All posts by Beth and Carolina

Pulp In Progress: Anise Kitchen + Market

As part of our Three-Step Design Process, we are taking you on a tour through projects that are currently in progress. It will be a fun look into who we’re working with, what made them want to hire a designer, and how we are working with our clients to help solve some key design challenges that will improve their daily experience. Plus, you’ll get a glimpse at some of our designs before they’re completed!

 

Step 1: Consultation + Intake

Q. WHO IS THE CLIENT AND WHAT IS THEIR SCOPE OF WORK?

After completing three other projects with this client — both residential and commercial — she came to us to help her design the space of her new business, Anise Kitchen + Market. Driven by seeing a lack of fresh, healthy foods in Laredo, Texas, she and her business partners wanted to serve the community by filling that need. Anise Kitchen + Market will be both a community-centric market and a restaurant where neighborhood residents can grab fresh fruits and vegetables as well as locally sourced clean eats.

Q: WHY DID THE CLIENT DECIDE TO HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER RATHER THAN TAKING THE PROJECT ON THEMSELVES?

Client, Evelyn:
This project is a new venture and a substantial investment for me. Achieving a certain look and feel is important to the brand and success of the restaurant and I felt like Pulp understands that better than anyone. Having a designer walk you through each step of the process is not only assuring but brings creative opportunity and attention to detail that I couldn’t achieve on my own.

 

Step Two: The Design Phase

Here’s where we took everything we learned from our clients at our consultation and intake process and put all that information and our creativity to work for our clients. We started really getting to know the brand, their goals, who the customer is, how their staff functions in their current space, and how we could make it better. Then we started by gathering inspiration from our client in the form of a Pinterest board and began to collaborate between our offices on the design.

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Q. WHAT IS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE NEW DESIGN?

We wanted to bring together a Latin, global influence with fresh, modern appeal. We combined that with bright greens that will wet your appetite and make you feel connected to the food and its roots.

Q. WHAT ABOUT THE NEW DESIGN IS THE CLIENT MOST EXCITED FOR?
Client, Evelyn:
I am most excited to see the finished product and our ideas come to life. There’s always an expectation or an idea of what it will look like but you can’t ever fully appreciate the design until you are in the space. I can’t wait to get that feeling when you first walk in to the space, smile and think you never want to leave!

 

Step Three: Installation + Execution

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We’re currently in the installation process! We’ll share more progress on @PulpDesign’s Instagram as it’s available. Make sure to also follow Anise Kitchen + Market’s Instagram as well and get excited about their grand opening, happening soon!

Straight from London: Fromental

While we were in London with DesignHounds, we spent the week seeing the most beautiful interiors that London has to offer. We fell in love with the street style, historical-meets-modern architecture, and beautifully styled spaces. Some of the most inspirational visits we made were to installations of Fromental wall coverings — handmade, hand-painted luxury wall elements.

Known for their chinoiserie, Fromental has been adding more modern art to their repertoire lately and we are completely in love with both their classic and modern styles. Even outside of custom pieces, Fromental always includes a handmade element into their wall coverings. Any Fromental piece makes the room it’s installed in so much more special — it’s our dream to install one of these incredible investment pieces into one of our future designs.

 

The Goring Hotel

One of the last privately owned owned hotels in London, The Goring Hotel is a highly sought-after space… As a part of its long-term partnership with Fromental, The Goring Hotel entrusted Fromental with installing beautiful wall coverings throughout its space. It’s an incredibly special place that we were honored to be able to see.

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The Duchess of Cambridge herself put the finishing touches on this unicorn… She painted the eye onto this installation!

 

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China Tang

The Fromental team brought us to a beautiful dinner at the Cantonese-food restaurant China Tang. It was so fun to see gorgeous, traditional Fromental coverings playing off of the modern pieces in this space.

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London Fromental Showroom

But perhaps one of the best places to see Fromental pieces is in its London showroom.

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Along with showcasing Fromental’s beautiful traditional wall coverings, we were able to see some amazing modern renderings. Can’t you just see this in a Pulp room?

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So who wants to the first lucky Pulp client to get a Fromental piece installed?

8 Balsamic Vinaigrette-Drizzled Recipes

As we head into the fall season, our taste buds are craving the sweet, acidic flavor of balsamic vinegar. This is only compounded by the gorgeous new balsamic vinegar container Tecnogas sent to our office. Its beautiful packaging has inspired the Pulp team to spend more time in the kitchen. Now the Pulp team is on the hunt for more delicious balsamic vinaigrette-focused recipes… Here are our eight favorites.

 

The Ultimate Caprese Salad Recipe

Picked by Co-Founder and Principal Interior Designer Beth Dotolo

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Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Goat Cheese, Candied Walnuts

Picked by Co-Founder and Principal Interior Designer Carolina V. Gentry

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Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad

Picked by Senior Designer/Project Manager Tracy Sexton

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Balsamic Peach Basil Chicken Salad with Crispy Prosciutto

Picked by Junior Designer Tara Shovan

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Roasted Beet and Arugula Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette

Picked by Design Assistant Shannon Carl

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Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Cranberries and Balsamic Reduction

Picked by Design Assistant Alissa Johnson

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Avocado + Heirloom Tomato Toast with Balsamic Drizzle

Picked by Design Assistant Vilma Garshae

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Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken

Picked by Marketing + Communications Coordinator Emily Willeman

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DESIGNERS’ GUIDE TO LONDON

After jetting off to NYC for the DXV Design Panel, we headed to London for the DesignHounds event. After a week in London seeing the most spectacular spots, we narrowed down our visit to the most inspiring spots in the city. Here are the top 10 most necessary places for design-lovers to visit in London.

 

  1. The Kensington Hotel

We stayed in the incredible Kensington Hotel. The decor and service were amazing, inspiring many of the interior design projects we’re currently working on.

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2. Decorex

Decorex International is an amazing tradeshow showcasing more than 400 exhibitors hunting for new and inspiring sources for our clients. It’s definitely a must-see trade show for designers.

3. Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace was displaying the exhibit “Fashion Rules: Restyled” — an exploration of the wardrobes of Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret and Diana, Princess of Wales. So amazing to see! It’s always inspiring to take a step back and look at the detail and quality of interiors from days past.

4. The Goring

We visited the beautiful Goring Hotel, covered with hand-painted Fromental wall coverings. The finishing touches to the wall covering were even added by the Duchess of Cambridge herself as part of the open ceremony of the hotel refurbishment… the eye of a unicorn!

5. Alfie’s Antique Market

Introduced by Antiques Diva, we took a spin through Alfie’s and it was incredibly inspiring to see vintage and antique drool-worthy pieces.

6. designjunction

We visited designjunction‘s exhibition, Cubitt House. More than 100 leading design brands presented furniture, accessories and lighting. We were on design overload by this point, in the best way possible.

7. Fortnum & Mason

Our friend Lauren — a Dallas ex-pat now living in London who blogs at AspiringKennedy.com — met up with us to show us around the town. We went to the beautiful luxury department store Fortnum & Mason for tea service. Gorgeous!

8. Victoria and Albert Museum

Visited the amazing Victoria and Albert Museum and were inspired by the artifacts, art, and textiles. We happened to find a little piece of Seattle there… A Chihuly glass sculpture right in the entry!

9. China Tang

For dinner, we dined at this gorgeous Cantonese-food restaurant in the Mayfair neighborhood of London. We even spotted a Fromental wall covering and chatted all things handmade wall covering with our friends from Fromental! Such fun details and delicious food in this hot-spot.

10. Wright Brothers, Old Spitafields Market

We ate at this amazing oyster restaurant after shopping the famed Spitafields Market area of London. So delicious… and look at that understated, but powerful, decor!

Continue reading DESIGNERS’ GUIDE TO LONDON

PULP SOURCEBOOK: DXV MODERN BATHROOM

Interior Design by Pulp Design Studios

Inspired by the Golden Era of Palm Springs, this modern bathroom was built from an empty 12-foot by 12-foot space. The design pulls together elements of luxury plumbing with fresh, glamorous features — perfect for DXV‘s national ad campaign. Beth + Carolina‘s design appears alongside several other celebrated interior designs in publications like Architectural Digest, Coastal Living and Robb Report. Shop the room by viewing its elements below.

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    1. Anna Redmond Studio for Abnormals Anonymous wallpaper in Flashdance | 2. Pulp Home Starburst Pull Hardware 3. Ralph Lauren Allen Mini Pendant in Natural Brass 4.  Arteriors’ Hanley Small Chandelier 5. Wellington Mirror by Emporium Home 6. Poolside Glamour photo by Slim Aarons/Getty Images | 7. Beck Round Drink Table | 8. Zebra Print Hide Rug | 9. Golden Fiberglass Duck by Gold Leaf Design Group

Behind the Scenes of the DXV Design Panel

Since the launch of our design for DXV in New York City earlier this month, we’ve had so much amazing feedback… and, so many people interested on knowing more about the process and exactly what it’s all about.

First of all… What is DXV? DXV is a luxury plumbing line by American Standard. When American Standard celebrated being in business for 150 years, they launched a luxury plumbing line that celebrated their fifteenth decade. Now, in its third year, it’s a brand that is celebrated by designers and their clients for its superior performance and gorgeous style.

We were chosen, among several other celebrated interior designers, to design a space reimagining Palm Springs during the modern movement using DXV products. This design would be used a DXV’s national ad campaign. See below to see the process from start to finish, as broken down by our process.

Step 1: Intake + Schematics

We were assigned the city of Palm Springs during the modern movement, which corresponds with the modern era collection by DXV. We were given a budget and told we had a 12-foot by 12-foot space to dream up. This set would then be built in a photo studio in Minneapolis (Earl Kendall Studios, to be exact) and photographed for their national ad campaign. So, we took to sketching and brainstorming together, as we do on every project…

Beth + Carolina, Pulp Design Studios

Step 2: The Design Phase

Once our design concept was approved, we moved into full-blown design. We specified all the custom millwork, windows, all the way down to the accessories and handed our designs over to the DXV team for implementation.

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Step 3: Execution

To be honest, we didn’t have to do a whole lot in this phase! We showed up to a set nearing completion in Minneapolis, where DXV’s talented team had built the set to our complete specifications. We were greeted by their entire team, including the set builders, photographers, videographers, stylists, and marketing team. We worked together to put in all the finishing touches, with stylist Jim Goulet, including that 3 olive martini. Here’s how we got our set ready for her closeup…

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The DXV Team

We feel incredibly lucky to have worked with a brand like DXV, whose brand philosophy aligns so closely with ours and whose team is just such an amazing joy to work with. We’ve made amazing new friends and feel like we’ve truly joined the DXV family.

Meet just a couple of the key members and hear what they thought of working with Pulp!

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Q. What was the most fun part of the process in working with Beth & Carolina?

Working with Beth and Carolina is what homeowners should be dreaming of when they plan to work with designers, creative, professional and sensitive to the project scope without ever being predictable. My personal thought on this talented duo is that they are definitely ones to watch!

Veronika Miller, Modenus

Q. What was your favorite part of the design?

I love the space they created because it is creative and fun but also very carefully edited. One of my favorite elements is the repeated use of specific angles which you can see in the tub, the fireplace wall, the room dividers and even in one of the light fixtures. This kind of continuity anchors a room. I told you — they are pros.

Veronika Miller, Modenus

October issues of Pulp Design Studios DXV

See the entire space in our portfolio:

Palm Springs Modern by Pulp Design Studios

Watch the videos and hear the whole story behind the space:

Pulp Design Studios on DXV

 

A huge thanks to the rest of the DXV team that helped make this space possible and to DXV for believing in us and investing in our talent.

Before + After: A Boutique Winery Transformation

The design of this modern, boutique winery is just as elevated and exciting as the wine they produce. Our clients wanted their new space to appeal not only to their loyal clientele, but also to a younger generation of wine enthusiasts. Guardian Cellars was founded by a police officer and a crime reporter, so we created a modern, edgy, and provoking interior that told the story of their brand. Our clients chose to enlist Pulp for the complete renovation and furnishing of their new tasting room. The Pulp design team made impactful design choices at every turn to truly make the most of their investment. The result is an effortlessly stylish and modern space where guests will sit and enjoy the notes of Guardian’s wine for years to come.

The Lounge

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Pulp Design Studios Guardian Cellars - Lounge

 

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Pulp Design Studios Guardian Cellars - Lounge Seating

 

The Tasting Bar

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Pulp Design Studios Guardian Cellars - Lounge Sitting Area

 

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Pulp Design Studios Guardian Cellars - Art Wall

 

The Private Dining (aka ‘The Blue Room’)

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Pulp Design Studios Guardian Cellars - Private Dining

 

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Pulp Design Studios Guardian Cellars - Private Dining Vingette

 

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Pulp Design Studios Guardian Cellars - Private Dining Seating

See the whole project, Guardian Cellars, on our portfolio!

And, make sure to check out the Guardian Cellars winery & taste or order some of their delicious wine!

Before + After: A Soothing Master Bedroom Makeover

Earlier this week, we shared the Living Room transformation of this modern and playful space that’s all grown up, for a Dallas-area townhouse dweller. While the Pulp Design Studios team, gave this client’s townhouse a refresh that’s bright and vibrant with unexpected touches and a ‘wow’ factor, the Master Bedroom makeover is soothing in contrast. Pulp designers reimagined this space, while reusing many of the client’s existing furnishings and bringing in thoughtful new pieces. The result is a Master Bedroom retreat that’s stylishly relaxing.

See the before and afters…

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Pulp Design Studios Vibrant Townhome Master Bedroom Vignette

Pulp Design Studios Vibrant Townhome - Master Bedroom - BEFORE

Pulp Design Studios Vibrant Townhome Master Bedroom Bed

Before + After: A Townhouse Living Room Refresh

A modern and playful space that’s all grown up, for a Dallas-area townhouse dweller. The Pulp Design Studios team, gave this client’s townhouse a refresh that’s bright and vibrant with unexpected touches and a ‘wow’ factor. Pulp designers reimagined this space, while reusing many of the client’s existing furnishings and bringing in thoughtful new pieces. The result is a vibrant and exciting open space that’s perfect for entertaining.

Take a look at some of the before & afters…

Pulp Design Studios Vibrant Townhome - Living Room - BEFORE

Pulp Design Studios Vibrant Townhome Living Room

Pulp Design Studios Vibrant Townhome - Living Room 2 - BEFORE

Pulp Design Studios Vibrant Townhome Living Room Vingette

Pulp Design Studios Vibrant Townhome - Living Room Dining Room - BEFORE

Pulp Design Studios Vibrant Townhome Living Room Overall

Pulp Design Studios Vibrant Townhome - Dining Room - BEFORE

Pulp Design Studios Vibrant Townhome Dining

Pulp Designs Modern Master Bedroom Renovation

Pulp Sourcebook: Sophisticated Master Bedroom Oasis

Interior Design by Pulp Design Studios

A busy couple with three kids came to us at Pulp Design Studios with the goal to transform their master bedroom suite into a relaxing oasis and retreat away from their hectic lives. We filled this airy space with neutral tones and fabrics, contemporary furniture, and minimalist accessories. We designed this master bedroom into a sophisticated space that this busy couple could enjoy away from the chaos that parenthood often brings. We are so excited how this space turned out, and are even more excited that this busy mom and dad can enjoy a clean, sleek bedroom sanctuary made special just for them.

Pulp Designs Modern Sitting Area BedroomMaster Bedroom Oasis Sourcebook - Pulp Interior Designs

GET THE LOOK:

1. Belden Floor Lamp | 2. Banded Ceramic Vase | 3. Lilac Interlock Pillow | 4. Eggplant Velvet Pillow | 5. Abstract Brass Sculpture | 6. Gray Prism Rug | 7. Appalachian Chevron Pouf8. Gavin Lamp | 9. Moonscape Candle

See the rest of the space here!

Whether you just love what we do and want to create it for yourself or you have a space that you’d love to get the ‘Pulp Treatment’, we hope that this Pulp Sourcebook Series inspires you to live a more beautiful life.  And if you’d like to hire us, please don’t hesitate to contact us here, we’d love to hear about your next home or commercial project!

Note: Color is in essence, reflections of light and one’s surroundings.  As a result, the color you see in our client’s space would certainly translate differently into your own.  If you are not working with a designer, play with paint samples on various walls in your own space to see if you get the effect you want.  We would also be glad to provide you with a consultation if that would be valuable.  We want your space to reflect its own beauty and your style.