All posts by Beth and Carolina

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Design Insider

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!

 

The Best of 2021

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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

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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

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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

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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

Shopping Guide, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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.