Melanie Raines designs "weird and funky" interiors for Austin residence

The Houston Estate project, located in a lush Houston neighborhood, exemplifies a seamless integration of traditional and modern design elements, creating a distinctive aesthetic that also showcases the client’s art collection. The entryway sets a grand tone with oversized custom steel doors and plaster walls, a recurring design feature throughout the home. A custom staircase, eclectic artwork, and a floral sofa contribute to a bold, inviting atmosphere, complemented by reclaimed octagon and dot tile from Italy, adding warmth and historical character. The formal dining room features grasscloth wallpaper matching the wood trim, producing a dramatic effect. Each furniture piece in this room is a statement, including a solid travertine table seating eight in velvet barrel-back chairs, and a custom console with a carved wave design. A personalized cupboard was also built to display the client’s china collection. In contrast, the formal living room opts for intricate millwork instead of grasscloth, presenting a color-drenched space where walls, ceiling, and drapes share the same hue, creating a sophisticated and dramatic ambiance. Furniture groupings in this room are arranged around a central fireplace, optimizing both aesthetics and functionality. The kitchen is a custom-designed space, rich with marble and tailored to the height of the homeowner, former MLB player Jason Castro. Details such as a bullnosed countertop profile, bookmatched backsplash, integrated marble sink, and hand-painted plug-in covers reflect meticulous craftsmanship. Oak cabinetry and a black Lacanche range complete the culinary area. The adjacent pantry is notable for its abundant natural light, dark blue cabinetry, soapstone countertops, and brass hardware, creating a moody yet stylish storage solution. An oversized vintage rug adds texture and patina. A casual breakfast nook, located off the kitchen, features a light fixture that harmonizes brass and darker metals, linking it with the kitchen's design. Seating includes comfortable, durable chairs with leather seats and plaid upholstered backs, chosen for a family with young children. Artwork by Tyler Guinn and a Heath Oak Cabinet from McGee & Co. enhance the space. The family room, a more relaxed gathering area, incorporates pieces from Round Top, Texas, and a vintage rug that informs the room's color palette. A curved-back sectional with crypton fabric offers durability, while the fireplace, with its fluted front, curved sides, and reclaimed fire brick, is a focal point. Styled built-ins provide display space for collectibles. The primary suite is designed as a serene retreat with a vaulted ceiling and a fireplace. Its neutral palette of browns, greens, creams, and moody blues is layered with custom millwork and relaxed drapes matching the wall color. Abstract artwork by Kimberly Moore is intentionally scaled smaller above the bed. The primary bathroom features unique elements such as a mixed metal vanity and plaster walls and ceilings between wood beams. The guest bedroom offers a calm and serene environment with ample natural light from windows on two sides. It is furnished with McGee & Co.'s Sutherland Bed and luxurious bedding. The ensuite bathroom features contrast trim derived from the wallpaper and a Calcutta marble-topped vanity. The study is dedicated to displaying the homeowner's baseball memorabilia, including Jason Castro's MLB career mementos and a World Series trophy. A herringbone wood floor with a brass inlay defines the room. The playroom features a distinctive wallpapered ceiling and various nooks for children's activities, including a firepole leading to a netted loft and built-in shelving for toys and books. The girls' room is characterized by a bold wallpaper dictating a soft pink contrast trim, layering pattern on pattern for a playful effect. The ensuite bathroom extends the trim color to the walls for cohesion, and an arched shower entry creates an artistic focal point. The boys' room utilizes a dramatic, high-contrast paint color derived from the upholstered headboard, which is complemented by a display of baseball hats as art. Its ensuite bathroom has subway tile throughout and a strategically placed vanity and mirror in front of a window. In the nursery, design elements such as wallpaper with contrast trim and a paneled ceiling are echoed from other areas of the home. The crib is positioned as the focal point for both aesthetic and practical reasons. The laundry room is designed to be a pleasant space, featuring wallpaper, patterned floors, and soft-colored cabinetry. A bold floral pattern is mixed with a geometric one, unified by a cohesive color palette. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #TraditionalModernMix #HoustonEstate #FamilyHomeDesign #CustomInteriors #LuxuryDesign #ResidentialDesign #RoombyRoomDesign

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

Melissa Bodie, co-founder and director of Melissa + Miller Interiors, shares insights into her career as an interior designer and offers five key pieces of advice for creating joyful living spaces. Bodie's upbringing, influenced by her mother's home-building career, instilled in her an early passion for design and architecture. She recalls suggesting a staircase repositioning at the age of eight, which her mother adopted successfully. Throughout her career, Bodie has worked with notable design figures such as Nina Campbell, Martin Brudnizki, and Martha Stewart, learning the importance of meticulous attention to detail from these industry leaders. She emphasizes that while their styles varied, a common thread was their focus on the minutiae, which significantly impacts the overall aesthetic and feel of a space. She also candidly shares a humorous early career mistake, highlighting the steep learning curve in the industry, particularly in styling for high-profile clients like Martha Stewart. Melissa + Miller Interiors, with offices in London and Philadelphia, specializes in high-end, bespoke interior design, prioritizing comfort and functionality alongside luxury and style. The firm offers comprehensive services including knowledge of architecture, textiles, antiques, project management, and custom design. In 2020, they launched an e-design service, providing their custom interior design expertise to clients globally with quick turnaround times. This initiative also serves as a platform for social good, with a portion of fees donated to organizations like Feeding America, NAACP, and Black Artists + Designers Guild. The firm actively reassesses its brand partnerships and sourcing to promote diversity within the design industry. They also host a weekly Instagram series, "Meet a Maker," spotlighting talented BIPOC and female artists, craftswomen, and designers. Bodie's five recommendations for sparking joy in living spaces begin with the principle to "Buy what you love." She believes interior design should transcend trends, focusing instead on how a room evokes feelings, creates ambiance, and offers comfort without sacrificing style. A home should be an extension of one's personal style, as the client ultimately lives in the space. The second tip, "Buy from whom you love," encourages intentional purchasing from artisans, makers, and craftspeople whose stories resonate. Melissa + Miller Interiors supports this by featuring diverse creators in their "Meet a Maker" series and through their gift guide. The third recommendation is "Be well," focusing on mental health within interior design. This involves creating spaces that promote tranquility and peace, often referred to as "zen zones." These can range from a dedicated meditation room to a cozy corner, incorporating soothing elements for all five senses: calming colors and lighting for sight, soft textures for touch, scented candles for smell, and organized playlists for sound. Bodie suggests colors like light blues, soft greens, greys, blush, and lilac for their peace-promoting qualities. The fourth point advises against comparison, stating that "Comparison precludes joy." Finally, "Outdoors, in" emphasizes integrating nature into living spaces, whether through a balcony, terrace, or garden. Bodie views outdoor areas as extensions of the interior, decorating them with beautiful furniture, lighting, and accessories. Due to client demand, Melissa + Miller Interiors plans to launch a garden design arm to create exteriors that complement their interiors. Bodie advocates for democratic design, believing that safe and beautiful environments should be accessible to everyone, including in public schools, daycare centers, and city hospitals. Her firm has demonstrated this commitment by designing a public space for a family homeless shelter. She also supports movements that amplify women's voices, particularly women of color. When asked about a person she'd like to meet, Bodie names Michelle Obama, admiring her influence. Melissa Bodie can be followed on Instagram at @melissaandmillerinteriors. #InteriorDesign #MelissaBodie #MelissaMillerInteriors #HomeDecor #JoyfulLiving #DesignPhilosophy #EdesignServices #SocialImpact #WellnessDesign

The article details the transformation of a Chicago apartment's living room by professional stager Molly Marino, owner of Molly Marino Design & Staging, with the assistance of her marketing director, Mike Pickett. The apartment, located in the West Loop neighborhood, was a one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit owned by a client seeking to sell it quickly. The primary challenge was the apartment's sterile, white-box aesthetic, which lacked personality and warmth, making it difficult for prospective buyers to envision living there. Marino and Pickett aimed to infuse the space with an eclectic, maximalist style while maintaining a calming atmosphere through color. They opted for a strategy that involved using a mix of patterns, textures, and colors to create visual interest. For instance, the main wall was painted a deep emerald green, contrasting with the existing white walls and serving as a focal point. This color choice was complemented by a mustard yellow sofa, adding a bold pop of color and unexpected warmth to the room. The designers incorporated various decor elements to enhance the eclectic feel. A key piece was a round, dark wood coffee table that brought a vintage touch and grounded the space. Above the sofa, two abstract art prints in black frames were hung, providing a sophisticated and modern element. The use of different textiles, such as a black and white patterned rug, velvet pillows, and a throw blanket, added layers of texture and visual softness. Greenery, in the form of plants, was strategically placed to bring life and freshness into the room. Lighting played a crucial role in the design. Marino selected a sculptural floor lamp with multiple arms and spherical shades, which not only illuminated the space but also acted as an art piece. This choice contributed to the overall modern yet artistic vibe. The existing built-in shelving was styled with a collection of books, decorative objects, and framed photos, further personalizing the space and making it appear lived-in and inviting. Before the staging, the living room featured minimal furniture, including a small, neutral sofa, a glass coffee table, and a basic TV stand. The walls were uniformly white, and the space felt cold and uninspired. The transformation highlights the significant impact of professional staging on a property's appeal, especially for potential buyers looking for a home with character. The objective was to create a memorable and aspirational environment that would help the apartment stand out in the competitive real estate market. #HomeStaging #InteriorDesign #EclecticStyle #LivingRoomDecor #ChicagoRealEstate #PropertyTransformation #HomeDecor #MollyMarino #RealEstateMarketing