All posts by Beth and Carolina

Before + After: Big Style in a Small Space

July 30, 2019Entertaining + Home Livingapartment, before and after, color, condo, Dallas, decor, decorating, design, home, home decor, house, ideas, interior design, interior designer, living, Los Angeles, pattern, pulp, pulp design studios, rooms, seattle, small space, space, tips, trends, wallpaper, zonesBeth and Carolina

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

Living Room

“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

Kitchen/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

Bedroom

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

July 22, 2019The Pulp Editabstract, bright, color, Dallas, decor, decorating, design, home, house, ideas, interior design, interior designer, living, Los Angeles, modern, pattern, pulp, pulp design studios, pulp edit, rooms, seattle, space, summer, tips, trendsBeth and Carolina

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:

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Home Tour: Lakeside Modern

July 1, 2019Entertaining + Home Livingcolor, Dallas, decor, decorating, design, home, house, house tour, ideas, interior design, interior designer, lake house, lakeside, living, Los Angeles, pacific northwest, pattern, pulp, pulp design studios, pulpinterior design, rooms, seattle, space, tips, trendsBeth and Carolina

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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?!

Pulp’s Famous Michelada Recipe

June 10, 2019Entertaining + Home Livingfood and drinkBeth and Carolina

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

June 3, 2019Entertaining + Home Livingart, color, Dallas, dallas designer, decor, decorating, design, eclectic, family, home, home tour, house, ideas, interior design, interior designer, kids, livable, living, Los Angeles, luxurious, luxury, pattern, pulp, pulp design studios, rooms, seattle, space, texas, tips, trendsBeth and Carolina

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Thanks for taking the home tour with our team!

10 Gifts Dad Really Wants

May 27, 2019Shopping Guidebalenciaga, beard oil, belt, book, color, dad, Dallas, decor, decorating, design, fathers day, gift, gift guide, gifts, gifts for dad, gucci, home, house, ideas, interior design, interior designer, living, Los Angeles, pattern, pulp, pulp design studios, rooms, seattle, shinola, slides, space, tips, trends, watchBeth and Carolina

Remember the days of soap on a rope? No need to drag out those tired presents – we have a list of gifts that dad really wants to receive on Father’s Day. Put the tie down and back away!

SHOP THE GIFT GUIDE:

Founders’ Five: 10 Items That We Are Loving This Month

May 20, 2019Shopping GuideBeth's Picks, Carolina's Picks, founders picks, shopping, shopping guideBeth and Carolina

Here are some of our current favorite finds that we want or that are making our lives better and more stylish, right now…

Interior Designer Style + Home Favorites

BETH’S PICKS

MY husband surprised my with this Chloe Femininities Necklace from his trip to France. I’ve received so many compliments so had to share!

I recently started seeing a nutritionist who recommended these Morccon Your World Picky Bars and I am obsessed.

These Tibi ankle wrap strap heels have made my latest wishlist.

I’ve been feeling a little dull with with seasonal skin change, so I’m giving the Goop Glow a try!

This stunning Cox London Serpent Table is on my client pinboards and can’t wait to use it on a project… We first spotted it on an inspiration trip to the London Design Festival!

CAROLINA’S PICKS

I am a sucker for good heels and you’ll rarely catch me in flats. These Chloe ankle strap sandals are my new favorite!

Aoyama makes a stunningly fragranced incense. Add this to your must list, if you love incense.

If you’re looking for a new statement necklace, this Truth Pendant stopped me in my tracks.

I love a bold Entry table and this new Beacon Console table is gorgeous!

Dedon makes some to-die-for solar powered lanterns and their Lantern L is on my list for my backyard design.

4 Tips for the Perfect Outdoor Room

May 13, 2019Entertaining + Home Livingcolor, Dallas, deck, decor, decorating, design, home, house, ideas, interior design, interior designer, living, Los Angeles, outdoor design, outdoor room, pattern, porch, pulp, pulp design studios, rooms, seattle, space, terrace, tips, trendsBeth and Carolina

It’s the time of year when we start thinking about moving outdoors again! Whether you have a porch, terrace, deck or patio, there are a few simple tips that will make your al fresco living much more comfortable. Let’s take a look…

after-lakehouse-retreat-deck-seating — Outdoor room by Pulp Design Studios. See full project here.

1. Conversation Areas

Just like in the best living rooms and family rooms, you need seating that’s welcoming and positioned for great conversation. Your guests will feel right at home in the great outdoors with comfy seats and a place to put their feet up!

after-lakehouse-retreat-deck — Outdoor room by Pulp Design Studios. See full project here.

2. Defined Dining

Define areas for eating al fresco. There’s nothing better (or more romantic) than a meal under the stars! Having an outdoor dining set makes meal time easier and more comfortable. And it doesn’t hurt to have even more seating when you throw your next BBQ or outdoor party.

after-lakehouse-retreat-deck-bench-seating — Outdoor room by Pulp Design Studios. See full project here.

3. Indoor Conveniences

Don’t forget that any rules for making an indoor room more comfortable work well outside, too! Offer pillows, throws, and outdoor rugs for comfort and to add great color. And don’t forget outdoor lighting and sound systems to keep people happy even after sundown.

after-lakehouse-retreat-deck-table — Outdoor room by Pulp Design Studios. See full project here.

4. An Element of Surprise

We love to include something unique and special in every room we design, and that includes outdoor spaces! For this deck project, we found an amazing table with an ice trough built right into it – perfect for serving ice cold drinks on a hot summer day. Other unique ideas include outdoor art, a fun “string chair” like those above, a TV made to withstand the weather, or an incredible water feature. Show your personality!

Use these ideas to create your own backyard oasis – and have a great summer this year!

Which Sofa (Cushion) Is Right for You?

May 6, 2019Entertaining + Home Livingcolor, couch, Dallas, decor, decorating, den, design, family room, home, house, ideas, interior design, interior designer, living, living room, Los Angeles, pattern, pulp, pulp design studios, rooms, seating, seattle, sofa, space, tips, trends, upholsteryBeth and Carolina

Today’s sofas come in every style, length, seat, and color you can imagine. But the number-one question we get from clients is whether their sofa should have one, two, or three seat cushions. And that depends on how you’ll actually use your sofa – so here’s the best way to decide:

Pulp Modern Living Room — Interior by Pulp Design Studios. See the full project here.

One Seat Cushion

The single-seat cushion, known as a bench seat by those in the biz, is a sleeker and more modern look. This solo cushion actually fools the eye by making the sofa look even longer. It’s also a more tailored style that’s perfect for entertaining. That’s because you can fit a lot of people on the single cushion – there isn’t an uncomfortable spot that you often get in that gap between cushions. The only “cons” to this type of sofa cushion is to be sure you get a good quality of upholstery. Otherwise the ends of the cushion can pop up as a person sits near the center.

pulp-design-studios-vibrant-townhome-living-room-furniture — Interior by Pulp Design Studios. See full project here.

Two Seat Cushions

This style has become a lot more popular in the last year or two. The look also has an elongating effect with two longer cushions, and it’s super-comfortable to share with another person. Each person gets a lot of real estate with a bigger cushion, which is fabulous for couples or small-group entertaining. The downside to a two-seater is that it isn’t optimal for more than two people – someone will get stuck in the gap. And if you or a family member like to nap on the sofa, this one will let your hip sink into the space between cushions.

Pulp Design Studios Handsome Highrise - Living Room 2 — Interior by Pulp Design Studios. See the full project here.

after-lakehouse-retreat-living-room — Interior by Pulp Design Studios. See full project here.

Three Seat Cushions (or more)

Having three seat cushions has been the traditional look for many years. And it’s still a great choice if you have a big family or if you entertain a lot. The multiple cushions help designate seating areas, allowing you to fit more people comfortably on the sofa. If you have pets or children, this is also a great choice because you can remove a single cushion for quick clean up – or even flip it!

The Loft | a handsome city sanctuary | Pulp Design Studios | Masculine and Handsome warehouse turned city loft | Loft home decor | Industrial home decor | Industrial loft | Guest house apartment | Indoor outdoor living room | Hair on hide rugs | Living room ideas | Modern living room | Eclectic living room ideas | — Interior by Pulp Design Studios. See full project here.

Fearless Style Fit for a Family, Living Room featuring navy blue stripped armchairs, geometric blue rug, circle mirror, gold accented artwork, horse inspired artwork, coastal style family home, coffee table styling, navy sofa, navy couch — Interior by Pulp Design Studios. See full project here.

We hope we’ve made choosing your next sofa style as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Giving Back Through Design

April 22, 2019Entertaining + Home Livingcharity, color, Dallas, decor, decorating, design, dwell with dignity, home, house, ideas, interior design, interior designer, living, Los Angeles, pattern, pulp, pulp design studios, rooms, seattle, space, thrift studio, tips, trendsBeth and Carolina

One of our favorite events in Dallas is the annual Dwell with Dignity Thrift Studio, a pop-up shop created to raise funds for Dwell with Dignity by selling donated furniture, housewares, accessories and high-end designer finds to the public. This year, we were excited to be among the designers who were asked to create a vignette with donated items that were all for sale to benefit the charity.

The first step was to select and measure our space. Pulp’s co-founder and principal designer Carolina Gentry did her best to measure the entire tall space! Then we got to work on our design.

The color we selected was Benjamin Moore‘s Summer Nights. We see 2019 as the year of muted brights, which is why we chose greyed greens, dusty blues, and muted terra cottas for our palette.

All of the furnishings and accessories we chose were part of our theme of travel and exotic destinations. We love unexpected details, like this fabulous chandelier, so we created a collected look for our vignette.

The result is a colorful and artful space with a bit of a masculine vibe!

We were excited to be sponsored by S.Harris, our fabric collection partner, so we also used a lot of our fabrics in the space, including our Hidalgo pattern above.

Other vendors who donated to our vignette include Global Views, Brenda Houston, LDF Silk, Designers Draperies, Designs by EG, Taylors Showroom, and In Detail.

Our Dallas team had a blast celebrating at opening night… If you’re in Dallas, be sure to drop by and shop our space anytime through April 27!

Wherever You Are

We work all across the country, designing primary residences, pied-à-terres, and vacation homes, for our clients near and far.

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