Brigette Romanek on the Art of Interior Design

Summary

Naked Beauty Podcast Episode Summary Title: Brigette Romanek on the Art of Interior Design
Host: Brooke DeVard
Guest: Brigette Romanek
Release Date: September 23, 2024

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Introduction

In this engaging episode of Naked Beauty, host Brooke DeVard welcomes Brigette Romanek, an award-winning interior designer based in Los Angeles. Brooke provides an in-depth overview of Brigette's impressive career, highlighting her work with high-profile clients such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z, as well as her acclaimed book, Livable Lux.

Notable Quote:

"Bridget Romanek is an award winning interior designer based in Los Angeles..."
– Brooke DeVard [00:08]

Brigette's Journey into Interior Design

Brigette shares her early experiences of constantly moving due to her mother's career as a musician. These frequent relocations made her personal space—her bedroom—an essential sanctuary where she could express herself creatively. This innate need for a nurturing environment naturally led her to interior design, a field she taught herself through years of exploration and passion.

Notable Quote:

"My little respite was my room... it became like installation art, where I had piles and piles of them, because those are like my little friends."
– Brigette Romanek [02:27]

Diverse Career Paths and the Leap into Design

Before establishing her design studio in 2018, Brigette dabbled in various creative fields, including music and fashion. A pivotal moment occurred when she decided to create handbags for friends, which ignited her passion for design. Her proactive attitude—"Why not?"—enabled her to dive headfirst into new ventures, a mindset that has been crucial to her success.

Notable Quote:

"I just couldn't have anything that low and have it be precious... I'm up for it. If it's something I feel like I want to try, I'm up for that."
– Brigette Romanek [07:35]

Philosophy: Client-Centered and Layered Design

Brigette emphasizes the importance of a client-focused approach. She strives to create spaces that reflect her clients' personalities and needs without imposing her own vision. Her process involves thorough consultations, understanding clients' lifestyles, and asking critical questions about how each space should support their daily lives.

Notable Quote:

"I want them to feel like this is my spot. I'm excited to be here. I'm dying to come home."
– Brigette Romanek [11:46]

Brigette introduces the concept of layered design, which involves meticulously considering every detail—from door trims to lighting fixtures—to create a cohesive and dynamic space. She contrasts this with minimalistic design, noting that both approaches involve detailed consideration but differ in execution.

Notable Quote:

"Layered, for me, is full of so much detail, and minimal is full of detail as well. It's just a little bit different."
– Brigette Romanek [17:08]

Affordable Luxury: The "Gucci Meets Gap" Philosophy

Addressing budget constraints, Brigette advocates for creating beautiful spaces regardless of financial limitations. Her "Gucci meets Gap" philosophy centers on selecting pieces that resonate personally rather than relying solely on high-cost items. This approach ensures that spaces remain luxurious and meaningful without breaking the bank.

Notable Quote:

"Luxury is about living with things that are important to you and things that you love. It doesn't have to mean that this is great because it cost a certain amount."
– Brigette Romanek [21:34]

Incorporating Nature and Plants

Brigette underscores the significance of indoor plants in enhancing the livability and aesthetic appeal of a space. Inspired by her mother's green thumb, she integrates greenery to add life, warmth, and a touch of nature, which contributes to a soulful and inviting environment.

Notable Quote:

"I think it adds so much life, and I couldn't imagine not having plants in my space."
– Brigette Romanek [25:51]

Mastering Color and Personal Style

Color plays a pivotal role in Brigette's design ethos. She guides clients to choose colors that evoke desired emotions and support the functionality of each space. Through a nuanced understanding of color psychology, Brigette ensures that each hue contributes to the overall harmony and purpose of the room.

Notable Quote:

"The feeling that they want in the space... sometimes people are hard to take a chance on color, but you have to go for it."
– Brigette Romanek [28:24]

Creating Sanctuary Bathrooms

As a beauty enthusiast, Brigette offers valuable insights into transforming bathrooms into personal sanctuaries. She highlights the importance of soft lighting, cozy materials, and thoughtful layouts to create a relaxing and functional space.

Notable Quote:

"Lighting is a big one... choosing lighting that is really soft in terms of just your spa and sanctuary time."
– Brigette Romanek [42:18]

Overcoming Challenges as a Self-Taught Designer

Brigette candidly discusses the challenges of being a self-taught interior designer, including dealing with imposter syndrome. Her unwavering passion and commitment to continuous learning have been instrumental in overcoming these obstacles and earning the trust of her clients.

Notable Quote:

"My passion for what I'm doing sort of overrides everything... I'm always gonna give it everything but make it really about you."
– Brigette Romanek [50:01]

Navigating the Design Industry as a Black Woman

Brigette addresses the underrepresentation of Black women in the interior design industry. She emphasizes resilience and determination, advocating for continued progress and the opening of doors for future Black talent. Her experience highlights the importance of visibility and representation in nurturing a diverse and inclusive design community.

Notable Quote:

"I'm not going to allow someone else to dictate how I move about... if someone over here says no, then I'm gonna go over here."
– Brigette Romanek [56:13]

Showcasing Signature Spaces

Brigette walks Brooke through some of her favorite projects, including her own Laurel Canyon home and notable client spaces like Gwyneth Paltrow's indoor spa. She describes her design choices in detail, illustrating her commitment to creating functional yet aesthetically pleasing environments that resonate with her clients.

Notable Quote:

"This is a room in the Laurel Canyon house... that just started my career."
– Brigette Romanek [59:20]

Final Advice: Enhancing Your Space

Concluding the conversation, Brigette offers practical advice for listeners looking to improve their living spaces. She encourages starting small, visualizing the desired functionality, and taking incremental steps to transform each room into a personal haven.

Notable Quote:

"Start by sitting in the middle of the space, thinking about what you want it to do, how you want it to support you."
– Brigette Romanek [67:51]

Closing Thoughts

Brigette expresses her fulfillment in seeing clients’ happiness upon completing a space, emphasizing that her true joy comes from living her passion and serving others through her design work.

Notable Quote:

"I feel the most beautiful when I've completed a space and people are happy because I think my smile is never wider than that."
– Brigette Romanek [69:47]

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Conclusion

This episode of Naked Beauty offers a comprehensive exploration of Brigette Romanek’s approach to interior design, emphasizing client-centric strategies, affordable luxury, and the integration of natural elements. Brigette’s insights provide valuable guidance for both aspiring designers and homeowners seeking to create meaningful and beautiful spaces.

Recommended Listening: For those inspired by Brigette’s philosophy, be sure to check out her book, Livable Lux, which delves deeper into her design principles and showcases her stunning projects.

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About Naked Beauty Host: Brooke DeVard
Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli hosts Naked Beauty, a podcast dedicated to unfiltered discussions on beauty trends, self-care journeys, skincare, wellness tips, and favorite products, featuring conversations with women she admires.

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Hosted on Acast. For more information, visit Acast Privacy.

Transcript

[A]

It's my house and I live here.

[B]

Bridget, welcome to Naked Beauty. I'm so excited for this conversation.

[A]

Me too.

[B]

I feel like it's been such a long time coming.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I am going to read your bio as you're sitting right next to me, which I know always makes people feel away, but we have to talk about your accomplishments, so. Bridget Romanek is an award winning interior designer based in Los Angeles. She founded Romanek Design Studio in 2018, but her love of design began long before that. Bridget spent years traveling, curating, reading and immersing herself in the beauty of interiors and nature. These experiences inspired her to teach herself design, blending aesthetics with practicality, to create spaces that are beautiful, livable, and uniquely tailored to each client. Bridget has been honored to work with some truly amazing clients, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyonce, Demi Moore, Christian Bale, Jay Z, Kelly Rowland, Molly Sims, and Rachel Zo. Just a few names you might have heard. In October 2023, she shared first book, Livable Lux, which I have here with me. It's such an incredible book. I'm so excited to get into all of the wisdom in this book. Consistently recognized on Architectural Digests AD 101st Dibs 50 list, Bridget was also named an El Decor Titan in 2024, an elevation from her previous spot on the A list. Her journey and achievements reflects her passion for creating spaces that bring joy. Her ultimate goal is to please her clients in a way that surprises and delights.

[A]

That was a lot.

[B]

It's a lot. It's a lot.

[A]

You did amazing.

[B]

It's a lot. And you've done a lot. But I think one of the reasons, you know, this is a beauty podcast, of course, but one of the reasons why I've been so excited to have you on is because I think we can create so much beauty in our day to day life by curating our space.

[A]

Agreed.

[B]

And I actually wanna start with a quote that you have in your book, which is your personal space is a love letter to yourself. You can do what you want to do. And it's amazing because I think we all know that intuitively. But then sometimes we don't create a space that nurtures our creativity, our self care in the way that we should.

[A]

Yeah, I think it's true. It can really be an afterthought. But for me, just by force, it became a really important part of my existence because my mom and I, we moved a lot.

[B]

Yes, I know you've got a musician's background as well, which we'll get into, but so your mom was a musician?

[A]

Yes, my mom. She's a musician. And, you know, we just always moved, so we went to wherever the work was for her. And my little respite was my room. And so that, for me was just the place where I. I didn't know the word exhaled being young, but just a place where I wanted to feel and feel myself. I think with changing schools a lot and different environments and new people, I just needed to be okay. And that became my room. And she was great about it. I could change the color. I could. With paint on the walls. Paint I could put. I could change the color with paint. I would collect. Oh, my gosh. I would collect stuffed animals, and it almost became like installation art, where I had, you know, piles and piles of them, because those are like my little friends. That could be a whole other conversation. She really let me express myself, and I think she knew that that was a way for me to feel grounded and comfortable. And so, yeah, I did know it was called interior design. I didn't know it was really helping with mental health. I didn't realize the beauty I surrounded myself with. Maybe I didn't necessarily realize logically those things, but it was all in there. And I'm so grateful now to call it a career to be able to. Yeah. To do those things that I love.

[B]

I also moved a lot when I was young. I mean, not a lot, but I was born in Minneapolis, and we moved to New Orleans, and we moved to New York. Then I went to college in California. Then I moved to London.

[A]

So, you know.

[B]

But there's something that I loved about having this experience of moving and starting over again and again, because I think it really serves you as an adult. Because I don't feel weird going to a place alone or a place where I don't know anyone. I'm just like, oh, I can. I can make friends.

[A]

Yeah, that's really true. And I think that's helped me as well. I mean, it was really challenging, but at the same time, I do feel as though that gave me a background in seeing different things, knowing different types of people, different experiences. And that fuels my design. Yes, Very, very much so. So, of course, I did love it in many ways. And like I said, it was a challenge and hard in many ways, but I wouldn't change it at all. It's growth as a person, too.

[B]

And your creativity was nurtured. You had a mother that was pursuing a creative career path.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

So many kids are swayed away from doing anything creative.

[A]

Right. That's true. It's true. Yeah. No, my mom was go for it. And I loved that about my mom. She always said whatever I wanted to do, she was just like, go for it. And our family being from the south side of Chicago and the inner city was loving and great and amazing and still is, and, and all these really wonderful things. And, you know, the idea that we would live there for our entire lives was really what we all thought it would be. But my mom said, I want to try something new, and she went for it. And so I love that, I love that about her and that spirit, and that's kind of how I approach things.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

When someone asked me to originally help them with their home, I was like, let's go for it.

[B]

Right. Because you had an entire. Let's talk about how you even found yourself in interior design because you had several different careers before you even became an interior designer.

[A]

That's true. That's very true. Yeah. All creative, which, you know, I, I, I love being creative. I cannot help myself. My brain just starts to want to, to create things and, and I, and I absolutely love that. So, yeah, always creative.

[B]

So you were in, you were a recording artist.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Tell us about that.

[A]

So my mom being a singer, you know, she lives for it. She loves it. I liked it. I did. I. But with anything that you do, you have to have endless amounts of passion and drive and want to be heard and tell your story and have a voice, you know, literally in music, that is. But for me, it was just a case of I liked it and I didn't have that passion for it. That was going to have me going tours and, you know, and writing songs endlessly. I just wasn't for me. But I did do that for them. I did do it for a little while.

[B]

And then you worked in fashion.

[A]

I did. And that was really interesting because that came about because a girlfriend said, let's make things for each other for Christmas. And this was at a lunch. And I looked around the table and it was a lot of us. We hadn't seen each other for a while, so it was a lot of women. It was really fun. And I looked around like, okay, what can I do that would be in service of my friends and something that they'll really use. I didn't want it to be, oh, they opened. I was like, okay, great. And they got put to a side somewhere. So I thought, what can I really do? And everyone on the back of the chair or on their lap had a handbag. So I thought, okay, I'm going to Figure out how to make handbags, and started on that journey that afternoon.

[B]

That afternoon you got to do.

[A]

I did. Literally after lunch, I drove to. I drove in downtown Los Angeles and started, you know, stopping at stores and just looking and said, oh, that's, you know, that's a fabric store. And just started.

[B]

And just started doing it.

[A]

Yeah. And went home that night. And over the course of a week, I just started playing with things, and I liked shapes that I came up with and was like, don't change that shape. That's a good shape. And that's really how it started.

[B]

You seem to just dive into things headfirst.

[A]

Oh, my gosh.

[B]

Because you were also asked to help a friend with the home, and you were like, I've never done this before. And you were just like, but I'll figure it out.

[A]

That's true. That's true. I mean, why not? Why not? It takes incredible amounts of work and incredible amounts of passion, and it takes a lot, but I'm up for it. If it's something I feel like I want to try, I'm up for that. And I know that. So I know that going into it, if I'm really going to do it, then I'm going to do it. Yeah, I'm going to go for it.

[B]

I think a lot of people have this paralysis of perfection, like, they don't want to start something, whether it's starting a podcast, whether it's starting an interior design business, a fashion line, a new business, because they want it to be perfect from the beginning.

[A]

Right.

[B]

What would you say to those people?

[A]

I would say that that sort of defeats the purpose, really, to me, because I'm constantly learning and constantly growing and constantly making changes and constantly falling down, and all of those things are lessons. And I genuinely feel like once I stop learning, like, what's the point?

[B]

Right?

[A]

You know, so. So I. I love that. I just. I think I never allow anything to stop me. And even if something goes awry or wrong, I. I try to examine it and. And dissect it and. And figure out why it. That happened, but doesn't stop me. If anything, it's like, oh, okay, let me step back and look at that. Let me zoom out of that moment and look that. Oh, yeah, I could have done that better. Or, oh, yeah, no, I actually think this went really well, and, you know, maybe something could have happened better on. On this end, but I see them as teachable and in moment and learning, and I can feel. I can feel, you know, oh, I'm sad that Happened. But I always. I get up and I learn and I grow and I keep moving, and I use it. I use that information that I've gathered to keep going forward.

[B]

Yes. Yes. You have to start somewhere.

[A]

You have to start somewhere. And if I ever get to a point where I'm like, oh, you know, everything's all perfect. Where can I go? Where do I go from there?

[B]

Right.

[A]

You know, so I love learning.

[B]

One thing I noticed about your bio is you seem to be. And it comes through throughout your book. You are really dedicated to your clients.

[A]

Yes. That's for sure.

[B]

And you. I feel like your work is so grounded in being of service to your clients.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Like, you really recognize that there's no ego. There's no. This is like my vision for you.

[A]

You. You.

[B]

You know, you bring your taste and your amazing aesthetic, and you try to make their dreams come true. Now, having gone through a home renovation myself.

[A]

Yeah. Nice.

[B]

With my husband.

[A]

Okay. Oh, maybe. Okay, listen, I'm saying nicely. What?

[B]

Well, listen, it's. We're still married.

[A]

Okay. Perfect. Excellent. And clearly doing great. You're having a baby.

[B]

Yes, but it is tough. And I would imagine in a lot of your conversations with clients, it almost becomes like therapy in a way. Right?

[A]

Sure, it does sometimes. Yeah.

[B]

Because you're talking about how you're going to live in this space and what compromises you want to make and what's important to you and expectation versus reality. And what does your life really look like? Do you feel like, in some ways, your job is very interpersonal, too?

[A]

Absolutely. Yeah, Absolutely. I. I think something that I really pride myself on is that every job I go to, I really work to view it as. This is so fresh, this is so new. These people have not existed before. You know, just in this space that I don't look at someone say, oh, yeah, I know it's going to happen here. You know, it's nothing like that. It's. It' a case of I'm really taking it all in, and I'm really wanting to know what's important to them and what they care about and what is soulful for them, what has meaning, what they don't like. I'm really working to take all of that in because it helps to fuel the story and it brings purpose into what I'm designing. Not just pretty things. Cause that's really the least of what I'm doing.

[B]

Right.

[A]

It's a hugely important part, obviously, and the end result. But we get there by knowing and understanding what they care about and making that the most beautiful that, you know, that I can. And when they. When they say goodbye to me, you know, I want them to turn around and say, this is my home and this is my space. Not, this is. You know, this is by Bridget Romanik. And I'm just. This is great that I. You know, this is. I like it. It's great. It's cool. I'm not sure if, you know, I don't want anyone to ever feel that. I want them to feel like this is my spot. You know, I'm excited to be here. I'm dying to come home. And I think about it in a way, too, where even if you go on the most incredible vacation in the world, but when you get home, you're like, ugh, I'm home. You know, that's so true and loving that. And I want to create that in every room, in every spot. Whatever the final result is, it is that feeling that one has, you know, retail, commercial, residential, hospitality, all of that. I want to learn to speak, you know, I call it all the time the science of my client. You know, know their DNA, what's important for them.

[B]

What sorts of questions do you ask in the first meeting?

[A]

Ooh, that's a good question. A lot of the first meeting is me taking in everything. It's about, you know, movement. It's about colors that I see. It's about things that they say it's about.

[B]

So you meet them and everything. Meet them in their space.

[A]

I do.

[B]

Okay, I do.

[A]

I go to their environments. And a lot of times we do a walkthrough, and if it's going to be of an existing space and that all they need is furniture. We walk through and we have conversations in each room about what they want it to feel like, what they want it to look like, what they like. What's the functionality of the space, you know, what's the moodiness? What's the. All of it. The vibe. All of it has to come together. And so it's a constant conversation. And it changes as well, because I might show something where the client has said, yes, this is, you know, what I'm feeling, what I feel it should be. And then that gets put in front of them. And then something else can another. They can have a reaction like, oh, maybe I want to add this, or maybe I should change that. And that fuels me and teaches me as well, you know, so it's just constant learning. It's a constant exchange. You know, I ask all the time, what do you want this room to do for you? You know, how do you want this room to support you? Those are the most important things, because colors and all that kind of great stuff and that moodiness we can play with.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

But it's really about, how do you want this space to support you and how you live?

[B]

I love that.

[A]

And it always. It's a funny thing, too, because it's always a thing where people kind of go, wait, what? You know, but that is the purpose of your home.

[B]

Yes. Okay, let's take maybe a bedroom, for example. If people listening are like, okay, I'm looking at my bedroom, what questions should they ask themselves? The first one is, how do I want this space to support me?

[A]

Absolutely.

[B]

And that will. That should inform, I guess, everything in the room.

[A]

It does, but also it opens up a bigger conversation, you know, so if it's a case of, well, this is the space where. And it's. It's so cool because it's different, you know, some people. This is a space I only want to sleep in. Yes. And then someone else will say, this is a space where I want to come in here, and I still want to be able to do some of my work, but have it be a private space. You know, really just depends on the person or. Or the couple and what they're looking for. I mean, some of the things I've heard I will not be repeating, But. But it's really fun to be able to interpret that. And I also feel that it's a big honor.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

You know, because there are lots of designers out there, so they've entrusted me to help them with most likely their largest investment and something that they care so much about. Yeah. I'm super, super honored. So I really try to take in all that I can. But the first question is always, how do you want this space to support you? And if it's a case where someone says, I really just want to sleep here, it's like, okay, well, what does sleep mean to you? You know, it's a place where I just want to feel safe. I just want it to be cozy. So I start to get these words that I pull out, and then I'm able to look at those words later on as I'm designing the space. So if someone says, I. I want vibrancy, my work is such that I'm sitting at this office all day. When I come in here, I need to feel invigorated. And that's a different conversation. You know, that's a different room. And it is different. It really is different for people. You know, some People will tell me, I like for it to feel cavernous. So in my mind immediately, that means to me, they want a cocoon. You know, they want. So then that means, like, layers, you know, or someone who will say to me, you know, if it is the case of I like to work and I like to close the door from my. You know, my life outside, and I really need to be able to think when I get in here. So then that informs. Okay, well, maybe the color is more of a parchment. Not a stark white, but more of a parchment color. And maybe the walls feel a bit softer. And so it really. It depends on all of those things. Yeah, and that's. Yeah, that's always. That's fun to put that together.

[B]

You mentioned layers. I would love to hear more about that, because I think I understand the concept of a layered room. But does this mean things like having texture on the walls, like maybe a plaster? What does it mean to create a space with layers?

[A]

So a space with layers means exactly what you said. It's sort of putting layer upon layer upon layer. So if you're starting at. If you're thinking about it from. You know, from. From the entry of the room, what jumps out? So then there's the door. There's the door. What's that door gonna look like? And then there's a trim around the door. What does that trim look like? And then there's the wall. What does that wal.

[B]

Wall?

[A]

Does it need lighting and sconces? What do those look like? You know, what does the seat. What's the treatment on the ceiling? What does that look like? What is the floor? You know, it's. It's examining every single thing in that space and what treatment I want to give it and what I want that little detail to say, you know, so layered, for me is full of so much detail, and minimal is full of detail as well. It's just a little bit different. You might have just a few details, but they're really good.

[B]

Right, right.

[A]

And layered, you have a lot of detail in there, and it's really good. But it's. You know, for instance, do I want that molding to be 6 inches, or do I want it to be 4? You know, and if I. If I. If it's 6, do I want it to sing or do I want it to go away?

[B]

Right.

[A]

So it's constant questions like that, but that's what the layering is. It's just every single place where my eye lands, what do I want that to look like? And bringing all that together Just as.

[B]

You'Re talking, I'm thinking about friends of yours. Like, when they have you over, are they just like, bridget, will you just, like, come in here and just, like, look at this one corner? And, like, do you think this chair is in the right place?

[A]

Why, Brooke, whatever do you mean?

[B]

I mean, that must happen constantly.

[A]

It does. It does. But I find it fun to be honest, because that's good. I love speaking about design, and I also. I believe this and know it to be true. As a person who lives it, I'm. I think that it helps not only with, you know, having a space where you're like, oh, this is cool, but it helps with your mood.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

It helps with how I see myself. It helps with really important things. It helps with my mental state. You know, like, I go in my room, like, okay, you know, I'm going to relax now, and I'm going to take a breath, and maybe I'm going to meditate in that corner. Maybe I'm going to get to reading. And so when someone asks me, they really are genuinely wanting to know something. And if I can help, I'm going to. And my friends who. What do you think of this? Yeah, I'll jump in for sure.

[B]

Yes. And it seemed I had a chance to go. You have two homes in LA, correct?

[A]

No. 1 now.

[B]

Just one now. Okay. Because your Los Feliz home was in the book, which is beautiful, but it was for Elaine Welteroth's event birth fund. You were not there.

[A]

Oh, my gosh.

[B]

So we were in your home, which was beautiful, and you have this gorgeous bar. It's like. Excuse my design language. It's like an open veranda. I don't know.

[A]

What is it called? Perfect way to put it. Yeah.

[B]

This beautiful bar area. And when I was there, I was like, this seems like a great home to entertain in. So is that also something that you thought of? Like, how can I create a home where people want to, like, gather and spend time here?

[A]

Oh, absolutely. And I love that, too. I love my friends. I was the other day. It's so great because I had a few friends over and I was getting tired, and it was great to be able to say, stay, hang out. I'm going to bed, you know, and. Which was so amazing because there's a level of comfortability, and they feel that.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

And they could hang out in the bar and I could go up to bed, and it was just. Really, it's great. It's a space where a lot of conversation happens and I think about things like, that conversation happens at the end of the workday. And being able just to go there, and as you set these rooms up, as you're going to them, it sort of can put you in a mood. And that destination that you're going to, you kind of get into that. Into that headspace and that soulfulness. It's like, if I'm gonna go to a restaurant, I put myself in that space. Okay, I'm going some. You know, it can happen that same way in your home in a much more relaxed way. But that. I love setting up rooms like that to kind of give meaning. And it's such a beautiful space. Thank you so much.

[B]

Thank you. Many of us don't necessarily have the access you have or the budgets you may have to build a space. So I want to talk about your Gucci meets Gap philosophy, because I think that's so important to recognize. You can create a beautiful space at whatever budget you're at.

[A]

Absolutely. A hundred. A hundred percent. And it's funny, because people, you know, they'll say to me, oh, I don't have the budget this client has. And I'm like, I. I don't have that. I don't have that budget, and some of my clients don't. It's not a case of I only work with people with a certain budget. Absolutely not. No, no, no. I don't know. No, no, no. I love it all. And, yeah, my budget is not the same as others.

[B]

Right. We. And listen. And the person that has a $10 million budget is looking at someone with a $40 million budget. And if only I had $40 million to do it. So what does the Gucci meets Gap philosophy really mean when it comes to design?

[A]

What that means is, for me, luxury is about living with things that are important to you and things that you love. It doesn't have to mean that this is great because it cost, you know, a certain amount that. Absolutely not. It's about pieces that resonate with you and that mean something to you or maybe you've collected or have history, you know, in your family, and that is achieved by just your connection to something. Yes, for me. And a, you know, great example is in the Laurel Canyon house, where this house was a phenomenal house, but I didn't have the budget to just like, oh, yes, I'm gonna. I'm gonna. You know, all the walls, you know, and. And gorgeous papers, and it wasn't a case. You know, I had to be mindful and think about what I was doing and be creative, and that's the stuff that I love, you know, so on my coffee table in the living room, I had all these. I had these beautiful blue and white vases. But it's really true, they were between five to maybe $30. And it was a case of collecting them in little places where I saw them. I would, you know, if we would go down for dim sum, I would go to a little in. In. In LA downtown and finding these little tiny vases, maybe finding them on ebay or. You know, what I loved was the collecting and putting them together and, and then making the statement and it. Installation on.

[B]

Right, right. Like your stuffed animals you did in your womb.

[A]

This is exactly, exactly the same, you know, and then putting flowers into. Because I'm obsessed with flowers. And so that added that element of. That extra element of beauty and being a little bit unusual and, and it's a place where people really fell in love with that as a, as a look and as a. As a statement. And it was just really based on me loving these, these little pieces and things. And it had nothing to do with money. It had nothing to. Other than me falling in love and creating this collection. And, And I absolutely love it. And I live with dogs and kids and friends and myself. And, you know, I can be a little clumsy, so I couldn't have anything that low and have it be precious and have it be a case where, you know. Yes, that's a seating area, but you can't sit there.

[B]

Right, right. And that's why the book is called Livable Lux. Right. Like you have this luxury lifestyle, but nothing is too precious.

[A]

No, no, no.

[B]

You brought up flowers, but I want to bring indoor. This, this. For people that are watching this. What is this gorgeous, gorgeous tree here in the living room?

[A]

I mean, is that not. It's a.

[B]

It's amazing.

[A]

Yeah, it's a beautiful. And what's so funny is that when I did that, people were like, wait, did, did, did you say you're putting a tree in your living room? Like, absolutely, I'm going to put a tree in. In my living room. Why, why wouldn't I?

[B]

Why not?

[A]

Why not? Why wouldn't I?

[B]

What type of tree is this?

[A]

This one is a olive. Is this a black olive. It's gorgeous and it's great. And black olives are funny because they're so spectacular, but sometimes they do really well, and other times they can be really finicky.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

But I love them very, very much.

[B]

Yes. Do you have, like, I have learned, because we're looking for indoor plants. There's a whole network of Los Angeles plant people, plant experts, people that will come to your house, train a plant to go in certain directions. So my husband and I were like, we're not spending all this money on this, like, plant consultant. We're just gonna go to nurseries and just talk to the people. But these, like, very, like, aesthetic specific plants, they're not easy to find. It's a whole thing figuring out the right indoor plants.

[A]

It's a world.

[B]

It really is. It is.

[A]

It's a world.

[B]

It is.

[A]

Very true. That's very true.

[B]

But do you, like. What do you think adding indoor plants does for a space? Cause I've noticed a lot of your spaces have greenery, which adds so much life.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. You said it. You said it right there. I think it adds so much life, and I think in the environments that can become so serious. It brings this sort of organic and natural and just soulful and cool element to the space. And I think there's so much just beauty and so much presence in trees and in plants. And there's a regalness that I just am. I'm just really drawn to. And I couldn't imagine not having plants in my space. And that really comes from my mom, because she always had plants. Always had plants everywhere. And she had such a green thumb. She still does. Like, she can look at something and it grows. The reason why I know heads of being temperamental is I, like, I'm learning and I'm getting, you know, kind of better. But she could look at plants and they would just grow.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

And that beauty was something that really stuck with me. And. And I've been using plant and spaces since, I mean, since I started in design, but even well before.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, well before I ever was in interior design, I just. I loved it. And people would come in and they'd.

[B]

Be like, oh, I. I love plants and spaces too. What are good, low maintenance starter plants that you can add to a space?

[A]

I think figs are pretty great. I think they're pretty hearty. Yeah, yeah. And they have those big, beautiful leaves that are so, so in such a rich green. Yes, I think those are really great. I do love a black olive. If you are able to just sort of watch it a little bit, you can have it. Really incredible. Oh, my gosh. Incredible. And I'll think of some more for you.

[B]

But I just want to give. I have a snake plant in my office that I've managed to keep alive with very little maintenance.

[A]

Right, right. No, those are great. Too.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

And those are absolutely a bit. I mean, not that you're not incredibly talented at keeping it alive, but they're resilient.

[B]

They're resilient. Yes, they are resilient. We need to know about resilient plants. I want to talk about color because color is something we talk about so much when it comes to beauty. Right. Like the power of swiping on a red lipstick, how it can give you energy. But I love color in a space as well, and I know different colors do different things. So how do you guide your clients to think about color in their space?

[A]

Well, it goes back to that, the feeling that they want in the space, and then that helps to dictate color. And the language of color is really quite incredible because as you do reading, you find out what different shades do. There could be. There's a pink, but there are a multitude of shades. There's white, but as we know, there's what, over a thousand shades of white. So it's really finding out what speaks to you. And sometimes people, they're. You know, it's hard to take a chance on color sometimes.

[B]

Oh, my gosh, yes. To paint, to put up wallpaper. You know, we buy like the little chips and you, like, put them on the wall and you try to, like, look and think, but it's like at the end of the day, you kind of just have to do it.

[A]

Yeah. Go for it.

[B]

To know how it's going to feel.

[A]

Go for it. Yeah, I think. And that sort of like, speaking of beauty, that's me with makeup, funny enough, because, you know, I don't naturally know makeup very well, but it's like, okay, put it on and if it doesn't work, take it off.

[B]

Take it off. Right, right.

[A]

It's just makeup or it's just paint, you know. So I've learned that I can speak to colors more on walls much easier than I can to collect colors up on my face. But I think that the through line is if it doesn't work, you can change it and take it off. And it's not something that is a huge expense. And what I tell people as well is to. I know that they give us the little chips, which are great, but like, put something sizable on the wall so you can really see it. You know, a four by four square and put as many coats as you would actually put on so you can really see it. Yeah. And so own it. If you're gonna do it, own it. And then look at it for a few days and low light, highlight with, you know, with the light turned on and to really understand it. But going back to just choosing colors, I check out everything. I look at what people are wearing. I look at lipstick, I look at shoes. I look at everything. I do my best to notice and take in what their actions are, even versus what they're saying. Because sometimes someone will say to me, oh, you know, I'm really cool with that. Yeah, that's fine. Let's go ahead and try it. But every time I see them, there's none of that presence. And so then my thought process becomes, okay, is there something in between? Maybe. So if he's saying he absolutely loves electric blue, just as an example, you know, I absolutely love electric blue, but 100% of the time, you know, they come in all neutrals. So maybe I'm going to do a blue, but maybe I'll try a muted blue, you know, and that sort of bridges that kind of that. That. That gap or that disconnect or something. Because if I go straight to that and I put it on the wall becomes like, nope, that was totally wrong. And so I'm just trying to always understand and take in what. What is actually that. That sweet spot.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

And I always throw in a wild card.

[B]

Okay, meaning which, you know, so someone.

[A]

Might tell me, I absolutely only want it, then I only like this one thing. I like this. This one chair. That's it. That's all I got. I want this chair, and that's it. And I'll say, okay, but now. And I. And I tell my clients, I'm gonna throw in some. A wild card, and let's just see what you think, or if it's something that could. Could be a yes or an absolute no. And. And I have zero ego about it at all. You know, so it's. It's quite fun to get some reaction.

[B]

Right.

[A]

You know, and sometimes it really works, and it's great because I think that's part of my job, you know, to show things that they haven't seen before or they might not normally gravitate to. And sometimes it's the greatest thing. And I'll get texts and calls, and it's like, I'm so happy that you showed us this. And other times, it's like a new note.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

That did not work at all. But I always do it because that's part of my job.

[B]

Yeah, absolutely.

[A]

I love it. And that comes in the form of color. That'll come in a piece of furniture. Could be a rug design, could be a lighting fixture, could be any of it. And. And I. And I love that.

[B]

Yeah. Something unexpected.

[A]

Something unexpected.

[B]

One of the things that our designer encouraged us to do was to have fun with the powder room. You know, like a small bathroom. She was saying, like, okay, you guys have this kind of like, cream walls, but, like, the powder room is where you can do something. You can make, like, a jewel box effect. You can do a colored plaster. You can do, like, a wallpaper. And we were sort of like, oh, my gosh. Like, are we gonna really do this? And we're so happy that we took a risk and we made, like, a statement. Powder room. I love it, but sometimes it's just about taking a risk on a smaller space.

[A]

Sure. Absolutely. Absolutely. And I. A powder room is a great place to do that. It really is. And it is. And it can be a jewel box. It can be just a completely separate moment.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

You know, and transport you somewhere. Somewhere else. And I love that. I think it's really fun. And I do. I do do that in terms of showing people fun, fun things and unique things and getting reactions, and that's always my favorite.

[B]

Yes. You know, I think all of your spaces have this sense of fun, the sense of glamour, the sense of the unexpected. I'm curious, as you. I'm sure you've seen online, there is a lot of sameness, a lot of beigeness, a lot of minimal, lack of personality space that's coming through. Do you think that this is just a trend that will pass, or do you think maybe there's something more to it? With social media becoming more and more popular, people just don't develop their own personal style, so it's just going to become more pervasive.

[A]

Yeah. Gosh, that's a big question. It's been a little bit of a challenge for me because. And I think designers, just because there's so much out there, and so someone could send us something and say, you know, let's use this. A client might say, let's use this, and it just is not gonna work in the space. And that's a conversation we have to have and explain why. And then I had a client who was sending me a bunch of. A bunch of things. And I said, okay, well, what I'm gonna do is I'm gonna put this room together for you so you can see all of the things that you sent me and how they go together. And this client was amazing because she said, thank you for doing that, because that shows me that. No, you know, and I told her why I was doing that, and I Just said, because I love that you're sending me things, but I don't think that these things are gonna go together. And I don't think this is gonna make a beautiful space. And so it was a great way for us to move forward. And then, you know, that respect that I had for her for being like, oh, got it. And then I feel like in return, there was a. For what? For what we do as designers, because you hire us for a reason, and I'm never going to be the one that says, we're absolutely using that, and if you don't use it, then this is over. And that's not the case at all. I do think when you hire us and bring us on, it's because you like something that we've done or something has resonated with you. Have you seen something? And it's important to let us give you that same love and service. So. And soulfulness, too, because I think a lot of things we see is just an, you know, it's an image. And how's that really going to work? And how does that speak to everything else in the space? And how. Really, how. How, you know, is the pitch on that chair, on that sofa? Would that really work for you? You know, so it's all of these things that, you know, that's how I see it.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Versus just looking at, oh, is this, like, this a pretty item? And so I think in some ways, it's amazing. The Internet is amazing and has given us access to so much. At the same time, I think it doesn't represent a true, full story of doing a design. And if you ever have a designer who's, like, just giving you a room that is just of the moment, I don't think that's something people would really ultimately love, even in a few months. So someone who does research and knows makers and searches out makers and makers, search us all of these really special things. That's the stuff that we want to bring to you and the nuances and make the rooms different and special and about you. And so that's why they bring us on. And I think that makes a difference.

[B]

Absolutely. And what I'm hearing you also speak to is developing your own personal style. Right. So there is going on Pinterest and seeing things that you think are pretty, which is great. And that's the way to train your eye. But you have to also understand, like, who you are and what you like. And you mentioned earlier that you ask clients what they don't like as a way to understand where they're coming from. Are there any other questions that we should ask ourselves to figure out our personal style when it comes to interiors?

[A]

Oh, absolutely. I mean, even that question about where do I want to be in five years? Is a question. Because if things are really just of the moment or if I'm just doing something that works just now, you might be mad at me in a, you know, you might be mad at me soon enough that. Because it's just not a space that functions past six months from now. Cause it's everything that we've seen and that is, that's a piece right now or that's so quirky that it's cool in the moment. You know, it's really about for me. I wanna give you an eclectic, unique, beautiful, timeless space. And so with that, that really makes it yours because you won't see anything else exactly like that. And so I do ask my clients, is this your house? Is this your house you're gonna be in for a long time? Do you not know, ultimately, do you want kids? Do you want a partner? Do you not like, what are you looking at? What feels good to you? What are your favorite places that you go to vacation, vacation to? I, I ask. Yes.

[B]

No, these are all great questions.

[A]

I ask so many questions. And I, you know, and I delve into their work lives. I delve into. Do you like people? Do you like your friends? Do you want them? Lord, do you not like your friends that much? Will they, will they be coming or won't they? As much as, as much as I can get from my client. I, I'm here for it.

[B]

Yes. I want to talk about bathrooms. A space I spend a lot of time in just being a beauty lover. We have a Japanese soap tub that was really, for me, a huge selling point of our home. But you've also designed probably one of the most iconic. I can't call it a bathroom. I'm thinking about bathroom. Gwyneth Paltrow's indoor spa. It's basically like a mom. My husband's Turkish, so, you know, I've seen some grand hammams, but the fact that that is in her home is just like magnificent. Was that an idea that she had or did you. Okay, so she was like, I want a spa in my home. Life goals.

[A]

Yes. And incredible. Like Roman and Williams fixtures and all. Yeah, I mean, it was, I mean, if anyone deserves one, that is a hard working woman, a very hardworking woman and a lovely woman who I love very much. So, yes. She and her husband just. I get lost when I talk about just some of the greatest people ever and, and, and yeah, I just needed a place to exhale, you know. And it was like that was what it was going to be. And it's used, you know, it's really, really used. And they both work out, they both take care of themselves and they both work really hard and it just made such sense. And they're both just wellness people. They care so much about it. They do research on it. They are. I mean I can call her and ask her what's the latest, this, what's this, what I need to do, you know, and she's there for it. And I really think she should have been a doctor at times as well.

[B]

Right?

[A]

Yeah, she's just really, really educated on wellness and cares so much about it. And Brad as well. They're quite the duo. And it just made so much sense.

[B]

To do that in the States.

[A]

And it's stunning.

[B]

It is so stunning. Could you talk through some of the choices made in that space? Because I would imagine you to think about light and tile colors and.

[A]

Yeah, well, I would. I mean there's nothing like a celadon for just a soothing, soothing, soothing soft color. And any way that light hits that, it just feels peaceful and beautiful. It's never harsh. You know, it's just got such a coolness, but at the same time a warmth. It really makes you feel good. And so that color was like a no brainer. And like I said, that brass, that Roman and Williams, these fixtures and these, the lights and everything, it just killer. Came together beautifully. And then the woolly ghoul just sort of brought it all home and brought a little bit of that roughness in there. Cause it's such a pretty space. But this brought this roughness and that element of nature coming in that I love. It was, it's very simple, you know, it was very simple. It just. I wish I could tell you it was 45 different materials, but no, it was really just those things. Those things. Roman and Williams like that. The lighting fixtures and the celadon tiles and Willy Ghoul.

[B]

Incredible. So for those of us that don't aren't able to create a spa at home, what are your tips for making a bathroom really feel like a sanctuary? I am so big on taking time to do your nighttime routine, taking time to do your skincare. How can we make our bathrooms feel like these havens that they should be.

[A]

Lighting is a big one. And what's interesting is that you want a really sort of something soft and beautiful and moody at the same time, you also need a light to apply your makeup. So those can be two separate. Separate things. But when I'm going in for, like, my bath and just my exhale me time, I have a dimmer, and I dim those lights to where they are gorgeous. And the lights that I've chosen have a glowy bulb. And then. And so choosing lighting that is really soft in terms of just your spa and sanctuary time, you know, so the sconces, it might have a globe, but that is frosted or paper. Paper gives beautiful, beautiful, soft light. This is not the makeup lighting. This is just the XL lighting.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Yeah. And then choosing materials that make you feel cozy. So sometimes, I mean, I love wood.

[B]

Yes, I love wood.

[A]

Me too. I love wood. And that, for me, brings in such a warmth and the right color wood, you know, I love a honey wood in a bathroom with, like, paper. Yes. In terms of sconces is also so beautiful. I also love. I don't know what it is about travertine, but that gives me such a softness too. I love that in this space. I'm designing this bathroom right now as we speak in my head, you know, But I love that. I like more muted colors than harsh. So sometimes when bathrooms are, like, really white, you know, I will soften the color and go to something that feels more cozy. So maybe I've toned it down to my area. A creamier color or a muted color I love a lot, you know, And I love colors that make us feel better about ourselves, too. So that is a soft pink or a muted brown or a muted blue or like a parchment or just something that makes the skin glow. Something that when I walk away, I feel more confident.

[B]

Yes. I love that.

[A]

And then the type of touch as well. Marble tubs now are becoming. Becoming tubs that we can actually really use because they can be really beautiful. But sometimes in the past, yes, impractical. But I love a tub that has a wonderful soft pitch. I love an organic shape with a tub. So all of these things that bring in softness, you know, even in my shower, if it. If it's the tile or if it's a slab, I think about it that way too, you know, just in terms. I don't do. It's not too aggressive. It's just more like. Yeah, I really think that those things are important. So it's really about materiality. It's about the lighting.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

It's. It's about even down to. I'm funny, because even the. The faucets and stuff that I Use, because I don't want the faucets that I'm having to do this, because that doesn't feel comfortable to me. I have to think about it. So I prefer levers, you know, just nice and easy.

[B]

I love. I love a hot and a cold. I always tell my husband, I'm like, all of these, like, newfangled. Like, I'm like, I don't know what's. I'm like, I just want one that's hot and one that's cold. Make it simple and just make it simple.

[A]

Make it simple.

[B]

How do you feel about art in bathrooms?

[A]

I love it.

[B]

Yeah. It's funny because you almost don't consider it. And then you put an art piece in a bathroom and you're like, oh, this has brought so much life to this space.

[A]

It brings life into the space. And I don't take any room as not being as important as the others. So in my important spaces, I'm gonna put art and things that make me feel something. And my bathroom is that. And so another room like that. And so I absolutely will put art in a bathro. Then I have some clients who are like, nope, but that could be my wild card. Mom, we're going to try it, you know, and then they go, oh, okay. And then as long as it's, you know, taken care of properly, they'll see that, like, oh, my gosh. Yep.

[B]

That.

[A]

Okay, that is cool. But no, I love it.

[B]

Yeah. And in terms of lighting, I've heard that you want your lights to be next to the mirror, not necessarily above the mirror. Is that true?

[A]

You are hired.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

No, that. That is. That is true. Because there's something about the harshness and the shadows that it creates, and it's when it's right over your face, and that doesn't do anyone any favors. Whereas the glow that comes from and hits your face this way, you know, it. It's way more. Way more flattering. And the way that the shadows that are created there are helpful in terms of, you know, putting on makeup or. Or looking at yourself. It's much better than something that just sits directly over you and just make, you know, creates all these shadows.

[B]

Yeah, sure. While we're on the topic of bathrooms, I need to ask what your favorite skincare products are and also what fragrances you keep in your bathroom. What. What. What are the beauty things that you really love?

[A]

Okay, I'm. I'm. I guess I am promoting, but I don't mean to. It's just really true. I. I love goop.

[B]

I mean, they make great. Some fabulous products.

[A]

Yeah. I really love Goop and I love Dr. Few.

[B]

Okay, what do you like from Goop? I use their. I actually use their exfoliating scrub today. That's it.

[A]

The exfoliating scrub.

[B]

It's so nice. And then the oil.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. The face oil is one.

[B]

Oh, I haven't used the face oil.

[A]

And then the bronzing oil. Have you used.

[B]

No, I've used the. Just the body oil. It has. It's like patchouli. It smells gorgeous.

[A]

It smells so good.

[B]

Yeah, it smells so good.

[A]

No, I love that. And I also love. They have the trio of the lip glosses.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

I love that trio. The dark. I mean, I love them. I use it all the time. Gosh, what don't I use? I love the eye cream. It's really nice. From Goop.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

I love that eye cream. It's really. I love. This bronzing oil is really gorgeous. I love. And she's actually done a collaboration with Dr. Few. Dr. Julius Few.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Which is incredible. Goop jeans is great. I also love Dr. Fu's. They've just come out. Probably his products, his facial products came out probably a few, few months ago.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

They're wonderful.

[B]

Really?

[A]

Yeah. I mean, I, I, I use it every day. Every day. Every day. Yeah. I really do. I love, I love his products as well. And that's really.

[B]

And it's pretty simple.

[A]

It's pretty simple. Yeah.

[B]

And what about fragrance? Because you said you love fragrance. I'm so curious. What fragrances you love?

[A]

I do. This is so. I was in Italy probably a few, a few years ago, and I was just in Florence, and you know how you just walk by stores and someone gave me a sample and I. Or and I just took it. Wasn't paying any attention. And I couldn't tell you the story. I couldn't tell you exactly what street I was on. I couldn't tell anything.

[B]

Right.

[A]

I absolutely love. So that's a fragrance that I loved and that have just a tiny, like, just. It's terrible. But I also love Molecule.

[B]

That's what people say when they gatekeep. They're like, you know, I got it at this place in Italy. You'll never be able to find it, but I believe you.

[A]

It's really true. But since I'm. Yeah. Since. Anyway, that's kind of no, but I.

[B]

Okay. Eccentric molecules. So that has ISO E super in it, which is a note in my fragrance. That very just clean note that I feel like it's A skin scent. It just feels so like. I love that fragrance.

[A]

Me too.

[B]

It's so good.

[A]

And I feel like it takes on.

[B]

Sort of your body chemistry.

[A]

I love it. Portrait of a lady.

[B]

Okay. Frederic Mall. Very chic.

[A]

Love. Yeah. That's kind of my beauty routines are so simple.

[B]

But that's great to have. It's like you just have a few great things that really work.

[A]

I mean, I wish like I knew a little bit more. I'm working on it. Cause I think it's all so cool. I genuinely do. I think it's so cool and so fun and so I find myself like trying things. I'm my own wild card, so I'm sense, so I will try things and yeah, it's fun.

[B]

You know, I think you're clearly so knowledgeable, but I'm wondering if you ever faced any resistance being self taught, like if you ever felt like you were second guessed or had imposter syndrome because you're a self taught designer.

[A]

Yeah. Yes. But I think that that my passion for what I'm doing sort of overrides everything. And I had someone say to me that they had met with three, three designers. And when I later found out who the other designers were, I was blown away that I was, I was chosen. And what she said to me was that she felt my passion so deeply and she knew that I was gonna give it all that I had. And I think that is so, so important and really what's pulled me through. I know in some instances I'm sure people like, well, no, maybe other firms or you know, maybe the way another designer has come in has been much more clear or regimented or just felt more tangible in a way like, okay, they're going to do this. You know, I can. And I might be a little extra arty or whatever the case may be, but it's my process of how I design and I'm grateful that some people really get it and, and, and go with me because I love what I'm doing so much. I'm sure if I had gone to school for it, things might be easier for me. But I don't care. You know, I'm gonna, I'm gonna learn and I'm gonna find out and I'm gonna grow and I'm gonna figure it out. And you know for sure with me, you're never gonna get a formula look, you're never gonna get a set way of how this has to be. I'm always gonna give it everything but make it really about you, you know, so I'M sure people are like, no. You know, I'm absolutely sure. But that's okay, because the people who see my love for what I'm doing are probably the right ones for me.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Imposter syndrome. Sure. Absolutely. And I. And I realize. And what I realize more and more is that I'm so grateful and so fortunate to be able to do what I love. And it's not lost on me that I get to do it and that people are trusting me. And sometimes I'll look and I'm like, I can't believe I get to do what I love. I can't believe this. I want to keep doing it, but I can't believe it. And in a way, I'm. I kind of. I like that. I think like that because it. It keeps me in a place of just wanting to constantly grow and do better.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Well, I will say, the last time that I saw you, it was at a Women in design luncheon. You were so respected amongst your peer group because there were a lot of interior designers there, and there were whispers that you were coming. People were like, oh, I see Bridget's name on, like, a place card. And you arrived, and it was like Beyonce had, you know, arrived at the lunch, and everyone was like, oh, my gosh, she's here. You know, people were really excited that you had, you know, arrived. And I would imagine that a lot of people in your field look up to you, that you're able to mentor people. What does it feel like to have so much respect within your peer group?

[A]

I guess I. I guess I never think about it because I'm so. My head is so down. Just. Just so. Like, working. And when someone will come up to me and say something, I feel so. Kind of in shock, really. Yeah, I do. I feel in shock. I mean, super, super grateful. And it makes me feel like I just want to do better, and I just want to make them feel proud, you know, of what we do and of me. And I want to live up to, you know, making sure that I'm doing my very, very best at all times. But I think I'm just so in it. I never think about it. Yeah, I never think about it that way. But I'm honored. I can tell you that. I'm honored. And when these women came up to me and said something to me, it really was like, wait, what do you mean? And in my head, I'm like, really? And it's just so kind. And I'm so grateful, too, because I feel like our industry there's so much support and there's so much kindness and sharing, and so I'm really grateful. Grateful for that, you know, I really am.

[B]

I'd love to hear about the support. As an outsider looking in, what I will say is I've noticed there are very few black women in the space that you're in and in the space that you occupy. So I'm curious what it's been like to navigate your career as a black woman and what you think the design community can do to nurture more black talent.

[A]

Yeah, I. I think about it in a way where if someone doesn't want to engage with me because of that, because I'm black, I feel badly for them. I genuinely just like, you're missing out because I have a lot to say, a voice I can. You're missing out. I feel badly for you. I will not allow that to stop me or penetrate how I move about. Not a chance, right? Absolutely. Not a chance.

[B]

They're lost.

[A]

No, they're lost. I'm going this way, you know, and I want, you know, I want black women to have that same. You know, just that same feeling like I have a voiceness. I have something I want to say. I have something. I have a story to tell. I have something I can offer you. And you're missing out if that's how you're seeing things. And that's just sad. That is really, really ridiculously sad, you know? Yeah, it really is.

[B]

I was reading about Paul Williams, who's architect of the Beverly Hills Hotel and, you know, incredibly talented black designer based in LA. He was working in the 40s and 50s, but I read about how he had to learn how to sketch upside down because people would not sit next to him. His white clients would not sit next to him. Horrific. Absolutely horrific things that our people have overcome despite the talent. And, yeah, it's. It's. So what do you think? Do you see it changing one. Since you've been in the industry for a while, do you see that there's more black talent coming up? And what do you think it will take for there to be more black women and black men on lists like The Architectural Digest 100?

[A]

Yeah, I think that we have to keep doing what we do and keep pushing forward the idea that I will be stopped because I am black. It's just not going to happen. You know, if this door closes, then I'm gonna go through this one.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

You know, if someone over here says no, then I'm gonna go over here. I'm not Going to allow someone else to dictate how I move about in this world. I get one, you know, one chance at this. So I'm going to keep going and keep moving forward. And I think that's important for all of us, you know, people of color. And I'm not saying that it's easy, but that's okay. We know. Not easy, you know, we know that.

[B]

Right.

[A]

And so as we keep pushing and opening doors for people that look like us and are us, you know, I have two black daughters, you know, and I just won't be stopped. I will not let someone over here tell me how I can move about or how I can move forward. I just. It's not gonna happen. Happen.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

That's beautiful. And there are a lot of no's. You just need one. Yes.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

To keep. To keep that moving.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Well, I've. I've marked up your book with so many, you know, things I would love for you to take us through maybe like two or three rooms in here that you really love and just talk us through the process since. Since you're here and since I have your beautiful book. Oh.

[A]

Oh, okay. Well, I. I will.

[B]

It must have been very hard also to narrow down. You've done so much incredible work to narrow down what spaces and images you wanted to include.

[A]

It was really. It was a challenge. And it's funny because I, Like I said, I always have my head down, just, you know, just working and how am I moving forward and what's my next step and what am I going to do? You know, always thinking that way. And so I hadn't looked back at my work. It wasn't like I, you know, had seen. And so when I was pulling images and when we're looking at things, it's like, oh, my goodness, you know, and I felt very, very grateful. And I've also felt proud that I could do something that I love. And, yeah, it was really good. It definitely was a challenge trying to narrow it down. And when they first sent me the book, I didn't even open it. I circled it for a while looking at it.

[B]

Right. I get that it did.

[A]

It took a minute, but as you can see, like, I've been loving tre.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Okay. Wait forever.

[B]

Can we talk about that one or. Let me have you pick your.

[A]

Well, Laurel Canyon. This, for me, is. I love this image so much because this is the living room that I was speaking about where, you know, I. These vases. Just grabbing these vases from anywhere I could and throwing the flowers in and I at no point knew that this home would be an Architectural Digest. I had no idea that this would start my career. I had no idea of any of it. I was just creating a space that I. That I love.

[B]

We have to describe this room for people listening on audio, so you describe it, please.

[A]

This is a room in the Laurel Canyon house. And the ceilings were, oh, my gosh, like maybe 20, 20ft high, which is very unusual. And so the room is. There's just so much, like, volume and height and just a really incredible space. And the light that comes into this room is just phenomenal. So I wanted to keep with that. And I tried a bunch of whites and then landed on one. And I wanted it a really crisp, crisp white space. But then I wanted the furniture to really ground it. And so it was. That meant a lot of, like, texture, a lot of movement. The colors. There's so much greenery outside, so I wanted the colors to kind of just be more on the mellow side. But as you see, always a wild card when I have the black fur chair. And I can't help myself. But this was sort of the room that started my career, really.

[B]

Wow. And that chandelier is incredible.

[A]

So, so fun. And just like a really odd. You know, you wouldn't necessarily put all this together, but. But I loved it. And it. I. And. And yeah, and it really started my career and my. My Gucci meets Gap sort of philosophy. So I love that a lot. I love this one, too. This is an image of my daughter when she was younger. And this is their playroom in that same Laurel Canyon.

[B]

Oh, my gosh. Amazing. We have to hold it up to show. Show the camera. This is. There's a rock climbing wall on the wall.

[A]

And what is that? When I wanted to do it, kind of no one was really doing this. And so it was such a funny conversation. And I remember saying to the architect and the construction team, okay, last night, I know what I wanna do. A rock wall. They went outside.

[B]

You're like, no, inside?

[A]

No, no, inside the house. And I said, yeah, inside the house. Okay, where do you want to get? And then it became like, okay, are you making, like, a special room for you and your husband? Like, do we need to know about this? Like, no, I want to make it in the kids playroom. And it. And this is another Gucci meets Gap one. I mean, that's just. That's plywood on the wall and, you know, ordered pieces, and we just put them up. And the girls loved it. It was so.

[B]

I mean, it's so cool. I'm sure their friends also loved it.

[A]

When they came over everyone. It was really, really fun. I tried once, and I got right off of it, so. But, yeah, it was really quite fun. Oh, my gosh. They're so memories.

[B]

I know. I know.

[A]

You know, I love this one a lot, too, because this is, interestingly enough, this is the client. This is a.

[B]

A dining room.

[A]

This is a dining room, and it's very simple.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

And it's very, very simple. But this is the client who. Stay with me here. This is the client who came to my house and said they were working with someone and they weren't. They weren't loving what was happening and could I help them? And I said, sure. And that's really how I started. And this is our third house together at this point, and they've become family, and I love them so, so, so, so much.

[B]

There's so much I love about this dining room, specifically, I love how aged the wood is on the dining table. It looks. Did you find this at, like, an antiques market?

[A]

I did. I did. I found this table, and it was just. It was a no, no brainer. And I was so lucky because sometimes with vintage pieces, the sizing and all that is just not right, and you have to figure out how you're gonna adjust. But this was literally, it was just perfect. I walked in and saw this, and I almost, like, ran and jumped on this. And it's a vintage piece, and it's so beat up. And if you see it in person, it's mocked up and beat up and has character. It has character and has so much. And I say it all the time. Has so much soulfulness to it. And it's such a focal point because the way this is built, so this sort of big, beautiful niche, it just fit right in there beautifully. And then we found these incredible vintage chairs, and it just came together so seamlessly. And it was such a moment and such a vignette that I just fell in love with it. And then they had a piece of art that fit perfectly with the greenery outside.

[B]

Yes. The dark green artwork and the sconces.

[A]

It was really. It's just really a special moment and a landing spot for the family. And so that means so much to me too, you know, because they have kids and it's. I mean, even the, you know, the feet and the legs are all gorgeous. Yeah, it's just really a beautiful space. And so whenever I go, I'm like, oh, yes. You know, I love it. I mean, oh, gosh this fireplace is everything.

[B]

It's an incredible fireplace. Yeah.

[A]

Talk about. So this is a house that's in the hills in Los Angeles, and their views are phenomenal. But there was so much openness in the house and, like, so many windows and walls of glass.

[B]

What a problem to have. It's just. It's just too open. We have sweeping views of the hills in every room. We need to do something about this.

[A]

Well, this was a space where they kind of wanted it to feel the opposite to that. Where we wanted it to feel like a real hangout and someplace you can kind of close off totally. And so that's what we did with the materials, and we created the walls, the paneled wood walls. And this fireplace did not exist. And we went to the stone yard, and stone always just speaks to you. It's so personal. You just find that slab or two and you're like, that's it.

[B]

This is the one.

[A]

Yeah. And that's what happened. And what's so great about it is we wanted the fireplace to be minimal. It was all about the wall. And this was sort of like, in its eye level with this humongous sofa that is just covered in this chocolate boucle. And so the fireplace itself is eye level Right. With the seats. So it's just all a big moment, and then there's just a lot of. It's just subtle and beautiful and a really wonderful moment. And this is a family. A beautiful family. Husband and wife and three daughter. And, like, I'll go and I'll see. I've seen the doors jumping on the. So it's just.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, it's. It's the good stuff. A beautiful room, but a beautiful, usable. Usable room.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

So, yeah. So there's this room. It's nice to see.

[B]

Oh, and this room. This is. So this is one of my inspiration images that I always look at to push me towards wallpaper. And then I get. I get freaked out.

[A]

Sure.

[B]

But wallpaper. When you have wallpaper like this, please describe the wallpaper in this room because. Cause it's like a art piece.

[A]

It really is. And I am. Oh, my gosh. I love the. There's a couple that owns this company, and they're such artists and artisans, and they get. And they start getting on ladders and painting by hand. You know, anything you can tell them that you're looking for, they can make it happen. And this was very personal. This paper, it's sort of. It's got this European, like, countryside feel to it. But then there are These moments in the paper that are very, very personal if you're there and you can kind of see in person. And it's all these moments that mean something to the family that we wouldn't necessarily see. So it's a layered paper, but it's got, like, the mountains and the rolling hills, you know, and fir trees. It's got moments that mean something to them and have as part of their history. So we're looking at something that's in these really soft, muted colors, and we see a beautiful paper. When they look at it, they see memories and moments and. Sorry, sorry.

[B]

It's amazing.

[A]

Yeah. And. And it's got sort of this.

[B]

Did we show this one to the camera?

[A]

We did, but we can show.

[B]

Okay. Because it's just amazing.

[A]

It's really beautiful, but it's personal, but yet beautiful for everyone. And I love these demi loon tables, too. They really. These consoles really spoke to the curvatures in the room and sort of picked it all up, which I love so much. And these fireplaces were brought in from Europe. They had been existing fireplaces and taken out of buildings and brought over.

[B]

Wow. I didn't even know you could do that. Yeah, you learn something new every day. I want fireplaces from Europe in my Los Angeles home.

[A]

That's right, Darden. But, yeah, I mean, really some special moments. And this is a great example of eclecticism because it's so old world in so many ways. And then there are these wild cars that happen.

[B]

You know, the modern light fixtures and the.

[A]

And so this is a room that I love a lot. Yes.

[B]

So any. Any closing advice for people that want to just enhance their space, just make their space better?

[A]

Yeah, absolutely. I mean, I think getting in your space and really being quiet and thinking about and taking in what you want that space to mean for you. And so that's a case of, you know, going into, let's say it's your. Your living room and thinking, okay, this is a space where I want to entertain, and I want us to all be able to be in a tight space, or I want us all kind of spread out, you know, really telling that story to yourself, visualizing what it is and writing down. Take three or four keywords out of what you're thinking, you know, and then that starts to inform what you do. And if that feels like, you know, that that's a lot. Maybe taking one thing. Just taking one thing. Do I really love this paint color? Do I feel like I wanna accessorize my room? Does that mean, like, the base is Great. But maybe I wanna add some pillows or maybe a different kind of rug. It doesn't have to feel so, so, so overwhelming. Cause that's what I hear a lot from people.

[B]

Yes, the process.

[A]

Yeah, the process feels a lot. Take. Start by sitting in the middle of the space, thinking about what you want it to do, how you want it to support you, how you want it to. To feel, and what you want from that space. When you walk out of there, what do you want to have happened. And then with that, taking it one step at a time. And that's really so fine. And so. Okay. It doesn't have to be okay. If I change this thing, then I gotta change that thing. Cause oftentimes when you change one thing, it can then begin to inform something else you might want to change. Or if you like that thing or not, you know, so little by little, piece by piece. That's what I would say.

[B]

Yes. That's great advice. And my final question is, when do you feel most beautiful?

[A]

Oh, my goodness. This sounds, as my daughters would say, cringy. But I feel the most beautiful when I've completed a space and people are happy because I think my smile is never wider than that. When. Yeah, when. When they're happy. I. I have to. I've. I've had to learn to control myself because I get so excited too, that they're excited. But that's when I feel like I've really done well and I feel that inner glow.

[B]

Yes. Yeah. You're like. You're living in your purpose, in your passion, and you're taking your talents and serving other people.

[A]

Yeah. And it's not. I'm not saying I'm looking for someone to validate me at all. I'm saying that I have done the best that I can do. Do. And I feel really good about that. I feel good. I gave it what I got. I gave it my all and. And that's what I can do. And that's when I feel really good.

[B]

I love that.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Well, thank you so much for coming on the show. This has been such an education, such a pleasure getting to know you better. And I'm certainly going to be thinking about my space differently after this conversation, so thank you.

[A]

Oh, you're so welcome. Thank you for having me.

[B]

I appreciate it. And everyone definitely get livable looks because it's such. I think it is a book that is filled with so much inspiration. Every page is inspir. Inspiring. But then there's also depth because you write about all of the spaces too. So thank you. There's a lot to learn from this book.

[A]

Oh, thank you. I appreciate it.

[B]

Yes. All right. Amazing.

[A]

It's my house and I live here. It's my house and I live here.

[B]

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