Inside actress and entrepreneur Gwyneth Paltrow's estate. Photo: Douglas Friedman Photography
Brigette Romanek On Rug Collab + The Evolution Of ‘Livable Luxe’
Interior designer Brigette Romanek. Photo: Courtesy Brigette Romanek
As the designer behind the homes of Beyoncé and Gwyneth Paltrow, among others, L.A.-based Brigette Romanek has become nearly as celebrated as her high-end clientele. Now one of the brightest stars in the field, Romanek shares the scoop on her recent collaboration with Loloi Rugs, reflects on how her book, Livable Luxe, continues to inspire the design of stylish yet effortlessly livable homes and looks to what’s next for her eponymous design studio.
Read The Expanded Digital Interview With Brigette Romanek
Your book explores your concept of “livable luxe”—how do you see that concept evolving in the future?
I’m not one for trends; I think the concept of ‘livable luxe’ is timeless and will continue to resonate as a design ethos. It’s all about blending opulence with comfort in a way that feels both indulgent and inviting. This concept embodies a desire for luxury and function to enrich everyday life, creating homes that feel sumptuous yet effortlessly livable. It’s all about fostering a sense of warmth and connection to your space, transcending time and niche trends.
How do you see your work evolving?
I prioritize elements that are beautiful and functional, and I want my projects to be soulful for each client. I’m particularly excited to further explore sustainability within my “livable luxe” philosophy, incorporating eco-friendly materials and practices that enhance the longevity and environmental consciousness of each design.
Did doing the book reveal anything to you that you perhaps didn’t see in individual projects, or even in yourself?
Working on the book was, in a way, a journey of self-discovery and reflection. I usually just have my head down working, and to have to stop and look at what I’ve done was wonderful. I was proud, inspired and grateful. It just kept reconfirming that I love my job and helping people live their best home lives.
The Knox Rug from the Brigette Romanek and Loloi Rug collaboration. Photo: Courtesy Loloi Rugs
What are some of the joys you’ve found in your brand collaborations?
What’s lovely about collaborations is that it’s like-minded people coming together to create. Each person brings something unique; it’s like mixing different colors together to create a beautiful palette. It’s exciting to bounce ideas off each other and see how they evolve.
Collaborating with Loloi specifically is a joy. Loloi’s team was amazing at helping me bring my vision to life and executed it perfectly. There’s a definite emphasis on rich, cozy textures in these rugs. Inspiration came from everyday life. I was thinking about someone taking off their shoes and just stepping onto the rug and feeling immediate comfort and softness—an exhale moment at home is everything.
Peek At Brigette Romanek’s Design Project Portfolio
How would you say your career path through music and handbag design has shaped or influenced your career now?
My journey through music and handbag design has deeply influenced my career as an interior designer. When I zoom out and look at the big picture, it’s all about being creative. Whether it’s music, bags, homes—they’re all ways to connect with people and bring joy. All of these experiences have come together to shape how I see things and how I approach design.
Why have you kept L.A. as your home base?
The city’s eclectic mix of cultures, lifestyles, and design aesthetics constantly fuels me. LA is full of interesting people doing interesting things.
When you meet with a new client, what kind of questions do you like to ask of them?
I ask about their lifestyle, how they want to feel in that space, and any question that I feel will help me tell their story. I focus on their needs, likes, dislikes, and priorities. I call it ‘learning to speak the science of each client’.
What do you hope new designers might glean from your work?
The importance of authenticity and passion, and of creating based on intuition and following your own rules.
What’s on the books?
Working in residential, commercial, retail—all of which I love. I’m also in love with my recent line with Loloi Rugs. And I’m obsessed with dogs, so a collection with…I can’t say yet! Plus, I have a furniture collaboration coming out in 2025.
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