MAKING IT IN AMERICA
Interior designer Brigette romanek’s intuitive and playful approach made for an eclectic and timeless home
Brigette Romanek brings new life and style to a historic 1930s Hollywood home
there is no lack of showstoppers in hollywood. houses on these famed hills are among the most celebrated in interior design. so creating a home that is not only striking but unique as well, requires a considered and personal touch, with a distinct design perspective. That’s mean feat in Los angeles.
But that is what Brigette romanek does best. The interior designer, who hails from chicago, uses equal parts inspiration and intuition in her design approach. ‘I listen to what the homeowner wants,’ Brigette says. ‘What they need, and also what makes them feel best, and I mix all of that, and try to make an incredible dish. I feel like that’s the best way to give longevity to a project.’
In this case, that project would be a spanish-style house on Queen’s road in hollywood, built in the 1930s. The existing structure had soul, without a doubt, but the challenge was to create a space that was not only comfortable and liveable, but would also reflect the dynamic taste of the homeowners, and serve as a space to entertain their friends as well as showcase their impressive collection of art.
To achieve that, Brigette considered every aspect of the interior to ensure it was highly functional on a day-to-day basis, and also sparked a sense of happiness from the four bedrooms and bathrooms, through to the living and dining areas.
‘every element, from the round pink rug to the vintage coffee table and the bright yellow chairs, is a standout piece,’ she says. ‘My design style is about making every piece its own statement with its own message, and then marrying it all together.’
That is the case outdoors too, where the house boasts an open, but intimate courtyard, with lush foliage and an impressive swimming pool from the original grounds. This combination of so many elements is thanks to playful and intuitive use of colour throughout the house. Brigette says this could happen because of the art.
The impressive collection is, in part, comprised of pieces the homeowners already had, while Brigette helped bring in the rest. ‘The homeowners like daring and challenging pieces which weren’t always safe, but they were so open to the whole process, and it made it a particularly fun environment to work in.’
From there, it was a process of extracting specific colours from the paintings, and echoing them in the furniture, which consisted entirely of new pieces, save for the dining table, which the homeowners already had.
‘It’s all about getting to know your clients and what they like. I wanted them to have a happy home, a place that’s fun and bright. dotting in these colourful pieces is the way I chose to express who they are.’
This intuitive expression of the homeowners’ personality is a skill that Brigette has honed in over many years in the interior design industry, drawing from love and an understanding of living spaces, which she kindled in her childhood.
‘My grandmother would bring home magazines for me to look at, and I would place myself in those spaces and scenarios. I didn’t know it back then that this would be my career, but my love for it was so intense, I knew it would always be a part of me.’
This project in hollywood, like every project Brigette and her team take on, shows this intense love in spades. ‘every project is a highlight for me,’ she says, ‘When someone wants to work with me, I feel so grateful and excited, and I feel sad when the project is over. It’s like saying goodbye to your child.’
‘My design style is about making every piece its own statement with its own message, and then marrying it all together’
BRIGETTE ROMANEK