking and playful, but certainly sophisticated” color palette that directly reflects the homeowner's wardrobe choices. The design strategy involved a tight edit of recurring colors to create cohesion and whimsy. For instance, the deep red from the dining room wallpaper reappears on the kitchen backsplash, family room rug, and as the guest bathroom’s wall paint. Similarly, a peachy orange from the kitchen island is echoed in the primary suite. This intentional repetition of strong colors ensures a unified yet dynamic aesthetic throughout the home. Beyond color, the project emphasized custom woodworking, which serves as a grounding element for the bold palette. Built-in case goods and white oak murals cover many walls, providing functional storage and integrated furniture. These custom pieces also feature unique decorative elements, such as mountain range murals inspired by the family’s vacation to Switzerland, adding a personalized touch. Despite minimal structural changes, primarily limited to the children’s bathroom, the three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom home underwent a complete aesthetic overhaul. Virtually every surface was altered, updated, or replaced, making it unrecognizable from its initial state. The extensive design efforts ensured that the house not only became a reflection of its owner but also achieved a joyful, stylish, and clean atmosphere. Key areas of the home showcase this design philosophy. The entryway features a graphic 3D wall mural depicting Swiss mountains and practical storage solutions with circular wall knobs. The living room introduces the home’s ethos with a fireplace framed in Heath Ceramics tile, a nod to the client’s collection, and playful elements like an arch painted on the wall. The family room and playroom embody a flexible, family-friendly style, with wood slats providing subtle separation and a nocturnal Swiss mountain mural in the stairwell. The kitchen features updated cabinetry painted in bold colors like Snowy Shadow and Mysterious Blue, complemented by light fixtures and tiles that match the vibrant hues. A tucked-away pantry adds a playful touch with neon green floating shelves. The breakfast nook, designed for versatility, includes a custom banquette and fluted details that echo design elements found elsewhere in the house. The dining room offers a sleek space for entertaining, with Lee Jofa wallpaper over wainscoting and Benjamin Moore Magenta paint. The primary bedroom provides a tranquil retreat with softer tones like Daytona Peach, while the primary and guest bathrooms incorporate punchy hues, durable materials, and retro-inspired elements like terrazzo-style concrete countertops, maintaining the home's overall vibrant theme. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #CustomWoodwork #SanFranciscoHome #PersonalStyle #ResidentialDesign #VibrantInteriors #HomeRenovation

Molly Mahon, a pattern designer, has transformed her English country cottage into a vibrant and highly personalized home, showcasing her unique block-printed designs throughout. The cottage, which dates back to the 1600s in its oldest parts, underwent significant renovations a decade ago, including moving the staircase to improve flow and lowering ceilings to accommodate her tall husband. During this period, Mahon and her family lived in tents in the garden for eight months, an experience she now humorously reflects on as a time of simplified living. Mahon's design philosophy centers on layering her own colorful fabrics and wall coverings, which she block-prints herself. She aimed to use her own creations, making the decorating process feel more intuitive. A prominent feature of her home's aesthetic is the extensive use of pink, specifically Farrow & Ball’s Pink Ground paint. Despite the cottage's forest location, which could make it feel dark, Mahon strategically applied pink in multiple rooms, noting its warm and comforting glow. She even admits that if she had her way, the entire house would be pink. Her home is filled with accumulated furniture and objects from previous residences. Mahon actively engages in DIY projects, such as creating needlework cushions backed with fabrics from her studio. The fireplace mantel is adorned with paintwork inspired by the nearby Charleston estate, a historical gathering place for the Bloomsbury Group. In the kitchen, plain shelves are given an inexpensive yet distinctive touch with block-printed paper edges cut into scallops, demonstrating her resourcefulness with scrap materials. The unstructured "skirt" lampshades found throughout the house are another example of her DIY approach, a design she loved so much that she began selling them. Mahon challenges the notion of craft being "granny-ish," emphasizing its transformative impact on her life. She also advocates for the use of bold patterns in tight spaces, such as hallways or staircases, to create a sense of depth and openness. Her own "ridiculously narrow" landing features oak leaf wallpaper, block-printed by her on-site, which effectively expands the visual space. The primary bedroom embodies a maximalist approach with clashing prints. Mahon, disliking white rooms, used a large swath of fabric behind the headboard as an alternative to a four-poster bed or framed artwork, providing a safe and stylish solution. Simple slatted-wood bedside tables with glass tops are strategically placed to incorporate more soft furnishings. The children's bedrooms, designed with her own upholstered fabrics, are intended to be timeless, accommodating their growth through teenage years. Guest accommodations are flexible, with Lani's room, for instance, featuring two movable single beds to facilitate sleepovers. Each room is designed to have its own character while remaining comfortable for anyone, aligning with Mahon's overarching aim of creating an inviting and personal living space. #HomeTour #TextileDesign #BlockPrinting #EnglishCottage #DIYHomeDecor #MaximalistDecor #PinkInteriors #PatternDesign

Meredith Rothman, a manager at Anonymous Content, initially envisioned a Spanish Revival home but was drawn to a modern, boxy house in Beverly Hills due to its floor-to-ceiling windows, natural light, and canyon location, which evoked childhood memories. She sought the advice of interior designer Lauren Waters, who convinced her of the property's potential as a "wonderful blank canvas for intriguing furniture and great art." This affirmation led Rothman to purchase the 2,500-square-foot spec house and commission Waters to transform it into a personal retreat suitable for entertaining and showcasing her art collection, which includes works by Analia Saban, John Baldessari, and a charcoal drawing by her grandmother, Luddie Waters. Rothman emphasizes the importance of collecting art by artists she connects with. The primary bedroom, located on the top floor, is designed as a serene space, featuring a custom wall-to-wall upholstered headboard and large windows offering views of the lush hillside and a 200-year-old oak tree, creating a treehouse-like ambiance. Waters initially advocated for a neutral palette, a decision Rothman now credits for improved sleep quality, with a rust velvet bench from Lulu and Georgia providing the only prominent color accent. A second bedroom on this floor has been converted into a gym. On the main level, a previously clunky electric fireplace with crystals was replaced by an open bookcase. This new feature serves to divide the dining and living areas while also providing a display space for Rothman's dishes, books, and art objects, such as a sculpture by Lauren Tsai and ceramics by Cody Hoyt. The kitchen underwent updates including brass hardware from Rejuvenation and cabinets painted in Farrow & Ball’s Railings, a soft black with blue undertones, to inspire Rothman's culinary pursuits. The living room is furnished with a custom sofa, inspired by Adrian Pearsall's cloud design, upholstered in cream bouclé and adorned with ball pillows made from vintage silks. Complementary pieces include a vintage French standing lamp and a Charlotte Perriand stool. John Baldessari’s screenprint, _Two Sunsets (One With Square Blue Moon)_, hangs above a vintage woodworking table from Amsterdam Modern, which functions as a credenza. Sliding doors connect the living room to an outdoor area featuring a vintage André Dubreuil wrought iron Spine chair. Notably, Rothman opted against placing a television in the living room, desiring a more meditative space conducive to conversation, while a custom sectional in Erica Shamrock rust velvet in the home's ADU is dedicated to movie and series watching with her husband, Jamie Iovine, co-founder of NTWRK. Vintage Benny Linden teak chairs, reupholstered in Zack & Fox fabric, surround a concrete table from Restoration Hardware, creating an inviting workspace. Rothman, who once preferred Spanish Revival, now finds her modern home perfectly suited to her lifestyle. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #HollywoodHomes #SpecHomeRenovation #ModernHome #ArtCollection #LuxuryLifestyle #BeverlyHills

The article details the transformation of a traditional Cape Cod-style Manhattan Beach home, originally characterized by corporate-like colors and commercial carpeting, into a vibrant and personalized space for a young family. Homepolish designer Mandy Cheng was tasked with injecting fun, color, and modernity into the abode while ensuring it retained a timeless appeal that the family could grow into. Her design philosophy centered on utilizing bold accent walls, functional furnishings, and a cohesive color palette throughout the home. Cheng addressed the challenge of an open-concept floor plan by establishing visual cohesion between the family room and kitchen. She achieved this by extending the kitchen's color palette, particularly a dark blue used on the island, to the living area's fireplace. Additionally, dusty orange throw pillows in the living room echoed the leather barstools in the kitchen, creating a subtle yet effective link between the spaces. The dining room's design was initiated by a small turquoise print, which inspired a bold application of Benjamin Moore’s Sherwood Forest on the walls, transforming a naturally darker, central room into a striking focal point. Large-scale art and light window treatments were introduced to balance the dark walls. For the boys' bedroom, Cheng introduced accent walls as a test for her clients' willingness to embrace bold design choices. Instead of wallpaper, she used Benjamin Moore’s Blue Macaw and Bluebelle paints, meticulously applying celestial-inspired decals. This approach not only showcased the impact of an accent wall but also resonated with the client’s profession in aeronautics, making space a central theme. The success of this room paved the way for more adventurous choices in other areas. In the nursery, Cheng fully embraced wallpaper, opting for a pink elephant print on two adjacent walls. To manage the budget and create visual contrast, the remaining two walls were painted a soft blue. This strategic application ensured that the most visible walls featured the decorative element, maximizing its impact. The master bedroom was designed as a serene retreat, incorporating a Japanese woven silk wallpaper for the headboard wall, complemented by greenery and sheepskin rugs. Floating shelves were chosen over traditional artwork to allow for easy display and rotation of personal items. Cheng emphasized the natural beauty of mixed wood tones, using brass brackets and wood planks, adhering to the principle that different wood colors can coexist harmoniously if their tones are consistent. An unexpected design challenge arose with the formal living room's vintage spindle back chairs. An order mix-up resulted in chairs with an incorrect stain color and seat cushion. Cheng resolved this by having the chairs bleached by a wood finisher, ultimately achieving the desired aesthetic. The room was further personalized with a six-foot-tall print by photographer Toby Cheng. Finally, in the kids' bathroom, the design prioritized fun and budget-friendliness. A bold floor tile was selected for the small area, complemented by standard wall tiles, demonstrating how a striking design can be achieved without excessive cost, especially in less-frequented areas like children’s bathrooms. #ManhattanBeachHome #InteriorDesign #AccentWalls #ColorPalette #HomeRenovation #FamilyHome #DesignInspiration #MandyCheng #Homepolish

Homepolish designer Mandy Cheng transformed a traditional, corporate-feeling Cape Cod-style house in Manhattan Beach, California, into a vibrant and modern home for a young family with two children. The initial state of the house was characterized by 'office colors' and commercial carpeting, which did not align with the clients' lively personalities. Cheng's design philosophy centered on injecting color, print, and mixed wood finishes to create a timeless yet contemporary aesthetic that the family could evolve with. One of the primary design challenges was achieving cohesion in the open-concept living spaces, particularly between the family room and the kitchen. Cheng addressed this by employing a consistent color palette across both areas. For instance, the dark blue used on the kitchen island was extended to the fireplace in the living room, and dusty orange throw pillows in the living room echoed the leather barstools in the kitchen, effectively tying the spaces together. The dining room provided an opportunity for a bold statement. Inspired by a small turquoise print, Cheng opted to paint the walls in Benjamin Moore’s Sherwood Forest, creating a dramatic and eye-catching effect. This choice aimed to counteract the room's inherently darker orientation within the house and infuse it with a distinct personality. Large-scale artwork and light window treatments were incorporated to balance the bold wall color and introduce a sense of airiness. In the children's bedrooms, Cheng experimented with accent walls as a means of pushing design boundaries with her clients. For the boys' room, instead of immediate wallpaper, she used Benjamin Moore’s Blue Macaw and Bluebelle paints, meticulously applying celestial-inspired decals. This approach served as a temporary solution to demonstrate the potential impact of accent walls, particularly relevant to the wife's profession in aeronautics. The nursery featured a combination of wallpaper and paint to manage the budget and create visual contrast; a pink elephant print wallpaper was used on two visible walls, while the remaining walls were painted in a soft blue. This strategic application maximized visual impact without overspending. The master bedroom was designed as a tranquil retreat. Cheng incorporated Japanese woven silk wallpaper, lush greenery, and sheepskin rugs to foster a serene atmosphere. Floating shelves were chosen over traditional gallery walls, allowing the family to display personal items and easily update family photos. The designer emphasized the use of mixed wood finishes, explaining that varying wood tones, as long as they share a similar base tone, emulate natural environments and add texture to a space. Brass brackets and wood planks on the shelves further enhanced this design element. A particular challenge arose with the vintage spindle-back chairs for the formal living room when an order went wrong, resulting in an incorrect stain color and seat cushion. Cheng resolved this by having a wood finisher bleach the chairs repeatedly until they matched the desired aesthetic, highlighting her adaptability in unforeseen circumstances. The room was completed with a significant print by her brother, photographer Toby Cheng. Finally, for the kids' bathroom, Cheng prioritized a fun yet budget-friendly design. She opted for bold floor tiles in a small area and used standard wall tiles, demonstrating that impactful design can be achieved without excessive spending, especially in less-frequented spaces. The overall project showcases Cheng's ability to transform a dated house into a vibrant, personalized home through thoughtful color coordination, strategic use of accents, and innovative problem-solving. #ManhattanBeachHome #HomePolishDesign #AccentWalls #ColorPalette #OpenConceptLiving #ChildrensRooms #MasterBedroomDesign #MixedWoods #CustomFurniture

The home of Dr. Srikant and Ruta Gir, located in the gated Nottoway subdivision near Poplar and Kirby, is presented as an evolving work of art, meticulously designed and crafted. The Girs, both born in India, drew inspiration from Srikant's childhood estate in Hyderabad, an architectural wonder with 30-foot ceilings, mosaic tile work, a fountain, and European chandeliers. This early exposure motivated Srikant to imbue his own home with similar architectural grandeur and detail, including custom-made chandeliers from Hong Kong that replicate those from his grandfather's home, and traditional Indian imagery throughout the decor. Beyond Indian influences, the Girs incorporated elements from their extensive travels to Europe and Southeast Asia. Srikant, an engineer and co-director of the University of Memphis’ Biofuel Energy and Sustainable Technologies Center, spent over three years conceptualizing floor plans and acquiring pieces for their nearly 7,000-square-foot residence. In 2008, construction began with the help of Memphis builders Millard and Bonnie Townsend, bringing their vision to life. The exterior and interior design prominently feature Balinese influences, a result of Srikant's annual visits to Bali to source artists and materials. The front entrance is framed by a hand-carved sandstone border and pillars, a direct reflection of Balinese design. Inside, similar hand-carved sandstone Corinthian columns and a large wall art panel depicting cranes and lotus flowers reinforce this theme, reminiscent of his grandfather's home. A focal point upon entering is the flowing steel stairway banister and second-floor railing, a creation by renowned Memphis artist Yvonne Bobo. This piece, which took nearly eight months to complete, features creeping vines, gold leafing, and Swarovski crystals that refract light. The sitting room showcases a magnificent collection of hand-carved Louis XVI-style chairs, crafted over two years by French artisan Jean Phillips in teak wood, featuring intricate details and gold leafing. The dining room table, a custom creation, features an old European marquetry look. The Girs spent seven months acquiring a 5-foot by 13-foot solid mahogany piece for the tabletop and then enlisted skilled artists in Bandung, Indonesia, for the marquetry work, which involved carving veneer organic patterns inlaid into the table's top and sides. The final wood finishing was done by Furniture Medics in Memphis. Another distinctive feature is an abalone shell sink in one of the bathrooms, with the abalone sourced from New Zealand and then crafted into a unique basin in Bali. The home boasts two kitchens: a spice kitchen for Ruta's Indian cuisine and a second for dining and entertaining. The European-style cabinetry in the main kitchen was hand-carved in Bali with an ivory marble finish, complemented by speckled Brazilian granite countertops sourced locally. Local handymen Bill and John Rush were responsible for cabinetry installation, trim work, and other finishing touches. The Girs are also planning an addition: an eighteenth-century sitting area, styled after traditional Indian homes, adjacent to the kitchen. This project underscores the Girs' belief that patient effort and collaboration with skilled artisans from around the world can transform ideas into tangible, artistic living spaces. #HomeDesign #ArtisanCraftsmanship #GlobalInfluences #CustomFurniture #ArchitecturalDetail #InteriorDesign #MemphisHomes #BalineseDesign #IndianCulture

Textile designer Aelfie Oudghiri's Brooklyn townhouse, shared with her husband, Hicham, and daughter, Mirah, serves as a living showcase for her eponymous line of bedding, soft goods, rugs, and furniture. Housed in a former industrial pencil factory, the 1,800-square-foot space reflects an easy, comfortable, and effortlessly stylish aesthetic deeply rooted in Oudghiri’s upbringing. Her parents, both builders and developers, introduced her to the transformative power of design early on, and an oversized Kerman rug from her childhood ignited her passion for textiles, inspiring her eventual career. Many pieces in her home are samples from her company, allowing her to live with and test products before their official launch, ensuring they are practical and durable. Oudghiri's journey into design began with an e-commerce store in her teens, focusing on products made by other young women, which taught her the foundations of design. Her childhood dream, however, was to design bedding, driven by frustration with the gendered, corny, or poor-quality synthetic options available at the time. Her early sketchbooks are filled with bedding concepts, foreshadowing her future in textile design. When designing her home, the living room was the starting point, prioritized for its comfort, openness, and suitability for entertaining. Her Moroccan husband influenced the layout, seeking a space reminiscent of a Moroccan salon with ample seating for guests. This led to the inclusion of a mint green sofa from CB2, praised for its durability, and another from ABC Carpet & Home. Oudghiri approaches home design with a lack of inherent attachment to spaces, a common sentiment in New York, preferring to evolve the design slowly. Her access to her own home decor line means her apartment is filled with a complementary array of her designs, from bath mats and pillows to poufs and tables, all serving as practical testaments to their wear and tear resistance. A key design element for Oudghiri was baby-proofing and creating a kid-friendly environment for her daughter, Mirah. The massive, open layout allowed for a play-friendly space free from hard obstacles or fragile items. The open and industrial nature of the former factory presented challenges in making the space feel cozy and welcoming. Oudghiri overcame this by strategically using rugs and artwork to soften the industrial brick walls and warm up the cold aesthetic. Her favorite aspects of the home include the exposed beams, high ceilings, abundant wall space for art, and the intricate texture of the floors. A design element she recommends for readers is foregoing a traditional coffee table in favor of side tables and poufs. This decision, initially driven by an inability to find a beloved coffee table, later proved invaluable for creating a large, open play area for her daughter. Visitors often comment on the home's established feel, assuming Oudghiri has lived there for a long time, despite only a few years passing, indicating the successful integration of her personal style and products. #TextileDesign #BrooklynHome #HomeTour #InteriorDesign #ColorfulDecor #PatternMixing #KidFriendlyDesign #IndustrialConversion #DesignerHome

This article highlights the collaboration between interior designer Elizabeth Riggs of Elizabeth Ashley Interiors, builder Steve Rogai of Steven Anthony Luxury Homes, and architect Monroe Design Group to create a modern transitional lakefront home for Greg and Nicole “Nikki” Zolkos. The Zolkos, a couple with a blended family of five teenage daughters, sought a serene retreat from their busy lives. Their new 7,500-square-foot, five-bedroom, five-bathroom home, situated on a half-acre lakefront property on Lake Carroll, was designed to be warm and inviting for their large family and frequent guests. Riggs adopted a modern transitional style, building upon a timeless, traditional foundation. A key design element is the extensive use of custom millwork, including detailed trim and molding, which adds texture, depth, and an enduring sense of elegance throughout the home. The color palette primarily consists of earthy neutrals, complemented by strategic accents of black and moody blues. This scheme was chosen to harmonize with the natural beauty of the surrounding lake and backyard, which are visible from various parts of the house, including the living room, primary bedroom, pool lounge, and gym. To infuse the Zolkos’ personal style and modern preferences, Riggs incorporated contemporary elements through distinctive lighting fixtures, bespoke art pieces, and carefully selected decor. For instance, the dining room features a striking Arteriors chandelier, serving as a focal point. Given the presence of five children, practical considerations were also integrated, such as investing in high-quality performance fabric for the oversized sectional in the living room. Other special pieces for entertaining include a dining table that accommodates twelve and a coffee table with four pull-out stools for additional seating. Riggs emphasized visual cohesion and seamless transitions between rooms to create a harmonious environment. Her approach is informed by a background in psychology, which she utilizes to understand and align with her clients' design preferences. The article mentions the personal connection between Riggs and Nicole Zolkos, as Nicole was Riggs's first client, making the design of their 'forever home' a particularly meaningful project for the designer. The exterior features a modern minimalist backyard, designed by Hollywood Pools, with a pool overlooking Lake Carroll, providing an open and airy space for family time and entertaining. This comprehensive design strategy aimed to balance timeless elegance with modern functionality and personal touches, resulting in a unique and welcoming family residence.

Lauren Piscione, an interior designer, embraces a 'wabi-sabi' design philosophy, prioritizing unique, imperfect, and meaningful objects in her home and for clients. Her aesthetic focuses on organic materials, visible wear and tear, and a layered, dimensional feel that avoids being overly matched. Piscione's journey into interior design began after a stint in fashion PR and event design, where she realized her passion for creating living spaces. She founded LP Creative in 2019, emphasizing designs that allow clients to evolve their style over time without feeling constrained by a rigid aesthetic. Piscione's Los Angeles home, located among a canopy of trees, reflects her design principles. She specifically sought a residence with abundant natural light and surrounding greenery, describing the challenging climb to her apartment as worthwhile due to its tree-top elevation. Upon discovering the rental, she was drawn to its inherent character, including a purple exterior, vaulted ceilings, a sunken tub/shower combination, and a riverstone fireplace. While limited by rental constraints, Piscione personalized the space by updating cabinetry in the kitchen and bathroom and applying specialty paint finishes to create a faux Venetian plaster effect, achieving her desired wabi-sabi look with readily available materials like Lowe's faux cement finish. Her home showcases a collection of art and objects from artists and makers she has encountered throughout her career, such as Taylor Kibby, Otherside Objects, and Minjae Kim. These pieces are not merely decorative but hold personal significance, symbolizing her professional growth and relationships. She values items that patina over time, like antique Japanese Boro textiles, which display visible history and imperfections. Plants are also integral to her design, treated as sculptural art, with a preference for dynamic, 'suessical' floral arrangements from florists like Isa Isa Floral. Piscione encourages an investigative approach to design, seeking out pieces with unique geometries and shapes that spark conversation, such as a ceramic stool by Eny Lee Parker or a chair from Otherside Objects. She actively engages with emerging artists in the Los Angeles community and frequently connects with makers directly through platforms like Instagram to commission custom pieces. She also highlights Etsy as a valuable resource for unique finds, including Moroccan mats and Japanese textiles, often securing favorable deals by building personal relationships with sellers. During the pandemic, Piscione adapted her home to accommodate her growing business. She repurposed a kitchen nook into a functional workspace by enlisting a carpenter to create a custom cubby system for her fabric, wood, and stone samples, addressing the need for organized storage in a lived-in environment. She maintains a tangible reference library of design magazines like *Architectural Digest* and *Elle Decor*, viewing them as an offline version of Pinterest for inspiration on new projects. Her home also features inviting outdoor spaces, including a back patio with seating and planters, and a front patio transformed into an outdoor dining area with found chairs and a Heather Taylor Home tablecloth, fostering a lifestyle integrated with nature. #InteriorDesign #WabiSabi #HomeTour #LosAngelesInteriors #LaurenPiscione #LPCreative #ArtisticDecor #SustainableDesign #RentalDecor

The article details the collaboration between interior designer Lynn Biase and mixed media artist Jenn Lewis to transform Lewis' new West Harrison home into a vibrant, family-friendly space that seamlessly integrates her distinctive artwork. Lewis, known for her bold, graffiti-style paintings and collages, sought Biase's expertise to create a fun and comfortable environment for herself, her two teenagers, and for hosting social gatherings. Biase had previously worked with Lewis on her former residence, indicating a pre-existing professional relationship built on trust and a shared aesthetic understanding. The design approach prioritized integrating Lewis's artwork, which the artist noted felt organic due to Biase's color choices throughout the home. The house's open layout, high ceilings, and large windows were naturally conducive to displaying art, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. Biase employed a 'high/low' design philosophy, combining custom-made elements with existing features and sourced items to achieve a cohesive yet unique look. An example of this is seen in the foyer, where the existing natural grass cloth wallpaper was complemented by a custom graphic stair runner that extends to the upstairs landing, establishing a striking entrance. The upstairs landing was transformed into a dedicated family area, featuring a game table with a built-in chess board to accommodate Lewis's son's hobby. Sculptural accessories from Current Home further adorned the shelving in this space, adding visual interest. In a previously neutral powder room off the foyer, Biase introduced an arched Arteriors mirror and patterned wallpaper by Kelly Wearstler, significantly enhancing its character. The kitchen saw minor yet impactful updates, including a black and brass faucet, modern black hardware, and pendant lights over the island, all contributing to a contemporary feel. Biase also introduced a pop of color with bright yellow chairs in the kitchen's breakfast area, a departure from Lewis's usual preference for grays. This sunny hue was echoed in the adjoining family room through throw pillows, connecting the spaces visually. For comfort, a custom coffee table with a fabric center was designed to match a large cream-colored sofa from RH, fulfilling Lewis's desire for a soft place to relax. The dining room features watercolor-inspired wallpaper from Emma Hayes, which harmonizes with the gray tones of the dining table and light fixture, while Arhaus dining chairs with antique brass accents add a touch of sparkle. The living room's design began with another bold wallpaper selection, complemented by a rust-colored sectional for visual contrast. In Lewis's office, Biase opted for a cool gray paint, providing an ideal backdrop for the artist's work and highlighting the walnut desk and wool patterned rug. A sitting room adjacent to the primary bedroom showcases one of Lewis's paintings of a bookshelf, seemingly custom-made for the space. The overall design successfully brought Lewis's artistic vision into her living environment, creating a home that feels both fresh and welcoming, according to the artist.