Stephanie Kalb (’08 Interior Design)

Sabrina MacLean, an interior designer, discusses her journey in balancing work and personal life, managing a family business, and her vision for HinoStudio. MacLean acknowledges her husband's role in helping her achieve a better work-life balance, contrasting with her earlier years as a workaholic. She outlines a structured approach to her workday, beginning with an early start for dog walking and exercise to manage stress and energize her day. Her routine includes team lunches once a week to foster bonding and a strict no-work-calls policy on Friday evenings until Monday to fully disconnect and enjoy time with family and friends. This deliberate separation from work was a challenging but beneficial decision, enhancing her personal life. Hinojosa Design Studio was founded in 2000 in Miami, Florida, by MacLean's mother, Carola Hinojosa, as a high-end interior design company. The business had a long history in Bolivia before relocating to Miami. MacLean gained experience in sales and furniture design at Holly Hunt after graduation before joining her mother's team in 2010. In 2018, upon her mother's retirement, MacLean took over the firm, rebranding it as HinoStudio. This transition presented significant challenges, requiring her to prove her capabilities, execute designs to her mother's high standards, and earn the trust of both existing and new clients. The firm has since diversified its offerings to include a furniture line and a rug collection, with ongoing development of new products. HinoStudio is also engaged in international projects, collaborating with architects worldwide, which provides new learning opportunities. When asked about recommending places in Miami for a visiting friend, MacLean suggests a comprehensive itinerary focused on dining, drinking, visiting cultural sites, and hanging out. For dining, her top choices are Zz's Restaurant and Casa Tua in Miami Beach, both noted for their food, private club atmosphere, and vibrant social scene. For drinks, she recommends Socialista in Brickell, Mila, and Klaw Rooftop, praising their music, ambiance, and diverse crowds. Miami's cultural growth is highlighted with recommendations to visit the Design District, Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), Rubell Museum, and Wynwood, emphasizing the city's rich collection of art and museums. For relaxation and socializing, she suggests Faena, Soho House, and The Standard for their music and atmosphere, and the farmers markets in Coconut Grove and Key Biscayne on Saturdays. MacLean expresses profound gratitude for her mother, Carola Hinojosa, identifying her as the primary mentor who shaped her into the designer she is today. She recalls being immersed in the world of design from a young age, accompanying her mother to the office and furniture factories since she was seven. Working together was initially demanding, as her mother maintained high expectations, demanding 200% effort. She describes her mother as exceptionally talented, with a keen eye for design and proportion, and a continuous ability to reinvent herself. After successfully establishing a design studio and furniture factory in Bolivia, Carola Hinojosa rebuilt her business from the ground up in Miami after their move in 1999, eventually reaching a prominent position in the industry. Her mother's resilience, persistence, and dedication have been constant sources of inspiration for MacLean. Even after her mother retired and moved to Cape Town, South Africa, she continued to contribute to HinoStudio by collaborating with local artisans, which led to the development of a new product line now sold at Holly Hunt. MacLean's leadership, especially through challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, has enabled HinoStudio to create acclaimed interiors globally. #InteriorDesign #Entrepreneurship #WorkLifeBalance #FamilyBusiness #MiamiLifestyle #CreativeIndustry #BusinessLeadership #DesignStudio #Mentorship

A family seeking a unique summer retreat in Southampton commissioned a home that deviates from the typical Hamptons shingle-style aesthetic. They collaborated with local architect James Merrell to design a modern structure on a four-acre plot, which successfully balances 21st-century design with traditional Hamptons village vernacular. The resulting H-shaped house, oriented east to west, maximizes natural light throughout the day, with careful placement of windows and plantings by AD100 landscape architect Edmund Hollander ensuring views of the outdoors from every room. To infuse the Zen-inspired interiors with personality and vibrancy, AD100 designer Kelly Behun was enlisted. The homeowners expressed a desire for both playful and sophisticated elements. Behun curated a space filled with distinctive furniture and art, leveraging her network of artisans. Notable pieces include a Shape Up chandelier by Ladies & Gentlemen Studio, colorful rugs designed by Kinder Modern and Behun for the Rug Company, and a collection of Memphis Group ceramics alongside contemporary vessels by Erica Prince and Manal Kara. Behun approached furniture as sculptural elements, prioritizing both comfort and functionality. The outdoor spaces were also integrated into the design, with Behun collaborating with Hollander to strategically place and light outdoor art installations. These include a stainless-steel zipper sculpture by Mark Richard Hall and an eight-foot-tall painted-fiberglass sculpture by Chiaozza. For the children, a supersized chessboard and Thomas Heatherwick's Spun chairs were added to the yard, creating whimsical and engaging elements. Despite the playful additions, Behun maintained a refined aesthetic by anchoring the interiors in neutral tones, luxurious materials, and stained white oak. The living room features a modular Francesco Binfaré sofa, complemented by brass and stone furnishings. The master bedroom, designed with a 1970s chalet-by-the-sea ambiance, incorporates fuzzy wool carpet, a vintage ribbon-like chair, and a channel-tufted headboard. Reading nooks and a library were also key considerations, reflecting the homeowner's profession as a novelist. The home's central, double-height library serves as a family gathering space, complete with Vladimir Kagan sofas. A shared "bunkroom" for the children includes capsule-like beds and cozy wall nooks for reading. A less conventional request, a bowling alley in the basement, was designed by Behun with inspiration from French artist Jean Dubuffet, featuring a graphic black-and-white pattern on Élitis wallpaper, creating a perception-bending effect. The finished home successfully provides a fun-filled, non-electronic environment for the family and their children's friends. #HamptonsDesign #ModernArchitecture #InteriorDesign #KellyBehun #LuxuryHomes #LandscapeDesign #ArtisticInteriors #CustomFurniture #FamilyHome

Tiffany Clark, an interior designer, shares her journey, insights into managing social media for her business, and how she funded her venture. Clark emphasizes the significant role social media plays in her business, noting that 95% of her clientele comes from these platforms without direct advertising costs. She personally manages her social media, which involves content strategy, customer relations, responding to supporters, and brand promotions through high-quality visual content. Understanding platform algorithms and optimal posting times is crucial for visibility and audience engagement. Clark advises aspiring entrepreneurs to start immediately, even if it means creating a new account to attract a targeted audience with business-related content and a visually appealing page. Clark discusses her lifelong passion for interior design, which she discovered as a child while decorating her own room and later extended to family and friends. Her love for design was further nurtured by playing "The Sims" and watching HGTV shows like "Design on a Dime" and "Property Brothers." After serving nine years in the military, Clark decided to pursue interior design professionally in 2018. Despite initially struggling with self-doubt and fear of leaving a stable corporate job with good benefits, she enrolled in "The Interior Design Institute" to expand her knowledge. A pivotal moment for her was reading "Woman Evolve" by Sarah Jakes Roberts, which helped her overcome her fears and fully commit to her design career. This decision led to significant positive changes in her life, freeing her from previous anxieties. Funding her business began with "zero dollars" and a strong belief in her vision. Clark stresses the importance of faith and self-confidence for any entrepreneur, especially when seeking investors. She advises against waiting for the "right moment" to start a business, as there will always be challenges; instead, one should have a plan, a vision, and trust in divine guidance. Her journey highlights that achieving significant goals requires hard work, dedication, determination, and unwavering faith. Clark also shares a story of resilience, recalling her initial attempts to find employment with design firms after completing her studies. Despite curating a portfolio, she faced numerous rejections due to the close-knit nature of the industry and limited hiring opportunities. This period was discouraging and led her to temporarily stop designing for others. However, she eventually realized that these rejections were a redirection, guiding her towards starting her own business. Believing that a higher power had bigger plans for her, she launched her own company, allowing faith to lead the way. This leap of faith transformed her professional life, empowering her to become her own boss and find fulfillment in her purpose. Her contact information, including her website, Instagram, and Facebook profiles, is provided for those interested in connecting with her work. #InteriorDesign #Entrepreneurship #SocialMediaMarketing #BusinessFunding #CareerTransition #PersonalGrowth #Resilience #SmallBusiness #CreativePursuits

Kourtney Kardashian, often recognized for her role in 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians,' has established herself as a significant figure in interior design, showcasing a distinctive and elegant approach to decorating her Calabasas home. Purchased in 2014 for £6.5 million ($8.5m), her 12,000-square-foot property, set within 1.86 acres, features a home cinema, spa, sauna, sports court, a large swimming pool, six bedrooms, and numerous meticulously designed living spaces. Kardashian's design philosophy emphasizes understated elegance, particularly evident in her living room. This space combines neutral furnishings and natural textures, creating a sophisticated monochrome scheme. Key elements include a classic piano, a monochrome wall hanging, and a unique chaise longue, all contributing to a stylish yet uncluttered aesthetic. A notable feature is the eye-catching tiled fireplace with herringbone tiling, serving as a striking focal point. She also advocates for using coffee table books to effortlessly update a room's decor, as highlighted on her website, Poosh. Her bathroom design exemplifies how to create a tranquil and spa-like environment. Soft cream walls are complemented by dark wood units, and the space is adorned with neatly folded towels, luxurious beauty products, and a touch of greenery, ensuring a relaxing ambiance. Kourtney suggests that even small changes, such as adding pretty soap or scents, can significantly enhance the bathroom's feel. In her office, Kardashian demonstrates a willingness to infuse personality into her decor. She combines chic finishes with whimsical touches, such as playful graphic prints and an unusual Batman portrait. Architectural floor lights and marble shelving complete the look, proving that a workspace can be both stylish and inspiring. Kardashian's appreciation for high-end design is evident in her love for British designer Tom Dixon. She particularly fancies his brass pieces, like a spun brass tea set, which she notes can be integrated into various interior styles to add a chic and eye-catching element. She highlights the enduring appeal of brass in home decor. She skillfully employs neutrals to create calming spaces, as seen in her bedroom. Here, neutral tones are paired with natural wooden accents, and a clutter-free environment is maintained. Tactile light grey carpet and floor-length curtains contribute to a soft and private atmosphere. Kourtney prioritizes organic bedding, specifically Legna linens, and suggests using simple glass carafes in guest bedrooms to reduce plastic use. While favoring neutrals, Kardashian also embraces bold elements. Her Christmas decor, for example, features a vibrant mix of opulent gold ornaments, glittery baubles, and peacocks, set against dramatic striped wallpaper. This showcases her ability to incorporate color and quirky art into her design scheme without overwhelming the space. Her outdoor living areas are as meticulously designed as her interiors. The garden features manicured lawns, rows of matching sun loungers, and large leafy trees, creating an atmosphere of alfresco glamour. A Mediterranean-style outdoor kitchen, complete with a covered breakfast bar and marble tables, provides a sociable space for entertaining by the pool. This demonstrates her comprehensive approach to home design, extending elegance to the exterior. Finally, Kardashian exhibits an innate understanding of current trends, as evidenced by her choice of crisp white sofas in her living room. This daring yet effective style statement highlights her ability to select pieces that are both fashionable and functional, maintaining a cohesive and stylish aesthetic throughout her luxurious home. Her design choices consistently reflect a sophisticated blend of elegance, personal expression, and practical living. #KourtneyKardashian #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #LuxuryHomes #CelebrityHomes #Calabasas #UnderstatedElegance #ModernDesign #NeutralPalette

Christina Bryant, founder and CEO of St. Frank, a luxury home decor company known for traditional textiles and artisanal pieces, provides a tour of her prewar one-bedroom apartment in the West Village of New York City. Bryant's design aesthetic is influenced by her mother's maximalist approach and her own bohemian, funky style, which is deeply rooted in art and antiques. She integrates global textiles and artisan-made goods into her living space, reflecting the ethos of St. Frank, a company she established to create quality jobs for artisans. Bryant developed a love for traditional textiles while working with an NGO in Rwanda and further cultivated a global perspective through extensive travel during her childhood. After completing her M.B.A. at Stanford, she founded St. Frank, which has grown from an online operation to a brand with multiple brick-and-mortar stores and a celebrity following. Bryant’s West Village apartment serves as a showcase for St. Frank's products and her personal design philosophy. The apartment features brand wallpaper in the bedroom, a traditional Mexican Day of the Dead skull in the living room, and a framed Indian Kantha textile, which was her first purchase. She explains that her personal aesthetic and St. Frank’s brand are intertwined, as she designs for herself as a core customer. To achieve a cohesive look amid diverse textures, patterns, and artworks, Bryant collaborated with Consuelo Pierrepont Spitler of Sway Studio, who also designed St. Frank's retail stores. Together, they developed a color scheme emphasizing blues and rosy hues, aiming to create a "sophisticated bachelorette pad." The bedroom exemplifies this style with a geometric St. Frank wallpaper in muted raspberry and dusty rose tones, complemented by an adjoining walk-in closet lacquered in a deep wine color. This choice reflects Bryant's desire to revisit the femininity of her childhood pink bedroom while maintaining a grown-up sensibility. In contrast, the kitchen, which is tiny and lacks a full oven, showcases a bold pop of color with walls painted in a turquoise hue inspired by the glass backsplash. Bryant notes that the changes she made to the apartment—primarily paint, wallpaper, and light fixtures—were superficial but effectively transformed the space. Ultimately, Bryant emphasizes that her home represents her independence and the significant benefits of living alone, rather than solely its aesthetic appeal. #HomeTours #InteriorDesign #StFrank #TextileDesign #WestVillage #BachelorettePad #GlobalInspiredDecor #ChristinaBryant #SmallSpaceLiving

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

Barbara Lowenthal, an acclaimed interior designer, shares insights into her career, inspirations, and personal philosophies in a Q&A format. Her journey into design was sparked during childhood walks to Roosevelt Elementary School in Santa Barbara, where she developed a keen interest in residential architecture and interior details. This early fascination eventually led her to pursue certificate coursework through UCSB Professional and Continuing Education, solidifying her path in the design world. In 2005, Lowenthal joined Harrison Design, where she has been instrumental in leading its West Coast office for interiors, contributing to numerous significant projects. Beyond her professional work, Lowenthal has a strong commitment to community and historical preservation. She was a founding member of the boards for both the Pearl Chase Society and the Courthouse Legacy Foundation. Her civic engagement also includes serving as board president of the Museum of Art Docent Council and as a member of Santa Barbara’s historic landmarks and planning commissions. Her contributions to the field and community were recognized in 2015 when she was part of the team that received the city’s Edwards/Plunket Award for exemplary design for the comprehensive remodel of Crocker Row on Garden Street, specifically acknowledging the renovation, restoration, and rehabilitation of a historic structure. Lowenthal draws design inspiration from a wide array of sources, including nature, gardens, fashion, and even city streets, particularly those in Paris. She finds immense satisfaction in the collaborative aspect of her job, working with other professionals to create interiors that genuinely reflect her clients' unique sensibilities. Her ability to design across multiple genres is a highlight of her career, allowing for diverse and engaging projects. Conversely, the administrative burden of paperwork is cited as the least enjoyable part of her profession. When asked about an alternative career path, Lowenthal expresses a desire to be an author, indicating a creative and narrative inclination beyond interior design. Her current state of mind is upbeat, and she defines perfect happiness as sharing dinner with her children and grandchildren, highlighting the importance of family in her life. She prefers not to dwell on fears and considers books, encompassing fiction, nonfiction, and design literature, as her greatest extravagance. Lowenthal views temperance as the most overrated virtue and aspires to play the piano. Her greatest achievement is living life on her own terms, a testament to her independent spirit. Her most treasured possessions are her family and friends, underscoring her appreciation for personal relationships. She admires Stacey Abrams among living individuals and finds heroes in anyone who demonstrates perseverance in the face of disaster or trauma. In her interactions, she values love and support from friends. Lowenthal's favorite fictional character is Aurora from Larry McMurtry’s books, especially *The Evening Star*. When it comes to honesty, she humorously states she only lies to protect the innocent. Her most marked characteristic is her ability to go with the flow, and she frequently uses the phrase “Best Regards.” Her personal motto, “There’s always the next time,” reflects a forward-looking and resilient outlook on life. #InteriorDesign #BarbaraLowenthal #SantaBarbara #Architecture #DesignInspiration #CommunityInvolvement #HistoricPreservation #ProfessionalProfile

Holly Hunt, a significant figure in the interior design industry, has been inducted into the 2024 Interior Design Hall of Fame. Born in 1942 in San Angelo, Texas, Hunt initially pursued a career in fashion after majoring in English at Texas Tech. Her early professional experience included an executive training program at Foley’s, a Houston department store, and a role as an assistant buyer in millinery, followed by designing for a costume jewelry company in New York City in 1969. Hunt’s pivotal entry into the design world occurred in 1983 when she acquired R.J. Randolph, a struggling showroom at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart. She rebranded it under her own name, HOLLY HUNT, and embarked on a mission to redefine the showroom experience. Her approach was revolutionary for its time, focusing on elevating customer service, improving product display, and introducing transparency in pricing—a practice that faced initial industry resistance. Hunt curated showrooms that resembled actual living spaces, integrating architectural details, artwork, and a diverse mix of products and styles. She championed established designers like Vladimir Kagan and Rose Tarlow, while also discovering and promoting emerging talents such as glass artist Alison Berger and furniture maker Christian Astuguevieille. The company’s sophisticated branding and marketing materials were developed with the avant-garde graphics studio Thirst, all united by a commitment to superior quality. A key collaboration in the early 1990s was with French furniture designer Christian Liaigre, whose sleek, monochromatic aesthetic resonated with Hunt’s own. Hunt’s company became instrumental in manufacturing and distributing Liaigre’s designs in the U.S., influencing American interior design with rich dark woods and creamy textiles. This partnership gained significant recognition when André Balazs's Mercer Hotel in Manhattan opened with Liaigre-designed interiors in 1997. Hunt’s strategic vision extended to expanding her showrooms, notably opening one in the nascent Miami Design District in 1998. Designed by architect Alison Spear, this showroom deviated from conventional layouts, offering a luxury boutique experience accessible to all. Another Manhattan showroom, intended to open in October 2001, was successfully launched just two months after the 9/11 events, demonstrating Hunt’s resilience and foresight. She navigated the 2008 recession by restructuring her company, which led to the creation of Holly Hunt Modern, a collection that surpassed the profitability of her previous collaborations. In 2014, Knoll acquired HOLLY HUNT for $110 million. Hunt remained CEO for two years, overseeing expansions in Dallas and Los Angeles, and continued as a consultant until 2019. During this period, she undertook design projects such as a penthouse at the Surf Club in Miami Beach. Currently, Hunt leads House of Hunt, a Chicago-based interior architecture and furniture studio, engaging in projects ranging from product design, like the Dune sofa for HOLLY HUNT, to comprehensive home renovations. Her career trajectory is marked by continuous evolution and an adaptability to challenges, consistently eschewing rigid business plans in favor of dynamic engagement. #HollyHunt #InteriorDesign #HallOfFame #FurnitureDesign #ShowroomInnovation #DesignEntrepreneur #LuxuryDesign #ChristianLiaigre #DesignIndustry

This article features a luxurious family home in Mountain Brook, Alabama, designed by Atlanta-based interior designer Susan Ferrier, in collaboration with residential architect Bobby McAlpine. The design approach is characterized by a blend of robust architectural elements with soft, feminine, and glamorous interior touches, creating a "sensual" atmosphere. The house, built in 2011 for a young family, takes inspiration from 1920s English-style houses prevalent in the area. The exterior features an H-shape plan with handmade leaded windows offering continuous views from the front door to the back gardens. Inside, tactile finishes such as wire-brushed oak floors are prominent. The living area is a striking 25-foot-square, double-height space designed to be both grand and inviting. Ferrier's design philosophy emphasizes creating atmospheric, soft, and sensual spaces, rather than merely visually appealing ones. This is exemplified by her use of a white goatskin rug on concrete tile flooring in the entry, chosen for its unexpected practicality and decadent feel. An eccentric hooded chair upholstered in lustrous blue silk velvet serves as a unique focal point in this area. Ferrier is known for her mastery of scale, favoring large, impactful pieces over smaller, more numerous ones. In the dining area, she incorporated an enormous, graphic iron chandelier, which initially seemed oversized but ultimately harmonized with the architecture. The dining space also includes a Louis XV settee and a Charles Pollock table, with chairs upholstered in Cortina Leathers cowhide. The breakfast room combines rustic and sophisticated elements with gleaming wood furniture, oak beams, and carefully selected pieces like a table from New Classics Creations and armchairs in Cowtan & Tout linen. The master bedroom showcases some of Ferrier's boldest design choices, using delicate colors with a grand scale. The bed is draped on three sides with extensive creamy velvet curtains, ensuring total darkness for the homeowners, despite numerous windows. A dark espresso-brown headboard and a long silk taffeta pillow in a unique gray-blue-green color provide striking contrasts. The master bedroom is further enhanced by lustrous fabrics, including a sofa in Classic Cloth velvet and velvet drapes and ottoman from Gretchen Bellinger. The room includes a side table by Erika Brunson and a bedside table by Rose Tarlow Melrose House, with a vintage bench featuring a Classic Cloth fabric cushion. A shimmering pinstripe velvet sofa at the foot of the bed, adorned with metallic Indian embroidery, adds a touch of sparkle, complemented by a silvery faux-bois table with crystal orbs. Architect Bobby McAlpine notes Ferrier's ability to inject glamour and femininity into even the most masculine architectural structures, lifting the design beyond conventional boundaries. The property's outdoor spaces are adorned with boxwoods and magnolias, reinforcing the English cottage aesthetic. #HomeDesign #InteriorDecor #LuxuryHomes #AlabamaArchitecture #FeminineDesign #EclecticStyle #BobbyMcAlpine #SusanFerrier

Kelly Wearstler, a prominent figure in the design world, discusses her latest ventures, including new lines of ceramic pots with Serax, fabrics with Lee Jofa, and tiles with Ann Sacks. With a career marked by numerous famous hotel and house projects and over two dozen collaborations, Wearstler's influence is evident, drawing nearly 30,000 subscribers to her Substack newsletter, Wearstlerworld, and leading a practice with 65 employees. Wearstler attributes her continuous success and expansion to her inherent curiosity and passion for evolution and learning, a trait she traces back to her childhood experiences exploring flea markets and auctions with her mother. She emphasizes the importance of evolving and embracing new challenges to stay innovative in the design industry. The interview delves into her innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) within her design practice. Wearstler clarifies that AI serves as a powerful tool for enhancing workflow efficiency across all departments, from concept development to schematic design and construction administration. She stresses that AI does not replace human creativity but rather augments it, allowing her team to become super-efficient while maintaining their role in editing and curating designs. For instance, AI has been instrumental in the development of a new Proper hotel in Lake Tahoe, California, specifically the Cal Neva project. She highlights the use of AI, including programs like Sora, for design iteration, research, and visualizing complex spaces such as the spa, enabling rapid progress on elements that previously required months of work. Wearstler also explains her choice of Substack for Wearstlerworld, noting its effectiveness as an editorial platform for in-depth storytelling. She sees it as an extension of her visual storytelling approach as a designer, allowing her to connect with her audience on a deeper level and share her diverse interests. Regarding her recent collaborations, Wearstler provides insights into the design philosophy behind each. For the ceramic pots with Serax, the focus was on creating harmonious shapes and distinct glazes that complement each other while retaining individual character, suitable for showcasing greenery and sculptural elements. Her inspiration for the MADE Billow by Kelly Wearstler tile collection, in collaboration with Ann Sacks, stemmed from an artist's quilts featuring raised forms. This concept was translated into a simple diagonal stripe pattern available in 40 customizable colors, offering designers extensive creative freedom. For the new Lee Jofa collection, Wearstler expresses excitement about the introduction of a fabric-backed wallcovering. This innovative product combines linen fabric bonded to paper, allowing for coordinated drapery and wallcoverings that share the same luxurious texture and feel, imparting a sense of warmth and sophistication to interiors. #KellyWearstler #InteriorDesign #DesignCollaborations #ArtificialIntelligenceInDesign #CeramicPots #FabricDesign #TileDesign #LuxuryInteriors #DesignInnovation

Elizabeth Sims, the Principal Designer behind CALAFIA Home Design, discusses her journey from an MFA-educated studio artist and arts educator to a successful interior designer and entrepreneur. Her passion for interior design, initially a side pursuit for friends and family, evolved into a full-fledged business in 2015. Sims recognized the unique value her artistic background brought to clients seeking timeless and distinct interiors that resonate with California's rich design heritage and landscape. Her dual career as an artist and designer offers both creative fulfillment and a balanced professional life. CALAFIA Home Design draws its name from the mythical island of Queen Calafia, an early Spanish explorer's imagining of the West Coast. This name embodies the romantic mythology and diverse cultural roots of California, aligning with Sims' mission to craft living spaces that tell her clients' individual California stories. She approaches each project as a bespoke work of art, emphasizing custom, personal, and timeless designs that honor a home's history and its owners' style and practical needs. Sims expresses deep gratitude to her clients, viewing their trust as an honor and motivating her commitment to an accessible, transparent, and joyful design process. When asked about an ideal Bay Area itinerary, Sims highlights the intertwining of landscape and design in the region. Her recommendations include exploring the hidden gardens and architectural marvels in the East Bay hills, such as Julia Morgan buildings, the Berkeley Horticultural Society, Botanical Gardens, and the Cal campus. A suggested evening activity is drinks at the historic Claremont Hotel, offering panoramic views of the Bay. In San Francisco, she recommends visiting the Minnesota Street Projects for art galleries, the Coit Tower murals, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Xanadu Gallery, and the modern architecture of St. Mary’s Cathedral. To complete the experience, a drive across the Golden Gate Bridge to see the Sausalito houseboats, the heritage Heath ceramic studio, and a hike in the headlands are suggested. Sims credits her entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic to her father and grandfather, who managed a produce distribution business. Their example taught her the value of building an enterprise and cultivating respectful relationships across industries. Additionally, her family instilled in her a profound appreciation for design. She recalls her parents' collection of early California watercolors, her aunt and uncle's home celebrating Mexican heritage, and her grandmother's subscription to Architectural Digest. These early influences shaped her understanding of California's diverse design heritage and how a home can uniquely tell a family's story, a philosophy that now underpins CALAFIA Home Design.

Sarah Peake, founder and creative director of Studio Peake, shares insights into her distinctive interior design philosophy, influences, and showcases three notable projects. Peake's journey into interior design began with an interest in textiles and pattern cutting, followed by foundational experience with renowned designers Alidad and Todhunter Earle. These early experiences instilled in her the importance of meticulous detail and the ability to manage large-scale international projects, shaping her holistic approach to design. Peake's design ethos emphasizes the contextual relevance of each interior, steering away from a fixed style. Instead, she advocates for a collaborative vision that integrates her creative input with the client's preferences and the inherent characteristics of the space. Her work often features bold use of color, diverse materials, and patterns, alongside a harmonious blend of contemporary and antique furnishings. A core principle is to ensure the space reflects the client's personality, and she finds creative inspiration when tasked with incorporating existing client possessions or adhering to specific color constraints, believing that such limitations can foster artistic innovation. Inspiration for Peake is drawn from a myriad of sources, including clients, the architectural context, historical periods, and even natural landscapes. She maintains an extensive library of books for research and frequently captures visual cues from her surroundings. Her typical color palette leans towards blues and greens, often warmed with wood, yellow, or gold tones, which she finds relaxing and neutral, particularly suitable for bedrooms and bathrooms. However, she stresses the importance of variety, ensuring that while certain colors anchor a design, others are introduced to create dynamic schemes. Material selection focuses on natural elements such as wood, linen, and bouclé wool. She appreciates the versatility of stone, from Italian marble for a luxurious feel to English limestone for rustic charm. Her designs are further enriched by the strategic use of contrast, juxtaposing natural textures with vibrant lacquers and brass accents. Finishing touches are crucial to Peake's designs, frequently incorporating items like curly Gotland sheepskins or richly textured bouclé, either as upholstery or cushions. Swedish flatweave rugs are another signature element, with Peake actively seeking original pieces or commissioning new ones from traditional Swedish factories. Beautiful ceramics, particularly organic shapes with unique glazes, are also a passion. For Instagram inspiration, she recommends following Studio Giancarlo Valle, Pierre Yovanovitch, and Meta Coleman. Peake highlights three key projects that exemplify her work. The Parsons Green house involved transforming a blank canvas with Victorian features into a contemporary yet layered family home, blending modern art with antique rugs and bespoke elements like a tiled fireplace. The master bedroom in this project features a calm palette with Edward Bulmer 'Celadon' paint and a Vanderhurd rug, while the guest bedroom showcases vibrant colors and custom-designed beds. The Vauxhall cottage project, her first solo endeavor, involved restoring a Georgian cottage, transforming an industrial aesthetic into a cozy, colorful home. This included a kitchen refresh with new limestone flooring, painted joinery, and antique handles, complemented by soft furnishings. The master bedroom in Vauxhall features 'Fencing Blue' paint, Pierre Frey fabric, and a pre-existing painting by Venetia Berry as a color anchor. The small box room was dramatically transformed into a bed nook, utilizing V-grooved MDF paneling, Edward Bulmer 'Fair Blue' paint, and Ottoline Devries wallpaper. Finally, the Barons Court apartment, an Edwardian mansion block flat, required a fresh, modern update while honoring its traditional elements. This project features a dramatic layout with a freestanding Water Monopoly bath as a focal point, a study with traditional panelling and a mid-century modern light fitting, and a bedroom with Lewis & Wood wallpaper and a mix of antique and contemporary furnishings. Each project demonstrates Peake's skill in blending diverse elements to create unique and personalized living spaces. #InteriorDesign #StudioPeake #SarahPeake #HomeDecor #DesignEthos #ColorPalette #MaterialSelection #RenovationProjects #LuxuryInteriors

The article introduces Karin Breve, an architect and interior designer, and her business, Iconic Design. Breve discusses the thought process behind starting her business, highlighting her passion for architecture, her Brazilian heritage, and her desire to create emotionally resonant spaces. Growing up surrounded by diverse Brazilian design influences, from Rio's vibrant energy to Oscar Niemeyer's modernism, shaped her unique perspective. After migrating to a new country, she recognized the importance of belonging and combined her architectural background with her cultural insights to establish Iconic Design. Breve emphasizes that Iconic Design goes beyond aesthetics, focusing on crafting functional, sustainable, and deeply personal environments. Her approach involves listening to clients' stories and understanding their needs, whether it's creating a home that reflects their heritage, a workspace that enhances productivity, or a commercial space embodying a brand's essence. This philosophy aims to merge practicality, creativity, and cultural identity, resulting in spaces that leave a lasting impression and inspire innovation. The distinctiveness of Iconic Design stems from Breve's blend of architectural training, cultural diversity, and commitment to meaningful spaces. She draws inspiration from Brazilian color, texture, and tradition, alongside architectural principles of structure and function, to design experiences rather than just rooms. Personalization is central to her work; she delves into clients' needs, preferences, and stories to create authentic spaces. A notable project involved a cultural space celebrating Brazilian heritage, where she fused traditional elements with modern contexts, sparking discussions on cultural preservation and design. Breve's journey to becoming an interior designer involved significant challenges, including cultural differences, language barriers, and navigating a new professional landscape after moving from Brazil. Despite initial rejections and the competitive market, she persevered by focusing on her strengths, unique background, and passion. She learned to adapt to new market preferences and integrated her Brazilian roots into her designs, offering a distinctive style. Building trust and reputation required active networking and seeking out projects aligned with her values. She highlights resilience as a crucial lesson, viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth and trusting the process. Authenticity has been key to connecting with clients who appreciate her vision. Breve's ultimate goal for Iconic Design is to transform lives by creating spaces that elevate the human experience. She believes design can foster connection, whether through a sanctuary-like home, a creative workspace, or a public area that tells a unique story. She concludes by stating that Iconic Design aims to create environments that are truly iconic, reflecting passion, heritage, and the power of design. The article also includes a detailed itinerary for a friend visiting Los Angeles, offering a mix of iconic landmarks, cultural experiences, and culinary recommendations across seven days. This section provides specific suggestions for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and activities in various parts of LA, from Hollywood and Griffith Observatory to Venice Beach, The Getty Center, and the Arts District, reflecting a local's perspective on enjoying the city. #KarinBreve #IconicDesign #InteriorDesign #Architecture #BrazilianCulture #Entrepreneurship #CulturalIdentity #LosAngeles

This article presents an interview with Parisian interior designer Rebecca Benichou, founder of Batiik Studio. Benichou, originally trained as an architect in Brussels, established her studio in 2014 after gaining experience at ChartierDalix. She explains her preference for interior design over architecture, citing a more direct connection to people's well-being and the immediate satisfaction of pleasing clients. Benichou's design philosophy emphasizes creating layered spaces that integrate materials, textures, colors, and forms in innovative ways. She attributes the prominent role of light in her designs to her upbringing in the South of France, which also influences her warm, sun-faded color palettes of pink, yellow, and green, as well as her use of organic, rounded forms. Despite not explicitly creating "Mediterranean" designs, a distinct warmth permeates her work. The interview delves into Benichou's career path, revealing that she initially pursued architecture due to her aptitude for math and attraction to art. She discusses her current work on condominium projects and her particular passion for designing small spaces. She views the challenge of fitting all necessary elements into a compact area, such as 10 square meters, as an exciting puzzle, a perspective rooted in her architectural background and focus on functionality. Looking ahead, Benichou expresses a desire to undertake more projects in the hospitality sector, including restaurants, bars, and hotels. She also dreams of designing a kindergarten, attracted by the imaginative potential of spaces for children and the opportunity to create environments full of positive energy. She cites Luis Barragán as a significant inspiration in the design world, admiring his minimalistic approach and bold color choices, which she likens to Le Corbusier but with added warmth through color. The article highlights a recently completed project, Bar Divine in Paris, which Benichou describes as chic yet welcoming. The design process for the bar involved incorporating existing elements, such as raw concrete walls discovered beneath wood paneling and original, slightly aged mirrors and a brass bar. These elements were polished, retained, and augmented with additional mirrors to enhance the sense of space and abundance. The aesthetic draws inspiration from the 1980s while respecting the found characteristics of the space. Benichou also shares insights into the design of her own apartment, which she envisioned as a completely open space, devoid of doors (except for the toilet and bathroom), to improve flow. She aimed to create a welcoming environment for entertaining friends and a feeling of being on holiday. Her apartment features a natural material palette, including a concrete pink floor, terracotta in the bathroom, and tiles in colors reminiscent of the South of France, complemented by curtains that contribute to a warm and cozy atmosphere. She particularly values her custom-designed dining room table and a vintage hand-painted 1950s lamp by Dante Baldelli, which she describes as an object she had a long-standing affection for. Her studio, Batiik Studio, located near Montmartre, is depicted as a comfortable, social space with a storefront, open to the street and even frequented by a neighbor's cat, contributing to a home-like ambiance that clients appreciate. #InteriorDesign #RebeccaBenichou #BatiikStudio #ParisianDesign #SmallSpaceDesign #ArchitecturalInfluence #HospitalityDesign #ColorPalette #Materiality

Delphine and Reed Krakoff, known for their distinct design philosophies in fashion and interior design, embarked on a significant undertaking by acquiring and renovating Lasata, a historic 11-acre estate in East Hampton, New York. This Arts and Crafts residence, built around 1917, holds historical significance as the childhood summer home of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Despite its esteemed past, the property had seen minimal improvements since the 1960s, a condition Delphine described as featuring “vintage wallpaper and vintage plumbing.” The couple’s decision to purchase the estate was driven by their shared passion for revitalizing unique houses with rich histories that often deter other buyers. The property includes the main residence, a guesthouse, a poolhouse, and a small cottage. The initial phase of renovation focused on modernizing the essential systems of the house, addressing outdated plumbing and electrical infrastructures. Following this, the Krakoffs meticulously restored architectural elements, fixtures, and hardware, ensuring that all new additions were consistent with the home's original period. They opted for plaster with metal lath for walls instead of Sheetrock and chose reclaimed 200-year-old oak for flooring to maintain the house's authentic, creaky character after the original floorboards were damaged during re-leveling. A notable discovery occurred in the living room, where Louis XVI–style boiserie had been installed. Upon finding an old drawing of the room from Jacqueline Kennedy's childhood featuring simple grid-pattern millwork, the couple investigated, uncovering perfectly preserved original oak panels beneath the later addition. This find allowed them to restore the living room to its earlier state. While the architectural restoration aimed for historical accuracy, the interior decoration adopted a different approach, prioritizing an eclectic mix of furnishings to create a lived-in feel, as if the house had been furnished gradually over time. The living room exemplifies this blend, showcasing a 1970s John Dickinson mirror alongside an 18th-century Jacob Frères marquise chair and Queen Anne wing chairs, which were strategically used throughout the house to balance modern pieces. In the dining room, a midcentury Samuel Marx table with Lucite legs is paired with 1910 Tiffany pendant lamps. To ensure visual cohesion across the first floor, where multiple rooms are often visible from various points, all decorative lighting was selected from vintage Tiffany pieces. The bedrooms, though each featuring a dominant color palette, maintain a consistent theme with similar furnishings, including four-poster beds and geometric-patterned rugs, harking back to the original thematic designations like the “yellow room” or “blue room.” The exterior landscaping was entrusted to Perry Guillot, a long-time collaborator and Southampton-based landscape architect. Guillot refined the formal gardens by streamlining plantings and opening up the far side to enhance access to the expansive lawn. His work aimed to distill the original design into a contemporary yet appropriate form, reducing its Victorian formality. In the wooded areas surrounding the estate, neglected plantings were augmented with more of the existing species, such as cedar, linden, and rhododendron. This subtle approach to landscaping, mirroring their work on the house itself, aimed to create an impression that minimal intervention had occurred, allowing the natural beauty and historical integrity of the estate to shine through. #homeDesign #interiorDesign #historicRenovation #eastHampton #luxuryHomes #artsAndCrafts #jacquelineKennedyOnassis #krakoffEstate

This article, originally published in November 2012, details the interior design project undertaken by Kelly Wearstler for Lara and Jeff Sanderson's 11,000-square-foot home on Mercer Island, Washington. The Sandersons, seeking an artistic approach rather than traditional decorating, commissioned Wearstler to transform their 1946 cottage-style house. Despite its classic Pacific Northwest exterior, the couple desired an interior that blended the elegance of a Parisian jewel box, the intellectual depth of a scholar’s retreat, and the wonder of nature. Kelly Wearstler, described as an emotional and instinctive designer, embraced the challenge of creating a space that resonated with the clients' diverse interests. Jeff Sanderson, a former Microsoft employee and a collector of music manuscripts, and Lara Sanderson, a professionally trained dancer with a background in politics, established Sanderson Ventures, a venture-capital fund supporting local businesses. Their home was designed to reflect their combined passions, featuring an art-filled salon, a music room adorned with historical manuscripts, and a sprawling kitchen. One of the most notable transformations in the house is the double-height library. Wearstler achieved this by extending the space into an upstairs bedroom. She designed a massive partners desk and a brass-railed spiral staircase for the library, describing the staircase as a "piece of jewelry" due to the meticulous work of metalworkers and a patination specialist. The article emphasizes the collaborative spirit of the project, highlighting how the Sandersons valued the craftsmanship and passion of everyone involved, from artists hand-painting wallpapers to stonemasons laying marble floors. The entry hall, affectionately termed "the Kelly special" by Lara Sanderson, showcases Wearstler's signature exuberant style. Jeff Sanderson described his initial reaction to the entry as "Shazam," underscoring its dramatic impact. In contrast, a guest bedroom exemplifies Lara's more grounded sensibility, featuring a neutral palette with a large, concentric ring pattern on the walls and ceiling, inspired by tree trunk cross-sections. This room includes a custom leather-upholstered bed, linens by Kelly Wearstler for Sferra, vintage side tables from JF Chen, and a Paris flea-market light fixture. The dining room further illustrates the unique synergy between client and designer. Wearstler, at Lara's request, designed a purple dining room, an unusual choice for her, and sourced Venetian-glass chandeliers from a New York dealer. Wearstler expressed her appreciation for clients who challenge her, viewing such requests as opportunities for exploration and discovery that lead to perfect design solutions. The Sandersons affirmed their enduring satisfaction with the completed home, noting its harmonious design and intellectual stimulation. #KellyWearstler #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalRenovation #ResidentialDesign #PacificNorthwest