At Home With Jenna Lyons

The article offers an intimate look into the Venice Beach residence of designer Lenny Steinberg, providing insights into her creative process and personal collection. Located just a few doors down from Frank Gehry’s Norton House, Steinberg's home is a transformed 1960s post-and-beam duplex, now serving as an archive and showroom for five decades of her work, alongside her extensive art and object collection. This minimalist retreat, which she shares with her husband, Bob, features an impressive view of the Pacific Ocean. Steinberg's design philosophy is deeply influenced by movement and music, which she attributes to her background in music, initially at the University of Southern California and later at UCLA where she shifted her focus to design. She emphasizes injecting a sense of 'kick' or 'surprise' into her furniture, exemplified by prototypes for a Manhattan apartment featuring arms reminiscent of a 1950s Ford Fairlane, complete with red lens reflectors. Her work often combines Art Deco and Japanese aesthetics with elements drawn from Los Angeles car culture, a nod to her childhood experiences riding in her father's 1938 Buick and exploring the city's evolving landscape. The double-height living room of her home, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows inspired by Pierre Chareau’s Maison de Verre, showcases a deliberate departure from strict orthogonality with an angled cross beam, reflecting her desire to introduce a 'new note' into architecture, much like a musical composition. Her career trajectory includes a partnership with Sarah Binder in the 1960s, forming Vivid, which produced mirrored furniture, and later Links Design, where they experimented with cork and multi-coloured plastic laminates. By 1997, Steinberg established her own practice, Lenny Steinberg Design, venturing into full architectural projects. Her home displays a broad range of her oeuvre, from a Vivid mirrored side table that merges Art Deco with the Light and Space movement, to her 'Push-me Pull-U' sofa, a study in material contrasts. The collection is unified by what Steinberg calls 'space, time and energy,' a consistent vision that is evident in pieces like her Pyramids & Parallels series. This series, characterized by jutting angles and sculptural forms, is present in her kitchen island and outdoor furniture on the roof deck, where pieces lean obliquely, evoking the dynamism of wind and movement. This interest in dynamism is also informed by her engagement with modern dance, a passion shared by two of her daughters. Architect Annie Chu highlights Steinberg's acute awareness of the body's relationship to space and objects, noting her strength in creating evocative vignettes. Steinberg's designs also incorporate a subtle sense of humor, as seen in her 'Pony' chair, which features legs that kink like the hind limbs of a horse, designed to accommodate the sitter comfortably despite its unconventional appearance. The article concludes by noting the natural weathering of her home and some of her earlier works, which she embraces as part of the design process, evident in the 'Six Degrees of Disintegration' exhibit of her 'Pony' chairs, showing signs of rust from the salty ocean air. #LennySteinberg #VeniceBeachHome #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #FurnitureDesign #LosAngelesArchitecture #ModernDesign #CreativeProcess #ArtCollection

Interior designer Traci Connell, recognized as a 2022 Best Designer, shares insights into her personal home, which she inhabits with her husband, Michael McDonald. Their residence, marked by distinctive architectural features like a C-shaped floorplan, triangular windows, and angled ceilings, previously housed a series of architects. Connell's design philosophy for her own living space prioritizes a "neutrals and natural" aesthetic, diverging from the vibrant palettes she often employs in her professional work. She describes her home as a place that "breathes a sigh of relief," filled with blacks, whites, creams, and subtle hints of greens and camel tones. This approach allows her to unwind from the constant creative demands of her profession, where she is frequently surrounded by color. A core aspect of Connell's design strategy involves a strategic blend of high-end, custom-made pieces with more affordable, ready-made items from large retailers such as Crate & Barrel, CB2, and Ikea. She emphasizes that while her clients seek custom designs, certain foundational and utilitarian items can be sourced from big-box stores without compromising the overall sophisticated look. This combination prevents the space from feeling overly formal or "stuffy," creating an environment that is both visually appealing and highly practical. Connell explains that everything in her home is meticulously curated, showcasing how accessible items can be elevated when paired with bespoke elements. The couple moved into their home four years prior, just before their wedding. Following a house fire, they embarked on a multi-phase renovation, transforming the adversity into an opportunity for fresh design. Despite the fire, Connell preserved original elements like the brick floors. She maintained her neutral color scheme, selectively introducing rich pops of color, such as deep greens or aubergines, in unexpected areas. Her rationale for a predominantly neutral interior is that the vibrant personalities and attire of guests often introduce enough color, aligning with her desire for a relatively quiet and serene backdrop. Connell highlights several specific design choices throughout her home. In the kitchen, original features like the hood, range, and silestone countertops were retained, while cabinetry was redone and striking rift-cut wood details were added. She incorporated Olympia white marble for the islands and backsplash, a personal indulgence. The dining room, in contrast to the overall neutral theme, features a dramatic grasscloth wallpapered ceiling, reflecting Connell's inclination to "push limits a little bit" as a designer. The family office embraces all-black walls, made possible by abundant natural light, and includes colorful original art, a vintage Sutherland desk, and lacquered green bookcases from Scout Design Studio. The master bedroom showcases a black-and-white aesthetic with bedding from Peacock Alley and Harlequin fabric accent pillows, alongside nightstands from Currey & Co. and lamps by Arteriors. The bathroom features a distinctive wallcovering that mimics tile and a durable porcelain flooring, completed with a Stone Forest sink and a Made Goods mirror. The family room, a testament to her love for nature and neutrals, is bathed in warm ivory tones, complemented by exposed brick floors and various plants. It features a custom sectional by Hickory Chair, swivel chairs from Four Hands, and a Feizy rug, along with a beloved bar area where Connell and her husband enjoy their "Martini Friday" tradition. The article includes a Q&A section where Connell elaborates on her philosophy of mixing high and low-priced pieces, stressing the importance of removing overly popular mass-market items from design presentations to maintain a unique, custom aesthetic for her clients. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #TraciConnell #DallasHomes #NeutralPalette #LuxuryDesign #AffordableDecor #HomeRenovation #DesignPhilosophy

Jenna Lyons, former creative director and president for J.Crew, known for her stylish aesthetic, has revealed details about the book storage solution in her Soho apartment, a topic frequently asked about on 'The Expert'. Lyons specifically champions the Vitsoe 606 Universal Shelving System, designed by Dieter Rams in 1960. She highlights the system's simple, beautiful construction, its resistance to warping, and its clean, streamlined appearance. Furthermore, Lyons emphasizes its reputation as one of the most eco-friendly and economical shelving systems available. The article showcases an image of the Vitsoe unit in Lyons's own home, demonstrating its elegant integration into her personal space. Lyons notes the system's versatility, explaining that Vitsoe offers a diverse range of configurations, allowing users to adapt the shelving to their specific needs. She appreciates that, despite its sophisticated design, the Vitsoe system is not prohibitively expensive, making it a surprisingly accessible option for high-quality storage. The Vitsoe 606 Universal Shelving System is celebrated for its timeless design and adaptability. The manufacturer describes it as a system that "moves with you when you move" and can be constantly added to or improved upon to meet evolving needs. This flexibility ensures its relevance and functionality across different homes and over extended periods. Despite being over six decades old, the unit continues to influence interior design trends internationally. Lyons's endorsement of the Vitsoe 606 system has resonated with other public figures. Actress Tommy Dorfman and artist Gloria J Noto are among those who have expressed their admiration for the shelving, further solidifying its status as a coveted design piece. The article concludes by encouraging readers to explore the Vitsoe 606 Shelving System through Vitsoe's official website, presenting it as a solution that combines aesthetic appeal with practical, long-lasting utility. #JennaLyons #Vitsoe606 #Bookcase #ShelvingSystem #HomeOfficeIdeas #ModernDecorating #InteriorDesignTrends #SohoApartment

Erin and Ben Napier, known for their HGTV shows 'Home Town' and 'Home Town Takeover,' are often seen traveling with their young daughters, Helen (6) and Mae (3), to various renovation sites. This practice has prompted questions and concerns from viewers regarding the well-being of their children amidst the demanding schedules and travel associated with their reality television work. While the Napiers are engaged in extensive renovation projects that can span across different states, they emphasize that their family's unity and the children's welfare are their utmost priorities. 'Home Town' focuses on renovating historic houses in Mississippi, while its spin-off, 'Home Town Takeover,' expands this concept to entire small towns across the United States. This spin-off involves larger teams and more significant logistical challenges, necessitating the Napiers to be away from their primary residence for extended periods. Despite the scale and intensity of these projects, Erin and Ben have consistently made decisions that allow their daughters to accompany them, ensuring the family remains together. The Napiers have addressed viewer concerns by explaining the deliberate measures they take to ensure their children's comfort and safety during these work trips. Ben Napier, in an interview with People magazine, stated that they approach these trips as vacations for their girls, incorporating activities like swimming, fishing, and educational excursions to local attractions such as orange groves. This strategy aims to create an enjoyable and enriching experience for Helen and Mae, rather than having them perceive the trips solely as work-related travel. Erin Napier further clarified that managing their demanding TV schedule while prioritizing their children's needs requires substantial support. They rely on an extensive network, including traveling grandmothers and a dedicated team, to assist with childcare and ensure the girls' daily routines, including school, are not disrupted. This intricate planning allows them to balance their professional commitments with their parental responsibilities, ensuring that their daughters are not only present but also thriving in these unique environments. Their commitment to keeping the family together stands in contrast to some narratives in reality television where professional demands can strain family relationships. The Napiers intentionally demonstrate a different approach, where the success of their shows does not come at the expense of their family bond. This dedication resonates with audiences, making their series even more appealing, as it highlights a conscious effort to integrate work and family life in a healthy manner. The Napiers illustrate that it is possible to pursue ambitious professional goals while maintaining strong family ties through careful planning, a robust support system, and a clear set of priorities. #HomeTown #HomeTownTakeover #ErinAndBenNapier #FamilyTravel #RealityTV #HGTV #RenovationShow #ParentingOnSet

The blog post from TODAY's "Jenna & Friends" invites viewers to submit their home decor dilemmas for a chance to have them solved on-air. The primary purpose of this article is to engage the audience and solicit their home styling problems. It emphasizes that if individuals are unsure how to refresh their living spaces or struggle with styling a particular room, they can share their issues using a provided form. This initiative aims to connect with viewers, offering practical solutions and expert advice through the television program. The article is brief and directly calls to action, indicating that Jenna and Friends are looking for submissions to address on the show. This call for submissions falls under the 'Connect' section of TODAY, highlighting interactive content designed to build a community around the show. The article was published on May 5, 2025, and is continuously seeking audience participation. It is presented by TODAY, America's first morning show, which is positioned as a trusted source for information and inspiration. The article does not offer specific home decor tips or solutions but rather acts as an open invitation for viewers to share their challenges, suggesting that the solutions will be provided during the broadcast. This interactive approach encourages engagement and provides content for future segments of the show, allowing the hosts and their expert friends to offer personalized advice directly to their audience's home-related issues. The content is part of a broader series of interactive segments promoted by "Jenna & Friends," including calls for DIY furniture flips, holiday dream makeovers, and Halloween costume ideas. This strategy maintains a consistent theme of audience involvement, turning viewer problems and creative endeavors into on-air content. The article is structured to be straightforward, clearly stating its objective and the method for participation, making it accessible for viewers to understand how they can contribute to the show. The emphasis is on problem-solving through engagement, leveraging the show's platform to address common home decor struggles with expert guidance. #HomeDecor #JennaAndFriends #DIY #InteriorDesign #AudienceParticipation #TelevisionShow #HomeStyling

Joanna Gaines, known for her design expertise, undertook the renovation of a 1960s Texas lake house, drawing inspiration from its natural surroundings. The project, documented in 'Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse,' aimed to create a mid-century modern oasis that harmonizes with the lake and forest environment. The lake house underwent significant upgrades, including its living room and kitchen, which showcase mid-century modern style and quiet luxury, respectively. The design process also led to a seven-shade paint collection, allowing others to replicate elements of the aesthetic. A notable feature of the renovation is the home library, located off the entryway. This library blends coziness with an airy and light ambiance, incorporating natural inspiration with a moody twist, embodying mid-century modern design principles. A central element of the library is its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. These shelves feature a minimalistic lattice design with two natural wood tones and thin gold bars, emphasizing the books themselves. A sculptural light fixture with gold accents draws the eye upward, highlighting the room's high ceilings. Large sliding doors connect the library directly to an outdoor space, promoting indoor-outdoor living. The library prioritizes comfort, featuring four brown textured accent chairs arranged in a circle around a round marble coffee table. The coffee table is styled with a tray, a large vase, and books, balancing aesthetics with functionality for reading and conversation. The design and color scheme of the library integrate seamlessly with the rest of the home. Two large wooden doors, adorned with intricate glass fluting, offer a view of the entryway and a custom-built wooden staircase leading to the second floor. Another wall of the library features a full-length shelving system that reveals the room's earthy green hue, 'Wooded Acres from Magnolia.' This paint color, described as a 'woodsy brown with a touch of green,' combined with natural wood, contributes to a warm, welcoming, and contemporary aesthetic. The shelves are styled with a table lamp, nature-inspired accessories, a clock, and framed artwork within their asymmetrical compartments, providing both storage and visual interest. The article concludes that Joanna Gaines' home library successfully captures mid-century modern style, offering a relaxing escape within its natural setting with ample space for comfort, natural light, and books. #JoannaGaines #HomeDesign #MidCenturyModern #HomeLibrary #InteriorDesign #LakeHouse #Renovation #MagnoliaNetwork #DesignInspiration

Jennifer Aniston's Beverly Hills living room is highlighted as a prime example of how eclectic styles can be unified through a central piece of art. The article emphasizes that while the room features a diverse array of luxurious textures and materials, a striking abstract painting by Robert Motherwell serves as its focal point, bringing cohesion to the varied elements. This design approach was orchestrated by the renowned interior designer Stephen Shadley, who meticulously crafted a space that is both personal to Aniston and masterfully integrated. The living room's design incorporates a rich tapestry of textures, including an exposed stone wall alongside wood paneling, and layers of opulent materials such as plush purple velvet, embroidered silk, and studded leather. Despite the apparent contrasts, the overall aesthetic achieves a sense of harmony, demonstrating that art can act as a binding component to transform a potentially mismatched space into a unified and vibrant environment. The article posits that rather than selecting art to match a pre-designed scheme, an accomplished interior design often involves styling the entire room around a chosen central canvas, which dictates the tone and character of the space. Jennifer Aniston’s living room balances elements of mid-century modern design with what the article terms 'loud luxury,' creating a unique and sophisticated retreat. The Robert Motherwell painting, with its bold colors, particularly orange, provides a beautiful contrast against the room's darker color palette, injecting warmth and vitality. This strategic use of art not only anchors the room but also elevates its overall design, proving that thoughtful artwork selection is crucial for achieving a cohesive and impactful interior. The article also offers practical advice for readers to replicate Jennifer Aniston's distinctive style, even without an unlimited budget. It suggests incorporating handblown glass vases, similar to the luxurious purple glassware seen in Aniston's living room, to add an eclectic touch. Subtle gold accents, such as a Persian Kirman pillowcase, are recommended to infuse a 'quietly luxurious' feel into a sofa or armchair. For the central artwork, the article points to abstract orange paintings as an accessible way to mimic the transitional aesthetic and vibrant contrast provided by the Robert Motherwell piece. Ultimately, Jennifer Aniston’s living room serves as a valuable case study in interior design, showcasing the transformative power of art. It underscores that a carefully chosen, bold artwork can effectively balance disparate styles, textures, and colors, creating a living space that feels both alive and harmoniously designed. The insights shared are aimed at inspiring readers to consider art as a foundational element in their own decorating projects, rather than a mere afterthought. #JenniferAniston #LivingRoomDesign #InteriorDesign #CelebrityHomes #AbstractArt #HomeDecor #EclecticStyle #LuxuryInteriors #RobertMotherwell

Joanna Gaines, co-founder of Magnolia Network, recently completed a significant home renovation, transforming her youngest son Crew’s former bedroom into a sophisticated butler’s pantry. This project, documented on her TV series 'Mini Reni,' reflects Gaines’s philosophy that a home should evolve with its occupants. The renovated space seamlessly blends Gaines’s signature farmhouse aesthetic with elegant, Parisian-inspired design elements, creating a functional yet stylish area. The central feature of the pantry is an antique worktable with a dolomite top, intended for meal preparation and entertaining. Adjacent to this, a storage hutch with a rolling ladder, reminiscent of a Parisian store, provides ample, visible storage for pantry items. A brass rod above the sink serves a dual purpose, allowing for the drying of flowers and herbs, adding both decorative and practical touches. The renovation also includes an appliance wall, designed to maximize the utility of the space. The flooring is a key design element, featuring tiles laid in a 'daisy-esque pattern' that complements the scalloped motifs used elsewhere in the room. Underneath these tiles, the original pine wood flooring has been preserved and protected with plywood, offering flexibility for future design changes. The room’s existing 1800s fireplace was not removed but rather integrated into the new design. Gaines made it functional by installing a wood-burning stove insert and repurposed the mantle and surrounding area for storage, specifically for her homemade jarred honey and other items produced by her bees, showcased on open shelving. Near the windows, Gaines created a designated 'micro-space' for morning coffee, furnished with a small antique table and chairs. This area provides a tranquil spot to enjoy the pastoral views. Decorative elements within the pantry hold personal significance for Gaines. These include a framed recipe for Syrian donuts, inherited from her grandfather, who was a source of culinary inspiration, and a salvaged piece of yellow rose wallpaper from the room’s previous owners, which she also framed. The overall design demonstrates Gaines's ability to maximize every available inch of a small space, creating a highly organized and aesthetically pleasing butler's pantry that supports her passion for cooking, baking, and hosting. #JoannaGaines #HomeRenovation #PantryDesign #FarmhouseStyle #InteriorDesign #BeforeAndAfter #StorageSolutions #MagnoliaNetwork #ButlerPantry

The home of Daniel and Jane Green, located in Edina, showcases a fusion of modern design and rich Asian influences, reflecting their extensive international travels. Both London natives, Daniel is a celebrated chef, author of 12 cookbooks, and a regular on the Food Network, frequently traveling to Asia to develop dining programs for major airlines and hotel groups like Cathay Pacific, Shangri-La, Mandarin Oriental, and Dusit Thani. Jane, having recently sold her designer clothing consignment store in London, now manages a property rental business in Minnesota. Their Edina residence, acquired seven years ago, features sleek lines and a contemporary layout that serves as a backdrop for their diverse collection of Asian antiques and reproductions. The couple's shared love for Southeast Asia is evident throughout their home, with pieces like antique carved-wood sculptures from Bali and a series of Thai clay figures displayed prominently. The living room, a prime example of their eclectic taste, combines exotic elements such as a zebra-print rug, cowhide ottomans, and a bright pink elephant sculpture hand-painted with an Asian motif by Daniel’s mother, creating a global aesthetic. In contrast, the dining room is adorned with more traditional elements, including a chandelier and antique silver candle holders inherited from Jane’s grandmother, illustrating Jane’s inclination towards classic styles. Daniel, on the other hand, prefers a minimalist and modern aesthetic, though he acknowledges the challenge of maintaining cleanliness with a four-year-old in the house. The master bedroom is a testament to their blended design philosophy, featuring an Art Deco-style chandelier and a purple-and-gray color scheme, alongside Asian accents like textiles from Jim Thompson, a renowned Thai silk company. Antique artwork from Thailand, reframed to suit a contemporary context, further enhances the room's unique character. The Greens drew inspiration for their bedroom's design from upscale Thai hotels, such as the Shangri-La in Bangkok, noting a trend in modern Asian hospitality towards sleeker designs that still honor traditional influences. Their home acts as a sanctuary, offering a tranquil environment amidst their demanding careers and frequent travels. A favorite spot is a bay window seating area outside the master bedroom, where they enjoy reading and spending quiet moments. The article concludes with insights into their local shopping habits for home decor, their preferred dining establishments in the Twin Cities, and Daniel's go-to source for authentic Asian ingredients, demonstrating how they integrate their global experiences into their daily lives. #DanielGreen #JaneGreen #EdinaHome #AsianInfluence #ModernDesign #InteriorSpaces #HomeDecor #TravelInspired #Stylemaker

The article delves into the domestic life of Kelvin and Liz Fletcher, stars of "Fletchers’ Family Farm," who reside in the Peak District with their four children: Marnie, Milo, and two-year-old twins Mateusz and Maximus. The interview offers a glimpse into their daily routines, home preferences, and even their pet peeves, providing insights into how they manage their busy lives as parents, farmers, and actors. Upon entering their home, Kelvin consistently takes off his shoes and hangs jackets, though he notes the difficulty in reaching hangers due to the previous inhabitants' height. Liz, on the other hand, often finds herself navigating a trail of mess created by their children. The kitchen emerges as Liz's 'happy place,' whether it's a quiet sanctuary for a cup of tea or a bustling hub of family activity. Kelvin reveals a practical addiction to storage solutions, frequently purchasing giant plastic boxes to maintain organization. Liz’s homeware addictions include candles and vases, in addition to a collection of breadboards. A lighthearted conflict arises from Kelvin’s habit of placing plates on top of the dishwasher rather than inside it, a habit Liz wishes he would break. When it comes to homeware shopping, Kelvin favors Arighi Bianchi, a fifth-generation family furniture business known for high-end items, and John Lewis, appreciating its British and classic appeal. Liz recalls her pregnant days when she frequented Housing Units, a department store, primarily for their ham sandwiches but often ending up with home purchases. As hosts, Kelvin ensures guests never pay for takeaway, while Liz finds Sunday roasts the easiest meal to prepare, much to the surprise of their visitors who are often served it exclusively. Despite their demanding schedules, which encompass four full-time jobs, moments of stillness are rare. Kelvin fondly remembers sitting on their decking area by an open fire with Liz, enjoying a glass of wine or hot chocolate after the children were asleep, a simple pleasure now less frequent. The Fletchers also share quick preferences on various home topics: shoes are always off indoors; meals are eaten at the table; lighting is preferred moody over bright. Liz opts for quick showers, while Kelvin enjoys long ones. Liz leans towards neutral and earthy color palettes, embracing "creative chaos," whereas Kelvin admits to being a "neat freak." When the children are in bed, Liz’s ultimate preference is peace and quiet. Season two of "Fletchers Family Farm" is scheduled for late 2024 on ITV and ITVBe. The Fletchers maintain an active presence on Instagram, and Kelvin supports the "Mind Your Head" campaign, which aims to raise awareness about mental health challenges faced by British farmers. #CelebrityHome #FamilyLife #HomeDecor #HomeOrganization #FarmLife #Interview #InteriorDesign #DomesticHabits