All posts by Beth and Carolina

Home Tour: Rooms with a View

When these clients were planning their dream home near Seattle, they spent a lot of time searching for the right design team. They wanted to create a modern house with bold color, unique interiors, and gorgeous appointments, and the Pulp Design Studios team was the perfect fit for their vision! Curating artful details, customizing furnishings, and creating those special moments and wow-factors that improve the daily experience are what sets Pulp apart, and what makes this home’s interiors so special. Let’s take a tour!

Q: How did the setting impact your design?

With floor-to-ceiling windows that can be opened to let the rooms flow into the outdoor areas, the architecture made the most of the mountain and lake views. We carefully planned how each view would be framed and how we could place the furnishings to offer the best view from every room. And we brought in colors that were inspired by the trees and water to create a seamless transition between the indoors and outdoor settings.

Q: This home’s architecture is so modern – did that influence your designs for the interiors?

Definitely! We wanted to soften those modern edges (which we love!) with color and textiles – they really work to balance the overall look. And since the rooms flow together in a very open way, color connects the design of the interiors from room to room. We were also very lucky that these clients are artists, so we helped them curate their collections to add even more color and life to the spaces.

Q: Your signature look always includes unexpected moments and details. What were your favorites in this home?

The wallpaper in the powder bath is one of our all-time favorites – it’s fabulous! We also loved that hit of bright blue in the kitchen, along with a bold orange in the pantry. And we designed a Murphy bed for guests in the art studio so it could double as a guest room. It’s hidden behind a sliding wooden door.

Q: It’s so hard to make a loft feel cozy, but this one definitely does. How did you achieve that?

This loft is open to the art studio downstairs, but we still wanted it to feel like a retreat where they could relax as a family. So we brought in a lot of super-comfy upholstery and pillows, as well as a rug and ottomans. All of those textiles help absorb sound, and of course they’re very inviting, too. The position of the sectional also helps – we made sure it had the chaise’s back to the railing to block noise. That also makes the most of the views. Then we added in some fabulous books and games, and voila – you have a cozy family room!

Q: Which room is the clients’ favorite?

The master suite is a dreamy oasis – the perfect getaway after a stressful day! Not only do you have the stunning views of the lake in both the bedroom and the master bath, but there’s also a fully framed view from the shower. We used the outdoor settings as inspiration for colors and patterns in these rooms, too, which makes them serene and chic.

Q: Do you two have a favorite space in the house?

Have you seen that bathtub?!

Take the full tour of this Washington home here, or learn more about it in the latest issue of ICON magazine!

The Pulp Edit: Captivating Glamour

Stylized Patterns &
Opulent Layering

Glamour is back with stylized patterns, bold gold, opulent layering and more than a touch of the exotic.  We’re loving the maximalist approach and its focus on unique details and one-of-a-kind accessories.

Loving the ‘90s tribute in a recent issue of InStyle as the magazine celebrates its 25th anniversary, with Amber Valetta sporting the iconic Versace dress originally worn by Elizabeth Hurley.

Add some depth to any wall or ceiling with these eye-catching wallcoverings, including a swirling pattern from Cole and Son.

Global Views’ Eye of the Storm Antique Brass Box has a cool brutalist vibe. It’s perfect for a nightstand or coffee table.

This gorgeous Brunschwig & Fils fabric – designed by Les Ensembliers – is rich in pattern and texture.

Our newest finish for the Pulp Design Studios Starburst Pull is bewitching in a dark and mysterious matte black.

Ann Sacks has our heart with incredible tile designs full of depth and pattern. Liaison is twisting tale of mosaics and style from the Kelly Wearstler Collection.

Erin West creates limited edition and small-run handmade ceramics that can be found at Maestri Gallery. We love the spikes on the side of this bowl – a perfect combo of badass and beautiful.

The Gemma Statue from Bungalow 5 makes a Cubist statement with faces on several sides, hand molded in bronze.

Go Home takes tic-tac-toe to glam new heights with a 3D version of the old school pastime. Gorgeous in bronze and marble, there’s nothing childish about this board’s game.

Squares of bone, resin, and wood give the handle of this Gustav Magnifier a chic sensibility, from Global Views.

Before + After: Redesign on a Deadline

We were all set to start on a renovation project for these clients when their dream home in the perfect location became available! After a quick switch of gears, we were set to get the new home ready and filled with style and color. But we were on a tight deadline to deliver this gorgeous home in just a few months before the kids started school. Pulp Design Studios put it into warp drive to create an eclectic and elegant home that made smart choices and nailed the clients’ wish list! Bam!

Formal Living Room

Formal Living Room

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Formal Living Room

Hall

Hall

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Entry

Home Office

Study

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Home Office

“The home office is our favorite room in the house! The art and mix of patterns give this room a strong personality!”
– Carolina Gentry

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Home Office Desk Detail

Kitchen

Kitchen

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Breakfast

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Kitchen

Family Room

Family Room

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Master Sitting Room

Dining Room

Dining Room

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Dining Room

“The right paint, lighting, and furnishings can transform a home when you don’t have the time for a major renovation!”
– Beth Dotolo

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Dining Room Closeup

Garden Room

Garden Room

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Deb Fireplace

Master Bedroom

Master

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Master Bedroom

Powder Room

Powder Bath

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Powder Bath

Laundry Room

Laundry

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Laundry

There’s even more to see in the full project – just click here to take a tour!
Want to know how we can transform YOUR home?
Book a complimentary call to discuss how we can help!

Home Tour: A Stylish Family Home

Not every Pulp Design Studios project involves major construction and renovations. We love to work our magic with finishes and furnishings, bringing a home to life with a nip and tuck instead of a full face lift. This Dallas family loved the “bones” of their home, but they just felt that it didn’t really reflect their personalities. We gave them clever and unique selections for paint, furnishings, and lighting for a house they are proud to call home! Let’s take a tour!

Pulp Design Studios - Classic with an Edge - Family Great Room

Pulp Design Studios - Classic with an Edge - Family Room Fireplace Wall

Pulp Design Studios - Classic with an Edge - Family Room Seating

Q: How did this client find you?

We designed their neighbors’ home, and they saw it when it appeared in D Home. They liked what they saw so they reached out to us to see if we could inject some personality into their Dallas home.

Pulp Design Studios - Classic with an Edge - Kitchen

Pulp Design Studios - Classic with an Edge - Breakfast Room

Pulp Design Studios - Classic with an Edge - Breakfast Room Styling

Q: What special requests did the clients have for you?

They have two small children, so they wanted to be sure the home would stand up to their daily wear and tear. But they also wanted to be sure the house was hip and colorful, with great art and details. We gave them fabrics made to repel stains and messes, and we curated art that would give them both color and personality in each room.

Pulp Design Studios - Classic with an Edge - Dining Room Seating

Pulp Design Studios - Classic with an Edge - Entry

Q: What is the clients’ favorite space?

They really love the bold black study! It’s at the very front of the house near the entrance, so it makes a major impact when you come through the door. It really gives any visitors an idea of how bold and hip this family is!

Pulp Design Studios - Classic with an Edge - Home Office

Pulp Design Studios - Classic with an Edge - Home Office Styling

Pulp Design Studios - Classic with an Edge - Home Office Desk

Q: Besides paint and art, what’s another easy way to show your personality in your home?

Definitely with your bookshelves! The books you choose are always a good giveaway for what you like and anything that you’re interested in. And shelves are also a fantastic place for you to show off all those amazing things you bring back from your travels, or the spectacular photos you take with friends and family. There’s no better place in the home to make a personal statement!

Pulp Design Studios - Classic with an Edge - Home Office Casework

Pulp Design Studios - Classic with an Edge - Family Room Bookshelves

Take the full tour of this fabulous Dallas home here!

Home Tour: A Hip Haven for Creatives

We love mid-century modern architecture, so when our Dallas clients came to us with a 1955 home that needed major work, we couldn’t wait to get started! This creative family was looking for a hip and modern vibe that would give them space to work from home, and entertaining areas for friends and family. We gutted the home and created an addition that included a home office and also opened up the home’s floorplan. Take a tour with us of the mid-century modern makeover, and see the full tour here.

Pulp Design Studios - Mid-Century Makeover - Living Room

Pulp Design Studios - Mid-Century Makeover - Great Room

Q: How did you open up the space?

We did a complete gut for the renovation, which allowed us to take out walls and make a more open floorplan in the main entertaining spaces. It has a great flow for the family and also for hosting their friends and guests. Our clients loved the result and the way the kitchen, dining area, and living space work together.

Pulp Design Studios - Mid-Century Makeover - Kitchen

Pulp Design Studios - Mid-Century Makeover - Kitchen 2

Pulp Design Studios - Mid-Century Makeover - Dining Room

Q: You created an addition onto the home – what rooms did that include?

These clients are creative people and he even works from home, so we wanted to be sure to give him a home office that would help spark his creativity and would give him a great place to work.

Pulp Design Studios - Mid-Century Makeover - Home Office 2

Pulp Design Studios - Mid-Century Makeover - Home Office

We also added a hallway that offers a lot of storage since the home is only 1,900 square feet and they have a growing family.

Pulp Design Studios - Mid-Century Makeover - Hallway

Q: How did you combine the history of the home with the more modern updated look the client wanted?

Luckily, with midcentury modern design you already have a lot great architecture and details that lend themselves to a 21st century modern look. We used their art collections, unique custom details, and dramatic wall colors (like black!) to give the home a super-hip vibe that still fit with the home’s 1955 design.

Pulp Design Studios - Mid-Century Makeover - Media Room

Pulp Design Studios - Mid-Century Makeover - Entry

Q: What is the clients’ favorite space?

They wanted an oasis for their master suite, and the new addition gave us the space to create a fabulous spa bathroom for them. We designed the suite to be a calm and reflective area where they can recharge their batteries!

Pulp Design Studios - Mid-Century Makeover - Master Bedroom

Pulp Design Studios - Mid-Century Makeover - Master Bath

Q: The clients have a small child – are there any spaces that you designed specifically for kids?

Definitely! The home needed to function for their child and for their pets, so we gave them a fun bedroom, bathroom, and playroom that would be colorful and full of pattern to spark a little one’s creativity, too.

Pulp Design Studios - Mid-Century Makeover - Kids Room

Pulp Design Studios - Mid-Century Makeover - Kids Room 2

Pulp Design Studios - Mid-Century Makeover - Playroom Bathroom

Pulp Design Studios - Mid-Century Makeover - Playroom

Q What is your favorite space in the home?

Definitely the powder room! We love the impact that the black paint color makes in this space, especially combined with the natural wood and brass. It’s a showstopper!

Pulp Design Studios - Mid-Century Makeover - Powder Bath

Before + After: Big Style in a Small Space

When our client purchased a luxury condo in a premier Seattle high rise, he wanted more than just the plain box style that he started out with. Without any construction, we gave him a home made for entertaining, with clever ideas to make the most of every square inch. He loved the design we presented so much that he had no changes. We transformed his interiors from zero personality to maximum style!

Entry Hall

Hall BEFORE

Pulp Design Studios Handsome Highrise - Entry

Living Room

Everist - LR

Pulp Design Studios Handsome Highrise - Living Room Overall

“Using wallpaper on the ceiling to define the living room as a separate space from the kitchen/dining area really gave the illusion of more space in this condo.”
– Beth Dotolo

Pulp Design Studios Handsome Highrise - Living Room 2

Pulp Design Studios Handsome Highrise - Living Room

Kitchen/Dining

Everist - DR

Pulp Design Studios Handsome Highrise - Kitchen and Dining

“I never thought my place could look so amazing. The colors, the furniture, and the accessories are all just incredible.”
– Gary E. Pulp Design Studios Client

PULP-PROJECT-TOUR-HANDSOME-HIGH-RISE-WITH-LUXURY-SMALL-SPACE-LIVING

Bedroom

BEDROOM 2

Pulp Design Studios Handsome Highrise - Master Bedroom Overall

Pulp Design Studios Handsome Highrise - Master Bedroom Nightstand View

BEDROOM

Pulp Design Studios Handsome Highrise - Master Bedroom Bookshelves

There’s even more to see in the full project – just click here to take a tour!
Want to know how we can transform YOUR home?
Book a complimentary call to discuss how we can help!

The Pulp Edit: Summer Brights

Bright Summer Colors & Playful Patterns

Summer is for fun, so we’re loving the trend to bright, bold colors and playful patterns. Colors inspired by the blues of the seaside are complemented with hot orange and sizzling pink – perfect for warm-weather fun!

And today we’re also debuting our 2nd issue of ICON, our in-house magazine packed with trends, sneak peeks, and design ideas! We have an amazing summer issue that showcases summer living, top vacation getaways from our designer friends like Bobby Berk, and great ideas for your home! Just click here to read the new issue.

And now, let’s dive back into our top summer trends:

ONE

Lee Jofa’s Graffito pattern is a fun, organic look in a watery blue. We love the abstract print, too. It almost looks like a topographical map!

 TWO

Add personality to a lamp shade, or pillow with a funky trim by Schumacher. It’s called Tumbling Blocks and it offers an Escher-like dimensional design.

THREE

We’re obsessed with the color on this juju hat, called blood orange. It’s THE color of summer. Juju hats are constructed of feathers, bamboo, and raffia, and we LOVE using them in our interiors!

 FOUR

Our collection of S.Harris fabrics showcase our love of color, pattern, and exotic travel. The Kismet design adds bold color to a geometric vibe.

 FIVE

Make a statement this summer with an Eric Javits hat in a punchy color! We love this bright and boldly striped version, featured in InStyle magazine, May 2019.

SIX

The Missoni Family Cookbook adds the company’s signature color to any kitchen, plus it has delicious recipes! Four generations of Missoni family offer a kaleidoscope of tastes, scents, and colors.

 SEVEN

Pulp is a huge fan of these copper enamel plates! Carolina and Beth purchase these on trips as souvenirs. Carolina started her collection in high school. They make a great accent for any coffee table.

EIGHT

Make a splash with a modern tile that has a retro feel – Art Deco with a Memphis Style inspiration  from Walker Zanger called, appropriately, Kaleidoscope.

NINE

This gorgeous Hamptons home designed by Kelly Behun and featured in Architectural Digest is full of color and fun!

Home Tour: Lakeside Modern

Our clients had a dream team of architects and builders for their Pacific Northwest home – but they needed furnishings and final touches. And of course we were ready to jump into this beautiful lakeside home! We gave them streamlined designs and the perfect palette to complement the stunning house and the tree-filled setting.

Take a tour through this lakeside modern home with us, and see the full project here.  We also were lucky enough to have this home showcased in an entertaining feature for Traditional Home. Click here to see the home all dressed up for a party!

Pulp Design Studios - Lakeside Modern - Great Room

Pulp Design Studios - Lakeside Modern - Living Room

Q: What was your favorite part of the project?

Besides the fact that it was a gorgeous house in an amazing Bellevue, WA, location, the clients were amazing and we understood what they needed right away. In fact, there were ZERO changes to our original presentation!

Pulp Design Studios - Lakeside Modern - Kitchen

Pulp Design Studios - Lakeside Modern - Dining Room

Q: How did the clients find you?

They were referred to us by their friends, who had been Pulp clients and had a great experience with us.

Pulp Design Studios - Lakeside Modern - Master Bedroom

Pulp Design Studios - Lakeside Modern - Master Bed

Q: How did the lakeside setting impact your design?

We were so inspired by the views of the lake and all the trees – it really felt almost like you were in a super-modern treehouse. So we used a lot of natural woods and textures, as well as a palette that had the soft greens and grays that we could see right out of the windows. It gives a feeling of the indoors and outdoors melding together.

Pulp Design Studios - Lakeside Modern - Media Room

Pulp Design Studios - Lakeside Modern - Media Room Ping Pong

Q: What’s the clients’ favorite room?

They would probably say it’s the family room! With a “snuggle pit” that’s a fabulous sectional and a gorgeous ping pong table, it’s a room that’s fun for the whole family.

Pulp Design Studios - Lakeside Modern - Deck

Q: What’s the Pulp team’s favorite space?

Probably the outdoor terrace – how could you not love a space that has a view like that?!

best michelada recipe, cocktail recipes, summer cocktails

Pulp’s Famous Michelada Recipe

We shared our Michelada recipe years ago here and people often ask for us for the link, especially around summertime! We decided to re-share Carolina’s famous Michelada recipe…

  • 1 16oz. Glass or Mug
  • Ice
  • 1 Mexican Beer (Tecate Light, Corona, Dos Equis Light, Bohemia)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice (about 1 medium juicy lime)
  • 1 oz. Clamato Juice
  • 2 -3 dashes Cholula Hot Sauce (How hot do you like it?)
  • 2 dashes Maggi Seasoning or Soy Sauce
  • 2 -3 dashes Worcestershire Sauce
  • Dash of Black Pepper
  • Pinch of Course Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Tajin (BTW this is awesome on fruit, cucumbers, jicama and popcorn)
  • Add some Tajin to a plate and use for rimming the glasses

Grab a glass and rim the edge with tajin. Add lime, clamato, cholula, maggi, worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper & tajin to glass.  Mix well and add ice, tilt glass slightly and slowly pour beer into glass, stir gently to prevent over fizzing.

Voila…Fiesta in a glass! Enjoy!

Home Tour: Eclectic Elegance

When a Dallas family of five came to us with a tight timeline to create a gorgeous home in a 6,700-square-foot space, we were ready to take on the challenge! They needed all of the architectural selections, painting, flooring, and furnishings selected, installed, and ready to go by the time the kids started a new school year. We only had a few months, but we our organized system kept us on track to deliver a gorgeous home that offers livable luxury!

You can see the entire project here, or follow along on our home tour as we answer your burning questions about this art-filled project!

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Entry 2

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Powder Bath

Q. How did the clients find you?

We were already working with them! We actually were about to renovate the home that they were living in when their dream home came onto the market. Since it was the home they always wanted, they grabbed it, which meant that we needed to change gears quickly.

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Family Room

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Entry

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Entry 3

Q. What was the scope of the project?

They needed minor renovations, architectural selections, painting and flooring. And of course they needed furnishings. They also had a large art collection, but it needed to be curated for the home. The clients wanted the home to look collected, but lived-in. They wanted it to feel like a home, not a museum for their art.

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Formal Living Room

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Kitchen

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Breakfast

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Dining Room

Q. Where there any challenges?

The timeline was very tight – they bought the house at the beginning of summer and wanted it remodeled and redecorated before their three kids started school. We prioritized the kids’ bedrooms so they would be ready first, to help their transition to a new home and a new school year.

They clients also wanted an elegant home, but it also needed to stand up to the wear and tear from three kids and their friends. We know how to select fabulous furnishings and finishes that look luxe but are hardworking, too. So we were able to give them a gorgeous home that is full of livable luxury.

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Boys Room Full

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Girls Room 2

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Girls Bedroom

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Kids Bath

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Laundry

Q. What was the clients’ favorite room?

They have two favorite rooms! The indoor/outdoor room we created gives the feeling of being both in the garden, and in an elegant indoor room. And they also love the master suite, which they describe as their getaway at the end of the day.

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Deb Fireplace

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Master Bedroom

Q. Beth and Carolina, what was YOUR favorite space?

We love the office – it has a great mix of patterns and textures. And we used some unique pieces that offer unexpected details. That’s really our design signature!

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Home Office

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Home Office Builtins

Pulp Design Studios -Eclectic Elegance - Home Office Desk Detail

Thanks for taking the home tour with our team!