All posts by Beth and Carolina

Pulp’s Homemade Green Cleaner Recipe

April 14, 2020Entertaining + Home Livingcleaning supplies, cleaning tips, green cleaner, home care, recipeBeth and Carolina

We are always looking for new ways to keep our homes clean without harmful nasty smelling chemicals that won’t break the bank. There are many great options on the market but sometimes we feel like we are just paying for the pretty bottle and packaging. After testing many of the organic brands out there… we decided to search for a homemade alternative. We’ve been using for over a decade now and love it! It’s super easy to make with items you probably already have laying around your home. We love the Castile Soap variety pack so you can change up the scent every time you make up a new batch!

This is all you need…

Spray Bottle | Hydrogen Peroxide | Funnel | Measuring Spoons | Castile Soap Variety Pack

Before & After: A Formal Living Room, Designed Remotely

April 7, 2020Pulp Design Workbefore and after, black and white, Dallas Interior Design, decor, decorating, home, ideas, interior design, interior designer, interiors, laredo, living roomBeth and Carolina

While most of us are staying at home, we thought we’d give you a sneak peek into a whole-home project we’ve been working on! This project is out of town and we’ve done most of the work remotely with our client. We were planning on waiting to have the whole home professionally photographed, but then we thought “Why wait?”! The world needs a little home inspiration now. So, here you have it… All photographed with our iphones.

We completely overhauled this Spanish-style home, through both a renovation and a full furnishings design, to bring our client’s home up to a more modern aesthetic, all while keeping the sentiment of the homes bones in tact.

Our clients, a family with a new little one, wanted an all-white and bright home. We punched in a ton of contrast and designed using super functional textiles to hold up to use, and wear-and-tear. Every detail was designed with care, specifically for our clients, working with local craftsman and tradespeople, as well as artisans around the country.

The bar we designed, with beautiful natural stone and custom brass inlaid cabinets, overhauled the way our clients are able to entertain. With a more private wine room and a more open bar area, it turned this space into a hyper-useable entertainer’s dream. We can’t wait for the time where our clients can entertain here again, but for now it’s a great escape after baby is in bed.

We wanted to punctuate the oval windows with more architectural drapery panels, that also softened the space. The volume of this space was important, so custom chandelier we designed into the space made a huge difference in making it feel a bit more intimate.

We had a large piece of art customized, by William McLure, for our clients that really helped this home feel completely personal. This large Formal Living Room was made more approachable by using super cozy and comfortable seating that we made sure to sit-test ourselves to ensure the ultimate in comfort.

And, of course, who wouldn’t want a hidden tv?!

Completely personalized design is what we love to do. And, this project has been so fun to work on from afar… We’ve been working this way for years, with online client presentations and video calls with contractors. So, working with our clients from home is a breeze.

Tell us about your project!

We’d love to hear from you if you have a project you like to start planning… Even if it’s just a phone call to explore your options. We’re here for you!

Making It Work

March 24, 2020Entertaining + Home Livingcolor, Dallas, decor, decorating, design, home, home office, homework, house, ideas, interior design, interior designer, living, Los Angeles, making space, pattern, pulp, pulp design studios, rooms, seattle, space, tips, trends, working from homeBeth and Carolina

Working from home is now the new normal – and for some of us that isn’t easy with kids being home schooled, too! The best way to help keep everyone focused on their “home work” is to have spaces to get things done. We’ve got some tips for staying organized and more productive with dedicated work spaces.

Make Room

If you don’t already have a home office, or if you do and now there’s more than one of you working from home… make a space for yourself to work that’s consistent. If you have a room that isn’t being used, transform it into a home office. Guest rooms, attic spaces, bonus rooms, even a formal dining room can all be redesigned as your new workspace. If you can create a space that you love, it will make you feel more like you’re in a business office rather than a spare bedroom. But, most importantly, make a space that you can shut down or close the door to when it’s time to turn off work.

Set Boundaries

Desks are for work and sofas are for TV. Yes, you can prop up with your laptop there every now and then, but you (and your kids) will be able to focus better if you keep your work life structured. If you don’t have a specific room you can dedicate to a home office, make your dining room the official work zone. The kids can sit on one side of the table and you can sit on the other. A console table, open bookshelf, or even a vanity can also be your official office for the short term. Even if it’s a desk you place in your living room, keep that zone exclusively for work. It will help you unplug in the evenings and on weekends, too!

Protect Your Body

Try to create the most ergonomic setup, as possible. Poor posture can wreak havoc on your body and your productivity. If you have a laptop, order a freestanding keyboard and prop your laptop on a proper stand or on a chic stack of coffee table books to get your screen at eye level. Sit on a pillow to get to the height you need, but be aware of your body and posture and make your space work for you.

Clock In and Clock Out

Set – and keep – regular hours, even if everything seems far from normal. Kids need that structure, and so do you! It’s hard to be motivated without a routine, so try to keep the mornings in “getting ready to go” mode, even if you’re just going to the other side of the room. But also remember to unplug at night. We all need self care now more than ever, so don’t give into temptation to “just get one more email” done. Spend time with your family doing fun things that have nothing to do with work or school – or read a book on your own. It will help you manage any stress and nervousness you have (we all are feeling it!).

Personalize Your Workspace

Don’t just make your workspace utilitarian… make it yours and make sure it brings you joy. Add a candle. Find a chic coaster from another space in your home. In your designated office, put family photos and your favorite art on or near your “desk”. Add pillows with bold prints. Bring in fresh flowers. Make your home work spaces cheerful and uplifting. Think of what will make you SMILE. That’s what we need more of right now.

Your Kids Need a Space, Too.

Your kids are used to having their own desk at school, so give them their own setup at home, too. It will give them a place to focus (and give you a little relief). Add some color and fun to your workspaces, too! Especially those for kids. String up their art. Paint extra chairs in fabulous colors – better yet, let the kids do it.

And once we’re back to normal (whatever that is), consider making your temporary home offices more permanent. Give yourself a fabulously designed space for whatever the future holds. If you need help making your vision a reality, get in touch with us – we’re working remotely, too! And we are happy to hop on a FaceTime consult to help you work through ideas.

We’re all in this together, so we’re sending you and your family our best wishes!

Staycation Destination

March 16, 2020Entertaining + Home Livingart, basement, bathroom, bathroom decor, bathroom renovation, color, Dallas, decor, decorating, den, design, family room, home, home bound, home work, house, ideas, interior design, interior designer, interiors, living, living room, Los Angeles, pattern, pulp, pulp design studios, redo, renovation, rooms, seattle, space, staycation, tips, trends, wallpaperBeth and Carolina

With travel restrictions in place and social isolating a new trending term, having an oasis to escape to is more important than ever. Creating a destination at home that’s perfect for a staycation is exactly what we had in mind in this basement renovation.

Basements used to be the dark cellars that held all the boxes, tools, and broken bikes. But not anymore! Pulp is giving these below-ground spaces chic upgrades as family rooms, guest bedrooms, game rooms, and more. For this luxe lair Pulp created for repeat clients, the space fits the sophisticated look of the rest of their home, but also gives our clients a fun space to hang out with family.

There is a game table in one area of the room, close to the windows for maximum natural light. And we created a sitting area for TV and gaming. The wallpaper wraps the room in color and patter, making it cozy and chic. Our own Pulp Design Studios Icon throw is a nice touch for curling up together – get your own here!

The Cartouche fabric from our collection with S. Harris adds a great complementary pattern to the room, and the pillows are just another invitation to settle in with popcorn and a great movie!

Storage is key in a family room – you need a stylish space for all of the books, games, videos, and more! We included a ton of custom cabinetry, all accented with our own Starburst Pulls (available here).

The full bathroom we included gives our clients the option to use the basement as a guest suite, too. We loved black-and-white mixed with bright blue for the palette.

The schoolhouse sink adds so much charm to this bathroom and is perfect for getting kids to wash their hands!

We love to create destinations in our clients’ homes. It’s the perfect place for gathering with family and enjoying time together. Want to know how we can transform YOUR home?
Book a complimentary call to discuss how we can help!
And be sure to see our latest issue of ICON here.

Hidden in Plain Sight

March 9, 2020Entertaining + Home Livingcolor, Dallas, decor, decorating, design, hidden gems, home, house, ideas, interior design, interior designer, living, Los Angeles, murphy bed, pattern, pulp, pulp design studios, rooms, seattle, secret spaces, space, tips, trends, wine roomBeth and Carolina

When Pulp Design Studios creates a home for our clients, we want them to be able to take advantage of every square inch of space so the home will function perfectly for how their family lives. Sometimes we need to think out of the box to give them extra sleeping areas or specialty storage. And that’s where our design teams really shine! Take a look at these hidden rooms and secret spaces!

Creative Concept

We reworked the original wine room in the home below because it had an awkward entry/exit. We used the space under the stairs to create a fun hidden door that offers a more direct route to the wine storage. And it gives our clients a fabulously unique talking point that visitors will love, too.
See the full project here!

Murphy’s Law

The Murphy bed is named after the man who patented the wall bed concept in 1900 – and it’s an enduring idea that we took to a more luxe level for our Glass House project, which you can see here. Our creative clients love the idea of an open art space, but also needed room for guests. We gave them the best of both worlds with a wall bed hidden behind a sliding barn door. Scroll down for the glam reveal!

Space Invaders

We love the speakeasy vibe of a hidden wine room. In the ultra-glam basement below, Pulp gave the kids a lot of storage for their games and shoes. And with one easy swing of the bookshelves, a secret space is revealed for the adult beverages in the house! A bold wall covering by Elitis in deep blue and elegant sconces by Arteriors mark this space for the over-21 crowd only. Password required! You can see the entire basement redo here.

Need a strategic space solution for your home? It’s what we do best – get in touch for a consultation!

Before + After: Dream Home Makeover

March 2, 2020Pulp Design Workbathroom, bedroom, before and after, color, Dallas, decor, decorating, design, fireplace, home, house, ideas, interior design, interior designer, kitchen, living, living room, Los Angeles, modern, pattern, pulp, pulp design studios, renovation, rooms, seattle, space, tips, trendsBeth and Carolina

This fabulous Dallas home (featured in the latest issue of ICON!) was modern on the outside, but dated on the inside. Our clients loved the feel, but knew it needed a major overhaul. Being incredibly busy and having never taken on a renovation of this scale, they knew they needed help to make this space their own. After a referral from a former Pulp client, they called on us to make their dreams a reality. We started with a down-to-the-studs renovation, moving walls and some stairs, resulting in a dramatic makeover. The result is a well-lived-in and stylish home designed for every member of the family, where memories are made daily.

Living Room

The house had dated floor tiles throughout, and poorly applied tiles on the fireplaces and in the kitchen. It was a Southwestern mess. In this room we updated the vibe to a chic modern look, including an asymmetrical fireplace, sleek furnishings, and a darker finish on the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The Staircase

A cramped and dark stairwell (kind of spooky, too!) gave way to an open staircase that modernizes the space. The glass under the banister helps create an open area for light and air – giving the home a chic and sleek look. This family also loves to entertain, and the updated rooms offer a better flow for guests and family.

The Kitchen

Despite all the windows, the original kitchen was dark and dreary. We brought in the light by expanding the kitchen out into what was a patio area and adding gorgeous light wood cabinetry, white counters, and updated appliances, Glass pendants also bring the light down to the island for tasks and meals.

The Dining Room

We took advantage of the open space under the old stairwell to create a new bar area next to the dining room. Modern art and furnishings gave this space a much-needed update.

The Powder Room

The powder bathroom was blah and boring. We turned up the glam quotient by adding a faux croc wallpaper in deepest black, along with an ultra-mod floating vanity.

The Family Room

Corner fireplaces can be awkward and this one just didn’t have any style at all, so we updated it with a black surround that goes from floor to ceiling. Now, rather than a strange fixture, it’s a standout star of the room.

The Home Office

Moving walls is a much easier process than moving a spiral staircase, plus it adds so much charm. So we kept it as part of a new home office that also doubles as a music room.

The Master Suite

New paint and floors made a more modern backdrop for contemporary – but comfortable – furnishings in the master suite.

To round out this oasis for our clients, we designed an all-new luxury bathroom with bold marble tile from floor to ceiling.

Want to know how we can transform YOUR home?
Book a complimentary call to discuss how we can help!
And be sure to see our latest issue of ICON here.

Home Tour: Traditional with a Twist

January 27, 2020Entertaining + Home Livingcolor, Dallas, decor, decorating, design, home, home tour, house, ideas, interior design, interior designer, living, Los Angeles, pattern, project, pulp, pulp design studios, rooms, seattle, space, tips, traditional, trends, uniqueBeth and Carolina

The clients for this Seattle design project – medical professionals with three children – came to Pulp because the interiors in their new build house weren’t a true representation of their lifestyle or their personalities. We knew exactly how to solve that problem! We brought our signature process to the table, offering an in-depth consultation along with a bit of fun homework to allow us to really get to know the clients and their needs. Armed with all that information, we created an understated and classic home, including some of our best ideas and fantastic unexpected details like a hidden wine room and creating a home bar around an existing roll-up window. Let’s take a tour!

Q: In an open-plan house like this one, how do you keep that sense of space for each living or dining area?

We used the furniture to set the boundaries for each space. So a great Bernhardt credenza helps divide the living room from the dining room. And the dining table itself helps divide the dining area from both the living room and the kitchen. It allows the space to have a great open flow, but still seem cozy and well-planned.

Q: How did you showcase the family members’ personalities in the design of the home?

We like to use pattern and art as great indicators of the personality of people in the home. Wallpaper is perfect for that – it can show creativity, exuberance, calmness and so much more! So we used a few great wallpapers in the home, like in the study and entry. We also like to use art to set a home apart. We found a fabulous photograph that had been taken by our client’s father. It really spoke to the notion of family, so we had it enlarged and framed, and now it welcomes visitors to the home and offers an idea of the family that lives in this fabulous new space.

Q: This home also features an incredible master suite – what was important for you to incorporate into the design?

We wanted to be sure we captured the feeling of sanctuary to create an oasis for our clients. And the views in the home are incredible, too, so we wanted each room to take advantage of that! In the master bedroom, the bed is oriented toward an amazing look at the lake outdoors, and we set up the master study to have the furniture placed for the view, too. Then in the bathroom, the shower and tub almost feel like they are in the outdoor space because of the large windows!

Q: What is your favorite room in the house?

That’s a hard one! It’s probably a tie between the hidden wine room and the glam powder bath. We reworked the original wine room in this home because it had an awkward entry/exit. We used the space under the stairs to create a fun hidden door that offers a more direct route to the wine storage. And then in that powder bath – there’s just so much chic glamour! It’s painted deep black, with mixed metal details and super-sexy sconces. It’s a lot of look for a small space!

Q: What do you think your clients would say is their favorite place in the home?

Because our clients love to entertain family and friends, it would definitely be the bar and family room area downstairs! We made the bar a standout with dimensional tile and sleek seating, and it has a great roll-up window that lets you serve drinks to guests outside on the deck. The open seating area nearby has a fabulous fireplace, a game table, and modular seating. It’s just a great open space for entertaining!

Take the full tour of this Seattle project here, or read about it in ICON magazine!

Founders’ Five: What We’re Obsessed with Now

January 20, 2020Shopping Guideaccessories, chair, color, Dallas, decor, decorating, design, earrings, favorites, furniture, handbag, home, house, ideas, interior design, interior designer, le creuset, leather, living, Los Angeles, pattern, pulp, pulp design studios, rooms, seattle, shopping, space, tips, trends, vanguard, walletBeth and Carolina

We are definitely feeling bling for the coming spring! We’re shopping for shine and shape to dress our homes … and ourselves.

Style + Home Favorites

BETH’S PICKS

Sarah Hendler combines goth + glam in these fabulous Shirley studs in yellow gold and diamonds.

I need this concrete and brass incense holder from Light + Ladder to help me get my zen on!

Carolina and I both love to cook with Le Creuset, but we also gift the fab cookware to our clients for their own kitchens!

How gorgeous is the Greek Peak Side Chair from Vanguard? We just installed this in a custom fabric in a Seattle project!

I would be thrilled to give my business cards to everyone I see with a leather card case this chic – available in pebbled leather from Gucci.

CAROLINA’S PICKS

Speaking of modern art, this gorgeous marble and brass cutting board from Bloomingville looks like a classic Mondrian!

Yes, you do need a Western hat when you live in Texas, and this glam felt version from Eric Javits is a winner!

The Daya bracelet from Workhorse has a ball-and-claw motif, which represents purity guarded by strength. Made of sterling, gold, and black pearls.

Abstract art is an obsession of mine, and Amy Opsal is a Dallas-based artist that is on my radar! May have to snap this one up…

I am crazy for this black and white glazed ceramic bowl by Ettore Sottsass for Bitossi!

Our Design Prediction for 2020

January 17, 2020Featured2020, color, Dallas, decor, decorating, design, home, house, ideas, interior design, interior designer, living, Los Angeles, pattern, pulp, pulp design studios, rooms, seattle, space, tips, trendsBeth and Carolina

We were so excited to be invited by Redfin to predict our top interiors trend for 2020! And we knew exactly which one to talk about. We see a move to use every single square inch in a home, no matter how awkward the space. So we’re designing things like hidden wine rooms under a staircase, or Murphy beds that fold down for extra guests! Check out what our fellow designers told Redfin would be the top trends for this year:

Design by Pulp Design Studios. See the full project here.

Top Interior Design Trends for 2020

As time moves forward so do design trends and styles, and a new year brings unique ways to decorate your home. 2020 will come with some bold, eye-catching new design trends that will look great in any home. With all of these new and exciting ways to decorate your home, we asked some top interior designers located across the nation to share what styles they think will capture your interest in the coming year. If you want to tackle this new year in style, keep reading to learn what these experts are seeing as top design trends for 2020, as well as some tips on how to incorporate these looks in your own home.

Beth Dotolo and Carolina Gentry, Pulp Design Studios: Using every single square inch in the home – but in new and unique ways. Like creating a hidden wine room in the boring space under the stairs. Or fashioning a secret playroom under the eaves of an attic room. No more wasted spaces!

Seattle Staged: The year 2020 is pushing the limits with interior design trends, blending old with new and bringing some unexpected things to the table! Many tried and true designs such as the all-white kitchen are out, and we will be focusing on bringing in the Pantone Color of the Year, classic blue as well as its competitor, green into the mix. Off-trend is on trend this year, so limits will be pushed with vintage accent pieces, high contrast and surprising with the unexpected.

Lissette & Chelsea, La Finca Interiors: 2020 is all about authenticity. In other words: anti-trend. Collected pieces that show your true personality are coming out of attics and storage bins in a big way. Don’t be afraid to display that old yearbook on top of your Tom Ford coffee table book, or the small figurine you purchased on your trip to Tokyo. The trick is to edit and keep items feeling special by only displaying a few at a time. Great design is a process that takes time, should feel collected and, just like our January diet, is better in moderation.

Joanne Palmisano Interior: Eco-design, including the three Rs– reuse, reclaim and recycle. Today’s home will feature products that have recycled content in them (tile, metals, countertops, carpet tiles, and textiles), reuse of vintage finds, furniture and rugs as well as reclaimed wood used for mantels, cabinetry, decorative trim, and flooring will all play key roles in today’s home renovations and building projects.

Michael Helwig Interiors: Introspection should be the buzz word for 2020. The world of self-care and personal enrichment translate into minimalist, “Zen” Interiors: the core elements that promote calmness, tranquility, and comfort. Think basic geometric shapes like circles and rectangles paired with straight lines in furniture and tabletop decor. The whole trend is unfussy, peaceful and earth positive. A great way to introduce this trend to your home is to embrace natural elements: stone, natural wood, wool and plants as decor. Natural artifacts like crystal specimens and man-made wood carvings add in a definite feeling that reinforces this trend.

The Design Inspiration & Design Bump: Smart homes have been the trend in recent years, but with more people becoming conscientious of problems like climate change and sustainability, 2020 will bring increased incorporation of environmentally sustainable home elements, such as recycled wood and indoor garden-based designs.

Younique Designs: The biggest design trends we are seeing would be bold graphic shapes in everything from tile to fabric to wallpaper. Also, a return to color in the kitchen whether it be in the form of fun color on the cabinets or backsplash to even colored marble. The color green is really trending in our market. We are currently doing high gloss emerald green cabinets in a bar across from a kitchen that features a graphic shaped mosaic tile with various bold colored stones including green marble!

Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors: Mango wood is on the rise; this durable wood is perfect for furniture, home accessories, and beautiful sculptures, showcasing a unique and stunning wood grain. Mango wood is a sustainable and renewable resource, making it a popular choice among the environmentally conscious.

Lindsay Saccullo Interiors: Clean Lines and Curves, What’s old is new again. Curved sofas and other upholstery give a nod to 80s silhouettes but clean lines, minimal adornment and simple, textured fabrics provide a modern update.

Karen Attwell, Form Interiors: In the year ahead we see a greater focus on connection to nature in our homes. Aesthetically that means more organic shapes, tactile surfaces, and nature-inspired palettes. Understanding how things are made and learning more about the finishes and materials being used in our homes is more important than ever.

The Model Home: High contrast is the name of the game- whether it’s a black chair with white legs or a bold trim or door color that pops against a more neutral wall, the more contrast the better! Take contrast in a different direction: when working with furniture, art, or textiles, mix modern and vintage pieces to create a fun juxtaposition. Mixing old and new is definitely my favorite way to create eye-catching spaces, so let’s hope this trend is in for the long haul!

Sustainable Home Interior Design: I hope all clients feel that this is the year to update your home with the style you truly love, it is the one trend that is truly timeless. Following a trend creates a home that might feel dated, and does not express your true personality. With that said, I feel the tide is finally changing away from gray, black and white, and towards color.

By Lexi Klinkenberg

Originally published on Redfin.

The Pulp Edit: Sand + Sea

January 13, 2020The Pulp Editbeach, color, Dallas, decor, decorating, design, elle decor, fabric, fearless, home, house, house beautiful, ideas, interior design, interior designer, living, Los Angeles, magazine, pattern, pulp, pulp design studios, rooms, sand, sea, seattle, space, tile, tips, trends, wallpaperBeth and Carolina

Inspiring Fearless Style

Sophisticated colors, textures, and moods find their cool inspiration by the sea. Think chic resort, not beach shack. These are artistic looks full of style, originality, and a touch of mesmerizing mystery.

Gorgeous turquoise tiles give this custom kitchen by Steven Gambrel the look of an undersea destination, as seen in Elle Decor.

Artist Paul Klee is the inspiration behind this shapely fabric from Clarence House. It’s a very heavyweight woven cut velvet.

Regal cobras in brass are gorgeous trinkets we found at Ontario-based shop The Sweetest Vintage – full of style, not venom.

Fearlessness and beauty come from happiness – and there’s a new app for that. Happy Not Perfect wants you to put joy first, as featured in Harper’s Bazaar.

Karl Lagerfeld’s last collection is featured against the stunning high-gloss turquoise walls of the Fendi Palazzo Privé in Rome for a feature in Modern Luxury Dallas.