See Inside Maximalist Studios, One of Philly’s Coolest New Wedding and Event Venues

Busy Philipps, known for her roles in shows like 'Freaks and Geeks' and 'Girls5Eva,' has launched a new talk show called 'Busy This Week' on QVC+. The show's set is a deliberate departure from traditional talk show aesthetics, embracing a maximalist design philosophy that mirrors Philipps' personal style and aims to create an intimate, lived-in atmosphere. Set designer Dan Porto drew inspiration from Philipps' own home to craft a space that feels authentic and inviting, with a distinct 'East Coast vibe' reminiscent of New York living. The design process began with a bold, large-printed floral wallpaper, which set the tone for the rest of the vibrant and layered decor. The set incorporates numerous houseplants and a rich palette of colors, intentionally creating a visually busy environment where every corner offers something new to observe. Porto's goal was to make the set feel "lived in and just everywhere you looked, your eye has something else to really jump on," reflecting the show's desire for a cozy, unpretentious atmosphere. Key design elements contribute to the set's unique character, including a photo of Joan Rivers thoughtfully placed within a bookcase, which is a favorite detail of executive producer Caissie St. Onge. Philipps, on the other hand, is particularly fond of the Murphy bar that conveniently pulls out of the wall. A fire escape in the background further enhances the New York-inspired ambiance. The set is not just for aesthetics; many of the decor items, and even Philipps' outfits, are shoppable, allowing viewers to integrate a piece of the show's style into their own homes. A striking bright orange sectional sofa serves as the main focal point, a non-negotiable choice for Philipps, who preferred a sofa over individual chairs to encourage a cozier interaction with her guests. Unlike typical talk show sets that rely on overhead lighting, 'Busy This Week' features a variety of lamps, catering to Philipps' preference for abundant light. The authenticity of the set is further amplified by the inclusion of personal items collected by Philipps and St. Onge, reflecting their life experiences and creating a sense of history and warmth. The show airs weekly on Wednesday nights and features celebrity guests who, unconventionally, enter via the fire escape. The overall intention behind 'Busy This Week' is to offer a relaxed and welcoming experience, akin to a friendly gathering over cocktails and snacks, rather than a hurried promotional stop. St. Onge emphasizes the show's role as a 'reset button' for viewers, offering a half-hour of decompression and a pleasant escape from daily stresses, particularly for women who often find little time for themselves. The set's design perfectly aligns with this mission, embodying a laid-back, party-like atmosphere that makes both guests and viewers feel at home. #maximalistDesign #busyPhilipps #talkShowSet #homeDecor #interiorDesign #setDesign #newYorkVibe #qvcPlus #celebrityHome

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

The new Adam Foster Fine Jewelry showroom in St. Louis is designed to offer an immersive experience that goes beyond a typical retail transaction. Architect Chrissy Hill Rogers of Arcturis describes the aesthetic as “modern Gothic luxury,” combining dark and light elements to create a dramatic backdrop for Foster’s unique jewelry designs. The nearly 4,000-square-foot space, a first of its kind in St. Louis for a fine jewelry brand, functions as a studio, showroom, and event venue. This multi-purpose design allows Foster and his business partner, Mary Steward, to not only sell jewelry but also educate clients about the intricate jewelry-making process. Foster emphasizes the importance of demonstrating how each piece is crafted, stating that clients can see the manufacturing process firsthand and have their questions answered. This approach caters to clients who seek a deeper understanding and appreciation of the craftsmanship behind their purchases. Individuality is a core tenet for Foster, and the showroom facilitates private, appointment-only consultations where clients can collaborate on custom designs that reflect their personal styles. This personalized service is central to providing clients with a distinctive experience. Steward characterizes the showroom as a relational space, designed to ensure clients enjoy their entire visit, from arrival to departure. Foster clarifies that this is not a traditional jewelry store where transactions are the sole focus; rather, the intention is to create an environment where the jewelry itself is enhanced by the surrounding experience, including the mood, the ideas behind the designs, and even the refreshments offered. The space was transformed from a windowless, unlit, and unplumbed shell by Hill Rogers and interior designer Emily Castle of Castle Design. Completed in April, the showroom seamlessly integrates Foster’s personal style and Italian heritage. Hill Rogers notes that Foster draws inspiration from both Old World traditions and contemporary styles, a fusion reflected in the space’s design. Emily Castle highlights that almost every element within the showroom, similar to Foster’s jewelry, is customized. This includes a striking Hubbardton Forge steel-and-crystal flower chandelier and bespoke casework crafted by Ross Wardenburg to display Foster’s handcrafted collections. The showroom evokes the “home-like” ambiance found in European jewelry houses, fostering a welcoming atmosphere. It features a fully stocked bar, a comfortable seating area encouraging guests to linger, and a 10-seat table, all contributing to an inviting environment. The event space, capable of hosting 30 to 40 people, further enhances client engagement. Foster envisions it as suitable for various gatherings, from cocktail parties to formal dinners, all designed to offer a cohesive experience where every detail—jewelry, space, mood, and hospitality—harmonizes to create a memorable impression. #JewelryShowroom #FineJewelry #InteriorDesign #CustomJewelry #EventSpace #LuxuryDesign #StLouisDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #RetailExperience

The STUDIO at George Fox University offers interior design students practical, real-world experience by engaging them in projects for various clients, including nonprofits, schools, and residential remodels. This innovative lab moves beyond the conventional understanding of interior design, which often limits the field to aesthetic choices like matching paint colors and drapes. Instead, The STUDIO emphasizes comprehensive design solutions that incorporate local building codes, ADA regulations, and designs promoting health and safety, adhering to professional industry standards. For instance, students might employ trauma-informed design principles, utilizing color theory and spatial arrangements to foster a sense of security. Professor Casey Martin highlights the broad scope of interior design, noting that most everyday spaces benefit from the expertise of an interior designer. The program structure ensures students gain extensive hands-on experience through a combination of paid and pro bono projects, which Martin pre-arranges. She strategically assigns students to project teams based on their individual strengths and skill sets. A core component of The STUDIO's philosophy is empathy-driven initiatives, focusing on design challenges such as housing issues and projects for clients with limited design budgets. One notable project involved a collaboration with Portland State University architecture students and the Forest Grove Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to vulnerable communities. This team developed interiors for sleeping pods intended for individuals experiencing homelessness, integrating trauma-informed design within strict budgetary constraints. This project's success was recognized with a 2023 Changemaker Award and national acclaim from the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) for outstanding student work. Other projects include junior Taylor Ho and senior Tyra Hayashi creating Revit models of campus buildings for La Salle Preparatory High School in California, providing templates for future architects and designers. Senior Ilanahe Beatty worked with Kingsley Field Military Base in Klamath Falls, Oregon, to source U.S.-made products and develop a “typicals package” that aligns with military and GSA contract standards for current and future use. Through these collaborations, students in The STUDIO develop practical skills essential for their careers post-graduation. The program actively connects students with the Portland design industry, fostering professional relationships with mentors and preparing them for critical certifications such as the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) and LEED Green Associate exams. Furthermore, the class expands their professional network, introducing them to future clients and designers while they are still in school. Professor Martin summarizes the program's ultimate goal: to ensure that graduates feel fully prepared and confident to enter a design firm and immediately contribute effectively to projects. #InteriorDesign #RealWorldSkills #ExperientialLearning #TraumaInformedDesign #StudentProjects #ProfessionalDevelopment #CommunityEngagement #GeorgeFoxUniversity