Expert Recs: Lorien Stern’s Mojave Desert Home Is a Colorful & Cozy Playhouse

This article details the creation of a contemporary single-level home in Arcadia, Scottsdale, designed for Lara and Brett Polachek. The homeowners aimed for a family sanctuary that also functions as an ideal space for entertaining, accommodating two teenagers and a dog. The design team included Brandon Architects for architecture, Wiseman & Gale's Holly Ogden and Jamie Hedstrom for interiors, Vista General as builder, and Berghoff Design Group for landscape design. The central vision was to create a warm, functional, and memorable space that felt like a "giant hug." A primary goal was to maximize Arizona's year-round livability and foster connection, leading to a pavilion-style layout that allows the main living areas—great room, dining, and kitchen—to open to both the Camelback Mountain views at the front and the rear yard with the pool and cabana. Outdoor spaces, designed by Berghoff Design Group, include patios, shaded seating areas, and a pickleball court, ensuring seamless indoor-outdoor living. The home also incorporates personalized retreats, such as Lara’s art studio, Brett’s home office, and private bedrooms. The inspiration for the design blended the Arizona landscape and Southern California coastal styles, with a focus on family life and entertaining. The home's U-shaped plan frames the pool and pickleball court while orienting key views toward Camelback Mountain, a feature the homeowners prioritized. The design team envisioned a home that could easily transition from daily family living to large-scale gatherings. Public spaces were designed for multiple uses, adapting to both intimate family moments and large social events. Architect Chris Brandon divided the home into distinct pavilions, each with its own material identity, including dark smooth stucco, natural stone veneer, and rustic vertical wood siding, complemented by shaded exterior living areas. Inside, a warm neutral palette was established, layered with texture and accented with gold. A notable feature is the bar-lounge, named Scout & Fig, designed as an upscale restaurant for after-dinner drinks or family movie nights. Throughout the home, sophistication is balanced with comfort. The dining area features a sleek black leather banquette, and the living room boasts a retractable art screen concealing the television, a favorite of Lara Polachek. The primary bathroom offers a serene retreat with honed slab shower walls, teak slatted flooring, and a private patio with a hot tub and cold plunge, which Brett uses almost daily. Lara particularly appreciates the ability to open windows and doors for fresh air. Both the art studio and home office were strategically placed to offer inspiring views, with Lara's facing Camelback and Brett's overlooking the pool. The landscape features layered, desert-friendly plantings, pathways, and seating areas that extend the living space outdoors. Challenges included a late decision to paint the exterior a deep black, which added a desired edge to the house, and difficulties with permitting due to the irregular lot shape in a new development. Despite these hurdles, the collaborative effort of the design team and the homeowners resulted in a home that exceeds expectations, fostering a vibrant family life and hosting environment. The Polacheks expressed immense satisfaction, describing it as a welcoming space filled with love, leading to happy tears upon its completion. This project highlights a successful integration of modern design, functional living, and personalized touches, creating a truly unique sanctuary. #ArcadiaSanctuary #ModernHomeDesign #ScottsdaleLiving #IndoorOutdoorLiving #LuxuryInteriors #CamelbackMountainViews #FamilyHome #EntertainingSpace #LandscapeArchitecture

NFL star Russell Wilson and his wife, singer Ciara, have acquired a new mansion in the Denver area for $25 million, following the listing of their previous Bellevue, Washington, estate for $36 million. This new Colorado residence, despite its lower price point, is considerably larger than their former home, spanning a massive 20,060 square feet. It holds the distinction of being the most expensive home ever sold in Colorado's history, surpassing the previous record of $15.7 million set by ex-Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan. The property is situated in Colorado's Cherry Hill Village, a neighborhood that is also home to other notable NFL figures such as Peyton Manning and John Elway. The two-story estate is designed to accommodate the couple and their three children: Future, Sienna, and Win. Although the mansion features only four bedrooms, it dedicates extensive space to various recreational activities and entertainment facilities. These amenities include a game room, a private home theater, a basketball court, and a yoga room. A notable feature is the 2,590-square-foot indoor swimming pool, which comes with its own pool house. The pool house offers ample seating and large windows that provide natural light, complemented by vaulted ceilings with exposed wood detailing that contrasts with the white walls. The grounds also encompass a hot tub and a spa. Adjacent to each other, the basketball gym and yoga room offer convenient access for pre-workout stretching. The yoga room is characterized by sleek white floors and walls, creating a clean aesthetic, and features a wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling mirror for form monitoring. A large window, made of sports damage-resistant glass, overlooks the two-story basketball gym, which includes one standard hoop and lined hardwood flooring. These spaces highlight the mansion's emphasis on both active and leisurely pursuits. The residence boasts an impressive twelve bathrooms in total, comprising five half-bathrooms, six full bathrooms, and one three-fourths bathroom, resulting in a three-to-one bathroom-to-bedroom ratio. According to a 2018 real estate listing, several bathrooms are elegantly appointed with natural stone countertops and flooring, effective lighting, and generous storage solutions. The primary bathroom further features a large jet-action tub. The dominant interior design scheme for most of the home consists of white walls paired with black accents, creating a contemporary feel. However, the presence of six fireplaces, exposed beams, and integrated smart storage systems contributes to a sense of warmth and coziness throughout the expansive property. A distinctive room within the mansion is the blue wood-paneled dining room, which also incorporates black accents. One half of this dining room is equipped with floor-to-ceiling shelves, which were shown filled with books in the original listing. Other walls in the dining room feature large paneled windows and glass doors that open onto one of the home's porches. The estate is set on a 5.34-acre lot, characterized by meticulously landscaped lawns and gardens visible from all angles. An outdoor stone fireplace is centrally located within a dedicated section of the garden, providing an additional leisure area. The extensive outdoor space includes a kitchen, multiple seating areas, and dining tables, offering numerous options for outdoor activities during Colorado's summer months. The European-inspired exterior of the home is clad in light brown stones, a material also utilized for some of the indoor fireplaces. The detached garage, which provides four of the nine total parking spaces, mirrors the main house's exterior and includes a guest apartment complete with one bedroom, one bathroom, and a full kitchen. This comprehensive array of features ensures a luxurious and comfortable living environment for the Wilson family. #celebrityHome #luxuryMansion #ColoradoRealEstate #homeDesign #interiorDesign #sportsStarsHomes #entertainmentRooms #EuropeanDesign #expansiveEstate

Meredith Stern, an interior designer and home stylist, defines her legacy through the relationships she cultivates with clients and the personal, transformative spaces she designs for them. Her design philosophy extends beyond aesthetics, focusing on understanding each client's lifestyle, preferences, and aspirations to create spaces that are not only visually appealing but also uniquely tailored to their individual needs. Stern limits the number of large-scale projects she undertakes to ensure each receives her full attention and commitment. Her undergraduate background in psychology significantly influences her design approach, enabling her to create homes that positively impact her clients' mood, productivity, and overall well-being. She emphasizes that the functionality and appearance of a home profoundly affect happiness and quality of life, aiming for her projects to leave a lasting impression of joy, comfort, and inspiration. Meredith Stern Interiors is characterized by its meticulous approach to client understanding, eschewing 'cookie-cutter' designs for personalized spaces that enhance daily life. Stern's psychological background provides a unique insight into how environments shape emotions and well-being, which she integrates into every project. She takes pride in the trust clients place in her to actualize their visions, finding immense reward in transforming homes and the lives within them. The human connections forged during projects are as meaningful to her as the design itself. Starting her own business, Meredith Stern Interiors, was a significant life transition initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic after renovating her own home in Florida. This experience rekindled her passion for design, though the entrepreneurial journey presented challenges such as client acquisition, balancing creativity with business operations, and establishing her brand in a competitive industry. Perseverance, hard work, and the support of her husband, family, and the design community were crucial to her success. She learned the importance of patience, resilience, and maintaining her vision, along with prioritizing quality over quantity by selectively choosing projects to ensure dedicated attention to each client. Stern articulates that Meredith Stern Interiors is more than just about creating beautiful spaces; it is about designing homes that genuinely reflect their inhabitants. Her overarching goal is to craft spaces that are aesthetically pleasing, highly functional, and transformative, ultimately bringing joy, comfort, and daily inspiration to her clients. She views design as a service that profoundly impacts lives by shaping the environments people inhabit. The interview also delves into a personal anecdote, outlining a hypothetical week-long itinerary for a best friend visiting Florida, filled with activities centered around thrifting, vintage hunting, and design inspiration. This includes visits to World Thrift in Lake Worth Beach, various thrift stores in Delray Beach, followed by dinner at The Grove. The itinerary extends to Miami to explore vintage and antique shops on Biscayne Boulevard, particularly mentioning Avra Art, Robert Massello, Cur8ed Studio, Iconic Design Gallery, CastellArts, and Michel Contessa. Meals at Mandolin in the Design District are suggested, alongside exploration of Wynwood's street art and the Design District's architecture. A visit to the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Boca Raton is also included, highlighting its serene beauty and intentional design. Stern attributes much of her success and confidence to her husband, who has been her biggest supporter and cheerleader since the inception of Meredith Stern Interiors, providing unwavering belief and encouragement throughout the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship. #InteriorDesign #HomeStyling #MeredithStern #ClientRelationships #PsychologyInDesign #Entrepreneurship #FloridaDesign #PersonalizedSpaces

A Portland-based couple, Kat and Henry, transformed a black barn in Mosier, Oregon, into a vibrant and personalized weekend retreat with the help of New York City–based architect Don Cantillo. Despite the barn's outwardly brooding appearance, its yellow front door opens into an inviting and colorful interior, thoughtfully designed to be a comfortable fusion of country house coziness and open, airy spaces. The couple, desiring a tranquil escape from city life, purchased the land after the pandemic and envisioned a place for their 3-year-old son, Ben Peter (BP), and their Airedale terrier, Archie, to enjoy. Cantillo worked with the existing floor plan, incorporating pitched ceilings in the bedrooms and expansive windows to maintain a sense of spaciousness. He then layered in warmth and character through colorful tiles, patterned wallpapers, and vibrant rugs. A notable feature is the "playzanine," a luminous mezzanine that effectively functions as a room. This space cleverly accommodates both father and son, with Henry’s desk at one end of a red gingham rug and BP’s easel and play table at the other, highlighting the home's dual functionality for both adult and child. The design emphasizes a connection to nature, both literally and thematically. Reclaimed juniper flooring was installed throughout the house. Cantillo also introduced faux bois wallpaper in the laundry room and dressing area, creating a whimsical, cartoon-like representation of wood. In BP’s bathroom, bicolor striped tiles mimic the surrounding tree trunks and foliage, and a semitruck rearview mirror above the sink serves as a practical solution for a challenging vanity placement while also appealing to BP’s love for trucks. The shower and window curtains, made of a washable indoor-outdoor polyester in Schumacher’s Citrus Garden pattern, were a significant, yet ultimately rewarding, design decision that adds character to the space, a choice that was supported by Kat’s brother, who also influenced the inclusion of a Noguchi lamp in the sitting room. The most impactful room is BP's bedroom, which features a plaid wallpaper extending up to and over the ceiling, a design choice affectionately described as having an "Elmer Fudd mood" by the contractor. Farrow & Ball’s Duck Green, a color favored by Cantillo, was used for the window frames and wardrobe in BP's room, and subtly ties into other areas of the house, such as the mudroom cabinetry and the primary bedroom's bed frame, further strengthening the home’s connection to the outdoors. The sitting room, where Henry and Kat relax, features coral pink velvet sofas and a fireplace with a basalt mantel and seat, sourced from local ridges, grounding the design in its Oregon location. The home successfully transitions from a somber exterior to a whimsical and highly personalized interior, reflecting the family's needs and tastes. #homeTour #oregonHome #familyFriendlyDesign #interiorDesign #playzanine #colorfulInteriors #architecturalDesign #personalizedSpaces #rusticModern #childrensRoom

Interior designer Susannah Talley, after moving from a 3,000-square-foot carriage house in Prides Crossing, Massachusetts, downsized to a 475-square-foot studio on the Upper East Side, which she affectionately refers to as her “treehouse.” This transition occurred 27 years ago. In 2008, Talley's experience with small-space living gained an additional dimension when she discovered an abandoned dollhouse and undertook its restoration. This project, detailed in her 2015 self-published book, *The Dollhouse: A Love Story*, became a shared creative endeavor with her husband, Truman “Mac” Talley, during his illness. The living room of Talley’s studio is designed to evoke the ambiance of a country home, featuring family portraits and comfortable chairs arranged around a decorative fireplace. This fireplace ingeniously conceals a flat-screen TV. The armchairs are upholstered in a mixed “Tree of Life” patterned fabric from Jofa, complemented by wall-to-wall carpeting from Patterson, Flynn & Martin. Talley offers practical advice for maximizing small spaces, such as utilizing floor-to-ceiling mirrored walls in strategic locations to create the illusion of greater depth. She emphasizes the importance of selecting furniture that is appropriately scaled for the space, advising against oversized sectional seating due to its potential to overwhelm a room and complicate the placement of reading lamps. Instead, she recommends comfortable club chairs paired with well-positioned reading lamps and movable ottomans over traditional sofas. Upon entering the studio, the inviting decor immediately conveys Talley's expertise in creating beautiful and welcoming environments. A notable design element is the decorative fireplace, which, upon closer inspection, reveals a crackling fire image displayed on a flat-screen TV. Above the fireplace hangs an unsigned family portrait. Talley ingeniously converted a closet space into a functional bar area. This space features checked skirting fabric from Schumacher, wallpaper from Cole and Sons at Jofa, and paint from Farrow & Ball. Talley advocates for varying wall surfaces through different wallpapers and paint colors to create the perception of distinct rooms within a small area. She also prefers wool wall-to-wall carpeting for its ability to hide dirt, eliminating the need for guests to remove their shoes, which she considers an imposition. Another clever design solution within the studio is a functional dressing table integrated into a deep window sill near the bed. This was achieved by inserting a “sandwich of decorative wallpaper within two curved pieces of glass,” with decorative trim providing a finished edge. Hidden right-angle brackets offer structural support for this feature. The dollhouse, found abandoned on the street, was a significant project for Talley. She recounts her immediate connection to the dollhouse, seeing it as an answer to her desire for a creative project. She meticulously sanded away crayon and marker scribbles, drilled holes for lighting using Christmas-tree lights, and painted the exterior a deep eggplant shade to harmonize with her apartment’s decor. Together with her husband, Mac, she embarked on furnishing and decorating the dollhouse’s rooms. Talley sourced miniature items for the dollhouse from The Tiny Dollhouse Store on East 78th Street, acquiring objects like a two-inch dog bed, a thimble-sized bunch of bananas, and a fist-sized baby grand piano. The dollhouse kitchen is meticulously detailed, complete with tiny pots, pans, plates, cookbooks, and a miniature bottle of wine. The dollhouse's boudoir features a black-and-gold japanned bed and matching chairs, a gift from her sister. The walls are adorned with deep pewter-blue damask, and the floor is covered with navy-blue felt serving as wall-to-wall carpeting. A purple cocktail coaster from India was repurposed as a bedspread, and an upside-down beaded votive holder functions as a perfectly scaled bedside table. A painting by Talley’s daughter, Expressionist painter Isabelle Peabody, hangs on the wall. The dollhouse also includes a miniature menagerie of four-legged friends, completing the domestic scene. This project became a poignant and creative outlet, providing a miniature world within their real-life small space. #homeDesign #smallSpaces #interiorDesign #studioApartment #dollhouseRenovation #decoratingTips #creativeLiving #upperEastSide #SusannahTalley

Laura Yeager Smith of Hudson-based Laura Yeager Smith Home & Design transformed an eclectic guest suite in an Aurora farmhouse into an innovative “Zen Den” for children. The space, located over a four-car garage, featured multiple windows, a pitched ceiling, a full bath, and two walk-in closets, making it suitable for a guest suite. However, the homeowners, whose three grade-school-age children had lost their lower-level play space after it was converted into an adult entertainment area, desired a dedicated area for their children to engage in reading, games, Lego building, and crafts. Smith’s design effectively combined the functionality of a guest suite with a kid-friendly playroom, leveraging her experience as a mother of four. The concept behind the “Zen Den” was to create a space where children could actively seek creativity and imagination. Smith established a neutral foundation by painting the room a soft gray and adorning the ceiling with white tongue-and-groove paneling. The room was then visually divided into two distinct zones using open shelving. A key feature for guest accommodation was a Murphy bed, integrated seamlessly into a stretch of poplar-and-maple cabinetry, allowing it to be lifted into the wall when not in use. The doors concealing the Murphy bed were flanked by shelves designed for organization, featuring leather-trimmed woven bins for toy storage and small drawers with clear acrylic fronts for sorting Legos by shape, size, and color. A dedicated Lego building station was created on a wall perpendicular to the cabinetry, clad in white Lego panels and equipped with a quartz countertop. This design allowed children to build directly onto the wall, with the countertop also serving as a stable surface for reaching higher sections. Square ottomans upholstered in tufted caramel leather provided seating for building, and completed Lego creations could be displayed on modular shelves painted in Benjamin Moore’s Deep Sea Green. One of the most distinctive elements of the “Zen Den” was the inclusion of “reading pods.” Smith custom-designed these ergonomic features with open sides and channel-tufted interiors, upholstered in a vibrant performance fabric featuring Agean blue, hot pink, and purple. These pods were installed three feet above the floor on brass posts, accessible via ladders, maximizing the room's vertical space and footprint. The Aegean blue color scheme was extended to applique-velvet draperies and a heathered Flotex floor covering, which provided the comfort of carpet while offering the durability and easy maintenance of a hard surface, suitable for art and craft activities. For collaborative activities, four armchairs, kid-proofed with white indoor-outdoor fabric and scaled for both children and adults, surrounded a walnut Hickory Chair-brand table. This table's height was adjustable, accommodating various activities from games to dining. On the opposite side of the open shelving, a quartz-topped craft table was positioned with five stools upholstered in pink performance fabric. A sea-green cabinet was designated for storing games, puzzles, and crafting supplies, ensuring that “everything has a home.” Notably, the room was initially designed without electronics, encouraging imaginative play, though the homeowners had plans to install a TV in the future. The children, however, did not seem to miss electronic devices, engaging fully with the creative environment provided. #AuroraFarmhouse #ZenDen #ChildrensPlayroom #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #CreativeSpace #LegoStation #ReadingPods #KidFriendlyDesign

The article delves into the domestic life of Kelvin and Liz Fletcher, stars of "Fletchers’ Family Farm," who reside in the Peak District with their four children: Marnie, Milo, and two-year-old twins Mateusz and Maximus. The interview offers a glimpse into their daily routines, home preferences, and even their pet peeves, providing insights into how they manage their busy lives as parents, farmers, and actors. Upon entering their home, Kelvin consistently takes off his shoes and hangs jackets, though he notes the difficulty in reaching hangers due to the previous inhabitants' height. Liz, on the other hand, often finds herself navigating a trail of mess created by their children. The kitchen emerges as Liz's 'happy place,' whether it's a quiet sanctuary for a cup of tea or a bustling hub of family activity. Kelvin reveals a practical addiction to storage solutions, frequently purchasing giant plastic boxes to maintain organization. Liz’s homeware addictions include candles and vases, in addition to a collection of breadboards. A lighthearted conflict arises from Kelvin’s habit of placing plates on top of the dishwasher rather than inside it, a habit Liz wishes he would break. When it comes to homeware shopping, Kelvin favors Arighi Bianchi, a fifth-generation family furniture business known for high-end items, and John Lewis, appreciating its British and classic appeal. Liz recalls her pregnant days when she frequented Housing Units, a department store, primarily for their ham sandwiches but often ending up with home purchases. As hosts, Kelvin ensures guests never pay for takeaway, while Liz finds Sunday roasts the easiest meal to prepare, much to the surprise of their visitors who are often served it exclusively. Despite their demanding schedules, which encompass four full-time jobs, moments of stillness are rare. Kelvin fondly remembers sitting on their decking area by an open fire with Liz, enjoying a glass of wine or hot chocolate after the children were asleep, a simple pleasure now less frequent. The Fletchers also share quick preferences on various home topics: shoes are always off indoors; meals are eaten at the table; lighting is preferred moody over bright. Liz opts for quick showers, while Kelvin enjoys long ones. Liz leans towards neutral and earthy color palettes, embracing "creative chaos," whereas Kelvin admits to being a "neat freak." When the children are in bed, Liz’s ultimate preference is peace and quiet. Season two of "Fletchers Family Farm" is scheduled for late 2024 on ITV and ITVBe. The Fletchers maintain an active presence on Instagram, and Kelvin supports the "Mind Your Head" campaign, which aims to raise awareness about mental health challenges faced by British farmers. #CelebrityHome #FamilyLife #HomeDecor #HomeOrganization #FarmLife #Interview #InteriorDesign #DomesticHabits

This article showcases a 7,448-square-foot ranch home in Lake Jackson, Texas, designed by Courtnay Tartt Elias of Creative Tonic Design. The homeowner desired a dream house that was a welcoming gathering place for family and friends. The design's guiding force was the local landscape, characterized by moss-draped oaks and winding waterfront, aiming to create interiors that seamlessly flowed with the outdoors. This connection is immediately apparent upon entering the home, with uninterrupted views bringing the outside in. To manage the expansive scale of the house and ensure livability, Elias implemented her "three purposes" philosophy, meaning each room serves multiple functions. The nearly 22-foot great room exemplifies this approach, featuring distinct zones: two corner sofas for television viewing, a 17-foot banquette for family game nights, and clusters of swivel chairs offering lake views for conversation. Given the vastness of the walls, an 11-foot bookcase was incorporated as a prominent display unit for heirlooms and commissioned art, preventing the space from feeling cavernous. Elias emphasized that scale was crucial, as smaller pieces would have been dwarfed. While gathering spaces are vibrant, private areas prioritize tranquility. The primary suite is adorned with hand-painted wallpaper and coordinating drapery in calming watery blues. A guest wing on the opposite side of the house mirrors this serenity with a suite featuring leafy patterns. Moving down the hall, a bunk room designed for young visitors bursts with vibrant theatrics, including stage-like curtains for impromptu performances, offering a stark contrast to the quiet sophistication elsewhere. Throughout the home, lively colors and layered patterns are consistently used. Examples include lemon-printed tiles in the laundry room and plasterwork branches on the kitchen hood. The article highlights specific rooms and their design elements: The entryway features Aux Abris wallcovering, Oomph consoles, and custom House + Town ottomans. The great room boasts custom sectionals by House + Town in Kravet fabric with Brunschwig & Fils trim, along with M&M Lighting chandeliers. The dining room includes chairs from House + Town with Fanny Shorter and Holly Hunt fabrics, a Doorman dining table, a Stark rug, and Currey & Company chandeliers. The bar, a converted storage space, is painted in Sherwin-Williams Inland and Jocular Green, complemented by jewel-toned glassware. The kitchen features House + Town stools in Ferrick Mason fabric and a chandelier from The Urban Electric Co., with a custom Segreto Finishes plaster hood. The pantry, designed for entertaining, is painted in Sherwin-Williams Broccoflower with Morris & Co. wallpaper on the ceiling and Schumacher fabric-fronted cabinets. The guest suite incorporates Voutsa wallpaper, a Stray Dog Designs sconce, and Sherwin-Williams paints in Faded Flaxflower and Restful. The primary bedroom utilizes Farrow & Ball's Lulworth Blue paint, Gracie Studio wallpaper and drapery, and Doorman nightstands. The primary bath showcases Visual Comfort & Co. fixtures and Designer Stone Center stone, with a Statuario marble shower facade. The closet, a "ladies’ lounge," is lacquered in Sherwin-Williams Lighthearted Pink and features Olivia + Poppy wallpaper. The bunk room includes Serena & Lily bedding, Brunschwig & Fils wallpaper, and a Wildwood chandelier. The kids’ bath features Anna French wallpaper, Julian Chichester sconces with House + Town shades, and Ferguson Home faucets. The kids' shower has red-and-white striped walls and blue hex-tile floors. The laundry room, a multipurpose space, has a desk nook, a Grow House Grow lemon-print cement tile floor, and is painted in Sherwin-Williams Blissful Blue. The veranda, an outdoor living area, includes a custom coffee table, Serena & Lily sofas, and swivel chairs in Harlequin fabric, all chosen for durability in the Houston climate. Carrera Custom Homes and Rice Residential Design contributed to the home's construction. #HomeDesign #RanchHome #InteriorDesign #CreativeTonicDesign #LuxuryInteriors #ColorPalette #PatternPlay #TexasHomes #MultipurposeRooms

This blog post showcases a Chestnut Hill home designed by Michelle Gage, known for its vibrant and saturated color palette. The homeowner, a writer and mother of two, expressed a clear preference for bold colors, art, and brass, which became the foundational elements for the home's interior design. The design process began with a specific request for a hot pink velvet sofa, setting the tone for the playful and colorful aesthetic that permeates the entire residence. A significant challenge addressed by Gage was the open-concept layout of the first floor. This design choice necessitated a careful approach to ensure that each area, while distinct, harmonized with the overall flow of the space. Gage achieved this by utilizing a range of vibrant but complementary hues, and by incorporating unifying elements such as art, rugs, and brass accents throughout the connecting rooms. In more self-contained spaces, such as the entryway, mudroom, and bathrooms, Gage intensified the whimsical feel by layering multiple patterns, a signature aspect of her design style. The kitchen area features blue cabinets and is further enhanced by apricot-hued island seating and a patterned window treatment created by Claudia Clobes Yudis of Urban Loft Design Studio. A brass credenza in the adjacent family room establishes a cohesive metallic theme with the kitchen. The dining area is furnished with an expandable round table crafted by Chad Barranco of Salvage Works in Downingtown, complemented by oxblood chairs. In the living room, the central hot pink velvet sofa was chosen for its durability, making it suitable for a household with children and a dog. This bold piece is balanced by a gray vintage rug and drapery that echo the kitchen's cabinet color. An Anthropologie throw pillow and a ceramic table, repurposed from a patio, add further personalized touches to the space. The entryway makes a strong first impression with a vibrant wallpaper that perfectly matches the existing floor tiles. This area also displays one of 25 art pieces selected by Gage and the homeowner from The Little Gallery in Chestnut Hill. The primary bedroom continues the home's colorful theme with lively wallpaper and a striking purple bed frame. Rounded wooden side tables soften the bed's strong color, and additional pillows from Anthropologie complete the room's inviting atmosphere. This article was originally published as “Color Me Happy” in the January/February 2021 issue of Philadelphia magazine. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ColorfulHomes #ChestnutHill #MichelleGage #OpenConcept #VibrantLiving #PhiladelphiaMagazine

Zendaya, who rose to fame on the Disney Channel and achieved significant success in Hollywood, including an Emmy for her role in "Euphoria," has invested her earnings in real estate. In 2016, she purchased her first home, a 4,155 square-foot mansion in Northridge, for $1.4 million. This Mediterranean-style property, featuring an ornate grand staircase, was well-documented on her Instagram and even showcased in Vogue India. Four years later, in 2020, Zendaya upgraded to a $4 million ranch-style home in Encino, Los Angeles, a highly sought-after area for celebrities seeking privacy and value. Her new Encino estate spans over 5,000 square feet and includes six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and a separate two-bedroom guest house. Originally built in 1939, the home has undergone several renovations, preserving its vintage charm while offering modern amenities. Unlike her previous Mediterranean-style home, this property embraces the casual elegance of a ranch house, a style that originated in Southern California in the 1930s and is characterized by low-pitched roofs, backyard patios, and U-shaped layouts. The choice of a ranch home offers Zendaya endless possibilities for personalization, a common appeal for celebrities like Kirsten Dunst who also own such properties. Encino, located in the San Fernando Valley, provides a secluded oasis just outside the bustling city of Los Angeles. This area offers larger land parcels, more space, and greater privacy compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Beverly Hills. While Encino homes are not inexpensive, with an average price of $1.4 million, they offer a lower price per square foot ($712) compared to Beverly Hills ($1,000+). Zendaya's property, situated on four acres, is secured behind gates at the end of a long, tree-lined driveway, ensuring the privacy and security she and her partner, Tom Holland, value. Upon entering Zendaya's home, visitors are greeted by a bright and welcoming entryway featuring vintage-inspired doors, a pitched ceiling, hardwood floors, and a large fireplace. The gourmet kitchen boasts light cabinets, granite countertops, updated appliances, and large windows overlooking the backyard. Despite its current simple aesthetic, the spacious kitchen provides ample room for potential renovations to align with current trends, such as bold backsplashes and marble countertops. The home's six bedrooms, complemented by a detached two-bedroom guest house, offer generous space for Zendaya's large family, who frequently visit. Multiple fireplaces throughout the house, including in the main living room, dining room, and basement, add a cozy ambiance. The primary bedroom features wood floors, white walls, large windows, and a private balcony leading to an all-white marble bathroom with a soaking tub and walk-in shower. The classic and timeless design of the bathroom provides an excellent foundation for personalization. The backyard is an outdoor oasis with a vast lawn, large trees, a stunning garden, and a newly built pool with a hot tub, designed to evoke a resort-like feel. As a recognized style icon, Zendaya's interior design is expected to reflect her immaculate personal style, characterized by rich shades, custom furniture, and space for her art collection. Her neighbors in Encino include other A-listers such as Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, Channing Tatum, and fellow Disney alum Selena Gomez, who also purchased a substantial estate in the area in 2020. Although Zendaya acquired the home in 2020, it remains uncertain whether she has fully moved in, with speculation suggesting she might be undergoing renovations before a grand reveal. #CelebrityHomes #Zendaya #LosAngelesRealEstate #RanchStyleHome #LuxuryLiving #HomeDesignTrends #Encino #InteriorDesign #RealEstateInvestment

This article highlights the transformation of a Montecito estate by designer Christina Rottman, showcasing how it blends old-world charm with modern ease. The property, located between mountains and the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, captivates with its natural beauty and serves as a significant source of inspiration. The homeowners, having relocated from Colorado and previously the East Coast, were drawn to the house's unique connection to its surroundings, feeling suspended over the ocean and deeply connected to the earth. The original architecture, designed in 1992 by Bob Easton, is characterized by clear lines, large rooms, and a sensitivity to the landscape, reminiscent of Mexican modernist Luis Barragán. Rottman's design approach focused on creating a sophisticated yet family-friendly interior that avoids the coldness often associated with modernism. To achieve this, she incorporated ample texture and layers, moving away from the home’s initial Southwestern-influenced, rustic aesthetic. Key renovations included plastering over tongue-and-groove ceilings and built-in shelves to accommodate sleek lighting and contemporary art. Soaring steel-cased windows were adorned with linen sheers and silk or embroidered curtains, adding softness and elegance. In the dining room, Rottman introduced warmth with reclaimed wood siding from an old Santa Barbara barn, complemented by a geometric Hubert Le Gall pendant and a Jonathan Saiz wave painting. The kitchen cabinets were striéd in shades of turquoise and charcoal, bringing depth and color, with blue being a recurring motif inspired by the homeowners’ preferences. The furnishings throughout the house exhibit a 1940s French flair, combining vintage and new pieces with linear silhouettes and tactile fabrics. This selection harmonizes with the architecture’s angular grace, creating a comfortable and soothing atmosphere. The master suite features custom elements such as a canopy with C&C Milano fabrics and Kenneth Meyer trim, a Vaughan fabric headboard, and a vintage Syrian dresser. The bath includes Lefroy Brooks sink fittings, Urban Electric Co. sconces, Hansgrohe shower fittings, and Ann Sacks tiles. The hall showcases studded Jerry Pair leather closet doors and a Mansour rug, while the entry features a custom lantern, sconces, and walls painted in Benjamin Moore’s White Dove. Douglas Hoerr’s landscape design seamlessly extends the home’s living space, incorporating a cactus garden and various outdoor areas. The courtyard includes custom armchairs in Perennials fabric. The outdoor dining room is furnished with a custom table, vintage Maison K pendants, and Roost chairs in Perennials fabric, while the pool area features a Tuuci umbrella. The overall design successfully marries the dramatic natural setting with refined interiors, embodying the client's desire for an elegant yet comfortable home. The project reflects Barragán's philosophy that architecture should express serenity, a quality evident throughout the Montecito estate. #MontecitoEstate #ChristinaRottman #LuxuryDesign #CaliforniaHome #InteriorDesign #ModernTraditional #BobEastonArchitecture #CoastalLiving #LandscapeDesign

Jennifer Aniston's successful acting career, spanning over two decades with hit shows like 'Friends' and 'The Morning Show,' has allowed her to build an impressive real estate portfolio. This article details the various properties she has owned, rented, and renovated, showcasing her keen interest in design and real estate. From humble beginnings to luxurious estates, Aniston has continuously invested in and transformed her living spaces, reflecting her evolving personal style and real estate acumen. Her journey in real estate began in the 1990s, during her early 'Friends' years, when she rented a four-structure compound known as the Crown Jewel in Los Angeles's Laurel Canyon. This 1936-built hilltop home, featuring two bedrooms, two baths, a pool house, and an A-frame guesthouse, had previously hosted numerous prominent Hollywood figures. Aniston resided there during a significant portion of 'Friends' production, and the property was later listed for $2.6 million in 2023. In 2001, following her marriage to Brad Pitt, Aniston leveled up her real estate game by purchasing a 12,000-square-foot Normandy-style mansion in Beverly Hills for $12.5 million. Built in 1934 and originally designed by Edwin Wallace Neff, the couple spent three years meticulously renovating it. Their enhancements included heated marble flooring in the kitchen, a screening room, a pub-style bar with 200-year-old French château wood floors, and a multimillion-dollar tennis court and guesthouse. This property was sold for $28 million after their divorce in 2005 and later for $32.5 million in 2020. After her split from Pitt, Aniston reportedly rented a Malibu bungalow around 2006, which better suited her style, as she found their previous shared abode too modern and uncomfortable. She undertook a 'quickie makeover' to transform the initially 'dark and depressing' beach house into a more welcoming space, reflecting her appreciation for the California coast. In the same year, 2006, she purchased her first post-Pitt home, a $13.5 million midcentury modern house in Beverly Hills, built by Harold “Hal” Levitt in 1970. She engaged designer Stephen Shadley for a two-and-a-half-year renovation, resulting in a Balinese-inspired aesthetic with koi ponds, heated travertine floors, and Brazilian cumaru eaves. She affectionately named this home Ohana, a nod to the Hawaiian concept of extended family. In 2011, she sold this property for approximately $35 million. Aniston’s real estate ventures also extended to the East Coast. In 2011, she invested $7.01 million in two condos in a prewar building in Manhattan’s West Village, with plans to combine them into a 2,000-square-foot duplex. However, due to privacy concerns stemming from paparazzi, she sold both units at a loss for $6.5 million in 2012. Quickly returning to California, Aniston acquired a nearly $21 million Bel Air estate designed by Quincy Jones that same year. She once again collaborated with Stephen Shadley and other creatives to refresh the midcentury house, incorporating hand-painted wallpaper, silk rugs, and Abstract Expressionist paintings. This home, where she married Justin Theroux in 2015, remained hers after their 2018 split. Her most recent significant purchase occurred in 2022, when she bought a $14.8 million Montecito home from Oprah Winfrey. This Tuscan-style farmhouse, built in 1998, placed her among other A-list neighbors like Ariana Grande and Katy Perry in the burgeoning celebrity hotspot north of Los Angeles. Her extensive real estate journey underscores her consistent engagement with home design and renovation, showcasing a personal aesthetic that evolved from a dislike of overly modern styles to a preference for inviting, Balinese-inspired, and thoughtfully renovated spaces. #JenniferAniston #CelebrityHomes #RealEstate #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalStyle #BeverlyHills #Montecito #Hollywood

The "Standing Wave" house in Sea Ranch, California, owned by Ivy Ross, Google’s Chief Design Officer for Consumer Devices, is a living experiment in how environmental design influences well-being. Positioned closer to the cliff than most homes in the community, it maximizes exposure to the Pacific Ocean's light, sound, and water movements. Ross collaborated with architect and designer Suchi Reddy, leveraging their shared interest in neuroaesthetics—the study of how environments affect emotional and physical states. The renovation focused on interior transformation rather than external architectural changes. The existing floors and ceilings were retained, while walls were strategically repositioned, rooms resized, and sightlines recalibrated to enhance views of the ocean, rocks, and sky. The home's new layout meticulously balances private retreats and communal spaces. The primary bedroom and study are situated at opposing ends of the residence, offering privacy. The kitchen, now centrally located and equipped with Henrybuilt cabinetry, serves as a hub for social gatherings without overpowering the space. A custom crystal display in the kitchen reflects Ross's fascination with natural forms and energy, a theme further explored in the study where a curated collection of crystals, gathered during years of travel, is illuminated by natural light, echoing the patterns of the coastline. Sensory experience is a fundamental design element throughout the home. Light is intentionally diffused and softened, while sound is encouraged to resonate. A sound tube instrument by Wolfgang Deinart in the study, designed to explore vibration, introduces an auditory dimension to perception. Artworks personally selected by Ross, including pieces from Eileen Fisher’s _Waste No More_ project, contribute texture, historical context, and intentionality to the living areas. The entry sequence provides an immediate framed view of the ocean. The fireplace is seamlessly integrated into the wall, functioning as a sculptural element without visual distraction. In the primary bathroom, a Japanese soaking tub and sauna are oriented towards the ocean, transforming routine actions into opportunities for rejuvenation. The guest bathroom features a custom light fixture by Reddy with a colored plexiglass insert in its high ceiling, casting a dynamic glow that re-scales the room. The guesthouse received similar attention, with updates to its kitchen and bathroom, ensuring a consistent experience of care and connection for visitors. Drawings by Lawrence Halprin, Sea Ranch's founding landscape architect, are subtly incorporated, acknowledging the site's historical and philosophical roots. #SeaRanch #Neuroaesthetics #CoastalLiving #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation #SensoryExperience #SustainableDesign #ModernHome

The article details a tour of the London home of Mexican-born interior designer Stephanie Barba Mendoza. Her house is presented as a vibrant and meticulously curated space, reflecting her design philosophy of injecting joy and unexpected theatricality into decor. The designer expresses her deep affection for her home, attributing its warmth to her family and the carefully chosen elements of space, lighting, textures, and colors. Stephanie Barba Mendoza's renowned use of color is a central theme throughout the article. She shares her approach to color, which is characterized by a playful attitude and a willingness to embrace bold and unconventional combinations. This is exemplified by the burnt umber paint covering the walls and ceiling of the sitting room, creating an immersive and rich atmosphere. Another instance of her innovative color application is the powder blue stair rail, designed to evoke a sense of climbing into the sky. The kitchen-diner features a vibrant green botanical print wallpaper, further illustrating her commitment to dynamic color schemes. Her kitchen is highlighted as her favorite area of the home, largely due to a significant renovation that involved lowering the floor by half a meter and adding steps from the hallway. This alteration created a more generous and airy space with high ceilings. The design intentionally blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living, with doors that open to integrate the small patio into the kitchen area. The choice of green leaf wallpaper in the kitchen, paired with a green floor, door, and fence on the patio, aims to create a seamless transition and a strong connection to nature. Green is identified as a favorite color for Stephanie, appearing repeatedly throughout her home in various forms, such as an accent chair in the sitting room, the main bedroom's headboard, and in the playroom's artwork and couch. She explains that green is complementary with many other colors, promotes a sense of calm, and can contribute to inner peace and harmony. Despite the diverse and bold color palette used across different rooms, the article emphasizes that the house maintains a harmonious flow, with each space evoking a similar positive emotion. The article also includes a section where Stephanie Barba Mendoza shares insights into her personal style and inspirations. She reveals that her go-to decorative detail is beaded adornments, like rope on curtains or tassels on cushions. Her inspiration often comes from design pioneers like Michael Taylor, known for blending traditional and contemporary elements. She describes her style as "playful, warm, and unexpected." Her creative drive is fueled by an obsession with creation. The most recent item she purchased for her home was a unique bouquet of flowers, including a protea from South Africa, which she appreciates for its beauty both fresh and dried. Ultimately, she believes a home should feel "welcomed," a sentiment she achieves through the combination of family presence and her warm, inviting color and pattern choices. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ColorPalette #StephanieBarbaMendoza #LondonHome #KitchenDesign #Renovation #TextileArt

Debby Alphin, an artist from Atlanta and Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, shares a vacation home with her husband, Steele, designed to be both a creative sanctuary and a family-friendly coastal retreat. The home's design, spearheaded by Atlanta architect Amanda Orr and built by 79 West Builders Group, heavily emphasizes natural light through the extensive use of Marvin windows and doors. This design philosophy creates an environment that is bright, sunny, and conducive to Alphin’s artistic pursuits, particularly in her studio space. Her studio is strategically positioned to maximize natural light, with her easel facing a window, allowing for optimal illumination for her painting. A dedicated sink for brush cleaning and a Parsons table for sketching further enhance the studio's functionality and appeal, making it a welcoming space for her grandchildren to engage in creative activities. Beyond the studio, the entire home reflects Alphin's commitment to her large family, which includes two daughters and four grandchildren. The design prioritizes breathtaking views and ample space for gatherings. The kitchen features Marvin casement windows, chosen by architect Amanda Orr for their ability to allow more glass and light, contributing to better architectural proportions and an enhanced view of the surrounding greenery compared to traditional double-hung windows. Angela Means, co-owner of Means Carney Interiors, which styled the home, highlights the old-world charm added by the push-out design of these casement windows, noting the magical feeling they create when open with a breeze flowing through. The living room continues this theme of natural light and expansive views with mirrored Marvin Ultimate Swinging French doors. These custom-crafted doors complement the home's aesthetic and frame a lush outdoor scene from two large windows. An innovative design choice for the screened porch overlooking the pool involves Marvin Bi-Fold doors, which significantly expand the room and create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. This thoughtful design element allows the porch to accommodate large gatherings, potentially up to thirty people, although this capacity has yet to be fully tested. The home's guest-friendly atmosphere was evident during a Thanksgiving celebration with Alphin's sister and her family. The combination of Orr’s architectural design and Means and Carney’s interior styling, incorporating natural textures and fibers, results in a sophisticated yet relaxed setting. The layout includes spacious living areas, a main-floor owners’ suite, and a second story designed for grandchildren, ensuring everyone has room to socialize or find a quiet moment. Ultimately, the design encourages residents and guests alike to relax and appreciate the distant Atlantic Ocean views from the abundant windows, embodying the peaceful and inspiring essence of Lowcountry living. #LowcountryHome #ArtistStudio #NaturalLight #MarvinWindows #CoastalRetreat #FamilyHome #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #SouthCarolina

Jodie Snyder Morel, co-creator of the jewelry line DANNIJO, and her husband Greg Morel collaborated with Noa Santos, co-founder of the interior design firm Homepolish, to design a nursery for their daughter, Margaux. The objective was to transform a guest room/office into a space that was both stylish and functional, allowing their daughter to grow into it rather than being a typical baby's room. The design process began with Snyder Morel's clear understanding of her personal aesthetic, which facilitated a smooth collaboration with Santos. They prioritized selecting key furniture pieces first, and subsequently accessorized the space, embracing a step-by-step approach to allow the room's vibe to evolve naturally. Snyder Morel expressed immense satisfaction with the finished nursery, noting her desire to move in herself, and highlighted their excitement to bring Margaux home to a specially designed, peaceful, and airy environment. Noa Santos emphasized the importance of the client-designer relationship in the success of the project, stating that a strong bond leads to a better outcome. The nursery's color palette primarily features soft whites, creams, and greys, contributing to a calm and serene atmosphere. This choice aimed to create a chic and soothing environment suitable for a baby in a Tribeca apartment. In terms of decor, the room incorporates various textures, playful elements, and distinctive art pieces. Notable inclusions are a large giraffe painting by Jenna Snyder Phillips and a piece by Lyle Owerko. The furniture selections include items from ducduc and a raw crib from Kalon studios. Soft textures were integrated through sheepskin rugs and pillows, enhancing the room's comfort and aesthetic. Snyder Morel described the room's overall feel as "girly in a bohemian gypset way," indicating a blend of feminine charm with a free-spirited, unconventional style. The design successfully maximized the use of space, with Snyder Morel commending Santos for fitting all necessary items without clutter, contributing to the room's peaceful and calm ambiance. The designer's approach avoided a traditional nursery aesthetic, focusing instead on creating a versatile space that Margaux could comfortably inhabit and grow with over time. This collaborative effort resulted in a highly personalized and aesthetically cohesive nursery that met the family's specific vision. #NurseryDesign #CelebrityHomes #InteriorDesign #Homepolish #JodieSnyderMorel #BabyRoom #HomeDecor #BohemianStyle #FunctionalDesign