The Pulp Team aims to set trends rather than to follow them. Our Wise & Wicked space at the Kips Bay Dallas Showhouse gave us the chance to highlight the daring and distinctive looks we love.
Natural quartz crystals and beautiful brass make the Halcyon Sconce from Visual Comfort a compelling chic light fixture.
Fromental’s Les Boas design was customized for the walls in our wickedly fabulous lounge, highlighting an adventurous theme.
Sexy, chic, and full of drama, the curvy Turner sofa from Arteriors is the perfect vibe for a Wise & Wicked woman.
White veins blaze across a black background for a high-contrast look on the Blackbrook stone pattern from Cambria.
A sinuous style connects light and dark stone in the Garde pattern from Ann Sacks’ Kelly Wearstler collection and is featured in our lounge bath.
Porter Teleo’s Tectonic pattern offers a bold design of raw shapes in bronze and sand. It’s the perfect mix of rustic and refined.
Leopardo, from Pulp Design Studios’ fabric collection for S.Harris, mixes an ikat look with animal print for a new take on a traditional pattern.
Quirky and unexpected, the Cade Daybed from Global Views in brass and sumptuous leather makes a sculptural statement that’s daringly modern.
There is a hidden entry in our Wise & Wicked space, featuring the Origami wallcovering from Innovations. The pattern features hand-cut and geometric wood veneers.
Stunning bronze sculptures with a brown patina on granite bases feature the figure of a man and a woman, created by artist Tom Corbin.
For their Kips Bay Dallas Show House space, Beth Dotolo and Carolina Gentry, co-founders of Pulp Design Studios, wanted to create a design that would showcase a duality with a Wise & Wicked theme. The rooms are an homage to a modern woman, a paradox who is both wise about her business and also wickedly amusing in her off time. She’s graceful and glam, playful and polished – and this loft space reflects those two sides of her personal style. We asked Beth and Carolina to walk us through each of the rooms in their Kips Bay space, giving us insight into their design vision, and we’re excited that they’re going to tell us all about the Wicked lounge, also known as the ‘Sinner’s Den.’ If you want to view the entire Wise & Wicked space, just click here.
SOURCES: Turner Sofa by Arteriors in S.Harris Lulu Velvet Fabric; Halcyon Round Sconce and Strada Large Flush Mount by Visual Comfort c/o Taylors by Jane; Les Boas wall covering by Fromental; Muscovite wall paneling by Brenda Houston; Carolina Coffee Table with Custom Smoked Glass Top by Arteriors and Glasshouse; Mesa Steel Rug by The Rug Company; Parchment Egg Chairs, Skeleton Chair, and Parchment Side Table by Sylvan S.F. c/o Allan Knight; Dorian Small Mirror by Bungalow 5; and Benjamin Moore Paint.
Q: This space is such a contrast to the office on the other end of the hall – walk us through the amazing design.
Carolina: We are known for bold and adventurous design, for rooms that are super-dynamic but are also livable. So in this space, we wanted to showcase that drama while creating a lounge where our muse – the Wise & Wicked woman – would love to hang out with her friends at the end of a long day or a long week.
Beth: This is the ultimate cocktail lounge, where this woman can really show her personality and let her hair down with her friends. We wanted to make it edgy and fun, to be a place that everyone wants to be in, almost like the coolest speakeasy you’ve ever experienced. It is one of my favorite spaces we’ve designed!
SOURCES: Custom Les Boas Wall Covering by Fromental, and Halcyon Round Sconce in Antique Brushed Brass and Quartz by Visual Comfort c/o Taylors by Jane.
Q: Besides the moody color scheme, what really makes this space so gorgeous are all of the details. Tell us about some of your favorites.
Beth: For me it has to be the stunning Fromental wallpaper. We were able to customize it so the snakes would wrap around the gorgeous Visual Comfort sconces. Your eye is just drawn to that wall immediately and it sets the tone for the entire lounge.
Carolina: I also love the glow of the walls behind the shelves. Brenda Houston created those with us by hand applying muscovite mineral to look like snake skin. But it’s also the most luxe look, almost like the walls were gold leafed. It fits our theme of edgy luxury.
SOURCES: Custom muscovite wall paneling by Brenda Houston with miscellaneous accessories from Arteriors and books from Taschen.
Q: It really does have the feeling of an incredible upscale lounge – one that would be members-only…
Carolina: I think the color palette is so key for the chic and opulent look. We really see those reds and chocolate browns as being ahead of the curve in color trends. The Benjamin Moore paint we chose for the ceiling is really key, and we love the name – it’s Dinner Party. It’s a perfect complement to that stunning Arteriors sofa.
Beth: We chose the furnishings to convey that feeling of luxury, combined with unique textures and styles. The woman who would own this lounge wouldn’t want ordinary seating or tables, she would want something that stands out, that no one else would have. that’s why we selected those amazing parchment egg chairs and skeleton chair by Sylvan S.F.. They are bold and beautiful, just like the woman who would live here.
SOURCES: Turner Sofa by Arteriors in S.Harris Lulu Velvet Fabric, Halcyon Round Sconce and Strada Large Flush Mount by Visual Comfort c/o Taylors by Jane, Les Boas wall covering by Fromental, Muscovite Wall Paneling by Brenda Houston, Carolina Coffee Table with Custom Smoked Glass Top by Arteriors and Glasshouse, Mesa Steel Rug by The Rug Company, Parchment Egg Chairs and Parchment Side Table by Sylvan S.F. c/o Allan Knight, Dorian Small Mirror by Bungalow 5, and Benjamin Moore Paint.
Q: The details are so on point – talk about how important that is to finish a room.
Beth: Details are everything! It’s the layering and the pieces that continue the theme or the story of the room. That’s true in your own home where you would want to use things that are important to you and that tell your personal story. In this lounge, the theme of the wickedly bold woman is showcased in everything from tarot cards – with the High Priestess card up, of course – to snake details to the cigarettes. Should she smoke? No. But this is the ‘Sinner’s Den,’ where everything goes!
Carolina: I also think it’s the textures that help continue the theme and really elevate the design. So we used a lot of faux animal skins, like snake and shagreen, as well as parchment, wood grains, crystals, velvets, and more. It’s key to really giving you that sense of opulence and luxury.
SOURCES: Parchment Side Table in Moss with Pull Out Tray by Sylvan S.F. c/o Allan Knight
Beth and Carolina will give us a tour of one more hidden space from the Kips Bay Dallas Show House soon, so stay tuned! If you’re in the Dallas area, you can tour the house through Oct. 24. Learn more and get tickets here.
The Pulp team would like to thank vendors who provided stunning products for the Wise & Wicked spaces, including: More Design + Build; Arteriors; Visual Comfort c/o Taylors by Jane; Tech Lighting c/o Taylors by Jane; Sylvan S.F. c/o Allan Knight; Fromental; Brenda Houston; Bettinger Studio; S. Harris/Fabricut; Kevin McLean; The Rug Company; Bungalow 5; HD Walls; and Glass House. We would also like to thank the sponsors for the showhouse: Leontine Linens; Kohler; Cambria; Ann Sacks; The Shade Store; and Benjamin Moore.
When Beth Dotolo and Carolina Gentry, co-founders of Pulp Design Studios, were named to the design team for the Kips Bay Dallas Show House, they knew they wanted to make a big statement and to push the envelope on interior design. Their Wise & Wicked space is bold and beautiful, and tells the story of iconic women like the Pulp duo. We asked Beth and Carolina to walk us through each of the rooms in their Kips Bay space, giving us insight into their design vision. First up is the office, or the Wise side of their Wise & Wicked interior. To see the entire space, just click here!
SOURCES: Brink Ivory Rug by The Rug Company, Amorfo Desk by Mattaliano c/o David Sutherland Showroom, William McLure Art, Affinity Domed Table Lamp by Visual Comfort c/o Taylors by Jane, Terrah Arm Chair by Hellman Chang c/o David Sutherland Showroom, Double Snake Hardware by Lisa Jarvis and Innovations wall covering at the hidden door, The Shade Store roman shades and drapes in Raw Silk – Glacier, custom fringe chairs in Leopardo fabric by Pulp Design Studios for S.Harris, Cade Daybed by Global Views, Neptune art by Samantha McCurdy c/o Galleri Urbane, framed print by Amy Opsal, ceiling mural by Haylee Ryan, and Bolo Accent Table by Demuro Das c/o Allan Knight and Associates.
Q: How did you determine your design, and what made you decide that Wise & Wicked would be your theme?
Carolina: The raw space was a loft area with two rooms linked by a hallway. It was a bit of an awkward layout but immediately we thought about how each area could work together with one theme. We started talking about duality and how everyone has several sides to their personalities. That led to us thinking about a work space and a “play” space.
Beth: Working with that idea allowed us to think about the women we know who are all business when they are working, but have a playful or more adventurous side that loves to dance or have cocktails with friends. It’s that sense of being two (or more) people inside of one body: a mom, a business owner, an adventurous spirit, a person with a wicked sense of humor. That led us to The Wise & The Wicked, with an office representing the Wise side and a lounge that was much more Wicked.
See sources in the photo above.
Q: When you come up the stairs, the first view of your space is the one above – how does the office represent the Wise theme?
Carolina: The cosmopolitan office area is a creative space where deals are made and contracts are signed. It’s refined but with a distinct personality, as defined by the asymmetrical desk from David Sutherland, a Rug Company rug, and gorgeous upholstered custom stools and a chaise from Global Views. This is a woman in charge, who knows how to get things done.
Beth: We went with a very clean color palette so it would be a space with no distractions. This woman is in charge and all business, but obviously she wants her surroundings to also inspire her. So there’s a lot of art and two very fashion-forward seats with heavy fringe. And of course her desk should be just as unique and cutting-edge as the woman who works here.
SOURCES: Amorfo Desk by Mattaliano c/o David Sutherland Showroom, and Affinity Domed Table Lamp by Visual Comfort c/o Taylors by Jane.
Q: On one side of the office is a wall of drapery. When it’s pulled back, it reveals a super-stylish nook. What is this area meant to be?
Beth: We imagined this nook as a place for quiet contemplation, for quick meetings, or as an amazing Zoom backdrop for our Wise woman. The Porter Teleo wallpaper is definitely an eye-catching pattern that everyone on Zoom will be asking about. Our businesswoman can even close the drapery for a moment to herself as she recharges her batteries during the day.
Carolina: We also wanted to be sure that this space was just as inspiring creatively as her office, so we asked a muralist to create a stunning ceiling that would look as if the wallpaper pattern flew off the walls and escaped across the ceiling into the office. And we had a custom banquette created for comfortable seating in the nook.
SOURCES: Halo Hanging Pendant by Visual Comfort c/o Taylors by Jane, Tectonic Wall Covering by Porter Teleo, Roman Shades by the Shade Store in Raw Silk – Graphite, Round Burl Coffee Table by Theodore Alexander c/o David Gilbert, Magnifying Decanter Table by Sylvan S.F. c/o Allan Knight and Associates.SOURCES: Magnifying Decanter Table by Sylvan S.F. c/o Allan Knight and Associates, pillows upholstered in fabric from Pulp Design Studios for S.Harris, cowhide by 98 Cows, Grant Console by Bungalow 5, and custom benches by Pulp Design Studios in Kravet Smart.
Q: On the other side of the office is a stunning large cabinet. Tell us about that.
Beth: This is one of our favorite design elements in the space. We had a custom cabinet created that looks as if it’s just stylish storage. But when you open it, it reveals the hidden hallway to the Wicked lounge, which we started calling the Sinner’s Den! We love to create unexpected moments in our designs, and this definitely fits that idea. Stepping through is like starting an adventure, and you don’t know quite what you’ll discover. And those snakes on the doors are a bit of a hint!
Carolina: It has the feeling of Alice in Wonderland or Through the Looking Glass! Especially with those large Tom Corbin statues looking as if they’re ready to step through with you. We also loved the idea of how all women – including me and Beth – have these hidden sides to them. If you get to know us well, you’ll be able to learn more about all the layers we each have. This is like peeling back one of those layers for our Wise & Wicked woman.
SOURCES: Standing Man II and Standing Woman by Tom Corbin c/o David Sutherland Showroom.SOURCES: Double Snake Hardware by Lisa Jarvis and Origami Cedar Wall Covering by Innovations.
Q: Other than that amazing cabinet, what is your favorite part of this space?
Carolina: Definitely the nook and its sitting area. I like to work in a space that is less about a desk and more about being comfortable. I would sit in that nook all day!
Beth: Oh wow – I love every part, so this is hard. But I do covet that amazing chaise from Global Views. That’s an area of the room that’s another option for working on a laptop. It’s such a sculptural piece, too.
SOURCES: Custom side tables with Origami Cedar Wall Covering by Innovations topped with Blackbrook Quartz by Cambria, Venus and Mars wall art by Samantha McCurdy c/o Galleri Urbane.SOURCES: Brink Ivory Rug by The Rug Company, William McLure Art, Cade Daybed by Global Views, Neptune Art by Samantha McCurdy c/o Galleri Urbane, framed print by Amy Opsal, Bolo Accent Table by Demuro Das c/o Allan Knight and Associates.
Beth and Carolina will give us a tour of their other, more “wicked,” spaces for the Kips Bay Dallas Show House coming soon, so stay tuned! If you’re in the Dallas area, you can tour the house through Oct. 24. Learn more and get tickets here.
The Pulp team would like to thank vendors who provided stunning products for the Wise & Wicked spaces, including: More Design + Build, Visual Comfort c/o Taylors by Jane; Tech Lighting c/o Taylors by Jane; Calico Wallpaper; Fromental; Brenda Houston; Porter Teleo; Bettinger Studio; Kevin McLean; and Innovations. We would also like to thank the sponsors for the showhouse: Leontine Linens; Kohler; Cambria; Ann Sacks; The Shade Store; and Benjamin Moore.
An unforgettable bold space, the rooms are an homage to a modern woman, a paradox who is both wise about her business and also wickedly amusing in her off time.
One sure way to get a magazine-worthy look in your rooms is to style them perfectly. But it’s hard to achieve the right balance, especially on surfaces like coffee tables. So we asked Pulp co-founder Beth Dotolo to show us – step by step – how to get that professionally styled look for your coffee table!
1. Start with a Strong Base
You want to begin with a good base for the look you’re going to build. You could use a tray or large bowl, but I like to start with some fabulous coffee table books. These should always be more than props – you want to choose books that reflect your personality and the things you love. These will give your guests a peek into who you are!
2. Layer on Texture and Color
You want to add both visual interest and texture. So I built another layer on this table with bold stone looks in the malachite box and the marble bowl. It’s a refined way to also include organic themes that work well with the table’s gorgeous top. Be sure that the colors complement each other as well as the materials.
3. Go Vertical
Give your eye a place to travel. You don’t want to keep everything close to the table’s top – the look will be too flat and boring. Try tall items like the calligraphy brush and stand I used here. You could go for a tall vase of branches, candleholders, a small sculpture, or a glass bowl. Just give it some dimension.
4. Make It Personal
The next step is to layer in some personality. That could be things that you collect, a special vintage piece that you love, or something unique that you brought back from a trip abroad. I love to use tactile pieces here, too, like the beads and brass beetle above. They add a sense of adventure and so much visual interest!
5. Edit and Adjust
This is a key step that people often forget – you want to step back and look at the table’s styling as a whole. Is it balanced? Is it too cluttered? Remove pieces, move them around, or change them out until you have a visually pleasing look. It takes a few tries to get it right – even for the professionals!
Try these tips in your home and send us photos of how you styled your table! If you need to call in the professionals, just contact the Pulp team here!
The Pulp team is constantly asked – by both clients and other designers – how we keep everything going. We do have a lot to juggle with our projects, the Kips Bay Dallas showhouse (stay tuned!), product design, and so much more. But the key for our team is to stay organized and to keep our systems and processes running smoothly. Here are tips from each of our co-founders on how they get it all done!
Beth’s Tips
1. Don’t Procrastinate. This is a tough one, but I work hard to do what needs to be done right now. Yes, some parts of our job are not fun, but if we put them off it’s only going to get worse. So I look at my list of things to accomplish today and I power through it. I also like to start with the less-exciting things first. Then they are over and done with and I can move on to the good stuff!
2. Keep Your Spaces Uncluttered. I hate a messy workspace or room at home. And there have been studies that prove that all that clutter creates stress and anxiety. It will actually make you less motivated to get things done! Keep everything organized and have a place for every single thing. We not only do that in our workspaces, but we also make sure that our clients’ homes have plenty of storage and organized spaces.
3. Delegate Anything You Can. I’ve learned not to sweat the small stuff! That doesn’t mean that I delegate everything at work, but we do hire others for bookkeeping, marketing, measuring clients’ homes, and more! I also delegate things in my personal life so I can get more done or have more time with my family. Things like errands, house cleaning, and small repairs can easily be moved to someone else’s to-do list. Mine is long enough!
Carolina’s Tips
1. Set Priorities for the Day. As you can imagine, our to-do lists are LONG, so it’s important to make a list of priorities that need to be completed each day. If I looked at the entire to-do list every morning I would be overwhelmed and unmotivated! It’s better to keep them in small chunks that can be accomplished that day, which keeps our team productive and organized, and helps us meet all of our deadlines.
2. Take a Break. This may seem like a counterproductive tip, but having breaks throughout the day keeps my mind clear and focused. Everyone needs to have ways of combatting stress, and I like to have a cup of tea or take some time to walk or stretch. Those small breaks also help us keep our minds in a creative zone, which is so key.
3. Label It. I am crazy for organizational tools – they help me keep the chaos to a minimum. I like to put things away and then label the containers so I know exactly what’s inside. This has helped me with everything from keeping my kitchen organized, to creating a clutter-free workroom in the studio. Boxes of fabrics are labeled, so are folders and drawers, and even my storage containers of dry ingredients at home. It gives me a crazy sense of satisfaction to see everything neatly organized!
Use these ideas to get your own office and home under control! And if you need help creating an organized and gorgeous home, give us a call!
Here at Pulp, we all are big animal lovers. We always want the best for our furry friends. This includes the chicest accessories: beds, food bowls, climbing towers, and other pet-loving goodies. And while pet accessories have come a long way over the years we still understand sometimes it can be difficult to find an accessory for your favorite companion and one that keeps in style with your home. So we’ve rounded up our 10 favorite pet-friendly chic home accessories for you!
The Pulp team are experts at using multiple patterns in a room, but it can be tricky! In fact, it’s one of the most popular questions that we get. So we want to break it down and make it easier for you! Here are our top 7 ideas for making that magic mix in your home.
1. Choose Just a Few
Using three to four patterns creates the perfect balanced mix. If you use more than that, you can create visual confusion, especially in a small space. In the room we designed above there are four patterns: in the wallpaper, the throw, the pillows, and in the rug.
2. Mix the Scale
Select different scales of patterns for the best mix. In the Pulp-designed bedroom above, you can see that the wallpaper is the largest-scale pattern in the room. Then the rug and large pillow are a mid-sized scale, and finally the smaller pillow has a tiny dot pattern. There should be a transition between the sizes of the patterns.
3. Switch Up Your Style
If you have a very traditional pattern, like the rug in this study, try a modern pattern for balance. The wallpaper is the focal point here, of course, and its contemporary design is a great complement to the rug.
4. Make a Color Connection
To keep a room from being too visually chaotic, try using color as a throughline to tie every-thing together. You can go monochromatic, like we did in the bedroom we designed above, or use just one or two complementary colors.
5. Blend Simple and Complex
The mix is the key to success, and at Pulp we like to combine simple patterns with more complicated motifs. In the dining room above, the rug has an intricate pattern, as does the wallpaper. But the two chairs have much more simple designs. That gives your eye a place to rest.
6. Remember Texture
Texture can also create pattern, like in tile or fabrics. So keep the scale and color of those patterns in mind, too!
7. Less Is More
The most important rule is to keep things balanced. Animal prints are fantastic, but you usually only want one per room. The subtly patterned wallpaper in this room lets the faux zebra draw your eye.
Use these tips to start mixing patterns like a pro! Or, if you’re still feeling nervous, give us a call. We love to mix things up!
