All posts by Beth and Carolina

5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Interior Design Time

April 20, 2017The Business of DesignBeth and Carolina

When we meet with new clients at our first consultation, we share tips with our clients about how to get the most out of this process without racking up the bill. We’ve shared with you our top tips for how to get the most out of a design consultation and the benefits of working with an interior designer… Now, we’re sharing our best tips for going through the design process — the same tips we share with our clients when they get started in the process.

Communicate clearly

Being clear, concise and timely can make a world of difference in terms of saving time and money. Let us know what your expectations are up front and when your needs change — we would rather know as soon as possible! Organized communication is the key.

2. Don’t be shy

Clear feedback on presentations is crucial for us to be able to understand your expectations. We always try to get it right the first time around through our Splendid Living approach, so understanding what you love and what you dislike helps us make the right edits. We want your honest feedback so we can make concise revisions and create a design that’s more specific to you.

3. Timing is everything

Making sure to involve your designer in any needs that change is vital to keeping your design process going smoothly. Notifying your designer right away prevents unnecessary design work, therefore keeping costs down. Approving design proposals quickly can also save you from paying for service fees required to reselect items that have become unavailable during the waiting time. Additionally, please make sure to reschedule appointments at least 24 hours in advance.

4. Don’t go shopping!

We all love shopping, but even the smallest spontaneous purchases and changes can affect the entire design and cause additional redesign time!

5. Trust us.

You’ve hired your designer for their vision, expertise and ability to execute. As professionals, we can see the big picture and visualize your space. The more you trust our vision and prowess, the more money you’ll save in the long run and the greater the payoff will be in the end.

For professional interior design services, contact Pulp Design Studios℠.

Home Tour: Lakehouse Retreat

April 19, 2017Pulp Design WorkBeth and Carolina

We completely renovated this home inside and out to accommodate 16 guests in a stylish, hotel-like setting. Owned by a long-time client of ours, this home reflects the owner’s personal style — well-traveled and eclectic — while also serving as a landing pad for her large family. We created spa-like guest bathrooms equipped with robes and lotions, guest bedrooms with multiple beds and high-quality comforters, and a party deck with a bar/entertaining area, to create the ultimate getaway for our client.

View the entire project here and don’t forget to see the before-and-after photos here.

Q. WHO IS OUR CLIENT AND HOW DID THEY FIND US?

We’ve been working with this client for years — we’ve designed several of her business locations and another of her homes. When she decided to invest in this lakeside residence, she knew it needed a serious overhaul and called us in immediately.

Q. WHAT WAS THE CLIENT’S PROJECT SCOPE AND WHY DID THEY SEEK OUT A DESIGNER RATHER THAN ATTEMPTING IT ON THEIR OWN?

This was a complete top-to-bottom renovation. With an unstable deck that needed to be replaced, dark and dreary wood paneling throughout the home, and a worn-down interior, this home needed to be completely transformed. Our client knew she wouldn’t be able to do this without us, so we were her first call.

Q. WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST PROJECT CHALLENGE?

Making room for 16 beds in a four-bedroom house was challenging in itself, let alone making sure that the space looks stylish and not cluttered. The home needed to be durable and cleanable since there would be plenty of guests coming straight in from a swim in the lake, and it needed to feel open and fresh despite accommodating a large group.

Q. WHAT WAS THE MOST DRAMATIC TRANSFORMATION?

The entire home is mind-blowing to look at before-and-after photos of, even for us. Filled with dark, dated wood and worn-down finishes, it’s barely recognizable as this new, bright and airy space. See before and after photos here

Q. CAROLINA, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THIS SPACE?

The guest room with a master bed and attached bathroom is full of layered patterns and textures. It’s gorgeous and completely captures the eclectic, global vibe the client was after. It really feels like you’re staying in a luxurious hotel, with robes and amenities available in the bathroom and a lounging area in the bedroom. In fact, I’ve stayed in this room before and enjoyed it

Q. BETH, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THIS SPACE?

This was an incredibly fun project. We refreshed the entire space to feel more like the happy medium between a hotel and a residence. Our team added little touches to the bathrooms, like plush robes and shampoos, to make the space feel lush and inviting. In terms of completed spaces, I love the entire master suite — knowing that the homeowner will be able to retreat into her own little space, with both a gorgeous master bath and a den attached to the master bedroom, feels like the perfect touch. Its layered patterns and global feel are sophisticated and inviting. Our team did a gorgeous job.

Continue exploring the space by watching our home tour video below…

What was your favorite part of this project?

For professional interior design services, contact Pulp Design Studios℠.

Our 7 Favorite Wall Coverings

April 17, 2017Entertaining + Home LivingBeth and Carolina

Looking for a pop of color or texture? Wall coverings. Looking to elevate a space? Wall coverings. Simply put: to make the biggest difference in your space, wrap the room with a luxurious wall covering. A signature element of Pulp’s interior design style, our interior design team is sharing their favorite wall coverings — get the scoop below!

BETH’S PICK
Co-Founder + Principal Interior Designer

“This wall covering feels so organic and textured — its luxe colors and hand-drawn feel ensure you’ll never get tired of it in your space.”

Porter Teleo, Tangled

CAROLINA’S PICK
Co-Founder + Principal Interior Designer

“With its artsy vibe and variety of colors, this pick would be perfect for a creative space. In fact, we’ll be adding this selection to one of our upcoming designs.”

Pierre Frey, Arty

TRACY’S PICK
Senior Interior Designer + Purchasing Manager

“So elegant in its textured simplicity, this pink-hued cream covering is the perfect pick for a serene space.”

Phillip Jeffries, St. Barts Serenity in White Washed

TARA’S PICK
Junior Designer

“I’m obsessing over this multi-textured white covering — it’s such a sophisticated way to add a layer of interest into a room without committing to obvious color or texture.”

Elitis, Peace

SHANNON’S PICK
Junior Designer

“When it comes to wall coverings, I like to think bold. Imagine this hand-painted butterfly wall covering in a powder bath or in a children’s playroom — completely gorgeous!”

Voutsa, Butterflies in Black

JANA’S PICK
Junior Designer

“This black-and-white piece is perfect for some subtle pattern without being over the top. Fans are one of my favorite patterns of the moment, and I love this contemporary take on that pattern.”

Erica Wakerly, Fan

EMILY’S PICK
Marketing Coordinator

“Gold and black is one of my all-time favorite color combinations — let’s be real, it’s everyone’s favorite. Paired with this geometric pattern, it’s perfection.”

Erica Wakerly, Angles

Whose pick is your favorite?

11 Essentials for Your Home Spa

April 13, 2017Entertaining + Home Living, Shopping GuideBeth and Carolina

We’re all about making your daily bathroom experience spa-like… In between your facials and spa visits, what better to make you feel more relaxed than by making your daily experience as comforting and uplifting? We always recommend to our interior design clients that they create personalized spaces — don’t forget about personalizing your bathroom.

HOME TREND: Geometric Shapes

April 12, 2017Shopping GuideBeth and Carolina

Geometric shapes are becoming more and more infused into all realms of home decor. We’re seeing them pop up in lighting fixtures, wall covering and fabric patterns, and accessories… We’re put together a list of our nine favorite geometric home items, designer-chosen and ready for your home.

WATCH NOW! Home Tour: Lakehouse Retreat

April 10, 2017News + AnnouncementsBeth and Carolina

This lakeside home was completely refurbished inside and out to accommodate 16 guests in a stylish, hotel-like setting. Owned by a long-time client of Pulp, this home reflects the owner’s personal style — well-traveled and eclectic — while also serving as a landing pad for her large family. With spa-like guest bathrooms equipped with robes and lotions, guest bedrooms with multiple beds and high-quality comforters, and a party deck with a bar/entertaining area, this is the ultimate getaway.

WATCH NOW! Home Tour: Lakehouse Retreat

See all of our videos on Pulp TV and check out the full Lakehouse Retreat.

The Pulp Edit: April 2017

April 6, 2017The Pulp EditBeth and Carolina

Heading up our favorite trends this month are metallics, dynamic wall coverings, and pop art with a twist… See below for more on our top 10 home trends for April 2017.

We’re advocates of the “final 15” approach here at Pulp: adding art and accessories to make a room feel finished — the final 15 percent of the design. This approach can be especially easy to take in a living room or bedroom, but we believe even the kitchen should be accessorized. Add bar tools and fun pieces to make the room feel finished.

Our friend Susan Jamieson — who we met through the DXV Design Panel 2016 — has a line of beautiful wall coverings and fabrics that we’re obsessing over. This design, Buscemi in the color Bling Bling, is a gorgeous compilation of matte blues and metallic silvers.

We’re always fans of art that feels true to a home owner’s style sensibilities — this fun twist on the Mona Lisa is an eye-catching homage to a playful state of mind. Art by Daniel Maltzman, featured in Luxe Magazine.

These playful and sculptural bench legs immediately make this otherwise-simplistic room feel more high-end. The clear focal point of the room, these brass legs are a functional piece of art. Design by Amelia Handegan, featured in Veranda Magazine.

Muted, moody hues are the latest colors for spring. We’re loving these matte, muted purples, greens and a wide variety of neutral shades. We’re anticipating seeing this color palette in home decor across the board: wall coverings, furniture, and furnishings. Image from Luxe Magazine.

We’re over focal walls — a singular wall painted a different color than the rest of the walls in the room. While that look can feel dated, we’re loving a new trend for walls: making the wall covering the focal point of the space. Adding neutral furniture and accessories while choosing a dynamic print for your walls creates a gorgeous space. This dynamic wall covering is by Kelly Wearstler.

We’re heading to High Point Market this month, where we’ll be scoping out new pieces for projects we’re working on and seeing new items from manufacturers we already use and love. We’re in love with this new bed frame from Bernhardt and can’t wait to see it in person!

Perennials‘ new indoor/outdoor rug collection has some of the softest outdoor rugs we’ve ever laid our hands on. Stain resistant and easily cleanable, these durable pieces also feature gorgeous colors and patterns we’re excited to use in upcoming projects.

Marble mosaics aren’t going out of style any time soon — this Cosmati mosaic from ANN Sacks is completely drool-worthy. Filled with layered neutrals and pops of black and white, these tiles are one of our all-time favorites.

This large-scale wall covering by NewWall is an electric combination of golds, whites and dreamy aubergine. With threads of metallic running through the piece, the gold catches the light as it changes in the room and adds a dynamic pop to the space.

9 Essentials for a Perfectly Organized Living Room

April 5, 2017Shopping GuideBeth and Carolina

The easiest way to make a space look more elegant and refined is to remove clutter and trade rarely-used pieces for items that will work for more than a singular purpose. When we meet them for the initial consultation, we request that our new interior design clients leave their homes as-is — instead of tidying up — so that we can see what the big offenders are when it comes to keeping the home clean. We put together our best tips for keeping your living room perfectly organized below.

Before + After: Lakehouse Retreat

April 3, 2017Pulp Design Workbefore and aftersBeth and Carolina

When our longtime client came to us with plans for renovating this home on the shore of Lake McQueeney, we were excited to jump in and get started. When we first toured the home, we knew that it had to be an entirely redone — we took it from dark and dreary four-bedroom to a refreshed space that sleeps 16 people. This retreat features a pool on the front of the house and a deck for entertaining on the back, along with a master suite and luxe guest bedrooms and bathrooms with robes, lotion, and other spa-like amenities.

Take a look at the stunning before and after of this Lakehouse Retreat…

Entryway

“Our client is very well-traveled, so we needed to make it have a global feel while also being modern. It was fun to take things of hers and bring it into the space and make it shine.” – Beth, Principal Interior Designer

Kitchen

“This home was completely driven towards hospitality. It’s a weekend home, it’s a getaway home. All of the little touches, down to the robes and shampoo, are what make it feel like a getaway or a hotel while you were traveling.” – Carolina, Principal Interior Designer

Dining Room

Living Room

“Our challenge was to take a four bedroom house and turn it into a home that sleeps 16 people while still making it functional, durable, and cleanable because it’s right off the water.” – Beth, Principal Interior Designer

Master Bedroom

“I love all of the pattern combinations. It just looks fresh. It’s like a little hotel room that I would love to stay in.” -Carolina, Principal Interior Designer

Deck Area

“When we first got our hands on the house, the deck looked like it was about to fall off. It got torn down, then an entertaining deck complete with an outdoor kitchen and three different types of seating areas was put in.” – Beth, Principal Interior Designer

Front Entrance + Pool Area

“It actually has a swimming pool on the front part of the house and then a lake on the backside. So we had to address both parts and it had to be awesome for entertaining.” – Carolina, Principal Interior Designer

Don’t forget to check out the full space here. What was your favorite room makeover in this space?

The Monthly Wrap: March 2017 Edition

March 30, 2017News + AnnouncementsBeth and Carolina

Customization is the name of the game when it comes to interior design (at least at Pulp it is!)… We broke down our favorite interior design trends, home decor picks, and launched a new project — the Eclectic Abode — this month on Pulp Editorial. What did you miss this month?