3 decor lessons I learned from a trip to Palm Springs

This article details five key design lessons learned during the process of furnishing and decorating a modern vacation home intended for both personal use and short-term rental on Airbnb. The author, Kathryn O'Shea-Evans, and her husband aimed to create a durable yet stylish space suitable for various guests, including their toddler and dog. The property is located in Bailey, an hour from their primary residence in Wheat Ridge, and has been available for rent since November 2022. The insights gained from this experience are presented as practical advice for others undertaking similar design projects. The first lesson emphasizes the importance of durability, particularly for rental properties or homes with high traffic. Despite selecting luxurious fabrics like white boucle and velvet for sofas and leather for chairs and stools, the owners mitigated potential wear and tear by using a waterproof protectant called Fiber-Seal. This product was applied to fabric furniture, while a similar protectant was used on leather items, successfully preventing noticeable spills and splotches. This approach allows for the use of aesthetically pleasing materials without compromising on practicality. Secondly, the article advises investing in high-touch items that directly impact the guest experience. The author and her husband prioritized cloud-like mattresses and high-thread-count bed linens to ensure guests felt pampered. Conversely, they saved money on decorative elements that are less frequently interacted with. For example, tabletop decor was sourced affordably from local antique shops, and large-scale art, placed high and somewhat out of sight, was painted by the author's husband. This strategy focuses resources on elements that enhance comfort and satisfaction, while economizing on less critical visual details. The third lesson addresses art selection, suggesting that expensive artwork is often unnecessary, especially when the property offers stunning natural views. In the Rocky Mountains setting of their rental, guests' attention is naturally drawn to the panoramic scenery. Therefore, the owners opted for affordable art pieces that subtly complemented the mountainous environment without being literal reproductions. Examples include a photo print of 1960s supermodels on Swiss slopes and a photograph of a ski lift in Big Sky. Additionally, graphic-print wallpaper from Etsy was used to add visual interest in areas lacking architectural character. Fourthly, the article highlights the significance of providing entertainment options for guests, particularly for days when outdoor activities are not possible. The ground floor of their rental, previously a gym, was transformed into a recreational space featuring a Ms. Pac-Man video game, foosball, board games, and a selection of books. To maintain a tidy appearance, these items are stored neatly on bookshelves or in cubbies. A neon sign was also added to the office for a playful touch, demonstrating how small additions can enhance guest enjoyment. Finally, the author stresses the importance of infusing the rental with a distinct sense of place without resorting to cliché design elements. This involves incorporating local influences in a sophisticated manner. Instead of typical mountain décor like antler chandeliers, the owners chose a cabin-themed trundle bed for the kids' room and a custom-made Bailey flag for the family room. A unique touch was created by framing torn pages from a 1950s Colorado guidebook, arranged in a grid, to evoke a local feel subtly and tastefully. These lessons collectively offer a comprehensive guide to designing a vacation rental that is both durable and appealing. #InteriorDesign #ShortTermRental #VacationHome #HomeDecor #DesignTips #PropertyManagement #MountainHome #AirbnbDesign #Durability

This article discusses three key styling lessons derived from observing Nate Berkus' approach to coffee table decor, emphasizing thoughtfulness and meticulous arrangement. Berkus' vintage orange-tinged marble coffee table, designed by Gae Aulenti in the 1960s and 70s and produced by Knoll, serves as the central example. The first lesson highlights the importance of choosing a coffee table that provides an interesting and versatile base. Berkus’ Rosso marble table, with its terracotta shade and sculptural design, offers a strong and architectural foundation that complements various decorative elements without being overpowering. The piece's unique color and texture prevent it from being a bland background, allowing for depth and interest in the overall vignette. The second lesson focuses on integrating beautiful pieces that also serve a practical purpose. Berkus achieves this balance by incorporating ornate glass dishes atop stacks of books, which can subtly organize small items like keys or spare change while contributing to the aesthetic. Additionally, a rattan tray is used to introduce varied textures and provide structure to the styling, creating a defined zone for items like books and vintage candlesticks. This thoughtful selection of multi-functional items ensures that the coffee table remains both visually appealing and useful, avoiding a purely decorative yet impractical setup. Finally, the third lesson emphasizes the creation of distinct zones within the coffee table decor. Berkus' arrangement, though appearing effortless, is meticulously planned to prevent clutter and allow the beautiful marble surface to remain prominent. Each decorative piece is given ample space to breathe, preventing the surface from feeling overwhelmed. This technique encourages the use of negative space, which is presented as equally chic as the decor itself. By zoning the coffee table, multiple separate vignettes can be created, giving an illusion of more deliberate and expensive styling. The author notes that implementing these simple lessons—choosing an interesting base, incorporating practical yet beautiful items, and creating distinct zones—significantly enhances the aesthetic and perceived value of a coffee table arrangement. #InteriorDesign #NateBerkus #CoffeeTableStyling #HomeDecor #VintageFurniture #MarbleTable #DecorTips #StylingLessons

Content creator and founder of Deeply Madly Modern, Kellie Brown, embarked on a house hunt in Palm Springs on Valentine's Day 2022. After a near miss with a desirable furnished four-bedroom, which she describes as a 'heartbreaker' due to its fast sale and less-than-ideal location near the airport, Brown ultimately settled on a 1,300-square-foot, three-bedroom bungalow. This property was part of her top-five list and became her new home in the Sonoran Desert city she had long admired. Brown, originally from New York and residing in a Los Angeles rental, had considered owning property in Palm Springs for several years after a friend's birthday trip. The bungalow appealed to her because it was essentially turnkey. Given the prevalent construction delays during the pandemic, she sought to avoid extensive renovation projects. Although the home was furnished, the existing decor was described as a "big-box retailer situation." Brown quickly orchestrated an "instant flip" by selling most of the original furnishings through Facebook Marketplace before moving in. Her vintage collection from a storage unit was moved in the following day, immediately transforming the space. Her interior style is characterized by a postmodern and primal aesthetic, incorporating playful silhouettes and organic shapes. Despite this, she integrates a subtle nod to the 1950s or 1960s, typical of Palm Springs homes, through pieces like a vintage pine credenza. This credenza, positioned to the left of the entrance, serves as functional storage for blankets, board games, and household essentials, and is appreciated for its sustainability. In the galley kitchen, a patterned wallpaper from Sarah Sherman Samuel delineates the space rather than acting as a traditional accent wall. Brown explains that due to the home's layout, there is only one prominent wall in the living room, making the patterned surface a way to define the area. The print choice reflects her eclectic fashion sense and preference for neutral patterns that blend well with various elements. Brown also assembled a dining table for eight using vintage pieces. She combined Lucite and gold legs from a previous set with a large rectangular glass top and two wood pedestals found for a hundred dollars. This custom creation perfectly fit the bungalow and showcased her resourcefulness. Significant changes were made to the outdoor area. The existing whitewashed cinder block barrier was softened with ficus trees. The firepit was enhanced with Roly Poly chairs, adding personality to the space. The original pergola was replaced with a larger one from Wayfair, complemented by a comfortable outdoor dining set. Brown emphasized the importance of accessible and comfortable outdoor furniture, particularly for plus-size individuals, selecting a teakwood set with built-in cushions to ensure comfort. The primary bedroom presented the biggest design challenge. Brown experimented with numerous headboards before realizing that the solution lay in tone-on-tone wallpaper and custom-color-matched light fixtures, which together created the desired "drama." The primary en suite bathroom underwent a minor renovation, with a woodworker friend constructing a sliding door enclosure to provide privacy, as the original design lacked a door. This solution ingeniously incorporated towel racks on the sliding door to maintain storage space. The bungalow reflects Brown's personal touch through her artwork, curated ceramic collections, and vintage Moroccan rugs. Every detail was thoughtfully chosen, creating a home that brings joy and reflects a labor of love. #HomeTour #PalmSpringsDesign #InteriorDesign #VintageDecor #WallpaperDesign #OutdoorLiving #HomeRenovation #PersonalizedSpaces #EclecticStyle

Los Angeles designer Sally Breer, cofounder of design firm ETC.etera, has channeled her expertise into the vibrant Firehouse Hotel, located in the city’s Arts District. This new establishment, a collaborative effort with hotelier and restaurateur Dustin Lancaster, previously served as a fire station before being converted into an artist's loft in the 1980s. Breer's design philosophy for the hotel revolved around maximizing the fun with color, creating nine distinct guest rooms, each themed after a color from the ROYGBIV spectrum, alongside black and white rooms. Breer's approach to color in the Firehouse Hotel challenges conventional shyness in home decor, opting instead for bold and unexpected combinations. One key lesson from her design is the successful pairing of warm hues. In the Yellow Room, saffron bathroom tiles are contrasted with a scarlet vanity, which Breer describes as a rich, grounded color that balances the bright yellow. A mustard velvet bolster acts as both a headboard and backrest for a built-in bench. The Orange Room showcases a spectrum of sunset shades, from radiant pink to tangerine, creating a dynamic and cohesive space. Furthermore, the Violet Room demonstrates a sophisticated use of color by combining deep eggplant with warm pumpkin-hued silk pillows and curtains, which adds a sense of warmth to the violet. Another significant takeaway from Breer's design is the innovative use of pattern and patina to introduce color and texture beyond traditional paint. The Blue Room features a canopy bed adorned with a cobalt toile, complemented by smoky cabinetry. In the Green Room, an avocado-toned fauna wallpaper envelops the sitting area, and the kitchenette is outfitted with a deep forest green marble countertop. The Indigo Room draws inspiration from a vintage denim dead-stock, which Breer repurposed as a textured headboard, dictating the room's minimalist Japanese aesthetic. The bathrooms across all rooms feature Moroccan Zellige tiles from Clé Tile, with each color corresponding to its guest room, such as Indian Saffron in the Yellow Room and Ancient Sea in the Blue Room, and a more subtle Vintage Rose in the Violet Room. Finally, Breer incorporates nightclub-inspired accents in darker rooms to create a unique ambiance. The Black Room exudes a '70s nightclub vibe with leopard carpeting and inky-black bathroom tiles, offering a striking contrast to the vibrant rainbow mural and colorful sunset hues of the White Room. This 'grandma-punk' aesthetic, as Breer describes it, balances classic elegance with edgy elements. This theme extends to the hotel's restaurant, which features deep peacock blue walls and crimson banquettes, offset by a disco ball backsplash made from reflective tiles and a distinctive alien-like seafoam green light fixture. Breer's aim was to create a space that feels both historic and playfully unconventional, resonating with the surrounding art-filled neighborhood of Los Angeles. #HotelDesign #ColorInspiration #InteriorDesign #LosAngeles #SallyBreer #FirehouseHotel #HospitalityDesign #BoldColors #DesignLessons

Vignettes are groupings of decorative objects that tell a mini-story, incorporating personal and sentimental items like travel souvenirs, family photos, or meaningful art. These displays can range from small, forgotten spaces to floor-to-ceiling arrangements, including elements like console tables with extra seating, accent lighting, mirrors, and art. The goal is to transform underused corners or empty spaces into inviting and aesthetically pleasing areas. To create a successful vignette, designers recommend starting with more items than necessary to allow for thoughtful editing. This process involves playing with placement, stepping back to analyze the visual impact, and adjusting until the arrangement feels right. Key elements to consider include balancing visual elements, mixing textures, heights, and shapes, and incorporating personal items to add character. The backdrop, such as a wall or surface behind the vignette, is also crucial, with complementary colors, textures, or patterns enhancing the overall look. A console table often serves as a foundational piece, allowing for layers of accessories, lamps, and artwork. When styling, one can consider symmetry or asymmetry, ensuring proportions are balanced. Trays are another excellent starting point for vignettes on coffee tables, side tables, or kitchen counters, gathering items like books, vases with flowers, sculptural objects, and candles to create a cohesive display. The concept of a "mountain" display involves introducing one or two tall items to create a peak, with other objects gradually trickling down on both sides to form a unified foundation. This method ensures a natural, captivating flow. Incorporating personal and vintage items, such as family heirlooms, antiques, and old books, adds a sense of history and individuality to the vignette, making it more meaningful. Color cohesion is vital; maintaining a consistent color story, whether bold or neutral, helps prevent a chaotic appearance. Mixing textures and materials within a single color palette can add visual interest. The "rule of thirds" is a helpful guideline for arranging objects, suggesting grouping items in odd numbers (usually threes) and placing focal points at grid intersections for balanced composition. This rule also applies to varying object types: one vertical, one horizontal, and one sculptural item. Arranging a vignette from different angles ensures it looks appealing from all viewpoints. Designers suggest playing with color, texture, and scale, mixing furniture styles, and incorporating unexpected organic elements like fresh or dried florals. Finally, allowing negative space is crucial to prevent overcrowding, giving each item room to breathe and be appreciated individually. Incorporating plants and greenery adds a fresh, lively touch that enhances any vignette and brings life to previously overlooked spaces. #vignetteIdeas #interiorDesign #homeDecor #stylingTips #designPrinciples #personalStyle #vintageDecor #colorStory #ruleOfThirds

The article details five invaluable decorating tips derived from the Dorothy Draper Design Weekend held at The Greenbrier, a historic resort renowned for its design legacy. This annual event celebrates the maximalist style championed by American design icon Dorothy Draper and her protégé, Carleton Varney. The author, Christiana Roussel, attended the event, which included tours of the resort's upholstery shop, floral arranging classes, lectures, workshops, receptions, and dinners, all led by Dorothy Draper & Company President Sebastian Varney (Carleton Varney's son) and Design Director Rudy Saunders. The experience offered a renewed perspective on incorporating bold patterns and colors into home décor, emphasizing an approach to design that is both playful and personal. The first tip is to avoid taking design too seriously. Dorothy Draper’s famous tagline, “Decorating is fun,” underscores the idea that creating a stylish space should be an enjoyable process, not an overly complicated one. Rudy Saunders encourages individuals to step out of their comfort zones, suggesting simple changes like adding colorful throw pillows or repainting a room in a bright hue. He also advocates for using beautiful pieces in everyday life, rather than reserving them for special occasions, asserting that a beautiful, lived-in feeling is accessible to everyone. The second tip emphasizes the importance of mixing contrasting patterns fearlessly. The article highlights how Saunders and Interior Design Project Manager Merriweather Franklin demonstrate this through multi-layered inspirational vignettes using swatches and trims. Examples include drapes backed with coordinating fabric reappearing on upholstered chairs, floral wallpaper contrasting with a boldly painted ceiling, and varied patterns in bedroom textiles, such as sweeping valance designs grounded by tighter bedskirt patterns. For residential projects, the article notes that integrating the client’s individual tastes and existing furniture is crucial, adapting the Draper aesthetic to create a personalized space. Thirdly, the article discusses the harmonious interplay of whimsy and symmetry in design. The author observed that despite the resort’s abundance of fun florals and happy plaids, a strong sense of symmetry grounds the spaces. Intentional placement of furniture, doors, and windows balances the playful fabrics and wall coverings, allowing the patterns to thrive within a structured environment. Saunders explains that this seemingly 'over-the-top' style is actually streamlined by order and symmetry, often featuring a single prominent painting instead of a gallery wall. He also notes how Carleton Varney updated Mrs. Draper’s original window treatments at The Greenbrier by using new fabrics in the same classic shapes, adding new elements while maintaining the tailored lines. The fourth tip encourages starting small when incorporating bold design elements. The author, whose personal aesthetic leans more subdued, found herself drawn to a tobacco leaf pattern during a tour of the upholstery shop. She realized that while she might not adopt a floor-to-ceiling floral approach, integrating a few key pieces like linens or accent pillows could channel Dorothy Draper’s infectious embrace of color into her home. For those desiring a full Greenbrier experience, Rudy Saunders and Sebastian Varney offer their services to reimagine entire rooms and homes, bringing the Dorothy Draper “joie de vivre” to clients nationwide. Finally, the article reiterates Dorothy Draper’s truism, “If It Looks Right, It Is Right.” This philosophy advocates for personalizing one’s home with décor, finds, treasures, and colors that bring individual joy. The author shares her own examples of filling her home with items she loves, such as bird’s nests, tortoise shells, pheasant feathers, and the color Hermès orange, prioritizing a sense of place and personal happiness over fleeting trends. This approach suggests that authentic design stems from what feels inherently right to the homeowner. #DorothyDraper #DesignTips #MaximalistStyle #GreenbrierResort #InteriorDesign #PatternMixing #ColorInDecor #HomeDecorating #DesignPhilosophy

Traditional home design, encompassing styles from coastal grandmother to grand millennial, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Unlike modern or contemporary designs, traditional spaces are characterized by a soulful, rich, and warm aesthetic. Crafting such an environment can be more intricate, requiring careful attention to detail and layering. One effective technique to enhance a traditional space is through mixing patterns. Jennifer Beek Hunter, an interior designer, advises focusing on a consistent color palette while varying the scale and proportion of prints. For instance, combining a large floral chintz with a subtle pinstripe can create a fresh yet traditional feel. If pattern mixing proves too challenging, Sarah Solis suggests repeating the same patterns throughout a room or using identical patterns in different colorways to achieve a cohesive look. Comfort is paramount in traditional homes, particularly for seating. Betsy Burnham, principal designer at Burnham Design, emphasizes the importance of plush, deep, and well-tailored sofas and chairs that invite relaxation. She recommends fabrics like washed denim, Belgian linen, and cotton velvet for their appealing texture and durability, though she encourages personal preferences if other materials offer similar comfort. The goal is to create furniture that people genuinely want to spend time in. Layering furniture and decor from various eras is another key aspect of traditional design. Rita Naffas, from Rita Naffas Design, highlights that the best traditional spaces feature classic, timeless pieces that appear to have been accumulated over generations or travels. To maintain interest and relevance, she suggests integrating vintage and modern decor and art. For those without inherited pieces, antique stores and estate sales offer excellent alternatives for acquiring items with a lived-in feel. Adding a stair runner can instantly elevate traditional homes with multiple stories. Kate Marker notes that a striped or playful patterned runner introduces whimsy, while a natural jute runner provides texture and warmth underfoot. Beyond aesthetics, stair runners offer practical benefits by improving safety, especially in households with children or elderly individuals, by reducing the risk of slips and falls. Wallpaper is an essential element for embellishing traditional spaces, offering a richness and depth that paint cannot replicate. Victoria Holly of Victoria Holly Interiors explains that wallpaper, whether featuring a traditional pattern or a grasscloth texture, consistently contributes to a more traditional aesthetic. Sources like Red From Scalamandré provide a diverse range of classic yet bold prints for maximum design impact. Finally, internationally curated details are crucial for making traditional homes truly unique. Sarah Rosenhaus points out that a traditional space is defined by elements such as beautifully wallpapered walls, luxurious drapes with intricate pleats, and well-placed antique pieces. Decorative crown molding, ornate lighting, and richly patterned rugs further contribute to this layered and maximalist approach, where a “more is more” mentality often prevails. By incorporating these elements, homeowners can successfully create a traditional and inviting atmosphere. #TraditionalDesign #InteriorDesignTips #HomeDecoration #PatternMixing #ComfortableSeating #StairRunner #WallpaperTrends #AntiqueDecor #LayeredDesign

The author, Charlotte Olby, recounts her trip to the Amalfi Coast, Italy, and the significant impact it had on her interior design perspective. She returned home with inspiration for bold colors, patterns, and a maximalist approach to living, encapsulated by the Italian concept of 'la dolce vita'. Her experience highlights how the region’s sun-drenched palettes, lemon tree-lined streets, and aged architecture offered numerous design lessons. One of the most striking design takeaways was the confident use of red and yellow color combinations. Before her trip, Olby had reservations about pairing these colors, fearing a fast-food aesthetic. However, seeing them used throughout the Amalfi Coast in faded crimson shutters against lemon-hued walls, and in patterned floor tiles mixed with terracotta and cream, transformed her view. She describes this combination as sun-drenched, joyful, and grounded in heritage, rather than kitsch. The key to successfully incorporating these colors, she suggests, lies in using muted tones and small doses, such as butter yellow with burgundy, or a soft yellow kitchen accented with red accessories. Another significant lesson was the prevalence of painted ceilings, referred to as the 'fifth wall'. From hotels to restaurants, ceilings were adorned in shades of blue, yellow, and terracotta, adding unexpected drama and depth even to small spaces. This inspired Olby to rethink her own dining room ceiling, transforming a plain white expanse into a more thoughtful and cocooning space with a muted buttery yellow paint that complements her existing decor. The third major design lesson centered on the ubiquitous use of stripes. The Amalfi Coast, from sun-bleached beach umbrellas to candy-striped cafe cushions, demonstrated how versatile stripes can be without appearing overdone or strictly nautical. Instead, these stripes featured bold and bright hues of red, green, blue, and yellow, often mismatched in palette and size, showcasing the 'stripe-drenching' trend. This observation made Olby realize the potential of stripes to integrate seamlessly with other patterns and interior design styles. She recommends starting with multi-striped table linens or adding striped edging to curtains or upholstery for a cohesive yet playful look. To help readers incorporate these Italian-inspired elements into their homes, the article features a shopping guide. This includes items such as a Bistro Stripe Patio Umbrella, a Yellow Lemon Stoneware Vase, a Nigel Wood Side Table in tomato red, Vietri Campagna Dinner Plates, an Assouline Amalfi Coast Coffee Table Book, and La DoubleJ Placemats. These curated products offer tangible ways to bring the bold yet classic aesthetic of the Amalfi Coast into any living space. The author concludes by emphasizing that her trip to the Amalfi Coast not only left her with memories but also fundamentally shifted her approach to decorating, making each design choice feel more personal and playful, like a cherished souvenir. #InteriorDesign #AmalfiCoast #ItalianDesign #ColorCombinations #PaintedCeilings #StripedDecor #Maximalism #HomeDecor #DesignInspiration #TravelInspiredDesign

As January concludes, the anticipation of spring prompts a desire for home refreshment, moving beyond winter's lingering atmosphere. Various homeware brands are introducing their spring lines, among them Magnolia, the renowned store owned by interior designer Joanna Gaines. Her new collections are a constant source of inspiration, with the store itself serving as a dynamic showcase for seasonal decor concepts. Recently, Gaines transformed her Waco store with a spring makeover, aligning with the new collection launch and offering practical decorating tips for homeowners. One key takeaway from Gaines's spring re-design is her innovative approach to displaying spring flowers. She utilizes moss-like foliage to create garlands, artfully scattering them among various displays throughout the store. A notable example is a vibrant garland suspended above a spring tablescape, demonstrating how these typically holiday-associated decorations can bring a fresh, natural touch to any space during spring. Additionally, Gaines crafted charming floral displays using antique-style glass cloches, evoking the traditional ambiance of a Victorian shop. This rustic and inviting aesthetic is easily replicable on console tables, particularly in entryways, to create an old-world charm. The article highlights specific Magnolia products that embody these floral display principles. A Daisy Wreath, made from faux foliage, is suggested for hanging above a mantelpiece or in an entryway. The Caroline Blue Hand-Painted Vase, adorned with delicate flowers, is presented as an ideal vessel for spring blooms. Furthermore, Gaines incorporates Real Touch Oversized Dahlia Stems throughout the Magnolia store, adding vibrant yet delicate touches essential for a spring-inspired interior. Another significant aspect of Gaines's spring aesthetic is her preference for soft earthy shades over traditional pastels. While pastel color schemes are commonly associated with spring, Gaines demonstrates that other hues can achieve an equally uplifting and airy feel. Instead of conventional pale pinks, blues, and greens, she opts for a more muted and earthy palette. The store's design, featuring numerous wooden accents and furniture, contributes to a warm and inviting atmosphere. Gaines integrates traditional spring colors like greens and yellows but in darker, muddier tones, making them more sophisticated and versatile for year-round appeal. The recommendation is to swap one conventional spring shade for a richer tone to create a balanced, lasting interior, complemented by wooden furniture and metallic decor for a cohesive design. Finally, Gaines's design consistently incorporates vintage prints and designs to achieve a spring farmhouse style. Introducing antique-style pieces contributes to a lived-in and charming home environment. The large wooden dresser prominently displayed in the Magnolia store, reminiscent of classic farmhouse kitchens, exemplifies this. It serves as a functional yet decorative piece, ideal for showcasing favorite plates, mugs, and glasses, especially when paired with handpainted china and copper pans for an ultimate antique look. Gaines also utilizes gingham and embroidered fabrics in her decor, from delicate placemats to pastel-printed napkins, which infuse a rustic and characterful element into the space. These prints can be introduced through various home textiles, such as upholstered furniture or bedding, emphasizing that even small changes can significantly impact a spring-inspired scheme. The article suggests specific vintage-inspired products like a Brass and Copper Decorative Box for storing miscellaneous items, a Woven Grid Table Runner for elevating dining tables, and a Callin Etched Brass Bud Vase for showcasing individual flower stems, all contributing to a cohesive, antique-style display. #JoannaGaines #Magnolia #SpringDecor #FarmhouseStyle #InteriorDesignTips #FloralArrangements #EarthyColorPalettes #VintageDecor #HomeRefresh #DecoratingIdeas

This article explores three Parisian design lessons from interior designer Marianne Evennou, focusing on how to effectively design small apartment spaces. The core principles emphasized are considering the layout, prioritizing storage, and designing according to individual needs. The article begins by highlighting the author's realization that even tiny apartments can be transformed into authentic and livable homes by applying these valuable teachings. The first lesson, "Consider your layout," stresses the importance of acknowledging the architectural context of a building and designing around it authentically. Evennou's project, 'Chez Bambi,' a less than 400 sq ft apartment in Rue de la Paix, exemplifies this. By opening up the kitchen to the living area and utilizing windows to enhance light, she created a cohesive vision where rooms felt connected and larger. The design aimed to avoid a fragmented feel, making the kitchen appear as a natural extension of the living space. The article further elaborates on how open-plan layouts can encourage unity and create an illusion of more space. Evennou employs interior windows, glass roofs, and various openings to create perspectives that lead the eye through the apartment, fostering a sense of an "inner journey" rather than confinement. Architectural elements are used to define distinct zones within the open space, for example, window panes separating the bedroom from the living room while allowing light to penetrate. This strategic placement helps create unique characters for each area without physical divisions. In 'Chez Bambi,' the bedroom was intentionally placed at the rear of the apartment to mitigate street noise, featuring glass windows that allow for enjoyment of the entire apartment's volume. The bedroom's design as a wooden-paneled cabin reflects a playful yet sophisticated approach to small-space living in a prime Parisian location. The second lesson, "Prioritize storage," is presented as crucial for small apartment design. Effective storage solutions are integral to accommodating furniture and decor while maintaining an uncluttered aesthetic. The 'Chez Rose' project in the Marais, a mere two hundred square feet, showcases Evennou's innovative storage strategies. For a client who purchased the apartment sight unseen during the pandemic, Evennou integrated the small kitchen seamlessly into the living space, making it both discreet and elegant. She utilized custom kitchen cabinets treated as art, featuring a bas-relief by her husband, Franck Evennou. A bespoke daybed served multiple functions, transforming from a bench during the day to a bed at night, with hidden storage behind curtains. Evennou emphasizes maximizing every square centimeter, including under-stairs and under-bed storage, niches for books, and multifunctional furniture like staircases that double as bookcases or desks. This approach ensures that the apartment caters to the client's needs for both a temporary Parisian residence and a functional workspace. The third lesson, "Design according to your needs," is illustrated by the 'Chez Anne' studio apartment, also in the Marais, measuring less than one hundred square feet. This project was designed for a university teacher who regularly visits Paris. Evennou prioritized the client's specific lifestyle, incorporating a trundle bed and sliding doors for the bathroom and dressing area to create a classic yet cozy atmosphere for weekend stays with her husband. Evennou's pragmatic approach involves organizing the space around fundamental activities such as sleeping, eating, washing, tidying, working, and relaxing, ensuring a specific area for each function. She intentionally avoids knocking down all walls and using a single color, which is often recommended for micro-apartments. Instead, she divides and splits the space, creating different worlds marked by distinct colors or materials, demonstrating that a small space can be functional and aesthetically rich. The article concludes with Evennou's final advice to treat small spaces with respect, choosing quality materials and decorating with elegance, charm, and poetry to transform them into intriguing and personality-packed homes. #SmallApartmentDesign #ParisianInterior #MarianneEvennou #SpaceOptimization #MultifunctionalFurniture #InteriorDesignTips #StorageSolutions #LayoutPlanning #FrenchDesign #StudioApartment

This article highlights ten modern minimalist home décor items available from local retailers in Greater Palm Springs, emphasizing earth-hued pieces that blend minimalism with modernism. The selection includes various categories such as sculptures, terrariums, lighting, candles, tableware, stationery, furniture, mirrors, and decorative objects, each offering a distinct aesthetic and functionality suitable for contemporary living spaces. Among the featured items are the 'Sunbeam' series of totem sculptures by SoCal ceramic artist and landscape designer Dustin Gimbel. These sculptures are inspired by sun rays and midcentury modern shapes, designed to be stacked and displayed both indoors and outdoors. Another item is a petite glass and metal terrarium from Los Angeleaves at Flannery Exchange, ideal for showcasing succulents or air plants on a desk or hanging near a window. For lighting, Lolo Interiors offers a handmade, funnel-shaped ceramic pendant light made from stoneware with a white gloss glaze and brass accents, providing a sophisticated glow. To enhance sensory experiences, the article suggests the Joshua Tree Bonfire Candle from Roaming Travelers, which features notes of smoke, amber, and sandalwood, evoking the ambiance of the desert. For dining and display, Wabi Sabi Japan Living presents versatile stone placemats that can also serve as trivets or bases for large vases and artwork, introducing a natural element to tablescapes. Additionally, the article includes a vintage-themed lined notebook from Palm Springs Life itself, featuring various vintage cover options. Furniture options include the Hew Side Table from Design Within Reach, crafted from solid American walnut, with a modernist shape that adds a geometric touch to any interior. For wall décor, Between the Sheets offers a stylish twisted wood mirror designed to bring warmth and a natural element into a room. Decorative art pieces are also highlighted, such as the hand-built and painted ceramic 'Magic Eye' objet d’art from New York-based MQuan Studio, available at Super Simple, which adds intrigue to any space. Finally, the Mud Australia collection, available at Phylum, features the Hive Vase, a sculptural vessel with a slightly off-axis opening that emphasizes its artisan craftsmanship, suitable for floral arrangements. The curated selection aims to provide home décor options that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, aligning with modern minimalist design principles and reflecting the unique style of the Greater Palm Springs area. #HomeDecor #MinimalistDesign #Modernism #PalmSpringsShopping #InteriorDesign #LocalRetailers #CeramicArt #DesertInspired

Interior designer Cathie Hong shares the five key lessons she learned while designing her mid-century Californian home, a process that allowed her to experiment and create a space truly reflective of her personal style. The decision to move into a fixer-upper mid-century home in Los Gatos was made impulsively during the pandemic, driven by the family's need for more space. Despite its unkempt condition, the house's original features, such as double-height ceilings, an open-riser staircase, redwood-clad walls, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows, immediately captivated the family. The design project was both exhilarating and overwhelming, offering Hong the freedom to take risks without client constraints. Her husband's support was crucial, allowing her to blend various aesthetic elements, resulting in a modern home that incorporates wood, dainty hardware, handmade Japanese tiles, terrazzo slabs, custom millwork, playful wallpaper, Korean artwork, and collected furniture. This blend created a unique style that she describes as a mashup of mid-century, Scandinavian, and Japandi influences. One significant lesson learned was the importance of embracing 'outside-of-the-box' thinking. Despite the home's mid-century architecture and original redwood paneling, Hong integrated her minimalist, Japandi preferences. For instance, she combined redwood and light oak in her kitchen, a design choice for which she initially struggled to find examples. This unconventional approach ultimately resulted in a design that authentically represents her style and has even attracted new clients who appreciate her unique aesthetic. Another lesson highlighted is that 'good things come to those that wait.' Hong meticulously planned the installation of 'Smink' relief tiles in her children's bathroom, specifically aiming to inset the bathroom mirror into the tile for a custom, seamless look. This required extensive coordination between vendors and tile setters, leading to initial hesitation about the extra effort involved. However, the finished result confirmed that the additional time and effort were worthwhile, reinforcing the idea that quality design often demands patience and meticulous execution. Hong also emphasizes the importance of trusting one's instincts, particularly when making bold design choices. She had always admired monochromatic grid tiles but found clients often reluctant to adopt such a strong aesthetic. For her own bathroom, she chose a dusty pink Japanese ceramic grid tile for the entire space, a decision she almost second-guessed. Her husband's encouragement to stick with her original vision proved invaluable, as this bathroom, with its singular material application, became one of her favorite design elements in the house. The bold, yet restrained, use of a single tile material created a striking and personal statement. Furthermore, Hong advocates for the strategic use of built-ins. In her music and playroom, she invested in a full wall of custom built-in storage to organize her children's belongings. Given the room's small size, she incorporated a built-in sofa into the cabinetry to provide additional seating. While built-ins represent a significant financial and permanent commitment, she views them as excellent investments that offer customized design and superior storage solutions that freestanding furniture often cannot match. Finally, the designer underscores the necessity of creating spaces for retreat. Collaborating with architect BK Kim, Hong designed a small home office for her husband. Despite its compact size and limited natural light, they installed a reeded glass pocket door to allow light in. This dedicated space, though initially for her husband, also serves as a personal sanctuary for Hong during meetings or intensive design work, highlighting the importance of personal quiet zones within a busy family home. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #MidCenturyModern #JapandiStyle #CustomMillwork #BuiltInStorage #DesignLessons #CaliforniaHome #FamilyLiving

This article highlights the home of interior designer Dana Tosolini in Narrabundah, Canberra, which seamlessly blends mid-century design with Palm Springs aesthetics. The property serves as both a family residence and the base for her interior design business, Concepts Interior Design (CID). The design process took approximately two years, with half of that time dedicated to planning, and was completed in March 2023. Dana's primary goal was to create a functional space that balanced professional and personal life, with specific zoning that allowed clients to visit the office without accessing private family areas. The home is shared with her husband, Carlo, and their two adult children. The design ethos of the home reflects Dana's personal style, characterized by a mid-century foundation with a playful European twist. She deliberately chose a bold and directional interior to showcase CID's capabilities in design, documentation, and project management. The exterior facade, inspired by a Modernist European home found on Pinterest, incorporates interesting brickwork details using PGH ‘Morada’ bricks in Ceniza and a striking wall of triple glazing. The facade was designed to be sympathetic to the local housing stock while incorporating modern elements, such as a nearly three-meter-high glazing panel installed with minimal steel supports to achieve a specific aesthetic without a parapet. Inside, the home features a neutral backdrop of soft whites and greiges, which allows vibrant accents and oversized artworks to stand out. Bright fuchsias, zesty citrus shades, and sweet pinks are strategically used to inject fun and personality into the space. Notable pieces include a holographic ballerina artwork by Umberto Ciceri, reupholstered 20-year-old lounges in velvet from Elliott Clarke, and Ligne Roset ‘Pukka’ armchairs. The kitchen and dining areas feature a refurbished dining table, Quantum Zero engineered stone benchtops, and cabinetry in Avion Grey and Polar White. Outdoor spaces also incorporate bold colors, such as an outdoor dining table repainted in Haymes Blushing Peach with a custom pink glass top, and a feature wall painted in Taubmans Earth Tone next to blue pool tiles. The home is filled with personal objects and a tailored color scheme, yet the neutral base palette ensures adaptability for potential future buyers with different tastes, allowing for cost-effective interior adjustments. The layout is also designed for flexibility; the spacious home office can easily be converted into a formal living area as the family downsizes. The project, which was Dana's first experience managing a build from excavation to completion, was a significant professional and personal milestone, providing both a steep learning curve and immense satisfaction. Dana emphasizes the importance of hiring a designer who fully understands the client's aesthetic goals, ensuring the design aligns with their personal style and vision rather than just imposing the designer's stamp. The home is described as a place where the family feels "eternally on holiday," positively impacting their relationships. #MidCenturyDesign #PalmSpringsStyle #InteriorDesign #HomeOffice #CanberraHome #BoldInteriors #ColorfulDecor #RenovationProject #FamilyHome

The iconic Palm Beach style, traditionally characterized by its vibrant colors and patterns, has seen a resurgence in popularity, influenced by media such as Apple TV's "Palm Royale." This aesthetic transcends mere "beachy" decor; it embodies elegance, refinement, and a whimsical touch, incorporating bright hues, rattan, lacquer, and distinctive prints. The article provides eight practical methods to integrate this distinctive style into both home interiors and personal wardrobes. First, embracing an updated Palm Beach color palette is crucial. While classic pinks and greens remain central, contemporary interpretations, as seen in Kemble Interiors' revamp of The Colony Hotel, suggest a more subdued approach. This includes pale pinks, subtle greens, and warm taupes, which draw inspiration from the natural landscape. In fashion, this translates to spirited yet muted patterns in colors like green, blue, lavender, and yellow, moving beyond the literal pink and green while maintaining the town's vibrant spectrum. Second, the incorporation of natural textures is key to adding warmth. Wicker and rattan are prominent materials for furniture and accessories, such as side tables and trays, often featuring charming details like scallops. These materials create a lightweight, tropical, and indoor-outdoor feel, perfectly encapsulating the Palm Beach lifestyle. Similar textures can be found in fashion accessories like wicker clutches. Third, leaning into iconic patterns is essential. Whether it's the whimsical prints of Lilly Pulitzer, featuring motifs like shrimp drinking cocktails or prancing elephants, or custom de Gournay wallpapers, patterns are integral to the Palm Beach aesthetic. Layering patterns in rooms can create an extravagant look, while bold dresses convey a carefree South Florida attitude. Fourth, the concept of "coastal" is redefined in Palm Beach style. Unlike typical beachy decor with literal seashells, Palm Beach coastal is more elegant and refined. This is often achieved through brilliantly lacquered items such as mirrors and trays in high-gloss white, pink, blue, or other striking colors. The addition of bamboo motifs further enhances this distinct coastal interpretation. Fifth, a maximalist approach is encouraged. Palm Beach style rarely shies away from excess. In fashion, this might mean donning a kaftan, large sunglasses, and multiple bangles. For home decor, it translates to ornate accents and items with more detail and color than typically chosen, such as an elephant stool, designed to make a bold statement. Sixth, playful elements are a hallmark of the style. A touch of whimsy is evident in the playful animals that appear in both clothing and decor. Accent pieces, such as chairs with tropical patterns featuring leopards or palm trees, contribute to this playful and surprising vibe, prioritizing an "Oh, I just loved it!" sentiment over strict coordination. Seventh, incorporating touches of European opulence and gilded decor adds a layer of richness. Originating during the Gilded Age, Palm Beach style often features ornate details, gilded ceilings, and elegant interiors, drawing inspiration from places like The Breakers or the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum. Decorative items such as palm chandeliers offer an accessible way to integrate this opulent aspect. Finally, integrating vintage elements is crucial. Authentic Palm Beach homes and closets often feature vintage pieces from the style's heyday. This includes looking for bamboo motifs, lacquer, and gilded detailing in antique stores. For wardrobe, vintage Lilly Pulitzer pieces found online can add a classic, inspired touch to a Palm Royale-esque ensemble. #PalmBeachStyle #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #FashionTrends #CoastalLiving #Maximalism #VintageDecor #RattanFurniture

The article explores the multifaceted role of landscape architecture in the Coachella Valley, emphasizing its importance in complementing a home's architecture, connecting with its inhabitants, and respecting the desert environment. It highlights that successful landscaping goes beyond mere plant selection, encompassing driveways, walkways, pools, fire pits, water features, barbecues, walls, and gates, all contributing to a cohesive living space. The piece draws a parallel to Frank Sinatra's appreciation for desert landscaping, noting his choice to integrate his home with the natural habitat rather than imposing a foreign aesthetic. This approach aligns with the growing trend among architects and landscape architects in the region to favor native or adapted plant life. The historical evolution of landscaping in the Coachella Valley is discussed, noting a shift from traditional lush lawns, prevalent after World War II, to more water-conscious and desert-appropriate designs. Early residential landscaping often featured natural desert elements in the front and an 'oasis' of turf and citrus in the back. However, increasing population and droughts in the 1970s and '80s led to conservation efforts. Modern landscape design, as articulated by experts like Lance O’Donnell, emphasizes sensory engagement, guiding the eye with color, contrast, and massing of elements. James Burnett's work at Sunnylands exemplifies this, orchestrating sun, views, and sounds to create an immersive garden experience. Ron Radziner's concept of 'enhanced nature' further illustrates this, aiming to make the native desert more hospitable and beautiful for residents. Several landscape architects, including Sean Lockyer, Steve Gierke, Julie deLeon, Anne Attinger, and Ryan Steer, share their insights and challenges. Lockyer advocates for designs that encourage interaction with the entire site, incorporating features like fire pits or pools. The concept of 'native' plantings is examined, with Gierke noting its subjectivity and expressing a preference for plants indigenous to the broader American Southwest. Designers often face client requests for non-native aesthetics, which Attinger addresses by rephrasing their desires into desert-adaptable forms. Steer highlights the unexpected diversity of plant material available in the desert, allowing for unique landscape creations. The article also delves into the critical environmental considerations for desert landscaping: water, wind, and heat. Drip irrigation and careful time-clock management are essential for water conservation. Wind, particularly in areas like Desert Hot Springs, dictates plant selection and placement, with tall, fragile plants being unsuitable. The intense desert sun requires careful plant orientation and initial shade protection for some species. Certain non-native plants, like the queen palm and invasive Pennisetum, are discouraged due to their unsuitability or environmental impact, while alternatives like Muhlandbergia are recommended. Conversely, the African sumac tree is noted for its allergenic pollen. Finally, the piece lists popular and adaptable desert plants, including fan palms, desert willows, sycamores, mesquites, and designer favorites like aloes, agaves, and yuccas. Architects like Lockyer and Gierke praise plants such as yucca, Mexican olive trees, and palo verde for their aesthetic and adaptive qualities. The importance of texture and contrast in design is emphasized by deLeon, using examples like Lomandra grass and agave. The entire process is conceptualized as a 'play in three acts': design, installation, and ongoing maintenance. This continuous care ensures the landscape evolves gracefully and addresses changing client needs, reflecting the dynamic and often subtle beauty of desert life that smart designers strive to showcase. #LandscapeArchitecture #PalmSprings #DesertLandscaping #NativePlants #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalIntegration #WaterConservation #EnvironmentalDesign #HomeDesign