All posts by Beth and Carolina

Pulp’s Top 5 Design Trends for 2022

Every year, the Pulp duo is asked what they think will be the top interior design trends for the coming year. Co-founders Beth Dotolo and Carolina Gentry are known for being ahead of the curve, with interiors that push the design envelope. So they can see a trend heading home before most people detect it. We asked them to give us a peek into what they say will be impacting interior design this year!

A Return to Opulence

After years of white paint and cozy or hygge design, there is an urge to break out of the neutral box and move to maximalism. More exuberant colors and glam details will mark this trend, as you can see in Pulp’s “Sinner’s Lounge,” created for the Kips Bay Dallas Showhouse. “People are craving a richness and layering in their spaces again,” Beth says. Look for metallic finishes, deep and darker paints, adventurous motifs, unusual materials, and luxe textiles like velvets.

 

Peak-A-Boo Spaces

Now you see it, now you don’t! This trend is a response to a need to take advantage of every single square inch of space in a home. You can have a very large house, but when you’re spending so much time in it with family and pets, those spaces can begin to feel very small. The Pulp team are experts at creative solutions for space issues, says Carolina. “We’re designing hidden spaces for flexibility, adaptability, and added separation.” Look for hidden doors, glam reveals, and out-of-the-box ideas.

Architectural Curves

For many cultures, arches and curved ceilings are symbolic. They are seen as protection and an idea of moving forward in life. Given how the last two years have gone, that may be why the Pulp duo sees these architectural curves gaining in popularity! “There’s something comforting about a gentle curve, as opposed to sharp lines,” Beth says. That’s true of the bathroom the Pulp team designed for the Kips Bay Dallas Showhouse, seen above. There’s also a chic sophistication to the sweep of that wall line. Look for barrel ceilings, curved arches for entries, and curving staircases.

Darker Kitchens

White kitchens are timeless and classic, but they can sometimes be boring, too. The trend toward deeper and moodier paint colors is fueling the idea of kitchens with darker wood tones, strong cabinet colors, and far less white. “We love that sense of drama in the kitchen,” Carolina says. “We’re seeing a move toward more pattern, dark navy, deep black, or forest green in the kitchen.” Look for black stainless appliances, pattern mixing, and a mix of moody wood tones.

Tactile Texture

It’s interesting how many trends are inspired by global events. When we need comfort in our lives, tactile textures become incredibly important in the home. There’s a return to anything that feels soft or has a texture that’s intriguing. In Pulp’s Kips Bay Dallas Showhouse, texture was the focus, including a hair-on-hide rug, cozy velvets, wood grains, polished metals, dimensional art, and soft draperies.

For more cutting-edge trends and adventurous designs, stay tuned to this blog and follow the Pulp duo on Instagram here!

Seattle Modern Bungalow Home Tour

We love to show off our projects, especially ones that turn out this fabulous! This Seattle home renovation was so fun to see the transformation of a dark interior to a bright, colorful, and full of pattern home. Be sure to head over to our portfolio page for some interactive before and after galleries. This hidden house needed to be brightened up with some paint, wallcovering and colorful fabrics. Playing with colors and patterns is one of our favorite things to do, so when a client is requesting it, we let our creative minds run!

THE KITCHEN

The main goal of this kitchen was to brighten it and bring some much needed color to the space. When we first started on this project, the cabinets were dark brown and made the space feel very heavy. We overhauled it with a fresh coat of paint, new countertops, and tile. The combination of fresh white countertops and brighter upper cabinets, with the deep blue lower cabinets, made this kitchen stunning. It completely opened up the space and brought amazing natural light to this room, making it feel happy and functional.

 

THE BREAKFAST NOOK

When we saw this breakfast nook, we knew we had to make it feel like part of the kitchen and bring a little life and joy in. We added a Fireclay custom tile installation with variations of blue and a bright statement chandelier. The blue leaning kitchen and breakfast space are now super inviting and feel like a great way to start and end each day with their family.

 

THE DINING ROOM

Transitioning from the blue Kitchen and Breakfast Nook, we incorporated these stunning persimmon dining chairs for another amazing pop of color. Along with the bleached wood dining table, the home owners can host intimate gatherings with their guests. This is another room that needed brightening and the solution, paint! We painted the walls and trim tonal shades of white and framed the tree-top views with a dark brown at the window mullions. It instantly brought beautiful light to the dining room and brings an element of cleanness to this space.

THE SUN ROOM

Even Seattle homes have to have sun rooms! This came out stunning not only because of the view, but also the design elements we included. The velvety soft Mitchel Gold Bob Williams couch is a great statement for this corner of the house. We of course had to make sure we chose a performance fabric that wouldn’t fade in the sun, and this was a great choice for the sofa. Everything about this nook would make me want to curl up with a good book and lounge. We even added a little functional jewelry for reading with a lit pendant, complete with custom cord scrunchie in our Pulp for S. Harris fabric. Charming!

THE LIVING ROOM

All of the colors, patterns and textures are what make this room so stunning. We chose this detailed black and white wallcovering from Cole & Sons that brings great contrast to a room full of color. The pops of jewel colors within the room were per the owners request, but brings such a fun color palette to the room. The clients requested a sofa that they could sit at head to foot together and read and talk… is that not the sweetest?! They asked and we provided! We also designed in a pair of petite swivels for extra seating while entertaining or for enjoying the fire.

THE INGLENOOK FIREPLACE

This is such a unique feature that many modern homes don’t have and in this home is the center axis. An inglenook fireplace is the statement of the living room. The clients spent a year on the tile selections before we came on board and we wanted to highlight it and find a way to make the tile work in the new design scheme. We enhanced the inglenook with dark brown paint and it really made the existing tile stand out.

THE MEDIA ROOM/GUEST ROOM

We wanted to make the media room cohesive with the living room, since it is an open concept, but with the hide-a-way door it gives an option of privacy. This also doubles as a guest room with a pull out sofa, perfect for any visitors. We love to incorporate Pulp fabrics into all of our projects and this room features two from our Pulp for S.Harris collection. We love to see how we can use our fabrics in different ways for each project!

To see how we transformed this space go tour our portfolio page, with new before and after galleries: Montlake Modern Bungalow

Follow along with all of our projects over on our instagram @pulpdesignstudios!

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

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

BETH’S PICKS

I love the look of this oil burner from Goop. I think everyone should invest in good smells for their home, so this is perfect and would also be a great gift!

If you’re like me, I need to visualize my outfits before packing for any trip. This CB2 clothing rack is the best tool to plan all my outfits and helps me not to overpack.

I recently found this company Blacksaw, which has the best throws! I love the simplicity of patterns and colors they have, and not to mention they’re all made out of Alpaca fur.

I don’t know about everyone else, but dry shampoo is an absolute must for me! I have heard great things about this dry shampoo powder, and I can’t wait to see how it works compared to other ones I’ve tried.

This fabulously chic basketball hoop from CB2 would be a great piece in anyone’s home or game room. I love how you could incorporate this into a home without it standing out in the space.

CAROLINA’S PICKS

This salt cellar is not only a great storage place for your salt but also doubles as a stylish kitchen accessory. I love finding unique kitchen tools that can also bring a fun look to the space.

I love the color of this necklace and how it ties together any outfit. The unique chain holds a beautiful Chalcedony Scarab along with other stunning stones.

You know I love a good cookbook, and I highly recommend this one! It is a great mix of traditional cooking with some modern twists that result in some amazing recipes.

I’m always looking for a good vase and I’m obsessed with the shape of this one. Claude has some very unique and creative vases that would be a great accessory in any home!

Who doesn’t want some fun coasters in their house? I love that these have a modern look with a fun twist with bold text and a pop of gold.

The Art of “Hiding” Your TV

For years there’s been a debate about whether to hide the television in a cabinet or in some other clever way, or to leave it as a big black square in the room. Designers are always looking for ways to cover up the “black hole” of a TV so the room has a cohesive design, but it isn’t always possible. Now there’s a TV available that solves the design dilemma, and even enhances it!

Samsung’s Frame TV is a high-resolution QLED TV when it’s turned on, and it’s a beautiful piece of framed art when it’s off. You can see in the photo above that it’s hard to tell which of the framed pieces is the TV!

The Samsung Frame is so fabulous that Pulp co-founder Carolina Gentry bought them for her own home.

You can select from several frames for the television, giving you a lot of options for either matching frames in the room, or complementing them with a great coordinating look.

And with 1,200 available pieces of art, you can find a look that’s inspiring and mesmerizing! Art is available from iconic institutions like Museo del Prado, the Victoria & Albert museum, Artspace, Saatchi Art, Minted, and more. You can change up the art to suit your mood or the decor – the options are up to you.

The technology is also cutting edge since it’s a Smart TV that offers the highest-quality picture and sound. It also offers tap view, voice controls, multi-views and an eco remote. Accessories include an easel, a customizable wall with shelving, and hidden wiring. With looks AND smarts, we’ll be recommending this design solution to our own clients!

The 10 Best Restaurants in Palm Springs for Design Lovers

If you haven’t heard… our sister company, Pulp Properties, is working on launching a new rental property in Palm Springs! Our design team has been busy putting the Pulp touches on this new house. We have been exploring all Palm Springs has to offer with restaurants, small businesses, and so much more. In fact, we are headed there for Modernism Week in just a few days! If you haven’t heard of Modernism week, it highlights the architecture, interior, art, and the other culture surrounding Palm Springs. While we’re there we plan to try all the new restaurants that everyone is raving about and revisit some of our favorites. We’re breaking them all down for you here, so that when you book your first stay at The Pulp House: Palm Springs you have a great list to get you started…

Image courtesy of Goop

1. Mr. Lyon’s

One of our personal favorites is Mr. Lyons, a modern steak house that has a great ambiance, but even better food and drinks. The interior is moody with dramatic black and white tile floors and green velvet seating. This will definitely be a revisit whenever we’re there.

Image courtesy of Open Table

2. Bar Cecil

Another favorite is Bar Cecil, which has great cocktails and a variety of food. The crazy fun interior almost makes you feel like you’re dining at home with bright blue barstools and multicolored wallcovering.

Images courtesy of Greater Palm Springs

3. Boozehounds Palm Springs

If you’re looking for a great place to get a delicious brunch or dinner check out Boozehounds. The name says it all, they have great drinks and a bonus, you can bring your dog! We love all the pops of orange, green, and yellow and of course the plants that scatter the restaurant.   

Image courtesy of Sands Hotel and Spa

4. The Pink Cabana

Love, love, love everything about The Pink Cabana! If you’re looking for a totally insta worthy restaurant that also has great food and cocktails, this is the place to go. Every aspect of the interior is so fun with the wallcovering, green and white checkered floor, green tile bar and the disco ball esque lights. This is a must when visiting Palm Springs!

Image courtesy of Greater Palm Springs

5. Birba

Every town needs a staple Italian restaurant and Birba is it, with their amazing pizza and pasta that will make anyone’s mouth water. Their patio adds to the dining experience and is perfect for anyone who is looking for outdoor dining. We love the hanging lanterns and string lights that cover the whole patio to create an intimate dining experience. 

Image courtesy of Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey

6. Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey

We’re huge sushi lovers and Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey has the best sushi and cocktails around! The interior also ties in the seafood theme with the tiling that resembles fish scales and the wallcovering with waves crashing. We recommend checking this out when you have your next sushi craving.

Image courtesy of Trip Advisory

7. Tac/Quila

Looking for the best tacos and margaritas? Check out Tac/Quila! It is the best place for amazing tacos and a unique twist on a margarita. The interior has bright red seating, a unique floor tile and mirrors all over the walls, which adds to the fun environment of the restaurant.

Image courtesy of Palm Springs life

8. Rooster And The Pig

We have heard nothing but raving reviews about Rooster And The Pig, but haven’t had the chance to try it. They’re a Vietnamese-American fusion that sounds completely mouth watering! We love the simplicity of this interior with the red and yellow pops of color. We’re hoping to try this place out soon!

Image courtesy of Del Rey

9. Del Rey

Another moody restaurant is Del Rey, which has a unique mix of food and cocktails. We haven’t been yet, but have only heard great things. The restaurant has an all black theme with the walls and chairs but has a statement fireplace with vibrant blue and white tile. I can’t wait to try this place out the next time we’re there!

Image courtesy of Workshop Kitchen + Bar

10. Workshop Kitchen + Bar

Last, but not least we have Workshop Kitchen + Bar is another place which is next on our list of places to try. The interior is everything! The use of the concrete gives off an industrial vibe that is so elegant. We’ve heard the food and drinks are newsworthy and we can’t wait to check it out the next time we’re there.

Stay tuned for the reveal of our Pulp Properties Palm Springs house that we have been working so hard to get ready!

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

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

BETH’S PICKS

I’m loving the shape of this candle! It’s such a unique, fun way to have a candle in the home. It elevates any space and smells amazing!

I can’t get over these side tables. The black and white stripes create a beautiful dramatic illusion of chaos. They are the perfect statement piece.

I love to work out and I’m in the midst of creating a home gym. So finding chic workout gear is a must. I love the idea of using natural materials to create kettlebells and dumbells!

It’s the little luxuries that I love most! This phone case is a perfect accessory for anyone’s iPhone.

This fasting plan is one that I truly love and have found works wonders! Unlike other fasting plans this one actually lets you consume real food!

CAROLINA’S PICKS

This outdoor bar cart is everything you need for entertaining in the summer! I also love how sleek it looks.

How gorgeous is this handcrafted glass vase? Adding this to my wish list!

I’m loving this geometric shagreen box! It has such pretty details and it’s the perfect box for everyday usage.

I’ve been eyeing this stool for a while now! It would go great in basically any space! I’m also clearly having a moment with shagreen!

I’ve found so many incredible Chinese recipes in this book. Kylie has made cooking Chinese food at home so easy!

How To Turn Awkward Spaces Into Clever Design Solutions

Homeowners face the issue of figuring out what to do with awkward spaces and how to utilize them in a useful and unique way. We always love the challenge of incorporating a secret space that can be used in any way the homeowner desires. From a hidden bedroom, wine cellars, or even an art studio, we have done it all. It’s always a great surprise to any new guest coming over to show off these fabulously hidden spaces. We hope this can inspire everyone to use every square inch of open space within their home!

A Secret Creative Space

In this project we incorporated two elements of surprise within the home that helped utilize the space. Using this crane wallcovering made the room look like an art piece in itself but, what guests don’t know is beyond that secret door is a large creative space that can be open or hidden at any time. The other hidden piece was the Murphy bed, which is a great addition to any open room. We love how these turned out and how it brought a great a statement piece to each room! Tour the complete project here.

A Pop of Color with a Purpose

For this project, we wanted to be able to separate the dining room with the primary suite to have an element of privacy, while adding a stunning pop of color! This was a great addition to the Penthouse that would give the option of an open space, or divide when needed. Being able to incorporate this into a home is so unique and will get all your guests talking. Check out the rest of this project here.

The Perfect Wine Cellars

Who doesn’t want a wine cellar in their home? We love transforming awkward or unused spaces within a home, into a secret wow factor. This is exactly what we did for both of these projects, which had extra space to incorporate something as great as wine storage! In one project, we transformed an open wine cellar into a hidden space, unnoticeable to the eye. Our other project, you may think is just a basic mudroom, but opens up into a fabulous wine room.

Tour the rest of this project here.

Tour the rest of this project here.

Looking to add that wow factor of a secret space? Our team is ready for the challenge, give us a call to set up a consultation!

Top 4 Luxe Laundry Room Essentials

Okay, we confess that we love the smell of fresh laundry, especially when it comes to bed linens! That clean and soapy smell is the best. Your laundry room may not be the first room you think of when you’re designing your home, but you’ll spend a LOT of time in that space. So we always walk our clients through what we consider the most important essentials for this space. Of course the appliances are key, and each person will have a different idea of what they want or need when it comes to their washer and dryer. But our essentials move beyond the appliances to other things you should consider. Let’s take a look!

1. Storage

You need much more storage in a laundry room than you may think. Besides all of the soaps, prewash, dryer sheets, and detergents you will use, it’s a great space for storing extra towels, cleaning supplies for the rest of the house, an iron, steamers, and more. In the laundry room above – part of a gorgeous modern lodge in Seattle – we designed a bank of cabinets and drawers for maximum storage.

2. Sink

It’s amazing how many clients say, “A sink?” when they see our designs for a laundry room – and then admit that they use it all the time once they’ve moved in! Sinks in this space are perfect for delicates, to prewash heavily soiled items, and to give you another water source for any clean up. If your laundry also serves as a mudroom, you’ll use this sink all the time, we guarantee it.

3. Counter Space

This is not only essential, it’s critical! These surfaces give you the perfect place to fold all of that laundry and ready everything for distribution into closets and dressers. The more counter space you can give this room, the better, especially for folding sheets and larger items.

4. Lighting

Since the laundry room is a task-oriented space, it’s important to offer strong light sources. And the Pulp team is known for creating chic spaces in every part of the home, so this room is no different. As you can see in the laundry above, we used a sophisticated fixture to give the room a fantastic glow.

Bonus ideas for the laundry room include fold-down ironing boards, a built-in clothes steamer, cedar-lined storage, and more. Give our team a call if your laundry – and your home – needs a refresh!

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

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

BETH’S PICKS

This table lamp gives an illusion of the rigid pieces floating in thin air. This is a great piece to put in any room for dimension.

With everyone raving about Gua Sha’s I had to try the Empress Stone! It helps to reduce inflammation as well as lift, tone, and sculpt your face.

I have been living in my Beyond Yoga Jumpsuit that can be styled for any occasion. The ultra soft fabric makes it so easy to be on the run or lounging at home.

Seeing this box you would think it is just a great accessory, but it turns any hangout into a fun game night. The fold-out Kimbra Backgammon Set is a perfect piece to have in any home.

If you’re looking for a great slipper that is totally acceptable to wear in public these Shearling Slides are it! The shearling material is extra cozy, extra comfortable with amplified big buckles for a bold style.

CAROLINA’S PICKS

This Thorn Mirror adds great texture to any room while keeping a contemporary look. Also, it’s the perfect mirror for a selfie!

Who doesn’t want to elevate their hot sauce? This Hot Sauce Holder is a great gift idea for the spice lovers in your life!

Snakeskin has always been in fashion, but it’s making a comeback, especially when it looks this good! The pointed toe, short heel, and beautiful python pattern will make any outfit pop.

I’m obsessed with this Marble Lamp and need it for my house right now! This stunning lamp gives an ambient and sculptural feel and with it being handmade, every lamp has its own unique veining.

If you’re looking for a great shower exfoliation, look no more. This Exfoliating Shower Towel will make your skin softer and cleaner than it’s ever been!

Our Most-Loved Blog Posts of 2021

We’re officially past the holidays and moved into the New Year! But we aren’t over 2021 quite yet… we’re taking a look back at our most-loved blog posts of the year! Happy reading! 

5. KIPS BAY SHOW HOUSE TOUR: THE OFFICE


When Beth Dotolo and Carolina Gentry, co-founders of Pulp Design Studios, were named to the design team for the Kips Bay Dallas Show House, they knew they wanted to make a big statement and to push the envelope on interior design. Their Wise & Wicked space is bold and beautiful, and tells the story of iconic women like the Pulp duo. We asked Beth and Carolina to walk us through each of the rooms in their Kips Bay space, giving us insight into their design vision. Read more!

4. KIPS BAY SHOW HOUSE TOUR: THE ‘SINNER’S DEN’


For their Kips Bay Dallas Show House space, Beth Dotolo and Carolina Gentry, co-founders of Pulp Design Studios, wanted to create a design that would showcase a duality with a Wise & Wicked theme. The rooms are an homage to a modern woman, a paradox who is both wise about her business and also wickedly amusing in her off time. She’s graceful and glam, playful and polished – and this loft space reflects those two sides of her personal style. We asked Beth and Carolina to walk us through each of the rooms in their Kips Bay space, giving us insight into their design vision, and we’re excited that they’re going to tell us all about the Wicked lounge, also known as the ‘Sinner’s Den.’ Read more!

3. 7 TIPS FOR MIXING PATTERNS PERFECTLY


The Pulp team are experts at using multiple patterns in a room, but it can be tricky! In fact, it’s one of the most popular questions that we get. So we want to break it down and make it easier for you! Here are our top 7 ideas for making that magic mix in your home. Read more!

2. OUR BEST TIPS FOR STAYING PRODUCTIVE AND ORGANIZED

The Pulp team is constantly asked – by both clients and other designers – how we keep everything going. We do have a lot to juggle with our projects, the Kips Bay Dallas showhouse (stay tuned!), product design, and so much more. But the key for our team is to stay organized and to keep our systems and processes running smoothly. Here are tips from each of our co-founders on how they get it all done! Read more!

1. 5 TIPS FOR STYLING A COFFEE TABLE LIKE A PRO 

One sure way to get a magazine-worthy look in your rooms is to style them perfectly. But it’s hard to achieve the right balance, especially on surfaces like coffee tables. So we asked Pulp co-founder Beth Dotolo to show us – step by step – how to get that professionally styled look for your coffee table! Read more!