Hollywood Interior Designer Madeline Stuart Talks New Book

Pamela Shamshiri, a prominent figure in the interior design world, known for her work with celebrity clients and boutique hotels, recently discussed her new monograph, 'Shamshiri: Interiors' (Rizzoli). Shamshiri initially gained recognition as a co-founder of Commune before establishing Studio Shamshiri in 2016 with her brother, Ramin. The studio's work spans diverse projects globally, from the restoration of historical residences to new constructions and the reimagining of existing designs, all characterized by a strong, narrative-driven approach that blends historical appreciation with modern needs. Notable projects include celebrity homes for clients like Anne Hathaway and the 67-room Maison de la Luz hotel in New Orleans. Shamshiri decided to publish her book as a celebration of the studio's initial body of work since its inception. The book aims to mark the conclusion of this chapter, acknowledging past achievements and setting the stage for future endeavors. The nine projects selected for the monograph were chosen by Shamshiri and her team, including art director Michael Reynolds, creative director Eric Hoffman, and photographer Stephen Kent Johnson, to showcase the breadth and depth of Studio Shamshiri's capabilities. These projects exemplify the studio's ethos of holistic, narrative-driven design, encompassing various scales and types, from meticulous restorations of architectural gems like a 1952 Cliff May ranch house in Montecito and A. Quincy Jones' Smalley House in Holmby Hills, to ground-up constructions. Currently, Studio Shamshiri is engaged in numerous residential projects across the East and West Coasts, as well as in London and Tel Aviv. When it comes to sourcing decor in Los Angeles, Shamshiri highly recommends several local establishments, including Sumner, Blackman Cruz, The Window, JF Chen, Lost + Found, and Tortoise General Store. She also highlights ABASK as an online resource connecting designers with global artisans and their handcrafted pieces. Shamshiri expresses a deep affinity for Rome, considering it a perpetual source of inspiration due to its harmonious blend of historical grandeur and contemporary life. She particularly appreciates Hotel Locarno, noting its unique rooms and authentic connection to its surroundings. Among the most memorable gifts she has received are a Gabriela Hearst Nina Bag, admired for its architectural design, and turquoise tassel earrings from Irene Neuwirth, received after completing the designer's New York store. For quick inspiration in Los Angeles, Shamshiri finds joy and creativity with her two sons, who are avid movie enthusiasts. Attending films at The Chinese Theatre in Hollywood and listening to their post-screening reviews is a cherished activity that sparks her creativity. Her advice for those collaborating with an interior designer for the first time emphasizes the importance of mutual understanding and active listening. She believes that successful collaborations are built on designers learning from clients and clients understanding the designers, fostering trust that leads to exceptional design. Ultimately, Shamshiri hopes that 'Shamshiri: Interiors' will resonate with readers beyond just inspiring future designers. She intends for the book to encourage people to reflect on the personal stories embedded within their homes, the narratives they wish their spaces to convey, and the life experiences they envision unfolding against these unique backdrops. A long-term dream project for Shamshiri is to design a sustainable community centered around shared amenities like a kitchen, farm, art barn, and communal spa, aiming to nourish the community holistically. #InteriorDesign #PamelaShamshiri #StudioShamshiri #DesignMonograph #CelebrityHomes #ArchitecturalRestoration #LosAngelesDesign #Rizzoli #HomeDecor

Darien resident Stacey Bewkes, founder of the renowned design blog Quintessence, and Susanna Salk, a best-selling design author and stylist, will host a discussion centered on their highly successful “At Home With” video series. This series, which they independently create, produce, direct, and host, has garnered nearly 5 million views. Bewkes and Salk have traveled extensively, from Los Angeles and New York to Italy and beyond, gaining exclusive access to the homes and gardens of some of the world's most influential tastemakers and designers. During their lecture, Bewkes and Salk will share insights gleaned from their experiences, highlighting valuable lessons and observations from their encounters. They will also recount memorable behind-the-scenes stories involving the unique personalities who have welcomed them into their private spaces. The event promises a lively exploration of exceptional design principles and stylish living practices, drawn from a diverse range of global inspirations. Stacey Bewkes brings 17 years of experience as an art director at Simon & Schuster to her current role as the creative force behind Quintessence. Her enduring passion for design led her to establish this award-winning online platform, which serves as a trusted source for meticulously researched original content and imagery. Quintessence covers a broad spectrum of design topics, including interiors, fashion, art, architecture, books, film, and travel, providing a comprehensive resource for enthusiasts of style and substance. Her “At Home With” video series, where she handles the shooting, editing, and production in collaboration with Susanna Salk, offers viewers an intimate look into the residences of leading tastemakers worldwide. Stacey Bewkes resides in Darien. Susanna Salk is recognized as a leading design expert, stylist, and stager, in addition to being the author of multiple best-selling design books. Her debut book, “A Privileged Life, Celebrating WASP Style,” achieved unexpected popularity. Her tenth book, “The Power of Pattern,” was published by Rizzoli in October, further cementing her reputation in the design world. Her forthcoming book, “At Home with Dogs and Their Designers in the English Countryside,” which features photography by Stacey Bewkes, is slated for release in Spring 2020. Salk also plays a pivotal role in the monthly “At Home With” video series for the Quintessence blog, where she serves as producer and host alongside Stacey Bewkes. This event offers a unique opportunity to delve into the world of high-end design and personal style through the eyes of two prominent figures in the industry. Attendees will benefit from their extensive knowledge and engaging anecdotes, providing inspiration and practical takeaways on cultivating a stylish home and lifestyle, informed by international trends and expert perspectives. #DesignBlog #Quintessence #StaceyBewkes #SusannaSalk #AtHomeWith #InteriorDesign #StylishLiving #DesignAuthors #VideoSeries

Patricia Altschul, the matriarch of the reality show “Southern Charm,” known for her glamorous style and historic mansion, has launched a traditional-style home décor line with HSN. The collection, which debuted in October 2020, features pieces inspired by her grand home and lifestyle, aiming to offer everyday luxury at an affordable price point. Items include a Venetian-Style Mirror, a Herringbone Tassel Throw, and cheerful flower print sheets, designed to evoke the appearance of high-end antique shop finds. Altschul emphasizes that the collaboration with HSN was initiated because the network sought an ambassador who could deliver upscale yet affordable products. Her role involves translating expensive, high-society interior design elements into accessible items using modern technology and materials, making luxury available to a broader audience. She notes that even her affluent friends, who typically employ decorators and own multiple homes, are enthusiastic buyers of her HSN collection, often mistaking the pieces for original, high-end decor. Among her favorite items, Altschul highlights the 300 thread count, sateen, 100 percent cotton sheets, explaining that this specific thread count offers breathability and lightness, contrary to the common misconception that higher thread counts are always superior. She also expresses fondness for the flameless candles in her line, noting their detailed, hand-carved designs and unique availability through HSN. Another personal favorite is the Venetian Mirror, a modern adaptation of an expensive antique she purchased in Paris. She praises HSN's artisans for their ability to replicate the intricate detailing and incising, creating a more durable version that, in her opinion, surpasses the original's design. Regarding interior decorating tips, Altschul advises starting with the walls and proceeding gradually, emphasizing that a well-designed room often takes years to perfect. She stresses the importance of scale and proportion, an element frequently overlooked by those without a trained eye. She suggests avoiding a monochromatic, uniform look, which can make a space resemble a hotel lobby. Altschul believes that the recent trend toward traditional style, moving away from the past preference for minimalist, grey, and white interiors, reflects a desire for comfort and warmth, especially after recent global events. She advocates for incorporating pieces that evoke comfort, citing her own custom-made, down-filled chairs by Mario Buatta, whom she considers the greatest decorator of the last two centuries. She also suggests adding a touch of 'gilt' to every room, along with painted furniture, mirrors, plants, flowers, and Arabian rugs, allowing for an eclectic yet cohesive aesthetic. Addressing rumors of a rivalry with fellow Southern Charm cast member and HSN collaborator Craig Conover, who also sells pillows, Altschul dismisses the idea of competition. She clarifies that their products are distinctly different, with her pillows being more casual. She mentions a previous collaboration with Conover on a custom caftan featuring pets and recounts a recent social gathering where she taught Conover and Austen Kroll how to properly eat caviar, emphasizing the use of mother-of-pearl spoons over silver to preserve the caviar's taste. This anecdote further illustrates her philosophy of refined living and dispels any notion of animosity, attributing such narratives to reality television's tendency for drama. #PatriciaAltschul #HSN #InteriorDesign #SouthernCharm #HomeDecor #TraditionalStyle #LuxuryAffordable #DecoratingTips #MarioBuatta

Kelly Wearstler, a prominent figure in contemporary American design, views design as an intuitive process akin to falling in love repeatedly. Her distinctive style, characterized by sumptuous and vibrant interiors, is evident in high-end residences and luxury hotels worldwide, from Beverly Hills to the Caribbean. Wearstler's design philosophy is deeply influenced by a wide array of sources, including global travel, nature, architecture, fashion, graphic design, literature, and art, with particular admiration for the works of Pierre Cardin, Oscar Niemeyer, Carlo Scarpa, Louis Kahn, Gio Ponti, and Carlo Mollino. Her eponymous luxury-lifestyle brand encompasses a broad spectrum of design services, including residential, hospitality, and commercial interior design, alongside curated collections of furniture, lighting, rugs, fabrics, wallcoverings, tiles, luxe bedding, fine china, and decorative home accessories. Wearstler's design approach is marked by a sophisticated contrast of raw and refined elements, a harmonious blend of color, and a thoughtful integration of diverse periods of furniture. This unique methodology has earned her recognition on prestigious lists such as Architectural Digest’s Top 100 Architecture & Interior Design, Elle Décor’s A-List, Wallpaper’s Top 20 Designers, and TIME Style & Design’s Design 100. She conceptualizes each project as an opportunity for storytelling, aiming to create evocative, adventurous, and soulful narratives through a rich mix of materials and influences. Her mantra, “love color, take risks, stay curious,” guides her attraction to designs that intelligently utilize materiality, juxtapose various historical styles, and introduce an element of surprise. Born in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in 1967, Wearstler honed her skills in interior and graphic design at the Massachusetts College of Art. After relocating to the West Coast, she launched her design business, initially gaining traction with the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills. This success paved the way for numerous international projects, including the Viceroy Santa Monica, multiple properties for the Viceroy Group, and the Four Seasons Anguilla, where she skillfully merged natural elements like driftwood and petrified wood with global textiles to redefine Caribbean luxury. Her portfolio also features the Bergdorf Goodman restaurant in New York City, which elegantly combines elements from the 1930s to the 1970s, and the Compartés flagship store in Los Angeles, a modern reinterpretation of classic European chocolate shops. Her residential work spans high-profile homes for celebrity clients like Cameron Diaz, Gwen Stefani, and Ben Stiller. A current venture, Proper Hospitality, involves the design of high-end residences and hotels, with completed projects including the Hollywood Proper Residences, Santa Monica Proper Hotel, and San Francisco Proper Hotel. These projects showcase her signature blend of vintage and new furnishings, custom lighting, bespoke elements, and local artworks. Upcoming Proper hotels in Austin and Downtown Los Angeles further demonstrate her expansive vision. Wearstler emphasizes the importance of client collaboration, stating that the most successful projects arise when clients actively voice their vision. Her role is to interpret and filter these ideas, creating spaces that evoke specific moods and tell compelling stories. She stresses the significance of scale and hierarchy within a space, advocating for a thoughtful mix of texture, history, pattern, and color to achieve balance and allow statement pieces to stand out. Her creative process involves deep research into a location's history and architecture, followed by an intuitive selection of art, rugs, and vintage pieces to establish the core vibe. She uses “vibe trays” to visualize how all elements, textures, and colors will harmoniously interact within a space, sourcing unique items from around the globe to curate truly distinctive environments. Wearstler sees windows as framed artworks that integrate external elements and colors into the interior, further enhancing the cohesive design narrative. Throughout her career, Wearstler has continually challenged herself, taking risks and expanding her artistic horizons. She views her clients, particularly those from the film, music, and art industries, as vital partners and teachers, each contributing unique perspectives that enrich her design process. A key distinction in her work is the tailored approach to residential versus hospitality projects; while both receive the same passion and explorative process, hospitality designs require a greater focus on commercial specifications and creating a comfortable, home-like atmosphere unique to the location. Turning points in her career include the Avalon Hotel, the Bergdorf Goodman restaurant, and the large-scale Westfield Century City renovation, all of which pushed her creative boundaries and fostered a sense of accomplishment. Wearstler's home collections target individuals who appreciate art, travel, and thoughtful details, offering environments designed to expand experiences and heighten senses. Her ongoing projects continue to explore new commercial and residential ventures globally, consistently seeking the next design adventure. #KellyWearstler #InteriorDesign #ModernAmericanDesign #LuxuryInteriors #HospitalityDesign #ResidentialDesign #DesignPhilosophy #ArchitecturalDesign #StorytellingInDesign