Podcast Summary

Podcast: Talk Shop with Ariel Okin: A Fenimore Lane Production
Episode: Global Style, California Cool: A Conversation with Peter Dunham
Date: September 17, 2025
Host: Ariel Okin
Guest: Peter Dunham

Overview

In this episode, Ariel Okin sits down with renowned LA designer Peter Dunham, famed for blending California cool with international sophistication. The discussion explores Peter’s unorthodox path into interior design, the evolution of his signature layered and atmospheric aesthetic, the founding of his textile and furniture brands, memorable design projects, and his deeply personal philosophy on living well through authentic, inviting spaces. Along the way, Peter shares stories from his multicultural upbringing, reflects on industry changes, and offers candid advice for aspiring designers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Peter Dunham's Path to Design (00:00–08:10)

• Transition from Real Estate to Design:
  Peter reminisces about his accidental journey—starting in New York real estate, where he discovered a passion for transforming properties, then following his heart (and a relationship) to LA.
  • “The big thing I think I realized that led me to design is I really like the transformative element of real estate. I love looking at a property... and figuring out what I could do with it.” — Peter (03:51)
• Design as Second Career:
  The feeling of being at a pivot point in his life after 25 years in LA/New York, opening a new showroom in NYC, and the reflective process of putting together a book.
• Early Influences:
  Peter’s multicultural upbringing—French, British, American influences, and how New York gave him a sense of “home.”
  • “When I stepped off out of that midtown tunnel with steam coming out of these pipes... I was like, okay, this is it.” — Peter (08:11)

Crafting a Signature Style: Layered, Atmospheric, and Fun (02:54–06:15)

• Describing His Style:
  Peter, with a nudge from Ariel, defines it as “atmospheric, layered, and fun.”
  • Quote: “Your textile line is just such a happy... it’s joyful.” — Ariel (03:05)
• Textile & Furniture Collections:
  Origin story of his showrooms and iconic textile/furniture lines—rooted in a love for “making things” and collecting vintage and global fabrics.
  • “I always liked making things... That led to a fabric collection and then to a showroom of our own in Los Angeles.” — Peter (05:44)

Inspirations: Multicultural Roots & California Dreaming (08:11–20:21)

• From Paris to LA:
  Peter recounts his European childhood, his first visit to NY, and the personal resonance of California’s Mediterranean spirit.
  • “It must have been a little bit of a homecoming, blending all those experiences.” — Ariel (20:14)
• Adapting to LA Living:
  How West Coast comfort, scale, and outdoor-indoor living reshaped his sensibilities—learning from LA clients to value “comfort and order.”
  • “I had to have furniture that was comfortable... a sense of ease and comfort.” — Peter (17:38)
• Layered Eclecticism:
  Integrates Mediterranean, tribal, and European elements, influenced by travels and family summers in Spain.

Building a Brand: Origins of the Textile Line & Showroom (13:57–16:36)

• Collecting Out of Instinct:
  Began collecting tribal and organic geometric textiles years before designing professionally.
• Show House Milestone:
  Legendary editors championed his work, leading to showhouses, which spurred his textile business.
  • “It was very much textiles that were very personal to me, that I’d seen, wanted, collected, and wanted to use.” — Peter (15:46)
• Authenticity Over Trends:
  Core “heritage” patterns remain as signatures; personal resonance means longevity.

Defining Great Design: Atmosphere, Authenticity, and Narrative (23:50–29:05)

• The Joy of Transformation:
  Peter relishes “seeing potential,” and the inventive challenge of extracting the most from a house—whether reclaiming materials or reimagining layouts.
  • “There’s this need to nest within me. There’s this need even if I’m nesting for other people...” — Peter (25:11)
• Atmosphere vs. Elegance:
  Prioritizes emotional ‘feel’ over formal impressiveness:
  • “I would way rather a house have atmosphere than elegance... I would rather people come in and feel good and not necessarily know why...” — Peter (25:25)
• Clients and Comfort:
  The mark of success: creating homes that feel “warm and inviting,” where people “feel they can belong” regardless of formality or art on the walls.

Notable Projects & Approaches (21:19–23:13, 48:40–50:40)

• Ground-up Aspen House:
  A collaboration emphasizing reclaimed materials and custom sourcing to achieve timeless, soulful results.
• Current Projects:
  • San Francisco Gilded Age–style house (49:00)
  • Historic Pasadena restoration (49:40)
  • Modern Palm Springs house and Carnegie Hill (Manhattan) apartment
  • Apartment merger in Newport Beach

Mentorship, Advice, and Lessons for Aspiring Designers (30:38–34:03)

• Mentors & Influence:
  Mentions David Hicks (“start with the carpet”) and the value of informal, organic mentorship through curiosity and genuine enthusiasm.
• Advice:
  • Go out and experience places (“look, look, look!”)
  • No formal training required; true curiosity and love for creating habitats matter most.
  • “When you’re really interested in something, mentors can kind of find you.” — Ariel (31:46)
• On Hiring & Passion:
  Wants team members who have a spark—“what is exciting you in this?”

The Personal Home as Reflection (34:25–36:14)

• Peter’s Own Space:
  A tiny personal library filled with global artifacts, relaxed order, and hospitality.
  • “It shows a lot of different interests... resolved but not uptight.” — Peter (34:43)
  • Entry staircase with 30 African masks stands out—signals worldliness and collecting.

Where He Shops & Finds Inspiration (38:31–40:11)

• Favorite Places to Shop:
  • Vintage sources, auctions (Rose Bowl Flea, Christie’s)
  • Seeks the “one-off opportunity,” not mass market.
• Sources of Inspiration:
  • Museums, gallery shows, other creatives; likes to see what others do and internalize it for later
  • Importance of curiosity in travel (e.g., impromptu island tours at Martha’s Vineyard)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I got sort of pushed into doing a book, which I’m very grateful for. I was kind of reluctant to do it.” — Peter (06:15)
• “Every aspect... of the house was sort of reclaimed, repurposed. We bought barns in Tennessee... every bit was really well thought out.” — Peter (22:28, on Aspen project)
• “I always wanted to take... that vintage textile I had. I wish I could find enough to do a whole room... So then on one trip, I made a friend in Jaipur who could oversee block printing. That’s how I started.” — Peter (15:03)
• “If it doesn’t feel authentic, scrap it. And we’re trying something else.” — Ariel (28:37)
• “I don’t know whether it’s a design rule. It’s just in my spine... You are hiring me to make your house feel good.” — Peter (29:05)
• “You gotta give them what they never knew they wanted.” — Peter, quoting Diana Vreeland (29:37)
• “Looking and really wanting to look, look, look, look is very important to me.” — Peter (33:36)
• “There’s this need to nest within me… even if I’m nesting for other people.” — Peter (25:11)
• “Atmosphere... is the one that relates to the people the most.” — Peter (26:17)
• “I would say that’s my general sort of what I enjoy: a mix of texture and smooth, and what I call puddingy furniture.” — Peter (18:39)

Take 10: Quick Fire Favorites (41:26–48:00)

• Favorite food: Sushi (41:39)
• Favorite drink: Tequila (41:41)
• Favorite film: “Conversation Piece” / “I Am Love” / Merchant Ivory movies (41:46–41:59)
• Favorite hotel: Fort Ahelia, Maheshwar, India (42:42)
• Favorite city: New York (43:53)
• Favorite bedding: Deborah Sharpe Linens (44:29)
• Tea or coffee: Both—rarefied matcha and French press coffee (45:05)
• Playlist/Music: The Eagles (“Romantic California a lot”) (46:01)
• Weekend activity: LA hikes, farmer’s market, gallery/studio visits (46:18–47:48)
• Favorite design book: David Hicks books (48:00)
  • “You can learn a lot from that. So I would say that’s a really good one for me.” — Peter (48:30)

Closing Thoughts

Peter emphasizes the importance of curiosity, authenticity, and the personal touch in both business and design. The conversation is a warm, honest, and insightful exploration of a celebrated career built on collecting, creating, and making spaces that feel genuinely alive.

How to Follow Peter Dunham

• PeterDunham.com
• HollywoodatHome.com
• PeterDTextiles.com
• Instagram: @PeterDunham
• Book: The World of Peter: Global Style From Paris to Hollywood (Van Dome) — out now

For design lovers and aspiring creatives, this episode offers a masterclass in individuality, resilience, and the endless pursuit of atmosphere and joy in the home.