Tour the colorful and joyful home of interior designer Stephanie Barba Mendoza

The Designer Show House, a biennial event sponsored by the Village Improvement Association in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, showcases diverse interior and exterior design inspirations across its 6,000 square feet of space and nearly an acre of outdoor areas. This event serves as a platform for regional designers to present their expertise and offers visitors a wealth of ideas for their own homes. One featured space is a sunken living room, designed by Kate FitzGerald-Wilks of Timeless Design in Landenberg, Pennsylvania. This room embodies a West Indies aesthetic, characterized by bold lines, soft sandy hues, and rich textures. Key elements include vintage stick bamboo chairs painted black, adorned with Kuba cloth and Ralph Lauren zebra-stripe pillows on a slipcovered camel-backed sofa. A mid-century hutch is repurposed as a cocktail bar, complemented by sculptural metal and glass console tables flanking the fireplace. Wood mirrors with faux tortoise shell lean against textured wallpaper, while modern sculptures and art blend with antique books and global treasures. FitzGerald-Wilks also designed the dining room, aiming for a dramatic effect with a backdrop of 200 wine bottles and a striking Dolcetti chandelier crafted from shells and crystals, evoking sea glass. An 8-foot-long reclaimed wine rack sits atop a buffet. The room's color palette consists of soft creams and tans, punctuated by emerald green accents in the chandelier and wine bottles. Windows are framed with woven ikat print panels. An airy sunroom, conceived by Alfred Wolf Home (a new venture from Design Center of Rehoboth or DCOR), was designed to create a light-filled, contemporary transition between the house and garden. This involved removing existing French doors and window grills, painting the room in various shades of white and French gray-green, and incorporating textural elements of white canvas, iron, and marble. The family room, also by DCOR, maintained the warmth of its original paneling and fireplace stone, setting the foundation for a soft khaki and cream palette. The room is furnished with herringbone, tweed, and leather fabrics, offset by tortoise shell wood finishes and local tidal scene artwork. Mary Stewart of M. Stewart Interiors in Bear designed the upstairs hobby room, named "Just Us," intended as a shared family space for various pastimes like painting, photography, reading, chess, and Lego building. The room features updated cherished family heirlooms and is painted simply white to highlight paintings by Nadia Zychal. Nile Johnson of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, designed the second-floor paneled library, drawing inspiration from Rehoboth's laid-back yet cosmopolitan atmosphere. This space offers an updated interpretation of a classic library, decorated in layers of sandy tans. Cyndi and Ron Oronzio and Cathie Sheetz of Dreamweaver Interiors of Rehoboth Beach decorated a bedroom and bath, inspired by vibrantly patterned fabrics. They utilized Robert Allen fabrics as wallpaper for an accent wall, building the room's design around this print. The team selected fabrics for their depth, crisp patterns, contrasting textures, and detailed embroidery, incorporating a bright coral pink accent color and rhinestone embellishments for a feminine touch. Brenda Carder of blcINTERIORS of Rehoboth Beach designed a small guest bedroom, combining natural cotton and linen fabrics with metal and reclaimed wood. Crown moldings add formality. To compensate for limited sunlight, the room was kept light and bright, with a deep navy blue accent wall and touches of bright yellow for warmth. The second floor features art by Libby Zando of Zando Designs and Art Affects in Milton, alongside works by award-winning regional artists. Boardwalk Builders of Rehoboth transformed a hallway into a gallery space by adding wainscot paneling, creating an updated cottage aesthetic that visually broadened the hallway. Mark A. Polo of The Urban Dweller in Boonton, New Jersey, designed the master suite, aiming for comfort with soft textural colors ranging from taupe to blue. The furniture is upholstered to enhance the room's softness, featuring taupe draperies of embroidered sheer linen and silk edged in leather and freshwater pearls. Blonde floors are softened by a long-fiber rug. Outdoors, Erin Walls and Justin Bartels of Bella Terra Landscaping in Lincoln repurposed existing flagstone patios and walkways, adding new stones to create a Celtic-inspired design. The layout divides the space into a grand area for social gatherings and secluded nooks for quiet retreats. Creative Concepts Furniture of Lewes and Ocean View furnished the patios as outdoor rooms with bright coastal colors, including a sectional, loveseat, dining area for six, and lounge chairs, inviting visitors to envision themselves in the setting. #DesignerShowHouse #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #RehobothBeach #DelawareDesign #LuxuryInteriors #OutdoorLiving #DesignInspiration

Joy Valdez, founder and creative director of Joyful Objects, Yes!, a Mexico City-based design studio specializing in collectible furniture and art objects, lives in an 1185-square-foot apartment in Mexico City with her husband, Gil Caro, and their pets, Zac and Vito. Valdez emphasizes that her work blends design and storytelling, imbuing each piece with humor, emotion, and personality, asserting that objects should feel alive and carry the maker's signature energy, rather than merely being functional. Her home, a rented space for three years, serves as a direct extension of her design philosophy, characterized by bold colors, playful shapes, and handmade textures. The apartment, located in the San Miguel Chapultepec neighborhood, initially attracted Valdez due to its abundant natural light, which floods the space through large windows throughout the day. Another significant appeal was the original terrazzo floor, a beautiful artisanal material she notes is rarely found in modern apartments. The open layout, where the studio and kitchen seamlessly flow together, also appealed to her, as it presented a large canvas she envisioned filling with her own furniture, objects, and creative energy. She felt it was the ideal environment for living, creating, and personalizing. Before Valdez and Caro moved in, the apartment possessed an 'old soul' quality, described as somewhat dated but charming, retaining vintage architectural details such as the terrazzo floors and an '80s or '90s stone-textured wall. Despite its age, it offered a strong foundation and ample light, awaiting a new narrative. Valdez has transformed the space into a vibrant and personal sanctuary, where every corner features something she has either designed or customized. Her approach prioritizes emotion and character over perfection, resulting in a home that truly reflects her joyful and imaginative spirit. Key elements contributing to the home's distinctive style include bold color palettes from Comex used in the kitchen, entrance, and office. The living room features a flea market sofa reupholstered by Valdez, alongside her own Ventura Side Tables, a La Celebracion woven mirror, a Kuni lamp, and Jojo chairs by the window. The office space incorporates Jojo relaxation chairs, The Basic Table as a desk, a Ventura Cabinet, a La Celebracion white wall mirror, and metal colorful vases from Joyful Objects, Yes! These curated pieces collectively create an environment that embodies Valdez's belief in infusing living spaces with joy, craft, and color. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #MexicoCityHome #JoyfulObjects #HandmadeFurniture #BoldColors #PlayfulShapes #DesignStudio #ApartmentTour

This blog post explores the Los Angeles home of artist Hannah Polskin, renowned for her distinctive wave-like patterns. Polskin’s residence serves as a vibrant canvas, where her signature aesthetic permeates almost every surface, including an unexpected focal point: the kitchen island. The article delves into how Polskin integrates her artistic vision into her living space, transforming functional elements into unique pieces of art. The kitchen island, a central feature of the home, is detailed as a prime example of this artistic immersion. Instead of a traditional, utilitarian surface, it is adorned with her characteristic wave patterns, making it a sculptural and visually dynamic centerpiece. The home tour highlights the seamless blend of art and interior design, illustrating how Polskin's artistic practice extends beyond her studio to define her personal environment. The wave motif, a recurring element in her professional work, is shown to be a foundational design principle within her home, creating a cohesive and immersive artistic experience. The article emphasizes the personal and unconventional approach Polskin takes to interior decoration, moving beyond mere ornamentation to an integrated artistic statement. This extends to various aspects of the home, showcasing how furniture, walls, and even unexpected surfaces become integral parts of her artistic narrative. Further insights are provided into how this unique design philosophy impacts the overall atmosphere of the home. The consistent application of her wave patterns creates a fluid and rhythmic environment, reflecting the artist's personal style and creative spirit. The article details specific instances where her art enhances functionality and aesthetic appeal, offering readers a glimpse into a home that is both a living space and a dynamic art installation. The integration of her art into daily living spaces demonstrates a departure from conventional interior design, offering a bold and personal expression of creativity. The narrative also touches upon the practical considerations of living within such an art-infused environment, showcasing how Polskin balances artistic expression with everyday living. Her home is presented as a testament to the idea that personal spaces can be profound extensions of one's creative identity. The article encourages readers to consider how they might infuse their own homes with personal artistic touches, drawing inspiration from Polskin’s daring and cohesive design. It acts as an inspirational piece for those looking to personalize their spaces with unique artistic elements, rather than adhering to conventional design trends. Ultimately, the piece illustrates how an artist’s home can be a true reflection of their craft, providing a unique and personalized aesthetic experience. Hannah Polskin’s Los Angeles residence stands out as an example of how art can be lived in, transforming a house into a deeply personal and continuously evolving work of art. The home exemplifies a holistic approach to design where the artist's signature style is not just displayed but woven into the very fabric of the living environment. #HomeTour #ArtistHome #InteriorDesign #ArtisticExpression #KitchenDesign #WavePatterns #HannahPolskin #LosAngelesHomes #UniqueInteriors

The article discusses the transformation of a 1950s ranch home owned by Jenn Lamarre in June 2009. Initially, Lamarre sought basic updates like an open kitchen and upgraded appliances. However, her decorator and friend, Barrie Benson, identified a more fundamental need: the introduction of vibrant color to revitalize the space, which Benson described as a “granny ranch” that felt too dated for Lamarre and her two young daughters. Lamarre, who considers herself a non-neutral person and finds liberation in being surrounded by color, agreed that the house's character did not suit muted tones. The renovation involved both architectural changes and significant decorative updates. Architect Matt Benson, Barrie’s husband, from Meyer Greeson Paullin Benson, collaborated with Salins Group Construction to remove a wall separating the breakfast room. This structural modification created a more open and central gathering area in the kitchen, enhancing the home's functionality and flow. The most impactful changes, however, stemmed from the extensive use of paint. Barrie Benson noted Lamarre’s deep appreciation for color, suggesting that almost every shade in the spectrum was utilized. The home now predominantly features Lamarre’s preferred combination of peacock-blue and bright green, with strategically placed pops of orange to introduce vivid contrast. The kitchen, for instance, incorporates lemon yellow accents, inspired by a set of china inherited from Lamarre’s mother, which served as a sentimental focal point for the color scheme. This deliberate application of color has resulted in an energetic and modern living environment where diverse bright shades harmoniously coexist. For Lamarre, the ultimate outcome is a home that radiates fun and happiness for herself and her daughters, reflecting her vibrant personality and preferences. The project demonstrates how thoughtful color integration, alongside minor structural adjustments, can significantly alter the ambiance and perceived age of a living space, moving it from dated to modern and lively. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #RanchHome #ModernMakeover #HomeDecoration #ArchitecturalRedesign #VibrantLiving