All posts by Beth and Carolina

5 Bold Ideas for Walls

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Design ideas that push the boundaries are a hallmark of Pulp Design Studios. And that includes how we finish the walls in a home. Unique materials, eye-catching wallpaper, fabrics, and incredible techniques are all ways that we make sure the walls really talk in our clients’ homes! Here are five ways that we bring bold looks to a home’s walls.

1. Venetian Plaster

Venetian plaster has been around since the Middle Ages – in fact, this material is exactly why frescoes have lasted for centuries. It’s a very versatile treatment, and it gives an amazing glow to every room. It’s low maintenance and it has an incredible visual impact when you enter a space. We love how the light is softened in any room with this finish on the walls. Not only that, but this plaster is also mold-resistant and mildew-resistant. That’s why it was the perfect idea for the walls in that stunning bathroom above. You can introduce any pigment to the plaster, so it can be eye-catching like that bold orange above, or a softer look like the one in the bedroom below.

2. Wood Paneling

If your idea of wood paneling is the knotty pine look from the ‘70s, then think again! Wood paneling can be gorgeous in its natural state, especially if it’s refreshed with a new finish or with paint. One of our favorite looks is the bright white version below that we paired with a bold wallpaper. We also love using more modern wood panels like those in the primary bedroom you can see below, too.

3. Wow-Worthy Wallpaper

Pulp is always thinking beyond the ordinary, so we’ve come up with some amazing designs for wallpaper. There is no limit to the incredible looks we can create, including paper that looks like slices of wood or wallpaper created from the schematics of a client’s favorite team stadium.

4. Fabulous Fabrics

Fabric on walls can create such an amazing textural look, and a nice alternative to wallpaper. Fabric can also add a softening effect to the sound in a room, too. In the beautiful art niche in a primary bedroom below, we used fabric from S.Harris to create a fantastic textural backdrop.

5. Beautifully Raw

Sometimes our favorite looks are found right in the bones of the house. We loved the look of the concrete wall below so much that we just kept the raw view. It’s an industrial chic idea that’s perfect with the softly upholstered bed.

Which of these bold walls are your favorites? If you need to add more drama to your home, get in touch with our team!

How Pulp Designs a Custom Rug

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So much of what Pulp uses in the interiors we create is custom. We want to give our clients a unique look that’s all their own, and we know that custom designs also let us control the quality and style. In our Modern Laredo Mediterranean project, Pulp co-founder Carolina Gentry meticulously mapped out one-of-a-kind looks with Stark for the living room and the staircase. Let’s take a look at the steps for creating a custom rug design!

Define the Design

Looking at the overall design for the room helps us start to define the color and pattern that we want for the rug. We were definitely going for a lighter and brighter look in this Laredo living room, but with some unexpected pattern and materials. That gave us the jumping-off point for the custom design.

Choose Your Weave

Great rug companies like Stark offer a lot of options – it can be hard to choose! The key is to understand how many knots per inch you want. The higher the knot count, the denser the weave will be on the rug. And you may also want to consider the pile or height of the rug’s weave, especially if you want it to be part of the overall pattern.

Define the Colors + Materials

This is our favorite part! We love to go through the bins and bins of yarns and materials to make our selections. It isn’t just about the pretty colors, though. You want to really consider the traffic that each rug or runner will receive. For the living room rug, we wanted a super-luxe look, so we selected a combination of silk, metal, and wool. Yes, metal! And for the nearby staircase, we wanted a runner that would coordinate with the living rug, but could hold up to the heavy traffic that stairs often get. You can see that selection below!

Strike Off

The last part of the process is to order a strike off. That’s just a fancy term for a sample of the rug. A strike off lets you see if the pattern is exactly what you wanted, and if the rug or runner is going to coordinate with the room. You can see the strike off for our rug design below.

The Installation

After all our hard design work, it’s time for installation! You can see the stunning results in the living room and on the staircase below.

If you want a custom look for your home, give the Pulp team a call!

6 Pro Tips for Styling a Coffee Table

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The Pulp team loves to style a space – it’s the secret to a perfectly polished room. It can be tough to style a tabletop and get that professional look, though. It takes balance, symmetry, and some finesse. In our Highland Park French Provincial project, Pulp co-founder Carolina Gentry gives us a step-by-step tutorial in styling a coffee table like a pro!

STEP ONE: Check the shape of the table. It will tell you a lot about where and how you might place items. A square table looks great when you place items within a square grid, for example.

STEP TWO: Fresh height. We always like to have some sort of natural greenery or florals on a coffee or cocktail table. A vase of branches like this also adds height to the look, which is always a plus. Varying heights add visual interest!

STEP THREE: Pattern play. We love a good pattern, and this chess set is just the ticket for adding that design to the table. It’s also something that guests and family members will be drawn to. But note that this is a super-stylish game, not just your same old set.

STEP FOUR: Styling with books. Even if you aren’t a big reader, books are a great way to showcase your personality and let people know what you’re into. Select large coffee table books and line them up. Another trick is to select books that have colorful spines that coordinate with the room’s palette.

STEP FIVE: The perfect stack. Build on that base, adding more books as needed. But don’t go too high if you plan to put other items on the table. A giant stack doesn’t work here.

STEP SIX: Add interest. Bring in items that are more artistic and that have great texture. The sculpture on the left is super-cool and fits the style and color of the room. And the box can also store things like matches or the remote.

Use these pro tips to create style your coffee table for the perfect look! And if you need help with your home’s decor, be sure to reach out to our team!

Good Bones: Redesigning a Home’s Exterior

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A gorgeous home isn’t just about the rooms inside. The Pulp team loves to ensure that the exterior of our clients’ home is just as stunning as any of the interiors! For this Laredo, Texas, home, we were brought in at the very beginning, when our client was still shopping for the perfect location. Together we found a house with “good bones,” that just needed some updating and renovation work to make it absolutely perfect for her and her family. You’ve seen how we transformed the interiors, but we’ve never shown you how we redesigned the exterior of this fabulous house. So here is your exclusive look!

Architectural Details

When we first saw this Mediterranean home, we could see past its dated exterior to the beautiful architectural details. Unique windows, engaged columns, arches, and a fabulous roofline are things that give a home incredible personality. It just needed updating and modernizing to create a more casual and lovely structure.

The entry was also unique, with a fabulous arched door. But it was dark and dated, and we wanted to allow more light into the home here to help brighten the interiors. So at this point we knew that a facelift would make a world of difference for this house, along with a few special surprises that we knew would thrill our client!

Open + Private

So how can a home be both open AND private?? Pulp designed the perfect solution. We created an exterior wall with doors and planters to offer more privacy for the entrance of the house. It also adds incredible personality and curb appeal.

The wall gave us the chance to create courtyards and green spaces. Now we could open up the windows and allow more natural light into the house, while still giving our clients privacy. Having that wall gave us the chance to rethink the front door, too. We removed the old heavy design (and those dated lights!) and put in a more modern door with lots of glass.

Modern + Bright

Now that you’ve seen the new front door, you also know that we completely reworked the color palette for the exterior. That old yellowed brick was just too tired and unattractive. Because we knew our client wanted a more modern look, we went with a stunning black and white scheme that would highlight the greenery around the home and would also work well with that fabulous tile roof. You can see the start of the new wall below, as well as the new paint going onto the brick exterior.

Details, Details

No detail is too small for the Pulp team! To craft a cohesive look, we selected everything from the perfect pavers to the just-right door handles. Even the brass finish needed to be very specific. We still wanted it to have a worn look, as if it was original to the home.

Below you can see some of the new pavers placed in the entry courtyard, between the home’s new gate and the front door.

The Big Reveal

With some new planters, landscaping, and fab outdoor furnishings, we were ready for the big reveal of the gorgeous transformation. Here is the gate into that new stunning courtyard and front door.

And a view of the green space just inside the front gates is below. The furnishings are a mix of old and new, in keeping with the home’s new exterior. And we kept to that fresh black-and-white palette for a gorgeous look.

And here is the stunning new look for this Laredo house exterior, completely transformed into a modern and chic home. Isn’t it lovely?!

To find your perfect home, sometimes you have to look beyond a dated exterior to see what the possibilities are! That’s where Pulp can definitely help, so give us a call when you’re looking for your dream home!

The Pulp Edit: A Sense of Adventure

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There is a sense of adventure in the air, with exotic materials, well-traveled looks, and a one-of-a-kind design style. For this adventurous spirit, we’ve pulled together the products that you may see in a daring Pulp project soon!

Velvet is always a great choice for a daring glam look. Love the pattern on this Brentano quilted velvet in the Holly colorway.

The Tigre fabric from Scalamandre is a cult classic! It can be used as an adventurous neutral all over a sofa or a fun pop on a pillow or accent piece. 

Every great explorer needs to see all angles and this fabulous magnifying glass from Cyan Design offers a closer inspection of the situation.

This is a bold and chunky weave for a trim, and we are here for it. Love the color mix, too, for this piece from Schumacher’s Stephanie Seal Brown collection. 

This stunning hardware by Michelle Nussbaumer for Modern Matter is inspired by ancient Aztec designs.

There are tassels and then there are incredible tassels. This terrazzo design from Kanchi is definitely one-of-a-kind. The bespoke looks can only be found by those in the know. And now you know. 

The shine and shimmer on this geometric wallpaper comes from gorgeous capiz shell. It’s a stunning look from Arte Wallpaper, crafted on a tropical island.

Stormy seas or ancient trees – which story does this marble inspire in you? Silver Wave is a dreamy stone from Artistic Tile.

The Hands On sphere holder from Global Views is cast in solid iron with a gold leaf finish. The crystal ball is included, perfect for seeing your future.

The geometric patterns and bold colors make a statement in new Epoq suedes
and leathers from the Lee Jofa collection by Kelly Wearstler.

Ready to add a sense of adventure to your home’s design? Contact us today!

The Best Kitchen for Your Lifestyle

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The first thing we ask our clients before we begin to work on their kitchen renovation is how they like to cook and use their kitchens. That single question really lets us know which direction to take the design. Different cooking styles will let you know what you should invest in and what features are less important. Here are some of the most popular ways that people use their kitchens and the designs that make the most of what they need!

If You Love to Entertain

If you love to have friends and family over, then a kitchen with a lot of seating is perfect for you, especially in an open-plan design. An island with barstools and even a dining area right in the kitchen lets people join you as you cook, and gives you surfaces for serving. You also may want to consider a wine refrigerator, an extra ice maker, and maybe even a built-in coffee machine. In our Glass House project (above and below), the kitchen also opens onto the outdoor terrace, giving our clients even more space for entertaining.

Kitchen by Pulp – see the full home here.

If You Love Delivery

If GrubHub or DoorDash is one of the top 2 apps on your phone, then you need a very specific kitchen. You’ll want plenty of storage for leftovers in your fridge, and a great way to reheat. You’ll still want a stylish spot to eat in, like the penthouse kitchen we designed below. And with the white counters, it’s also a great spot to create a TikTok showcasing the fabulous food you’ve brought in, or a dish you’ve created over the weekend.

Kitchen by Pulp – see the full home here.

If You Love to Cook

Even though you may not have the time to create a gourmet meal for every meal, you definitely know your way around the kitchen. You’ll want to invest in a great range, maybe even with a fantastic new steam oven or a warming drawer. You’ll also want a lot of storage for all those implements, pasta machines, and ingredients – even an appliance garage like the one we included in the kitchen design below. And don’t forget how important lighting is. Task lights, like the pendants you see below, will help you clearly see every recipe.

Kitchen by Pulp – see the full home here.

If Cooking Is a Family Affair

After the pandemic, the kitchen has really changed. An island often doubles as a homework spot, a Zoom space, or a place to craft. So that island needs to perform for whatever you need! If you have a lot of family members in the home, consider doubling up on key pieces like dishwashers. They’ll really save you a lot of time and effort. We also like to suggest under-counter drink fridges, so kids and teens can help themselves without opening and reopening your full-size refrigerator over and over. And a nice long island will give you seating for everyone and a great place to get the kids involved in dinner prep.

Kitchen by Pulp – see the full home here.

So what’s your style? Since the kitchen is the heart of the home, be sure yours is really working for you and your family! If you need help with your kitchen renovation – or a redesign of your whole home – contact our team here!

Founders’ Five: 10 Things for a Bold New Year

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We love bold designs, whether that’s for interiors, jewelry, clothing, or gorgeous gifts. We’re kicking 2023 off with some fabulously bold looks that we can’t wait to get our hands on!

BETH’S PICKS

Love this U-shaped candle with the integrated brass holder from Glaze Studio. It’s made of 100% white beeswax that’s been dyed a strong black.

There’s something about snake motifs that make me shiver – in a good way! So I’m crazy for this McVeigh ring from Shoshannah Frank. It’s 14k gold with a black diamond eye.

You know Carolina and I love our dogs, so we want them to bring the bling as much as we do. This Anyderts leather dog collar with gold buttons and plaid embossing is perfect canine couture.

Did I mention that I like snake patterns? These coasters from Jonathan Adler are great for your own home, or as a hostess gift.

These bold bookends from West Elm are crafted from from lava rock sourced from eruptions in Indonesia.

CAROLINA’S PICKS

These beaded mules from Staud are definitely va-va-voom! The bold red, leopard pattern, and stunning beading make for an eye-catching design.

We are always on the lookout for incredible lighting designs and this Talisman Loop Sconce from Apparatus Studio is amazing. A long loop at the top is made of tarnished silver, jade, and leather.

The Croc brass ring holder by Coppertist was inspired by the tip of a crocodile’s tail, giving it an organic and dramatic design.

I’m always looking for a good crossbody bag for travel, and I love the checkerboard pattern on the Midi Sac from Clare V. It’s made from handwoven leather and has several strap options.

Products that have a good sustainability story are always on my list. The swirl candleholder from Tom Dixon is created by recycling the powdered residue from the marble industry.

A Few of Pulp’s Favorite Things for Holiday Gift Giving

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This holiday season, the Pulp team has found fabulous gifts that will calm and soothe, while also offering surprise and delight. It’s been a long year, and the people on our holiday list could use gifts that are special and meaningful. So we’ve gathered 6 perfect items for our clients and friends, and for anyone on your gift list, too!

SELF + CARE

Self care is the trend for 2023, and for that it’s important to engage the senses. The Pulp team suggests using Kiehl’s dry body oil layered over lotion for an amazingly soothing experience. And Incense is a great way to add scent and calm to a room. We found these incense matches from Original Incense Matches while shopping at a local boutique in Palm Springs and loved the elevated concept.

BITTER + SWEET

Yes bitter and sweet could describe 2022, but we’re thinking more of cocktail couture. Not only will these orange bitters from Dashfire Bitters add a great note to your favorite drink, but the bottle looks gorgeous on a bar display. And for your sweet tooth, Pulp found the most amazing shortbread cookies from Honolulu Cookies while working on our projects in Hawaii. The packaging is fun, too!

 

SERVE + SMILE

The holidays are the perfect time to gather with family and friends, so why not elevate the experience? Create the chicest cheese boards and charcuterie with these elegant serving knives from Zodax. And use our exclusive Pulp tea towel designs for display and clean up. You can also shop our other fabulous Pulp products by clicking here, including luxe candles, throws, coasters, and more.

The most important thing this holiday season is to slow down and just enjoy your time with your closest loved ones. So use this gift guide to make things easy and fun!

Creating a Cozy Feeling in Every Room

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When you combine cooler weather and the holiday season, having cozy rooms to curl up in with friends and family is the perfect way to get through the winter. We love to create these comfortable spaces for our clients and we do have a few tricks of the trade that allow us to craft the coziest of rooms. Let’s take a tour!

Living Room

In the living room, the key to cozy is texture! A chunky throw or two, a soft velvet, luxe pillows, a knotted rug – they work together to give the room a snug and comfy feeling. Anything that you can cuddle up with is going to make you happy in this space.

Dining Room

There are two very important ways to make this room feel warmer during colder weather. The first is light. A softer light creates a feeling of closeness and intimacy, so consider dimmers or lower-watt bulbs. The second thing we love to do in this room is wallpaper the ceiling. Not only does that add amazing visual interest, but it seems to lower the ceiling and make a cozier space.

Kitchen

With lots of metal and appliances, you may not think the kitchen can get cozy – but it can! The key here is warm wood tones. And luckily, wood cabinets are back in fashion. You can see in the kitchen above how adding those wood cabinets and drawers brought a warmth into the kitchen that would be missing in an all-white space. Then we also used a textured runner on the floor and a gorgeous green malachite in the hall just beyond the kitchen.

Primary Bedroom

Of all the rooms in your house, this one HAS to have the cozy factor on lock. Must-haves in this room include a thick rug that covers most of the floor, a fluffy duvet, lots and lots of pillows, and a super-soft blanket or two. You can also give the lighting a dimmer switch and put light-blocking drapery on the windows. That creates a room you won’t want to leave on cold winter mornings.

Bathroom

Can a bathroom be cozy?! Oh yes it can! It’s all about fluffy towels and robes, and a fabulous steam shower. Anything that creates warmth and texture will help create the feeling of a lovely oasis in this room. Use thickly textured rugs, lots of delicious scented soaps and oils, and even candles to turn this space into your own personal spa.

Use these ideas to create a warm and inviting home for the winter months. And if you want to renovate or update your spaces, give our team a call!

5 Bold Design Ideas

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It isn’t “go bold or go home” for Pulp Design Studios. It’s “go bold AT home!” Our design team loves to help our clients transform their interiors into spaces that are brag-worthy and innovative. We’re known for creating  exciting and adventurous homes that push the boundaries of design, while still delivering interiors that are functional and livable. If you’re nervous about taking those bold steps in your interiors, here are 5 great ways you can make a gorgeous statement that will WOW your guests!

Wow-Worthy Wallpaper

We love to work with graphic wallpapers to create a room’s personality. In the space above, the Boa wallpaper we used offers a glam and mysterious look for a modern lounge. In the room below, there’s almost a folk art quality to the wallpaper pattern. So when we paired it with bright white paint, it became an updated Arts & Crafts look that’s perfect for the home and our clients.

The Power of Paint

We absolutely love to create bold looks with paint. You can see in the room above how we completely drenched the walls with a gorgeous charcoal/black color. It actually gives the room a cozy feeling, and it definitely makes an impact. If that’s too much drama for you, try adding a POW of color in an unexpected place, like we did in the pantry below. That orange makes our clients happy every time they open up the door.

Artistic Expressions

Curating art is one of our very favorite things to do, and we always encourage our clients to select original art that really speaks to them. For our clients’ room above, we knew we wanted a large painting for that big wall – it would need to complement the tall windows, too. We introduced our clients to William McLure’s work and they loved it, so we had a painting commissioned to perfectly fit that space and the room’s decor. It’s a big and bold work that we love. For the Zoom room below, we wanted art that would really pop – and these 3D pieces by Samantha McCurdy really do! With such a dramatic wallpaper, we needed art that could still stand out, so we were thrilled to find these bold pieces.

Fabulous Furniture

The Pulp team is always on the search for unique and standout furniture designs. And we’ve been known to create and customize pieces so our clients have the perfect look that works for their families. In the room above, those bold stripes are definitely bringing the drama, but the stunning green sofa is holding its own, and really becomes the focal point for the room. And in the neutral room below, all eyes are drawn to the glam stools wrapped in Pulp’s own Leopardo fabric. Can you believe how deep that fringe is? Looks like that are why our clients love our furnishings packages. We know how to bring the zing!

Creative Solutions

When we work with clients, we want to be sure we can take advantage of every single square inch of their house, and we want to give them great rooms and spaces. The Pulp team is known for creatives solutions that always surprise and delight our clients and their guests. In the home above, we took the boring space beneath the stairs and crafted a wine room behind a hidden door. And in the penthouse loft below, we used a bold red door to create a separation between the bedroom and dining room to offer more privacy. Again, bold paint makes the room!

Use these ideas to create bold statements in your home! Or get in touch with our team by clicking here!