An L.A.-based Designer Who Found Her Calling Thanks to George Clooney and Anna Kendrick
After a stint in the business world, Stefani Stein now designs homes and furniture for an A-list clientele.
By LAURA HINE
Do you remember the 2009 movie Up in the Air, in which GEORGE CLOONEY and Anna Kendrick play “career transition specialists,” basically meaning they fire people for a living? Designer STEFANI STEIN not only remembers it, she switched careers because of it.
I have an intake process where I ask clients a lot of questions. Some of them might seem weird and not relevant, like “If your home were to have a theme song, what would it be?” I’m trying to find out how people want to feel in a space, whether it’s energized, calm or dramatic. The materials and furnishings vary project to project based on the unique attributes of each client.
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The 8 interior design trends that defined 2021
Year in Review
DEC 21, 2021
Let’s face it: 2021 was a trip. We started the year deep in the pandemic, and by fall we were fully vaccinated and back in action at High Point. Now, with COVID cases back on the rise, we’re closing out the year with a series of canceled events and a third round of vaccination shots.
It’s been a wild ride, and the trends were every bit as unruly. While things feel far from normal, the designs that reigned supreme the past four seasons prove that despite all the heartache, fear and confusion, we can still figure out how to have a little fun. From fuzzy bouclés to cobalt blue decor accents, here are eight looks that supplied us with endless inspo throughout 2021.
CURVY FURNITURE
The clean, midcentury-inspired lines that dominated the marketplace before the pandemic were usurped by rolling, amorphous silhouettes this year. Though the curvy furniture trend dates back to the 1950s (when Vladimir Kagan debuted his iconic Serpentine sofa), it reemerged in 2021 as a curvaceous alternative to sharp geometric shapes, as seen in projects by Tom Lawrence-Levy of Natural Asthetik, Stefani Stein, and Brittany Hakimfar of Far Studio.
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Classico con un tocco rock: è il progetto di interior firmato Stefani Stein
9 dicembre 2021
L’interior designer Stefani Stein ha mediato i gusti opposti di una giovane coppia di Los Angeles, creando per loro una casa glamour, in cui «lo stile contemporaneo incontra quello classico con un tocco di rock n’roll», come racconta la designer.
Quando si sono fidanzati, l’influencer Brittny Ward e il pilota Jenson Button si sono innamorati di questo appartamento di Los Angeles; ma quando si è trattato di delineare l’interno della loro futura casa, la coppia aveva opinioni molto diverse, così si sono rivolti alla designer Stefani Stein per mediare tra loro. «Era stata recentemente ristrutturata e aveva un grande potenziale, ma era un po’ troppo classica per questa giovane coppia amante delle atmosfere glam anni ‘70», racconta la designer. «Lo stile contemporaneo incontra il classico con un po’ di rock n’roll».
Brittny voleva che la loro casa fosse colorata, rosa ed eclettica; Jenson, invece, voleva toni terrosi, mobili classici e un look più maschile. La camera da letto nera era l’unico punto su cui si trovavano d’accordo. «La carta da parati in tessuto vegetale ha aggiunto un grande elemento strutturale», ci racconta Stefani Stein. «La moglie voleva qualche elemento rosa pallido o nudo, ne ho inseriti solo alcuni, per non dare un effetto troppo girly e risultare troppo in contrasto con i gusti del marito. Piccoli accenti di questi elementi, come nastro su alcuni cuscini in camera da letto, risplendono senza risultare troppo oppressivi». Stefani Stein è riuscito ad avvicinare questi due mondi molto diversi concordando per una casa dal carattere sensuale, lontano dallo stile rustico e marittimo.
Il primo passo è stato decidere la tavolozza dei colori, che avrebbe ruotato intorni ai toni del verde, insieme al bianco, il nero e leggeri tocchi di rosa nei cuscini, nelle applique del camino e nel tappeto della sala da pranzo. Vedendo i mobili della coppia, Stefani ha subito intuito che il glamour e i colori decisi sarebbero stato di loro gusto, optando così per una carta da parati nera nella camera da letto. Un rischio che ha ripagato perché adesso questa è la stanza preferita dalla coppia.
Classico con un tocco rock: è il progetto di interior firmato Stefani Stein
L’interior designer Stefani Stein ha mediato i gusti opposti di una giovane coppia di Los Angeles, creando per loro una casa glamour, in cui «lo stile contemporaneo incontra quello classico con un tocco di rock n’roll», come racconta la designer.
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Tour Samira Wiley and Lauren Morelli’s Los Angeles Home
The house marries Wiley’s burgeoning affinity for British interiors with Morelli’s abiding love of color.
By Paola Singer
Photography by Sam Frost
Styled by Lisa Rowe
November 17, 2021
Indeed, the home displays hints of the English countryside combined with more fresh urban touches, and a color palette that’s strong but not loud, with deep blues and mustards softened by pastels and neutrals. “It was a process to figure out our aesthetic as a couple, because we gravitated toward different things,” says Morelli, who gave birth to the couple’s first child, a daughter named George, in April. “But we agreed that if one of us really cared about something, we’d go for it.”
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Idee per arredare una casa di 70 metri quadrati
di Elisa Mencarelli 09 luglio 2021
A West Hollywood, l’interior designer Stefani Stein ha sapientemente trasformato un anonimo appartamento di nuova costruzione in uno spazio vibrante e confortevole.
Situata nel West Hollywood, a pochi passi dai ristoranti e di club alla moda, questo appartamento è stata una vera e propria sfida per la designer Stefani Stein. Un esempio di come per sfruttare al massimo 70 metri quadrati senza rinunciare al design ricercato.
«Il brief iniziale era uno spazio minimale ma invitante. – racconta Stefani Stein- Gli accenti potevano essere neutri o terrosi e il cliente voleva assolutamente un divano in pelle. Hanno adorato l’idea della carta da parati, che è uno degli elementi che preferisco. A causa delle tempistiche ristrette non abbiamo avuto il tempo di creare mobili personalizzati così mi sono dedicata alla ricerca degli arredi perfetti nei miei negozi di fiducia. Volevo dimostrare come non servano ville immense per poter arredare con eleganza».
A West Hollywood, l’interior designer Stefani Stein ha sapientemente trasformato un anonimo appartamento di nuova costruzione in uno spazio vibrante e confortevole.
Situata nel West Hollywood, a pochi passi dai ristoranti e di club alla moda, questo appartamento è stata una vera e propria sfida per la designer Stefani Stein. Un esempio di come per sfruttare al massimo 70 metri quadrati senza rinunciare al design ricercato.
«Il brief iniziale era uno spazio minimale ma invitante. – racconta Stefani Stein- Gli accenti potevano essere neutri o terrosi e il cliente voleva assolutamente un divano in pelle. Hanno adorato l’idea della carta da parati, che è uno degli elementi che preferisco. A causa delle tempistiche ristrette non abbiamo avuto il tempo di creare mobili personalizzati così mi sono dedicata alla ricerca degli arredi perfetti nei miei negozi di fiducia. Volevo dimostrare come non servano ville immense per poter arredare con eleganza».
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Hot Take: Marble Actually Has Easier Upkeep Than Synthetic Stone Countertops
And more surprises from this Venice Beach kitchen project.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY BARTLAM
Published on June 19, 2021
Designer Stefani Stein came onto her client’s California new build later than she would have liked—by two whole years. By then the opportunity to nix unflattering downlights and adjust awkward window placements had come and gone. To top it off, the townhouse’s Venice Beach location meant a heap of strict building codes to follow. Her trick to softening all the utilitarian newness: adding warm, earthy details and antique accents. For this 160-square-foot kitchen, that included everything from Arabescato Orobico countertops to sculptural lighting.
Don’t: Forget About Mood Lighting
Downlights without dimmers lack in the ambience department; Stein likens their effect to an office or cafeteria. “To me, lighting is everything,” she says. By hiding her client’s blender and toaster in a quasi-appliance garage and freeing up counter space, she could incorporate a large table lamp—her go-to finishing touch, not to mention essential for the crucial transition from meal prep to cocktail hour.
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MATERIAL WORLD
Author:Lindsey Shook
05.27.2021
Stefani Stein personalizes a Venice townhome with lush stone and earthy finishes
“My approach to design emphasizes the unique attributes of each client and their environment,” says designer Stefani Stein. “While many of my clients are looking for color and comfort, as a designer I’m intrigued by variety.”
“The guest bathroom has a fantastic, textured tile from Japan,” says Stein. “The variety of the finish varied from tile to tile. I worked with the installer to create a bit of a checkered feel working with the tonal variations to create the effect.”
“The guest bathroom has a fantastic, textured tile from Japan,” says Stein. “The variety of the finish varied from tile to tile. I worked with the installer to create a bit of a checkered feel working with the tonal variations to create the effect.”
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Tour A Small But Perfectly Formed Apartment That’s Big On Ideas
In West Hollywood, interior designer Stefani Stein has skillfully transformed a sterile new-build apartment into a soulful-yet-serene space.
by Saiqa Ajmal; photography Amy Bartlam MAY 9, 2021
Stein and her team are ‘always on the lookout for great vintage items’ and have a storage unit that houses finds until they are selected to be used in a project. Here, accents such as vintage lamps and studio pottery are judiciously placed throughout, and a retro image of Sixties style icon Twiggy, captured by Ronald Traeger for Condé Nast, adds a flash of interest to the pale-walled bedroom
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This L.A. Apartment Perfectly Styles To Scale
BY ASHLEY ROPATI MAY 18 2020
Any small-space dweller will likely share the same set of design scenarios. Picking a sofa, securing a dining table, optimizing surrounding storage, and sourcing pieces to fit in a tiny place are at the top of the list.
For Los Angeles-based designer Stefani Stein, a narrow, 800-square-foot apartment project in West Hollywood offered a unique design challenge. With the move-in date non-negotiable for her busy clients, the ability to go "custom everything" was off the table. Instead, Stein sourced locally and scoured her favorite stores for fan favorites, applying foolproof design principles in a bid to dispel the small space myths.
Any small-space dweller will likely share the same set of design scenarios. Picking a sofa, securing a dining table, optimizing surrounding storage, and sourcing pieces to fit in a tiny place are at the top of the list.
For Los Angeles-based designer Stefani Stein, a narrow, 800-square-foot apartment project in West Hollywood offered a unique design challenge. With the move-in date non-negotiable for her busy clients, the ability to go "custom everything" was off the table. Instead, Stein sourced locally and scoured her favorite stores for fan favorites, applying foolproof design principles in a bid to dispel the small space myths.
5 Designers Share Their Secrets For Achieving California-Cool Style
MARCH 12 2020
There’s a reason why California style is loved by more than just those who live by the beach. Natural wovens, earth tones and crisp white linens emulate a “go with the flow” sensibility. Even if you’re miles from the shore, you can take inspiration from this laid-back aesthetic no matter where you live. We sat down with five West Coast designers and asked them their must-haves for bringing California-cool style home.
Think Light & Bright
“Bright, sunny spaces with neutral foundations exude a classic California version of coastal vibes,” says Los Angeles-based designer Stefani Stein.
Add A Splash Of Drama
“California isn’t only about minimalistic neutrals though. An eclectic aesthetic has long been synonymous with California’s fun-loving lifestyle. While current interpretations are a bit more toned down than the likes of the great American artist Tony Duquette, his influence certainly still lives on today.”
Master The Mix
“Laidback luxury brings that subtle mix of glamorous refinement and effortless California living.”
Get Moody
“A bit of black can be a more dramatic take on neutral interiors and just the right amount of edge for infusing your space with that California-cool feel.”
Go Green
“Earthy hues abound. Try using a palette inspired by nature in your home.”
Design house: A small, space-saving house in Los Angeles, designed by Stefani Stein
Compact and clever, this quaint home is full of genius ideas for maximising space.
BY JENNIFER EBERT FEBRUARY 23, 2020
Compact and clever, this quaint home is full of genius ideas for maximising space.
‘A fun, and sometimes challenging, aspect of many residential projects is striking that balance that unites both clients’ tastes cohesively.’
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UNA CASA CON UNA DECORACIÓN SEXY EN LOS ÁNGELES
La interiorista Stefani Stein medió entre una pareja con gustos muy diferentes creando para ellos un hogar con glamour, latón y paredes negras.
Cuando se comprometieron, la influencer Brittny Ward y el piloto de automovilismo de velocidad Jenson Button se enamoraron de una casa Cape Cod de 436 metros cuadrados en Los Ángeles para convertirla en su futura casa de recién casados. Este tipo de viviendas se caracteriza por ser de una planta, tener una fachada simétrica muy sencilla, tejado a dos aguas y una chimenea central. Aunque por fuera les encantaba, el interior no era de su gusto, pero a la hora de visualizar su futuro hogar tenían opiniones muy distintas de cómo tenía que ser, por lo que acudieron a la diseñadora Stefani Stein para que mediara entre ellos.
Cuando se comprometieron, la influencer Brittny Ward y el piloto de automovilismo de velocidad Jenson Button se enamoraron de una casa Cape Cod de 436 metros cuadrados en Los Ángeles para convertirla en su futura casa de recién casados. Este tipo de viviendas se caracteriza por ser de una planta, tener una fachada simétrica muy sencilla, tejado a dos aguas y una chimenea central. Aunque por fuera les encantaba, el interior no era de su gusto, pero a la hora de visualizar su futuro hogar tenían opiniones muy distintas de cómo tenía que ser, por lo que acudieron a la diseñadora Stefani Stein para que mediara entre ellos.
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Trending: Midnight Hour
It’s time to join the dark side. Moody colors mix with rich textures and metallic accessories for a glamorous ‘70s vibe we love.
INDULGING IN GEOMETRY
In this laundry area, Stefani Stein Inc. used detailed, cement tile to craft a compelling design.
Read More“I really enjoy turning textiles that I've discovered during my travels into great decor items such as pillows, throws, and even table linens. It’s a great way to incorporate travel mementos into your home, and regardless of where in the world you are visiting, there are often local textile and weaving traditions.”
Read MoreINDUSTRIAL BULB
Subtle yet packed with personality, this kitchen by Stefani Stein Inc. features an industrial-style bulb pendant that makes the case for understated design.
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Décor Tricks: You Might Have More House Than You Think
How interior designers gave under-utilized square footage a makeover—ingeniously finding space for a nursery, a bar and more
By Catherine Romano
Nov. 29, 2019
SOME FATE-BLESSED homeowners enjoy expansive interiors with skate-boardable hallways and book shelves devoted solely to objets. Most of us, however, need to exploit every soupçon of real estate in our more modest living quarters, something at which interior designers excel. Their ingenuity helps them spot fallow or problematic spaces and turn them into much-needed nurseries, convenient bars and more. In prewar New York apartments, for example, prime territory below windows—where you might put furniture—is often monopolized by hideous radiators that can’t be blocked. Brooklyn designer Laurie Blumenfeld-Russo found a way...
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Makeover of the Week: A Lackluster Laundry Room Gets a Sleek, Stylish Refresh
by COLLEEN SULLIVAN
UPDATED 11/22/19
“The room was small, closed-off, and all-together not very functional. It got a lot of use with two children, a cat, and a dog living in the house, so I wanted to make the space more polished but still very utilitarian,” explains designer Stefani Stein.
“I wanted to provide the family with the space and tools they needed to make a dreaded chore more enjoyable,” notes Stein. “They loved mid-century modern design, so I incorporated bits and pieces of that aesthetic into the space while still honoring the home’s Spanish farmhouse architecture.”
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From Persimmon To Navy, Interior Designers Share This Year’s Trendiest Fall Colors
by OLIVIA HARRISON
"This fall, think about incorporating accents of earthy rust, which is lovely as both a wallpaper or accent fabric. For example, a velvet or mohair pillow, in this hue, adds both the colors and textures we crave in the fall months. I especially love how it works in an otherwise neutral room, particularly when paired with moody elements like a dark accent wall or rich marble. As a focal point, try wallpapering a dining room or powder room." — Stefani Stein of Stefani Stein Inc and August Abode
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A CAPE COD-STYLE HOME WITH ’70S VIBES IN LA
HOME TOURS / OCTOBER 22, 2019
The owners of this Cape Cod-style house in LA wanted a place that felt sexy, but it wasn’t exactly communicating that feeling when they purchased it. It had recently been renovated and had great potential but was slightly too classic, as it was, for the young couple’s preference for a glam ’70s vibe. They turned to designer Stefani Stein to help them bridge the gap – something like Mrs. Robinson with a little bit of rock n’ roll.
The owners of this Cape Cod-style house in LA wanted a place that felt sexy, but it wasn’t exactly communicating that feeling when they purchased it. It had recently been renovated and had great potential but was slightly too classic, as it was, for the young couple’s preference for a glam ’70s vibe. They turned to designer Stefani Stein to help them bridge the gap – something like Mrs. Robinson with a little bit of rock n’ roll.
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