Designer Spotlight: House of Honey
Im thrilled about this month’s Designer Spotlight, as it features one of my favorite designers to follow on Instagram. Seriously, if you don’t follow @houseofhoney yet, do yourself a favor and go click “follow” ASAP. I’ll wait. You might recognize her famous master bathroom which has been reposted to Instagram and pinned on Pinterest about a million times, justifiably. You’ll also see a photo of this stunning bathroom in the photos below. House of Honey is a Los Angeles and Montecito-based multi-disciplinary studio focused on residential and commercial interior design. Led by Creative Director, Tamara Honey, the firm is adept at translating clients’ goals and lifestyles into thoughtful and meaningful design. Combining intimate knowledge of the location, creative and construction process, they weave that story through all phases of the design process. I was able to meet Tamara at a party in Pasadena last year hosted by our mutual friend, Kristen Blazek of A 1000 X Better. Soon after our meeting, Tamara ordered a tapestry for her own home, which now hangs in her media room (You’ll see this piece in the photos below, too). I’m excited to share my chat with Tamara and more about her process and aesthetic in this month’s Designer Spotlight Series!
Tamara in her design studio office
photo by Dominique Vorillon
photo by Dominique Vorillon
Tell us a little bit about you and why you love designing interiors.
My background was originally in Fashion and then turned to Interiors, which was a natural shift. I haven’t abandoned my love of fashion – color, pattern, fabrics, lighting as the jewelry in a space – those elements still inform and direct my designs. I love transforming spaces – especially historical or architecturally significant ones – to create an emotional connection with the end user.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find myself taking home the most inspiring ideas from my travels. There is something about immersing yourself in the unknown that inspires us. My designs always begin from a story, and reflecting on these memories always translates into my projects. Whether it be on the other side of the world, or here in LA, there are so many sacred spaces tucked away that really translate into the way I approach a design
How would you describe your design aesthetic?
Inviting. Modern, yet whimsical. Soulful. Timeless. Fun - never being too serious. I love to use layers of textures and patterns, vintage and modern pieces to create fresh, yet timeless spaces.
What recent design trends are you most excited about?
I really try not to pay attention to trends. What I get most excited about is seeing great design or creative solutions I haven’t seen before, and of course being inspired by different cultural design when I travel. I also love to see great design in unexpected places – like outdoor spaces, airports or even bathrooms!
photo by Sam Frost
What is your best advice for someone who is redecorating a room?
It is so important to always pull inspiration from what inspires you and makes you feel good. Keep it fun and unexpected and a little cheeky!
photo of Tamara’s famous bathroom, by Michael Wells
photo by Sam Frost
What rules do you live by when it comes to including art in your designs and spaces?
Art is incredibly important to me personally and my designs. I live in a hub of incredible artists in LA and I love to involve them in my projects. The use of art can really bring life to a space, it has the ability to uplift and transport people within a room.
Tell us about a past project that you used Lauren's art in?
Media Room in Tamar’s own home, featuring a Canvas With Movement® tapestry.
My favorite piece I have from Lauren is in my own home! It is the centerpiece in my media room and is so impactful to the space. I love seeing it every day.
How does Lauren's Canvas with Movement fit into your design aesthetic?
I try to create unexpected and original designs for all of my projects. And I believe that final layer–accessories, art, texture – provides the real soul to the space. Lauren’s single fiber strands that become her tapestry is such an unexpected twist on the original flat tapestry. That concept really marries well with my desire to tweak the expected and provide a new way of looking at design. I love that Lauren has started offering prints of her original tapestries and hope to use them in an upcoming hospitality project.