Brigette Romanek’s “Gucci Meets Gap” Method Makes Every Room Feel Perfectly Lived-In

Brigette Romanek, an AD100 designer renowned for crafting sophisticated living spaces for a high-profile clientele including Beyoncé, Demi Moore, and Gwyneth Paltrow, shares her interior design philosophy centered on balancing A-list refinement with practical, family-friendly considerations. Her debut book, "Livable Luxe," outlines how to achieve this balance, offering insights into her projects and personal journey. Romanek's upbringing, marked by frequent relocations and varied financial circumstances, instilled in her the importance of creating a personal sanctuary and the ability to integrate diverse items, from luxury pieces to budget-friendly finds, into a cohesive design. This "school of life" approach, as she describes it, shaped her unique eclectic style, which she now applies in her Romanek Design Studio, launched in 2018. The designer emphasizes that luxury in design is not synonymous with high cost but rather about surrounding oneself with items that hold personal value and history. She encourages readers to embrace a "Gucci meets Gap" strategy, blending high-end items with affordable, meaningful pieces to create a rich and authentic aesthetic. Romanek provides five key tips for styling a home. First, she suggests finding small ways to make a big impact, advocating for accessories like throw pillows, blankets, vases, and particularly lighting, which she refers to as "the jewelry of a space." She also highlights the potential of inexpensive flea market finds, emphasizing that their placement can dramatically alter a room's voice. Second, Romanek advises designing a space around one standout item, whether it's a cherished family heirloom, a unique light fixture, or a beloved rug. This central piece serves as the linchpin, guiding subsequent design decisions and helping those who feel overwhelmed by the starting process. Third, she encourages surprising oneself with unexpected design choices. Romanek often introduces "wild card" elements to her clients, demonstrating how an unusual vase or an unconventional chair can contribute to an eclectic and cool vibe. She suggests starting small with these experimental pieces, noting that they often become treasured items. Fourth, she elaborates on her "Gucci meets Gap" philosophy, advocating for the juxtaposition of high-end furniture with affordable, personally significant items like a flea market patchwork blanket. This approach creates a comfortable, lived-in feel rather than a sterile museum-like environment. Romanek describes the creative challenge of making a space beautiful within a budget, citing examples of using eBay finds and Chinatown purchases for decorative vases. This strategy ensures that if an item breaks, it can be easily replaced without significant financial loss, promoting a practical and livable luxury. Finally, to help individuals define their interior style, Romanek recommends looking for patterns in design inspiration. Whether gathering images from magazines or Pinterest, observing recurring themes, such as a preference for white furniture or curvy shapes, helps individuals understand their unique design language. This process, which she calls "learning to speak the science of your design self," enables people to identify what resonates with them and consciously curate their home environment. #BrigetteRomanek #InteriorDesign #HomeStyling #LivableLuxe #HollywoodDesign #EclecticStyle #AffordableLuxury #DesignTips #HomeDecoration

Mimi Shin, a UCLA-trained architect and interior designer, brings a unique perspective to her work, deeply influenced by her decade-long career as a fashion editor at prestigious magazines like Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue. Shin’s design philosophy emphasizes a foundational approach to space, prioritizing timeless, handcrafted materials, and graceful proportions, similar to how a fashion editor would focus on the silhouette of an outfit. She integrates carefully curated accessories to elevate the overall design, treating them as analogous to the finishing touches in fashion. This methodology is evident in her personal Venice bungalow remodel, which serves as a prime example of her ability to blend new construction with existing character. Shin's journey into interior design was sparked by a realization that her passion lay in the broader aspects of design rather than solely clothing. After a transformative dream, she pursued architecture at UCLA, attracted by its innovative 3D modeling program. Her architectural education provided her with a comprehensive understanding of construction, zoning laws, building codes, and materials, which she considers crucial for establishing credibility in a male-dominated field. She notes the importance for women in the industry to be highly qualified and knowledgeable, enabling them to confidently engage with other architects. In her professional practice, Shin has cultivated a loyal client base among Los Angeles's creative and executive communities, including Hollywood writers, producers, and Snapchat executives. Her clients value her design expertise and her distinctive fashion background. Her own home, a Spanish colonial beach shack in Venice, showcases her design principles. Facing the need for more space, Shin opted for a thoughtful expansion rather than a complete demolition, adding a second story to the main house and constructing a discrete two-story back house. This expansion respects the original character of the bungalow while addressing modern needs, including additional bathrooms and a media room. The outdoor space of her Venice home further exemplifies her innovative approach, featuring a rectangular pool, an outdoor dining area, and a wooden sauna nestled within an ORCA-designed urban garden. The design cleverly integrates these elements without making the lot feel crowded, maintaining a sense of openness and surprise for visitors. Shin consciously preserved the original footprint and scale of her bungalow, contrasting with the “raze and rebuild” philosophy sometimes taught in architecture school. She implemented design choices such as limewashed plaster walls to create a lived-in, authentic feel, preferring this over the sterile appearance of new drywall. Shin's fashion background is particularly evident in her approach to accessories and finishes. She integrates vintage furniture pieces, like a Charlotte Perriand chaise lounge, which add character and a sense of history, much like a stylist would use a worn item to add authenticity to an outfit. Her bathrooms feature an artful mix of tiles by Nathalie du Pasquier for Mutina, custom stained-glass windows, and fixtures chosen for their aesthetic appeal, often resembling jewelry. She actively seeks wall sconces that evoke earrings, highlighting her continuous thought process regarding lighting as a form of adornment. Her work demonstrates a cohesive integration of fashion-forward detailing with solid architectural principles, resulting in effortlessly beautiful and deeply personalized spaces. #MimiShin #InteriorDesign #FashionEditor #HomeTours #VeniceBungalow #ArchitecturalDesign #Remodeling #DesignPhilosophy #CreativeSpaces

Interior designer Brigette Romanek, known for her 'livable luxe' aesthetic and designing homes for celebrities like Beyoncé and Gwyneth Paltrow, has launched a new lighting collection with Crate & Barrel. The collection emphasizes the fusion of artistic form with practical function, challenging the notion that luxury pieces must be overly delicate or reserved for special occasions. Romanek's philosophy centers on creating designs that are both beautiful and genuinely usable in everyday life, moving away from the concept of luxury as something to be merely displayed. The collection features a range of lighting fixtures crafted from elevated materials such as burnished brass, veined alabaster, and solid marble. Despite these premium materials, the designs are intended to be approachable and integrate seamlessly into existing home decor. Romanek’s signature style, which blends unexpected and artful elements, is evident throughout the lineup. While some pieces offer familiar forms, the collection truly distinguishes itself with its unique and sculptural offerings, like geometric stacks and semicircle silhouettes, designed to be conversation starters rather than just functional lights. Highlight pieces include the Cubey Linen Table Lamp, which stands at 34 inches tall and features stacked linen-wrapped cubes that diffuse light, making it appear more like a sculpture than a traditional lamp. Its versatile design allows it to be placed on a table or used as a standalone piece to illuminate awkward corners. The Lilypad Metal and Glass Three Light Chandelier combines industrial design with delicate, hand-sculpted shades reminiscent of lilypad leaves, suitable for kitchen islands or above a bed. Another notable fixture is the Cali White Alabaster Wall Sconce Light, a semicircular sconce made of burnished brass and veined alabaster, designed to frame special features like artwork or credenzas. The Indy Square Metal Pendant Light, inspired by vintage spotlights, evokes a Golden Age of Hollywood aesthetic and can be used individually or in trios for a dramatic effect. The Gains Burlwood Floor Lamp reimagines a classic silhouette with enlarged proportions, a squared linen shade, and a sculptural burl veneer base, transforming a functional item into a focal point. Completing the collection is the Beachwood Golden Calacatta Marble Table Lamp with Wicker Shade, which pairs sophisticated Golden Calacatta marble with humble wicker. This versatile lamp is designed to fit into various spaces, such as a study, entryway, or on a credenza, embodying the collection's overall spirit of laid-back luxury. Romanek's collaboration with Crate & Barrel aims to set new lighting trends by offering designs that are both high-end and practical, challenging consumers to incorporate artful, yet functional, pieces into their daily living environments. #InteriorDesign #BrigetteRomanek #CrateAndBarrel #LuxuryLighting #HomeDecor #LightingTrends #DesignCollection #CelebrityDesigner #LivableLuxe

Brigette Romanek, an L.A.-based interior designer, has launched her inaugural furniture collection in collaboration with Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams (MGBW Home). Romanek, who began her practice in 2018, is known for her eclectic yet refined interiors, which have frequently been featured in top design publications. The collaboration was initiated organically after Romanek met Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams at a dinner and was impressed by their commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and employee welfare, as well as their President and CEO, Allison O'Connor. Romanek enthusiastically accepted the invitation to work with them. Romanek's collection with MGBW Home consists of two distinct lines: the four-piece L.A. Collection and the three-piece Lucy Collection. The L.A. Collection, comprising a sofa, a fabric chair, a leather chair, and a bed, draws inspiration from Romanek's Los Angeles lifestyle and her clients' desire for aesthetically pleasing, tranquil, and comfortable pieces with strong architectural elements and intricate details. The Lucy Collection, which includes a daybed, a chair, and a sofa, reflects Romanek's appreciation for vintage aesthetics while integrating modern functionality. She dedicated considerable effort to optimizing the user experience, ensuring features like high backs and appropriate cushion heights and depths, to create pieces that encourage prolonged relaxation while serving as focal points in a space. Romanek emphasized her extensive research as an interior designer, noting her familiarity with both contemporary and vintage furniture. She observed that modern pieces often prioritize aesthetics over comfort, while vintage items, though charming, can sometimes lack practicality for contemporary living. Her collection aims to bridge this gap, demonstrating that furniture can be both beautiful and highly functional without compromise. Many items from the collection have been incorporated into Romanek's own home. The collaboration with MGBW Home allows for extensive customization, including choices in texture and color, enabling design enthusiasts to personalize their pieces. Romanek envisions the Lucy and L.A. Collections as long-lasting investments, designed for longevity and suitable for intergenerational transfer. She highlighted MGBW Home's commitment to sustainability, noting their use of durable materials and a lifetime wear guarantee, along with the unique option to switch out fabrics—a feature she considers exceptional. Romanek believes this aspect of sustainability, combined with the timeless design, offers significant value and has contributed to her growth as a designer. #BrigetteRomanek #MGBWHome #FurnitureCollection #InteriorDesign #LACollection #LucyCollection #SustainableDesign #DesignCollaboration

Lauren Wesley Designs, an Atlanta-based interior design firm founded by Ebonee Clark and Jameelah Watkins, both featured on HGTV's "Married to Real Estate," has transformed a fashion model's historic Roswell loft into a distinctive work of art. The designers aimed to create a bold, passionate, yet comfortable and welcoming space that reflects the client's personality and style. Their approach eschewed monochrome trends, embracing a colorful boho aesthetic characterized by natural elements and striking statement pieces. The designers emphasized the transformative power of wallpaper, noting that modern options offer unique ways to add interest, texture, and artistry to a home, with the added benefit of being removable for versatility. They highlighted that contemporary wallpaper is far removed from its traditional, often dated, perception. A key aspect of the design involved leveraging the loft's architectural features, particularly its breathtaking windows. The designers sought to integrate the outdoors, creating a seamless flow between the interior and the natural environment. A standout space in the home is the "content room," which features large black panel windows providing abundant natural light. This room was specifically designed to serve as a perfect backdrop for fashion hauls and content creation. The application of palm leaf wallpaper throughout this room adds a unique touch, complementing a blush sofa and a beaded blue chandelier, thereby contributing to the room's overall aesthetic and functionality. Ebonee Clark and Jameelah Watkins underscore the importance of taking risks in interior design. They believe that apprehension about selecting bold wallpaper or non-traditional upholstery colors can limit creativity. Instead, they encourage clients and aspiring designers to be adventurous in their choices, asserting that design should be inspiring and enjoyable. This philosophy is central to their work, enabling them to craft spaces that are not only visually appealing but also deeply personal to their clients. Beyond merely beautifying homes, Lauren Wesley Designs aims to inspire their clients to embrace a lifestyle that celebrates individuality and personal well-being. They view their role as interior designers as an opportunity to connect with clients on a deeper level, transforming living spaces into reflections of who their clients are and aspire to be. This holistic approach to design fosters environments that are vibrant, authentic, and conducive to a fulfilling life, moving beyond mere aesthetics to create meaningful and inspiring personal sanctuaries. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #AtlantaDesign #HGTV #RoswellLoft #BohoStyle #WallpaperTrends #LaurenWesleyDesigns

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

The article provides an intimate look into the Sunfish Lake home of antiques dealer Robert Riesberg and his wife, Christine Hartman, which doubles as both their residence and a by-appointment-only gallery for Riesberg's business. Their Federal-style house, built in 1925, is characterized by a blend of traditional design and warm hospitality, furnished with museum-quality 17th, 18th, and early 19th-century antiques, art, objects, and rugs. Riesberg, with over 50 years of experience, emphasizes buying pieces he would personally want to keep, noting that this passion drives his successful career. The home features a series of formal rooms, including a front parlor with a mahogany drum table, sideboard, and a 1760 cherry New England flip-top secretary desk, with walls painted in Benjamin Moore’s Rosy Apple. A light-filled formal dining room and gallery, added by Riesberg, is used for parties and family gatherings, showcasing French Louis XV rococo console tables with rare brèche d’alep marble from approximately 1760. The exterior of the home maintains its Federal-style architecture, while the kitchen, though the least formal space, is adorned with 18th-century Windsor chairs and Delft tiles depicting manganese figures from the same period. Creative design solutions are evident throughout, such as a small closet ingeniously converted into a walk-in bar with a Dutch door. The sunporch, featuring terrazzo floors and shelves filled with Delftware, opens to a grape arbor, offering a serene space. The fireplace mantel and paneling were custom-designed based on Connecticut fireplace patterns, symmetrically decorated with blue-and-white 18th-century Delftware. The central hallway boasts ash and walnut flooring modeled after traditional French parquetry, complemented by 19th-century oil landscapes, a late 18th-century portrait, and a Regency commode from around 1710. Riesberg’s study, designed with Connecticut inspiration, features millwork painted in a custom green and houses a substantial collection of books and catalogs on antiques, art, landscaping, and architecture. The article also includes five tips from Robert Riesberg and Christine Hartman for incorporating antiques into one's home. These tips encourage individuals to discover their personal taste by visiting various sources like museums and antique shops, and building a file of preferred items. They suggest taking inventory of existing belongings to identify pieces that don't align with one's aesthetic or function, thereby creating space for new acquisitions. The couple advocates for broadening one's scope beyond furnishing a room strictly by a singular period, encouraging the mixing of contemporary furnishings with antique gems to create a space that reflects individual taste and personality. Riesberg advises understanding the craftsmanship of antiques, particularly those made before the machine age (pre-1840), to appreciate their design details and value. Finally, they recommend taking a slow approach to building a collection, emphasizing that a few beautiful, well-chosen pieces are more valuable than a multitude of mediocre ones, and that truly beautiful homes evolve in stages. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #Antiques #FederalStyleHome #VintageDecor #HomeTours #LuxuryInteriors #CollectingAntiques

Model Gigi Hadid recently unveiled the redecorated interiors of her New York City apartment on Instagram, labeling it as a year-long passion project she undertook with assistance from friends. The apartment's aesthetic is characterized by an eclectic mix of elements, sparking a wide range of public reactions, from support to criticism, regarding its unconventional design choices. Central to the living space is a Missoni couch, distinguished by its vibrant array of colors and patterns, alongside various vintage art pieces, abstract prints, and bohemian accents that contribute to a personalized atmosphere. Among the more polarizing design features are the kitchen cabinet panels, which are notably filled with dyed pasta spirals. This particular choice has been met with mixed opinions, with some finding it quaint and unique, while others view it as an oddity. Another unconventional item in her kitchen is a bowl of billiard balls serving as a centerpiece on the island. The bathroom continues the theme of distinctive decor, featuring a wall entirely covered with New Yorker magazine covers. This design decision, while demonstrating creativity, has prompted suggestions for alternative displays, such as framing the covers or utilizing a single, large framed print for a more refined statement. Further unique touches are observed elsewhere in the apartment, including a prominent giant yellow pen positioned next to a proclamation by artist Eamon Harrington, which hangs on a wall. In contrast to these more eccentric areas, Hadid's bedroom presents a simpler, more subdued design. It incorporates crisp white sheets, a natural wood headboard, matching side tables, decorative wall accents, and Forest Ceramic lamps, indicating a preference for a tranquil and earthy environment in her private space. Despite the varying opinions on specific elements, the article acknowledges Hadid's commitment to individuality in her home design. The bathroom, aside from the magazine covers, is described as possessing an underlying sophistication due to its marble finishes, black frames, and glass panels. The overall impression conveyed is one of a home that distinctly reflects its owner's personality, challenging conventional design norms and encouraging discussion on what constitutes aesthetic appeal in interior decoration. #GigiHadid #InteriorDesign #NewYorkCity #CelebrityHomes #EclecticDecor #HomeDecor #QuirkyDesign #PersonalStyle #ApartmentLiving

The Brooklyn town house belonging to actor David Harbour and singer-actor Lily Allen is a vibrant and unconventional space, designed in collaboration with AD100 designer Billy Cotton and architect Ben Bischoff of MADE. The home, described as a "familial fantasyland of daring beauty and individual connoisseurial vision," stands in stark contrast to the prevailing trend of minimalist, neutral aesthetics. Its interiors feature a dynamic mix of chintz balloon shades, crystal chandeliers, pink silk, tiger-patterned textiles, and Mylar wallpaper, reflecting Allen's bold, eclectic, and fun personal taste, as noted by both Cotton and Harbour. The project began with the renovation of a late-19th-century Italianate brownstone in Brooklyn’s Carroll Gardens neighborhood. Architect Ben Bischoff recalls the house's initial deteriorated state and the subsequent discovery of original moldings and doors beneath layers of past renovations. The couple sought to preserve the historical character while creating a casual, family-friendly environment, rejecting overt formality. Billy Cotton presented three design directions: traditional English, modern Brooklyn town house, and a layered Italian style, which the couple embraced due to the neighborhood's Italian-American history and Allen's desire for something "weird and wonderful." The layout of the house also deviates from typical conventions. The second level features a primary bath-cum-sitting room, adorned with wall-to-wall floral carpet, Zuber wallpaper, and sink stands fashioned from Louis XVI–style commodes. This eclectic design prioritizes the owners' preferences over traditional resale value concerns, as highlighted by Allen. The primary bedroom, uniquely situated as a windowless chamber between the main bath and dressing rooms, further exemplifies the personalized approach to the home's design. On the piano nobile, the kitchen and dining area are positioned at the front of the house, immediately accessible from the street, signifying its role as the home's central gathering space. Conversely, the living/garden room, featuring a double-sided sofa in emerald velvet, is located at the rear. The lower-level media room, devoid of original 19th-century details, adopts a crisp, contemporary interior with a glamorous, Madeleine Castaing-inspired aesthetic, showcasing matching tiger-patterned carpet and sofa against high-gloss, creamy-white walls. This design choice, according to Cotton, is a reflection of Allen’s captivating presence and her aversion to conventional living spaces. David Harbour, a self-proclaimed "suburban boy" accustomed to a more conventional aesthetic, expresses admiration for his wife's distinctive vision and willingness to take design risks. Despite the unconventional style, which their children playfully refer to as the "clown house," the home embodies a deeply personal and creatively executed living environment that perfectly suits the family's unique preferences. The collaboration between the homeowners, designer, and architect resulted in a unique and character-filled Brooklyn residence. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #CelebrityHomes #BrooklynRealEstate #EclecticDecor #RenovationProject #ArchitecturalStyle #LuxuryInteriors

Interior designer Greg Natale has cultivated a distinct style since establishing his studio in 2001, characterized by a bold, eclectic approach to integrating architecture, design, and decoration. His work is far from conventional, often incorporating intricate layers of color and pattern, which he considers an innate aspect of his design philosophy. Clients typically seek his expertise for interiors that eschew muted tones, reflecting his signature maximalist aesthetic rather than a pared-back style. Natale's design methodology is comprehensive, extending beyond singular projects to include product development. He has ventured into furniture design, creating a range of residential wood-based pieces for Mortice and Tenon, alongside a line of more minimalist furniture for Stylecraft. These collaborations underscore his commitment to a 360-degree design approach, ensuring that every element within a space contributes to a cohesive vision. A notable collaboration includes a collection of six distinct New Zealand wool rugs designed in partnership with Designer Rugs. Natale emphasizes the critical role rugs play in his integrated design approach, serving not only as decorative elements but also as foundational anchors for furniture arrangements within a room. The names of these rugs—Corfu, Malibu, Monte Carlo—might suggest a relaxed ambiance, but their design ethos is rooted in a structured approach. The inspiration for the rug collection stems from Natale's passion for repeat patterns. He values the architectural quality of these patterns, noting their effectiveness in defining a room's aesthetic from multiple perspectives. His international travels have also significantly influenced the collection's designs. For example, the "South Beach" rug draws inspiration from an Art Deco building's screen wall, while "Palm Springs" reimagines a historical Chinese pattern encountered in that desert locale. Natale encourages both his team and his clients to embrace a holistic design journey, one that is characterized by continuous integration and innovation. He advocates for taking risks and pushing creative boundaries, believing that such an approach yields more engaging and interesting outcomes. His philosophy suggests that design does not need to be overly serious, but it should possess depth and layering to capture and hold interest. Through his studio and various design endeavors, Greg Natale continues to challenge conventional design norms, offering vibrant and distinctive interior solutions that reflect his unique vision and passion for design. #InteriorDesign #GregNatale #HomeDecor #PatternAndColor #RugDesign #FurnitureDesign #LuxuryInteriors #DesignInnovation

This article details the transformative interior design project undertaken by Boca Raton interior designer Nikki Levy. Levy was tasked with injecting drama and interest into a newly constructed, fully furnished five-bedroom, five-bathroom home in Boca Raton. The unique challenge of this project was that all major furnishings and permanent fixtures, such as marble floors, had already been purchased or installed, leaving Levy to work with an existing foundation. Despite initial reservations about taking on such a project, Levy was drawn to the home's "fantastic bones" and its double curved staircase, which she saw as a dramatic focal point. Levy approached the project with a focus on cohesiveness and artistic integration, layering details to create unique and thoughtful spaces. In the kitchen, an artist meticulously mapped out a ceiling design inspired by wallpaper from the formal dining room, creating a textured, multi-directional pattern. The living room was enhanced with black metal wire wall hangings that provided a striking contrast against neutral walls and furniture. For the family room, faux finish painters were employed to create a textural wall finish, complemented by a barn door with a graphic vibe leading to the music room. A significant part of the transformation centered on the dramatic double stairwell. Levy further enhanced its elegance by adding custom design benches with a dusty gold base and velvet shagreen-esque cushions at the base. The walls of the lower staircase were adorned with an array of brass and silver metal bowls, creating a unique visual impact upon entering the home. The client's husband's office was personalized with an ombré wall effect, transitioning from gray to white, symbolizing the Philadelphia skyline, his hometown. A key client request was a special bar that could fit into a three-foot space without a traditional sink. Levy designed a cold inlay bar with rich wood tones and a HydroFaucet that chills, sparkles, and boils water, ingeniously incorporating a single drain to provide full functionality. Near the formal dining area, metal flowers welded together and whitewashed with raw metal peeking through were used to add interest. The dining room also features a vertical display of wine bottles in a glass case spanning almost the entire wall. Levy also championed the prominent placement of a large, colorful portrait of a woman, which the client had initially considered hiding, making it a central design element flanked by oversized lamps and a self-patterned table. The master bedroom was transformed with a Phillip Jeffries wallpaper made from woven banana bark and paper, featuring a bold stripe pattern with a wabi-sabi flair. This textured wall-covering brought the existing furniture, including a velvet headboard, to life, creating an oasis-like atmosphere. The master bathroom features a "wow factor" with a wall design by Alex Turco, which combines photographic, digital images, and hand-applied resin to create an organic, polished marble-like structure. An Arteriors chandelier with a fringed, unstructured vibe and deep colors complements the space. Levy's design philosophy, shaped by her South African origins and experience with increasingly sophisticated and international clients in Florida, emphasizes connecting with clients to create personalized and unique homes, often utilizing 3D imaging technology for previews. Nikki Levy Interiors has received multiple Houzz Awards and participated in the 2022 Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #LuxuryHomes #BocaRaton #NikkiLevyInteriors #CustomDesign #ArtisticInteriors #TexturalDesign #DecoratorShowhouse

ELLE Decor's 10th anniversary A-List compiles 125 of the most influential and innovative interior designers globally, showcasing their unique styles and notable projects. This extensive list has grown significantly from its initial 25 members in 2010, highlighting a diverse range of talent that consistently inspires with their creations worldwide. The featured designers are recognized for their distinct aesthetics, collaborations, and client portfolios, reflecting the broad spectrum of contemporary interior design. Among the distinguished firms is Aero Studios, founded by Thomas O’Brien, known for its warm modernism and collaborative approach, spanning residential lofts, apartments, and commercial projects like the Sixty Thompson hotel. Alberto Pinto Interior Design, led by Linda Pinto, upholds a legacy of lavish elegance, blending traditional and modern cultural influences in projects for private residences, offices, and luxury transport. Alessandra Branca, with her Italian upbringing, integrates classical beauty with vibrant energy and practicality, evident in her eclectic, colorful work and her book, 'New Classic Interiors.' Alex Papachristidis is recognized for his bold patterns, jewel tones, and exotic accents, having recently curated a Christie’s auction and designed numerous residences. Alyssa Kapito brings a fresh perspective to classic design, appreciating antiques and art in her minimalist projects across Manhattan, the Hamptons, and Beverly Hills. Aman & Meeks, comprising James Aman and John Meeks, leverage their backgrounds in store design and fashion to create elegant, tailored luxury rooms for high-profile clients. Amy Lau Design, established in 2001, is celebrated for warm, expressive interiors with meticulous attention to detail, frequently incorporating natural materials. Apartment 48, founded by color wizard Rayman Boozer, offers energetic and original designs for professionals and startups, known for its boho layers. Ashe Leandro, the New York City firm by Ariel Ashe and Reinaldo Leandro, combines contemporary luxury with natural materials to craft open and timeless spaces for celebrity clients. Axel Vervoordt, the Antwerp-based designer and antiquarian, is revered for his wabi-sabi style, mixing antiquities with modern furnishings for an influential aesthetic. Beata Heuman, a London-based designer, is noted for her whimsical, unexpected approach to interiors, characterized by a Scandinavian attention to detail and longevity. Jeffrey Bilhuber of Bilhuber & Associates offers an all-American take on classic decorating, appealing to clients like David Bowie and Anna Wintour. Brad Ford ID, based in New York, is known for his modern yet warm, elegant, and functional residential interiors, also organizing the biannual Field + Supply makers’ fair. Brian J. McCarthy, drawing inspiration from European culture, creates eclectic spaces rooted in history with a focus on functionality and sumptuous materials. Brockschmidt & Coleman, based in New York City, excel at merging historical references with modern sensibilities for their literati and collector clients. Bunny Williams Interior Design emphasizes classic comfort, combining European antiques with mirrored walls and bold artwork, showcasing her signature patinated luxury. Carrier and Company, the husband-and-wife duo Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller, create chic rooms that blend timeless and contemporary design. Champalimaud Design, led by Alexandra Champalimaud, specializes in luxury hospitality design, crafting spaces with individual character globally. Charlotte Moss, with a background in finance, balances classic decorating principles with modern household needs, inspired by pioneering women. Lastly, Commune, with partners Roman Alonso and Steven Johanknecht, are masters of the new California cool, focusing on handcrafted, holistic designs for homes, hotels, and products. #InteriorDesign #ELLEDecor #Designers #LuxuryInteriors #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalDesign #DesignTrends #GlobalDesign #CreativeSpaces

The article details designer Dane Austin's approach to transforming a potentially cold, cavernous open-concept living space in the 2024 Whole Home into an inviting communal area. Austin, who expressed a general disinterest in the open-concept trend, focused on creating warmth and distinct zones within the large room, which features 22-foot ceilings and expansive windows. His design process began by drawing inspiration from the natural surroundings of Asheville, particularly the sunset hues and the blue tones of the mountains, which influenced his material and color palette choices. A key element in the living room's design is a Farrow & Ball cherry blossom wallcovering, which reproduces a Renaissance-era chateau design. To further define the space and add architectural interest, Austin collaborated with the build team to install a floor-to-ceiling chimney breast made from Dekton’s ultra-compact surface material, providing depth and dimension. A surrealist sculptural landscape by local artist Colton Dion serves as a focal point, adding a unique artistic touch to the room. Austin’s design philosophy emphasizes a curated, timeless aesthetic, combining old and new, masculine and feminine elements, and a mix of custom-made and flea market finds. This approach is evident in the diverse selection of furnishings, which include various velvets, leathers, and linens. He intentionally included abundant seating options, advocating that a living room should accommodate as many guests as there are dining room chairs, especially for a holiday home. To avoid a monolithic wallcovering effect in such a tall space, Austin cleverly incorporated a shelf at rafter height, painted in Farrow & Ball’s Selvedge color, which is used to display baskets and pottery, breaking up the vertical expanse and adding visual interest. Thoughtful details are also highlighted in the area around the fireplace, where bench seating and shallow cabinetry feature custom brass inserts from Architectural Grille, echoing the wallpaper motif. Above this built-in, a Samsung Frame TV seamlessly integrates technology by displaying evolving artwork and converting to a movie night mode with the push of a button. For the expansive floor, a custom Fibreworks rug was chosen to anchor the living area. Lighting plays a crucial role in distinguishing the living and dining zones, with a multitiered Clementine chandelier by Visual Comfort & Co. hanging above the lounge, and a plastered Mollino pendant, also by Visual Comfort & Co., positioned lower over the dining table adjacent to the kitchen. In the informal dining area, designed for simple entertaining, Lee Industries settees and chairs are paired with a Wayfair Professional table. The Adelaïde wallpaper from Farrow & Ball and a Fibreworks rug continue the aesthetic from the living room. Additional lighting, including a pendant, sconces, and a picture light from Visual Comfort & Co., and custom art from Colton Dion Gallery, complete the dining space. Austin further delineates the open-plan by introducing a “room-within-a-room” concept, using drapery made from Sanderson fabric. This fabric, featuring a crewel stitchwork in blush and blue, adds softness and allows the kitchen to be cordoned off for privacy, especially after events, offering a practical yet elegant solution to open-concept living. The article concludes with a comprehensive list of vendors and products used in both the living and dining areas, reflecting the meticulous planning and curated selection involved in the design. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #OpenConceptLiving #LivingRoomDecor #DiningRoomDesign #DaneAustinDesign #Wallcovering #CustomFurnishings #LightingDesign

This article introduces Alice Grace, an interior designer who has successfully transitioned her passion for property and design into a flourishing interior design studio and a recently launched homeware collection. Alice's journey began with sharing her home design projects on Instagram, which garnered significant attention and eventually led to her professional venture. Her career background, which includes both teaching and high-end residential property sales, provided her with a unique perspective, though she was always more inclined towards the creative aspects of property, such as designing brochures and writing press articles. This entrepreneurial spirit, despite taking nearly 40 years to manifest fully, led her to establish her own design firm. Alice describes her design style as timeless and considered, emphasizing simplicity and the strategic use of pattern. Her studio aims for an elegant sophistication, often incorporating playful elements to create a distinctive 'Alice Grace' aesthetic. She stresses the importance of understanding each client's unique needs, ensuring that her design approach is tailored to reflect their personal style while delivering exceptional value. Alice's preferred color palette includes warm, muted, earthy tones, complemented by touches of blue. She finds comfort in natural hues like browns, reds, and greens, which harmonize well with natural oak – a material prominently featured in her homeware collection. For fabrics, she often grounds a room with rich velvet upholstery or soft furnishings, contrasting them with lightly patterned linen or embroidered cotton. When incorporating patterns, Alice suggests a balanced approach: selecting one large-scale pattern, alongside grounding plainer patterns that introduce varying textures like bouclé, and then adding a few smaller-scale patterned pieces and a stripe. This method prevents designs from clashing and ensures a cohesive look, as exemplified by a popular bedroom design featuring a busy wallpaper, a velvet headboard, and bespoke soft furnishings with blue accents. Instagram has played a crucial role in Alice's success, initially serving as a platform for sharing her personal life and home designs with a like-minded community. What started as a casual sharing endeavor evolved into a business opportunity as brands began to take notice. Alice views social media as a dynamic landscape, requiring constant adaptation. She notes the shift from aspirational, unrealistic images to a fast-paced, competitive environment, where a smaller, engaged audience is more valuable than sheer follower count. Alice acknowledges the challenge of consistently creating new content, especially when it involves her own home, which necessitates constant reimagining. However, she sees this as an opportunity to experiment freely, unconstrained by client briefs. For aspiring interior designers on social media, she advises establishing a clear brand and personal style early on to stand out in a crowded market. The focus, she explains, should be on providing content that the audience desires to see, rather than what the creator wishes to showcase. Her online community, particularly during lockdown, provided invaluable support and confidence, enabling her to launch her design business and join international design platforms like The Expert. The launch of Alice's homeware collection was a natural progression, stemming from her observations of market gaps during her design work and an inherent desire to create lasting pieces. The collection draws inspiration from an antique mirror inherited from her grandmother, featuring warm oak finishes and soft, curved details. These curves are evident in items such as The Tray, The Bedside, and The Nightstand, alongside modern reeded textures. Collaboration with a local, respected furniture and joinery company, Bath Bespoke, was essential to ensure the collection's quality and alignment with sustainable values. The goal is to create heritage pieces that withstand the test of time and can be passed down through generations. A new collection, including upholstery pieces, is slated for release in the summer, allowing customers to integrate Alice's favorite fabrics into their homes. #InteriorDesign #HomewareCollection #AliceGrace #InstagramSuccess #DesignPhilosophy #SustainableDesign #Entrepreneurship #HomeDecor #FurnitureDesign

Gucci has launched a new home decor collection, featuring a range of luxurious and artfully designed items. The collection caters to those with substantial disposable income, offering pieces that are both functional and decorative, often drawing inspiration from Gucci's historical archives and iconic motifs. Among the more accessible items is the Herbarium bee incense burner, priced at $295. This piece features a bee design from Gucci’s ‘70s archives and a Herbarium motif inspired by vintage fabric, making it a sophisticated alternative to common incense burners and suitable as a high-end wedding gift. For wall decor, the Tiger Cards print wallpaper is available at $535. This wallpaper incorporates a blend of Gucci’s recognizable codes presented as vintage-style playing cards, designed to create a striking feature wall. Its pricing aligns with that of other boutique wallpapers. Candles are represented by the Inventum butterfly candle, costing $675. This designer candle, scented with pink rose and Taif’s ancient Damask rose, aims to establish a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. With a burn time of 68 hours, it offers a distinct luxury experience. After the candle is consumed, the pink Richard Ginori porcelain vessel can be repurposed as a holder for vanity items. Tableware includes the Herbarium teapot, priced at $845. Made from white Richard Ginori porcelain and adorned with the Herbarium motif, this teapot is intended for display rather than storage, highlighting its aesthetic value. Complementing this is the Kingsnake oval metal tray, costing $1,690, which is characterized by the Kingsnake icon, a prominent symbol of the Gucci brand, and is presented as an ideal item for serving beverages. Textile offerings include the Velvet cushion with Angry Cat embroidery, priced at $2,415. Despite its high cost, each cushion is a handcrafted item, requiring 10 hours of labor. The intricate motifs are embroidered and hand-applied, with hand-filled cushions and hand-sewn, fringed silk tassel edges, positioning it as an art piece rather than just a functional cushion. Furniture pieces feature the Wood chair with embroidered bee, at $3,885. This wooden chair uses Gucci's Herbarium print upholstery, embroidered with the Gucci bee and the word "Loved," showcasing hand-applied intricate motifs. Another furniture item is the Sprovveduta Età print metal folding table, costing $5,145. This table, adorned with the phrase "Sprovveduta Età" from an ancient Roman poem, is presented as a stylish and portable surface. Decorative ceramics include a Vintage Vase, priced at $7,770, which is suggested to serve not only as a vase but potentially as an urn, given its sophisticated and perhaps dramatic aesthetic. Armchairs such as the GG jacquard armchair, at $8,460, feature the classic GG pattern jacquard upholstery with interspersed bees and stars, and are trimmed with braided and knotted fringes, elevating them beyond typical seating to a more regal status. The collection's most expensive item is the Tropical three-panel screen, priced at $41,435. This pink lacquered tropical jacquard screen, while costly enough to rival the price of a car or a summer villa rental, is presented as a statement piece for affluent homes, suggesting it would enhance an already luxurious setting like a Lake Como villa. Additional items mentioned include other velvet cushions, different vases, another Chiavari chair with an embroidered tiger, a Star Eye print metal folding table, Heron print wallpaper, and another tropical jacquard armchair, all maintaining the brand's luxurious and distinct aesthetic. #GucciHomeDecor #LuxuryDecor #HighEndDesign #FashionBrandHome #DesignerHomeware #InteriorDesignTrends #ArtisticFurniture #ExquisiteTextiles #OpulentLiving

Built-in shelves are a common feature in many homes, offering practical storage solutions and often serving as a focal point within a room. However, according to celebrity designer and "Fixer Upper" star Joanna Gaines, the presence of cabinet doors on these built-ins can sometimes make a space feel smaller and less open. Her primary recommendation for updating built-ins to create a more expansive and roomier feel is to remove these doors. Removing the cabinet doors visually opens up the space, giving the illusion that the room is larger than it actually is. This simple alteration can significantly impact the overall perception of a room's size and airiness. While this initial step effectively brightens and expands the area, Gaines suggests further enhancements to truly make the built-ins stand out and contribute to the room's aesthetic. One such technique, which Gaines herself demonstrated in an episode of "Fixer Upper," involves incorporating a mix of cabinetry features. This could translate to leaving the doors on the lower cabinets while keeping the upper sections open. For instance, the lower cabinets might feature lightly stained wood or black matte doors with matching fixtures, such as black matte stainless steel door pulls, providing a grounding and sophisticated contrast. The upper, open shelves could then be painted in a light color like off-white or butter yellow, ensuring they pop against the darker elements below and enhance the feeling of spaciousness. To ensure the open shelves contribute to a roomier aesthetic rather than a cluttered one, strategic decoration is crucial. Gaines advocates for choosing a consistent theme and decorating with intention. For example, if books are the chosen theme, she suggests arranging them in groups of two or three, perhaps with some books turned to display their page-sides outward to create visual texture. These book groupings can be complemented by a potted plant or other decorative items, ensuring ample negative space around each cluster. This approach prevents the shelves from appearing overfilled and messy, maintaining a clean and organized look. Further adding to the visual interest and texture, Gaines sometimes wraps books in linen or cotton. When employing this method, she advises selecting fabric colors that are close in hue to the paint color of the shelves. This uniformity in color scheme helps maintain an airy and light ambiance, preventing the decorative elements from visually breaking up the space. Beyond books, other decorative themes could include curated collections of family photos or antique boxes flanked by vases or sculptures. The key is consistency in the chosen decorative element and grouping items in small clusters to avoid visual clutter. Finally, Gaines frequently incorporates mirrors into her designs to enhance brightness and openness. Affixing mirrors to the back walls of the built-in shelves can reflect ambient light, further illuminating the space and making the built-ins appear even more expansive and integrated into the room's design. These combined strategies transform built-in shelves from mere storage units into stylish, space-enhancing features. #JoannaGaines #HomeDesign #BuiltInShelves #SpaceMaximization #InteriorDesignTips #FixerUpper #CabinetryUpdate #HomeDecor #DesignHacks