All posts by Beth and Carolina

The Best of 2021

What a whirlwind of a year! We can honestly say that 2021 was one of the busiest years in our company’s history, and that’s certainly not what we thought would happen at this point last year. Then, we were looking at a pandemic that just didn’t seem to want to leave (still facing that now, ugh). But with home becoming the oasis for everyone, it had a major impact on our business, and our year. As we review how the last 12 months went, we want to thank ALL of our fantastic clients who knew we would produce fabulous and functional homes that they would love, and who were so patient as the world dealt with supply chain issues and delays. We hope that 2022 resolves that particular issue. Next year is Pulp’s 15th anniversary, and we have BIG plans in place, so stay tuned for that. Meanwhile, we believe in celebrating every single success (especially in a year like this one), so here’s the Pulp review of our 2021 highlights!

Kips Bay Show House

Being a part of this show house, which is really like the Emmys of design, was such an honor. We approached our Wise & Wicked space with an eye on the modern woman and how she has transformed her home for her 2021 needs. That included light and sophisticated office for her days filled making smart work decisions, plus a luscious space for her to lounge and get away from it all…tapping into her wicked side. We want to once again give a huge thank you to all of the amazing brands that helped us bring this space to life! If you missed the reveal, click here to walk through the home office and here to see the “sinner’s den.” We were so honored to see our spaces featured by top publications like Elle Decor, Arch Digest, and Veranda, and we also made the cover of Paper City magazine!

Pulp Named Top Designers (Again!)

We were absolutely thrilled to be named top interior designers by D Home magazine for the 7th year! This means so much because we were selected by showrooms and professionals in the biz. It’s a huge honor and one we take very seriously.

Pulp Properties Makes Its Debut

In 2021, we were also thrilled to launch Pulp Properties, a real estate development and experiential hospitality business. This new division will give us the chance to allow others to experience our approach for interiors in both their work and vacations. First up? A commercial space in Dallas that will house our headquarters and be home to multiple women-owned businesses. And we have an iconic Meiselman house in Palm Springs that will be a dream vacation destination that’s also shoppable. We cannot wait to take you along on the journey as we renovate, search for more properties, and open our doors! Stay tuned for more news and photos in 2022!

Pulp Partnerships

Pulp absolutely loves to partner with other home companies, whether it’s for a show house, product design, an ambassador role, or on an advisory council. Pulp has an amazing partnership with S.Harris for our fabric collections, and we serve on the House Beautiful Advisory Council and the Thermador Design Council. This year, we were also excited to be named Ann Sacks Ambassadors. Since we love their tiles and use them all the time, this was a natural fit!

Our Fabulous Clients

As we said above, 2021 was one of the busiest and craziest years in our company’s history. We had so many amazing clients and projects, including a fabulous Seattle high-rise pied-á-terre that we debuted on our website earlier this year. We were so thankful for our patient clients who knew we were going the extra mile in 2021 to find and deliver their furnishings. And we could not have accomplished everything we did without our amazing team members. We had record projects, amazing growth, and what seemed like dozens of photo shoots. It was a wild ride!

We are so thankful for such an incredible time in 2021! And we have amazing plans for 2022, including a fabulous trip to celebrate Pulp’s 15th anniversary. So here’s to a fantastic new year!

Making Time for Wellness at the Holidays

There is something so magical about the holidays – especially this year. There is a focus on family, new beginnings, and resetting our priorities. The Pulp team also puts a spotlight on wellness during the holidays. We close our offices from Dec. 24 through Jan. 2 so that our entire team can rest and recharge. It’s so important to make your wellness a top priority, now more than ever. And the holidays – a time when the world slows down – is a great time to refocus your attention on self care! Here are the top wellness goals that the Pulp team has for their holiday season.

Beth Dotolo with her family
Carolina Gentry and her husband

Family Time

The Pulp co-founders Beth Dotolo and Carolina Gentry love to spend time with their families! This has been a whirlwind of a year for the Pulp team, so having time set aside with no deadlines or design challenges is a huge luxury. If we’ve learned nothing else from the pandemic, we have all realized that there is nothing more important than our loved ones. Spending time with people that mean the most to us is the key to happiness, so Beth and Carolina plan to make the most of that time during the holiday season. And that includes their fur babies Luna and Bennie!

Carolina with Luna

 

Beth with Bennie

Healthy Eating

Of course there are fabulous things to indulge in over the holidays, but both Carolina and Beth love to create and eat healthy meals. Eating as green and clean as possible keeps them strong and at their creative best, so that’s the key to their holiday wellness season. It’s great to have that hot chocolate or a slice of Christmas pie, but use this season to also remind yourself of how important it is to keep your focus on your health. Especially during a pandemic, it’s key to allow your body to build up its immune system to keep you operating at your very best! But be sure you feed ALL of your senses by also taking the time to serve meals that look as good as they taste. Use your best plates, bowls, and serveware, and show you care by setting a stunning table! You don’t have to have guests to make it beautiful – you’re worth it, too!

A Restful Holiday

We all know how critical good rest and sleep is for our health and wellness, and there’s the temptation to see the holidays as the time to “catch up.” But the most important thing we can do is make good sleep our priority for 2022. We love to create restful rooms for our clients, with the right mattress, soft sheets, and comforting blankets and comforters. We also need to make a commitment to put our devices away at least an hour from our bedtime. Nothing should get in the way of a calm and restorative sleep. Create your own oasis for the very best rest in 2022.

The Outdoor Tonic

So many studies now show how important it is to our mood and our health to spend time outdoors. No matter how cold it is, or what the weather is, the Pulp team believes in getting outside for fresh air and vitamin D. Make time for walks or hikes, especially if you have dogs in the family. Take deep breaths and enjoy the gorgeous views – it should be a focal point for any wellness plan!

A Wellness Routine

Time to yourself is also an important part of self care, and that includes spa appointments, reading, meditation, yoga appointments, and more. Women, in particular, can dismiss things like that as indulgences. But lowering your stress level and doing something for yourself is essential to a healthy lifestyle. Commit to allowing yourself the time and investment to recenter your health!

We hope you’ll make your wellness a top priority over the holiday season and into 2022. Merry Christmas from the Pulp family to yours!

2021 Holiday Gift Guide: Our Ultimate List for Everyone

This year, the Pulp team is into moments that make memories for the holidays. Whether it’s creating a fabulous meal, meditating with amazing scents, mixing the perfect cocktail, or taking good care of yourself, we believe that memories are so much more important than things. So use our Ultimate Gift Guide to show your friends and family how much you care! Happy holidays!

SHOP THE GIFT GUIDE:

1. + 2. Jennifer Fisher Gourmet Salt Trio w/a Marble Salt Cellar is sure to spice up holiday cooking for your family or friends.

3. The gift of a good night’s sleep with Deep Sleep Pillow Spray from This Works is something everyone could use (including the Pulp team!).

4. Elevate at-home exercise with Bala Bangles, perfect for inspiring a good workout.

5. The Ritual Manifestor Ritual Kit offers a way to up-level your self-care with a formulation that’s designed to amplify prosperity and abundance in all areas of your life.

6. A desk accessory that will slither its way into your daily routine, the Snake Magnifying Glass amplifies your view.

7. Perfect for the barfly or art lover in your life, the Muse Cocktail Napkins by Jonathan Adler offer a cheeky way to serve up your favorite drinks.

8. For those on your list who appreciate the perfect brew, the Clara French Press would be a perfect pair for a local coffee roaster.

9. + 10. This Andy Warhol Polaroids book is a great gift for anyone who is into photography or art. We would pair it with the lucite bookstand from Assouline for a great display.

11. Who doesn’t love chocolate (we don’t want to know them)? But this is chocolate on a whole other level with artistically designed treats in the Chocolate Gift Box from Kate Weiser.

12. Pucker up and blow fragrant kisses to friends and family with this fabulous Oh Mon Dieu Incense Holder.

13. Customized linens are always a great hostess gift during the holidays, so why not offer an edgy design that was featured at the Pulp Design Studios Kips Bay Show House space? We loved these Leontine linens that were created just for us!

14. Inspire your loved ones with a Masterclass Membership. They can take classes from superstars in design, art, writing, and more!

15. A great gift for any mixologist in your life, the Craft Cocktail Set from Crate & Barrel offers the perfect tools for creating fabulous drinks.

16. The Catch:3 valet from Courant is the new home for your most essential items, including a wireless charger.

17. + 18. There is nothing better than candlelight over the holidays, and Pulp has a cozy Mohair scented version that’s perfect for welcoming people home. And for smoke-free burning, the Diptyque Candle Wick Trimmer helps recenter the wick while you extinguish the flame.

19. Perfect for serving up sides at holiday soirees, the Salad Servers from The Wooden Palate would be a great hostess gift!

20. As we still grapple with a worldwide pandemic, giving a gift that encourages hand-washing while providing soothing scents is a smart move. A Pulp favorite is the Resurrection Duet by Aesop.

Our Favorite Charity for Giving Tuesday

Year round, it’s so important to remember those in need and to give back to the communities we live in. But, on this Giving Tuesday, we decided to focus on a very special charity for our support and donations: Dwell with Dignity!

Dwell with Dignity is a charity that we have supported for over 10 years. We really connect to it because of their mission to help families escape homelessness and poverty through design. This charity helps to give families homes that are not only beautifully designed, but offer stability, functionality, and safety to those who need it the most. For anyone who loves design and home, you understand the impact of having a safe space that is beautiful, and one that you can be proud of. The psychological implications of “home” are profound.

One of the most impressive things we have observed from being a part of this non-profit was not only the direct impact that this program has on the individual families it directly supports. But, each one of these individuals goes into their community and inspires and creates change, as an impact from their experience. It shows you the power of giving back and how widespread your support can really be.

Dwell with Dignity was also one of the charities supported by this year’s Kips Bay Dallas Show House, with portions of the proceeds from tours of the home (including Pulp-designed spaces!) going to Dwell with Dignity.

Join us by donating to this charity to help even more families have the opportunity for a safe and beautiful home. Click here to learn more and to donate.

Thank you!

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 side table not only brings a modern architecture and industrial design to the space, it also adds a nice pop of color!

For anyone on the go as much as I am, you need this in your life! This helps me iron out any outfit while I’m traveling.

The details on this ring are stunning! With Christmas right around the corner, it is for sure on my wish list.

A sculptural belt is a subtle way to elevate any outfit. I have been loving the way this belt looks with any outfit I pair it with.

I have been obsessed with these shoes recently. They are so comfortable but also go with every outfit. They are a must-have for busy days when I am on the run.

CAROLINA’S PICKS

Love this chandelier and how it looks like an artistic sculptural mobile. A piece like this can be a statement in any house!

This woodsy-smelling perfume is something I reach for when I’m leaving the house.

Not only is this detailing a great touch to any bedroom, but these sheets will make anyone not want to get out of bed in the morning. I am living for this collection!

This has been a game-changer in my house! I have been loving how fast and easy I can make any substitute milk I’m in the mood for.

If you’re looking for a new cookbook for healthy recipes I recommend checking this out. I’ve been loving these easy and delicious recipes.

Before and After: Kips Bay Show House

Pulp co-founders Beth Dotolo and Carolina Gentry have given you a tour of their daring Wise & Wicked space at the Kips Bay Dallas Show House (if you missed it, click here!). But they haven’t shown you how they got from the original house to those stunning interiors! It was a long creative road with lots of challenges and teamwork. So here is a before-and-after look at how the gorgeous loft space came together.

BEFORE – Above is the Office in the loft

The Office

The entrance to the entire loft area was in the office, accessed by stairs from the lower level. The ceiling and the floorplan included a lot of odd angles and turns, giving the Pulp team a challenge right from the start.

BEFORE to AFTER – The Office

A series of panels created with molding was in the downstairs area and one part of the upstairs loft. The team decided to continue that molding through the office to create a refined and defined look.

BEFORE: The Office
BEFORE to AFTER – The Office

Pulp went with a very clean color palette so it would be a space with no distractions. This woman is in charge and all business, but obviously, she wants her surroundings to also inspire her. So there’s a lot of art and very fashion-forward seating.

BEFORE – The custom cabinet that creates the hidden entry to the lounge

The Pulp team worked with the amazing More Design + Build to design a custom cabinet that would be a hidden passage from the office to the fabulous lounge at the other end of their space. The doors of the custom cabinet include Innovations’ Origami wallcovering, designed to look like a unique wood pattern.

AFTER – The Office

The Office Nook

Directly off the office on the opposite side from the hall and lounge was a small nook with a window. The Pulp team decided to create a small space that could operate as a “Zoom room,” or just a space for quiet contemplation during the workday. Every Zoom backdrop needs to be fabulous, especially for Pulp’s dynamic muse, so the Porter Teleo wallpaper was the perfect selection.

BEFORE to AFTER – The Office Nook

To keep that artistic vibe going, Pulp hired a muralist to create a ceiling that was designed to look as if the shapes of the wallpaper were taking flight. The mural extends into the office as if the creativity couldn’t be contained.

BEFORE – The Office Nook

On one side of the finished office is a wall of drapery. When pulled back, it reveals a super-stylish nook, quiet contemplation, for quick meetings, or as an amazing Zoom backdrop.

AFTER – The Office Nook

The Bath and Hall

Through the custom cabinetry, a hallway leads to the lounge on the other side of the loft. Pulp wanted this passage to be more magical and unique, like a hidden world or a speakeasy entrance. This raw space did originally have a bathroom, but it was more of an afterthought and didn’t make good use of the space.

BEFORE – The Bath and Hall
BEFORE to AFTER – The Bath and Hall

To create that sense of adventure and discovery in the hall, Pulp designed a barrel ceiling that would offer a cozier feeling more like a hidden tunnel or passage than a hallway.

BEFORE – The Bath and Hall

The Ann Sacks tile floor was selected because it offered a look inspired by Oz’s yellow brick road. The Pulp team again wanted to inspire a feeling of stepping into a surreal world on the way to an exciting adventure.

Taking advantage of every square inch of space, the Pulp team created nooks for a sink, vanity and shower in the hallway, offering a place for their businesswoman to transform into her wickedly fun alter ego as she moves into the lounge.

BEFORE to AFTER – The Bath Shower

The all-black tiles from Ann Sacks are a bold look for the shower, especially with the glam brass fixtures, and it continues that feeling of mystery and drama.

AFTER: The Bath and Hall

Pulp is known for adventurous design, and that floor definitely gives this space that feeling of pushing boundaries. The Ann Sacks tile (which is the Garde pattern from the Liaison collection) is almost like the yellow brick road, in that you want to follow it to see where it leads you.

AFTER: The Bath and Hall

The vanity is in a niche at the other end of the hall. The chair has the sophistication of the office space, combined with the daring design you see in the ‘Sinner’s Den.’

AFTER: The Bath and Niche

A water closet is a functional and necessary room, but why does that mean it should be boring? Pulp wanted it to be unexpected and eye-catching, and the wallcovering by Calico hits the mark. The light fixture from Luke Lamp Co. is also completely out-of-the-box.

The Lounge

BEFORE to AFTER – The Lounge

The original space for the lounge was very vanilla, with a lot of doors and unused closets. This area’s transformation is definitely the most dramatic for Pulp’s Wise & Wicked design!

BEFORE to AFTER – The Lounge

Two closets were redesigned to be shelves and storage, offering a more practical use of the space. Custom cabinetry on the bottom of the shelves was designed to hide a myriad of “sins,” like a bar cabinet or storage for cards and dice.

BEFORE – The Lounge

To complement the wallpaper selection for this room, artist Brenda Houston created muscovite mineral walls behind the shelves, mimicking the look of snake skin.

BEFORE – The Lounge

A deep black and a red called Dinner Party – both from Benjamin Moore – define the moody and dramatic look that Pulp wanted for this “Sinner’s Den.”

Pulp is known for bold and adventurous design, for rooms that are super-dynamic but are also livable. In the lounge, the mood is dramatic, quirky, and unexpected. A sense of fun and fabulousness reveals itself in the evocative wallpaper, shapely sofa, and exquisitely unique chairs.

AFTER – The Lounge

Pulp designed the space to be edgy and fun, a place that everyone wants to be in, almost like the coolest speakeasy you’ve ever experienced. The team worked with Fromental to customize the Les Boas pattern so the snakes would wrap around the gorgeous Visual Comfort sconces.

To tour the full finished space, click here! And to create your own dramatically livable space, contact the Pulp team.

Pulp would like to thank vendors who provided stunning products for the Wise & Wicked spaces, including: More Design + Build; Arteriors; Visual Comfort c/o Taylors by Jane; Tech Lighting c/o Taylors by Jane; Sylvan S.F. c/o Allan Knight; Fromental; Brenda Houston; Bettinger Studio; S. Harris/Fabricut; Kevin McLean; The Rug Company; Bungalow 5; HD Walls; and Glass House. We would also like to thank the sponsors for the showhouse: Leontine Linens; Kohler; Cambria; Ann Sacks; The Shade Store; and Benjamin Moore.

Kips Bay Showhouse Tour: The Bathroom

In their Kips Bay Dallas Show House space, Beth Dotolo and Carolina Gentry, co-founders of Pulp Design Studios, were inspired by a modern woman, one who works hard and plays hard. So their loft area was divided into a sophisticated office and super-chic lounge area. The link between the two was originally an awkward space that was more of a hallway. Beth and Carolina wanted it to be an unexpected but practical transition between the two main rooms, so they created an ultra-luxe bathroom for a fashion-forward and glam woman. We asked Beth and Carolina to give us a tour of this incredible space – if you want to view the entire Wise & Wicked loft, just click here.

SOURCES: Floor tile by Ann Sacks, custom cabinetry by More Design + Build, towels and hand towels by Leontine Linens, counters are Blackbrook by Cambria, Deco side chair from Pat McLaughlin c/o ID Collection.
Q: This really is a transition space that offers a long view from the office to the lounge, and vice versa. How did you create a feeling of continuity?

Beth: The woman we had in mind as our muse is sophisticated and edgy at the same time. So we wanted this hall and bath to still stand out and create that feeling of chic glamour. The Ann Sacks tile, which is the Garde pattern from the Liaison collection, is an incredible pattern that definitely makes an unexpected and bold statement.

Carolina: We are really known for adventurous design, and that floor definitely gives this space that feeling of pushing boundaries. This was a tough space to design and we really wanted to make an impact. I also love that the floor is almost like the yellow brick road, in that you want to follow it to see where it leads you!

SOURCES: Alpha Sconces by Visual Comfort c/o Taylors by Jane, linens by Leontine Linens, custom cabinets by More Design + Build, faucet and knobs by Kohler, floor tile by Ann Sacks, counter by Cambria, mirror by Rejuvenation, photography by Bettinger Studio.
Q: When you first approach the space, it just looks like a hallway, but then there are niches on each side. Which of these areas are your favorites?

Carolina: I love the sink area because it really captures the entire vibe we were going for – especially with those unique waterfall counters by Cambria. They gorgeously frame the custom reeded drawer and door fronts. We also created a barrel ceiling to continue that theme of adventure and walking into another world.

Bath: I also love the vanity at the other end of the hall. The chair has the sophistication of the office space, combined with the daring design you see in the ‘Sinner’s Den.’ I can just see our modern woman sitting there to freshen up before her friends arrive for cocktails!

SOURCES: Wallcovering at the door is Origami by Innovations, Deco chair is by Pat McLauglin c/o ID Collection.
Q: There also are two very dramatic spaces that take the idea of a bathroom to a whole new level – tell us about those.

Carolina: The shower is definitely dramatic! The all-black tiles from Ann Sacks are a bold look, especially with the glam brass fixtures. A shower is so utilitarian and is often given a more functional or traditional look. We wanted this to be a wow-worthy space, one that would stop you in your tracks!

Beth: I would say the same for the water closet. It’s a functional and necessary room, but why does that mean it should be boring? We wanted it to be unexpected and eye-catching, and that wallcovering by Calico hits the mark. The light fixture from Luke Lamp Co. is also completely out-of-the-box, which is exactly what we wanted this entire Wise & Wicked space to be!

SOURCES: Idris Field wall tile by Ann Sacks, Nero Marquina floor tile by Ann Sacks, frameless glass shower by Glasshouse, vibrant brushed brass fixtures by Kohler.
SOURCES: Zenith customized wallcovering by Calico Wallpaper, Shield Sconce by Luke Lamp Co.
SOURCES: Hand towels, guest towels, and bath towels by Leontine Linens.
SOURCES: Faucet, handles, and sink by Kohler.
SOURCES: Les Boas wallcovering by Fromental.

The Kips Bay Dallas Show House was an incredible project and it took months of work, so stay tuned for a before-and-after look at how the Pulp team took this space from a boring attic to this amazing loft!

The Pulp team would like to thank vendors who provided stunning products for the Wise & Wicked spaces, including: More Design + Build, Kohler, Visual Comfort c/o Taylors by Jane, Tech Lighting c/o Taylors by Jane, Emissary c/o Taylors by Jane, Calico Wallpaper, Bettinger Studio, Luke Lamp Co., Pat McLaughlin c/o ID Collection, and Glass House. We would also like to thank the sponsors for the showhouse: Leontine Linens; Kohler; Cambria; Ann Sacks; The Shade Store; and Benjamin Moore.

The Pulp Edit: Daring and Distinctive

Daring and Distinctive

The Pulp Team aims to set trends rather than to follow them. Our Wise & Wicked space at the Kips Bay Dallas Showhouse gave us the chance to highlight the daring and distinctive looks we love.

Natural quartz crystals and beautiful brass make the Halcyon Sconce from Visual Comfort a compelling chic light fixture.

Fromental’s Les Boas design was customized for the walls in our wickedly fabulous lounge, highlighting an adventurous theme.

Sexy, chic, and full of drama, the curvy Turner sofa from Arteriors is the perfect vibe for a Wise & Wicked woman.

White veins blaze across a black background for a high-contrast look on the Blackbrook stone pattern from Cambria.

A sinuous style connects light and dark stone in the Garde pattern from Ann Sacks’ Kelly Wearstler collection and is featured in our lounge bath.

Porter Teleo’s Tectonic pattern offers a bold design of raw shapes in bronze and sand. It’s the perfect mix of rustic and refined.

Leopardo, from Pulp Design Studios’ fabric collection for S.Harris, mixes an ikat look with animal print for a new take on a traditional pattern.

Quirky and unexpected, the Cade Daybed from Global Views in brass and sumptuous leather makes a sculptural statement that’s daringly modern.

There is a hidden entry in our Wise & Wicked space, featuring the Origami wallcovering from Innovations. The pattern features hand-cut and geometric wood veneers.

Stunning bronze sculptures with a brown patina on granite bases feature the figure of a man and a woman, created by artist Tom Corbin.

Be sure to check out our latest ICON Issue, The Hospitality Issue.

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.’ If you want to view the entire Wise & Wicked space, just click here.

SOURCES: Turner Sofa by Arteriors in S.Harris Lulu Velvet Fabric; Halcyon Round Sconce and Strada Large Flush Mount by Visual Comfort c/o Taylors by Jane; Les Boas wall covering by Fromental; Muscovite wall paneling by Brenda Houston; Carolina Coffee Table with Custom Smoked Glass Top by Arteriors and Glasshouse; Mesa Steel Rug by The Rug Company; Parchment Egg Chairs, Skeleton Chair, and Parchment Side Table by Sylvan S.F. c/o Allan Knight; Dorian Small Mirror by Bungalow 5; and Benjamin Moore Paint.
Q: This space is such a contrast to the office on the other end of the hall – walk us through the amazing design.

Carolina: We are known for bold and adventurous design, for rooms that are super-dynamic but are also livable. So in this space, we wanted to showcase that drama while creating a lounge where our muse – the Wise & Wicked woman – would love to hang out with her friends at the end of a long day or a long week.

Beth: This is the ultimate cocktail lounge, where this woman can really show her personality and let her hair down with her friends. We wanted to make it edgy and fun, to be a place that everyone wants to be in, almost like the coolest speakeasy you’ve ever experienced. It is one of my favorite spaces we’ve designed!

SOURCES: Custom Les Boas Wall Covering by Fromental, and Halcyon Round Sconce in Antique Brushed Brass and Quartz by Visual Comfort c/o Taylors by Jane.
Q: Besides the moody color scheme, what really makes this space so gorgeous are all of the details. Tell us about some of your favorites.

Beth: For me it has to be the stunning Fromental wallpaper. We were able to customize it so the snakes would wrap around the gorgeous Visual Comfort sconces. Your eye is just drawn to that wall immediately and it sets the tone for the entire lounge.

Carolina: I also love the glow of the walls behind the shelves. Brenda Houston created those with us by hand applying muscovite mineral to look like snake skin. But it’s also the most luxe look, almost like the walls were gold leafed. It fits our theme of edgy luxury.

SOURCES: Custom muscovite wall paneling by Brenda Houston with miscellaneous accessories from Arteriors and books from Taschen.
Q: It really does have the feeling of an incredible upscale lounge – one that would be members-only…

Carolina: I think the color palette is so key for the chic and opulent look. We really see those reds and chocolate browns as being ahead of the curve in color trends. The Benjamin Moore paint we chose for the ceiling is really key, and we love the name – it’s Dinner Party. It’s a perfect complement to that stunning Arteriors sofa.

Beth: We chose the furnishings to convey that feeling of luxury, combined with unique textures and styles. The woman who would own this lounge wouldn’t want ordinary seating or tables, she would want something that stands out, that no one else would have. that’s why we selected those amazing parchment egg chairs and skeleton chair by Sylvan S.F.. They are bold and beautiful, just like the woman who would live here.

SOURCES: Turner Sofa by Arteriors in S.Harris Lulu Velvet Fabric, Halcyon Round Sconce and Strada Large Flush Mount by Visual Comfort c/o Taylors by Jane, Les Boas wall covering by Fromental, Muscovite Wall Paneling by Brenda Houston, Carolina Coffee Table with Custom Smoked Glass Top by Arteriors and Glasshouse, Mesa Steel Rug by The Rug Company, Parchment Egg Chairs and Parchment Side Table by Sylvan S.F. c/o Allan Knight, Dorian Small Mirror by Bungalow 5, and Benjamin Moore Paint.
Q: The details are so on point – talk about how important that is to finish a room.

Beth: Details are everything! It’s the layering and the pieces that continue the theme or the story of the room. That’s true in your own home where you would want to use things that are important to you and that tell your personal story. In this lounge, the theme of the wickedly bold woman is showcased in everything from tarot cards – with the High Priestess card up, of course – to snake details to the cigarettes. Should she smoke? No. But this is the ‘Sinner’s Den,’ where everything goes!

Carolina: I also think it’s the textures that help continue the theme and really elevate the design. So we used a lot of faux animal skins, like snake and shagreen, as well as parchment, wood grains, crystals, velvets, and more. It’s key to really giving you that sense of opulence and luxury.

SOURCES: Parchment Side Table in Moss with Pull Out Tray by Sylvan S.F. c/o Allan Knight

Beth and Carolina will give us a tour of one more hidden space from the Kips Bay Dallas Show House soon, so stay tuned! If you’re in the Dallas area, you can tour the house through Oct. 24. Learn more and get tickets here.

The Pulp team would like to thank vendors who provided stunning products for the Wise & Wicked spaces, including: More Design + Build; Arteriors; Visual Comfort c/o Taylors by Jane; Tech Lighting c/o Taylors by Jane; Sylvan S.F. c/o Allan Knight; Fromental; Brenda Houston; Bettinger Studio; S. Harris/Fabricut; Kevin McLean; The Rug Company; Bungalow 5; HD Walls; and Glass House. We would also like to thank the sponsors for the showhouse: Leontine Linens; Kohler; Cambria; Ann Sacks; The Shade Store; and Benjamin Moore.

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. First up is the office, or the Wise side of their Wise & Wicked interior. To see the entire space, just click here!

SOURCES: Brink Ivory Rug by The Rug Company, Amorfo Desk by Mattaliano c/o David Sutherland Showroom, William McLure Art, Affinity Domed Table Lamp by Visual Comfort c/o Taylors by Jane, Terrah Arm Chair by Hellman Chang c/o David Sutherland Showroom, Double Snake Hardware by Lisa Jarvis and Innovations wall covering at the hidden door, The Shade Store roman shades and drapes in Raw Silk – Glacier, custom fringe chairs in Leopardo fabric by Pulp Design Studios for S.Harris, Cade Daybed by Global Views, Neptune art by Samantha McCurdy c/o Galleri Urbane, framed print by Amy Opsal, ceiling mural by Haylee Ryan, and Bolo Accent Table by Demuro Das c/o Allan Knight and Associates.
Q: How did you determine your design, and what made you decide that Wise & Wicked would be your theme?

Carolina: The raw space was a loft area with two rooms linked by a hallway. It was a bit of an awkward layout but immediately we thought about how each area could work together with one theme. We started talking about duality and how everyone has several sides to their personalities. That led to us thinking about a work space and a “play” space.

Beth: Working with that idea allowed us to think about the women we know who are all business when they are working, but have a playful or more adventurous side that loves to dance or have cocktails with friends. It’s that sense of being two (or more) people inside of one body: a mom, a business owner, an adventurous spirit, a person with a wicked sense of humor. That led us to The Wise & The Wicked, with an office representing the Wise side and a lounge that was much more Wicked.

See sources in the photo above.
Q: When you come up the stairs, the first view of your space is the one above – how does the office represent the Wise theme?

Carolina: The cosmopolitan office area is a creative space where deals are made and contracts are signed. It’s refined but with a distinct personality, as defined by the asymmetrical desk from David Sutherland, a Rug Company rug, and gorgeous upholstered custom stools and a chaise from Global Views. This is a woman in charge, who knows how to get things done.

Beth: We went with a very clean color palette so it would be a space with no distractions. This woman is in charge and all business, but obviously she wants her surroundings to also inspire her. So there’s a lot of art and two very fashion-forward seats with heavy fringe. And of course her desk should be just as unique and cutting-edge as the woman who works here.

SOURCES: Amorfo Desk by Mattaliano c/o David Sutherland Showroom, and Affinity Domed Table Lamp by Visual Comfort c/o Taylors by Jane.
Q: On one side of the office is a wall of drapery. When it’s pulled back, it reveals a super-stylish nook. What is this area meant to be?

Beth: We imagined this nook as a place for quiet contemplation, for quick meetings, or as an amazing Zoom backdrop for our Wise woman. The Porter Teleo wallpaper is definitely an eye-catching pattern that everyone on Zoom will be asking about. Our businesswoman can even close the drapery for a moment to herself as she recharges her batteries during the day.

Carolina: We also wanted to be sure that this space was just as inspiring creatively as her office, so we asked a muralist to create a stunning ceiling that would look as if the wallpaper pattern flew off the walls and escaped across the ceiling into the office. And we had a custom banquette created for comfortable seating in the nook.

SOURCES: Halo Hanging Pendant by Visual Comfort c/o Taylors by Jane, Tectonic Wall Covering by Porter Teleo, Roman Shades by the Shade Store in Raw Silk – Graphite, Round Burl Coffee Table by Theodore Alexander c/o David Gilbert, Magnifying Decanter Table by Sylvan S.F. c/o Allan Knight and Associates.
SOURCES: Magnifying Decanter Table by Sylvan S.F. c/o Allan Knight and Associates, pillows upholstered in fabric from Pulp Design Studios for S.Harris, cowhide by 98 Cows, Grant Console by Bungalow 5, and custom benches by Pulp Design Studios in Kravet Smart.
Q: On the other side of the office is a stunning large cabinet. Tell us about that.

Beth: This is one of our favorite design elements in the space. We had a custom cabinet created that looks as if it’s just stylish storage. But when you open it, it reveals the hidden hallway to the Wicked lounge, which we started calling the Sinner’s Den! We love to create unexpected moments in our designs, and this definitely fits that idea. Stepping through is like starting an adventure, and you don’t know quite what you’ll discover. And those snakes on the doors are a bit of a hint!

Carolina: It has the feeling of Alice in Wonderland or Through the Looking Glass! Especially with those large Tom Corbin statues looking as if they’re ready to step through with you. We also loved the idea of how all women – including me and Beth – have these hidden sides to them. If you get to know us well, you’ll be able to learn more about all the layers we each have. This is like peeling back one of those layers for our Wise & Wicked woman.

SOURCES: Standing Man II and Standing Woman by Tom Corbin c/o David Sutherland Showroom.
SOURCES: Double Snake Hardware by Lisa Jarvis and Origami Cedar Wall Covering by Innovations.
Q: Other than that amazing cabinet, what is your favorite part of this space?

Carolina: Definitely the nook and its sitting area. I like to work in a space that is less about a desk and more about being comfortable. I would sit in that nook all day!

Beth: Oh wow – I love every part, so this is hard. But I do covet that amazing chaise from Global Views. That’s an area of the room that’s another option for working on a laptop. It’s such a sculptural piece, too.

SOURCES: Custom side tables with Origami Cedar Wall Covering by Innovations topped with Blackbrook Quartz by Cambria, Venus and Mars wall art by Samantha McCurdy c/o Galleri Urbane.
SOURCES: Brink Ivory Rug by The Rug Company, William McLure Art, Cade Daybed by Global Views, Neptune Art by Samantha McCurdy c/o Galleri Urbane, framed print by Amy Opsal, Bolo Accent Table by Demuro Das c/o Allan Knight and Associates.

Beth and Carolina will give us a tour of their other, more “wicked,” spaces for the Kips Bay Dallas Show House coming soon, so stay tuned! If you’re in the Dallas area, you can tour the house through Oct. 24. Learn more and get tickets here.

The Pulp team would like to thank vendors who provided stunning products for the Wise & Wicked spaces, including: More Design + Build, Visual Comfort c/o Taylors by Jane; Tech Lighting c/o Taylors by Jane; Calico Wallpaper; Fromental; Brenda Houston; Porter Teleo; Bettinger Studio; Kevin McLean; and Innovations. We would also like to thank the sponsors for the showhouse: Leontine Linens; Kohler; Cambria; Ann Sacks; The Shade Store; and Benjamin Moore.