Brigette Romanek is – and this is no hyperbole – one of the best interior designers working today. Based in LA, she has spearheaded an aesthetic that has come to characterize Californian style and be influential around the world. Her look is both luxe and liveable, relaxed and refined, elegant and easy to be in, and she has a client list that includes Gwyneth Paltrow and Beyonce.
Her own home is a perfect example of what she can do. Shapes are welcoming, light pours in and there is deliberate and airflow and space between pieces of furniture which allows a sense of positive energy.
'I believe with all my heart that we’re enhanced by our surroundings, and if I can bring beauty into people’s lives then that creates good feelings,' Brigette says. 'I now think about energy more than ever – I’ve seen it with clients and with myself. When people leave a room they don’t remember every piece of furniture or every object, but they do remember how they felt in that space – that energy lingers with them. I always want people to feel like when they walk into one of my rooms they’ve been invited to a party!'
She has recently refurbed her own kitchen, replacing a black countertop with a much more soothing scheme. In her own words, this is how she approached the project.
'Creating a calm and inviting environment was definitely a focus when I was designing my kitchen,' Brigette says. 'I always want my spaces to feel like a love letter to yourself, a place where you can unwind and truly feel at home.'
Following the project, the kitchen has gone from relatively dark to using paler neutrals to create a soothing ambiance. 'I feel at peace when I'm in it now,' Brigette says. 'There’s a certain calm that washes over you when you step into the room. It’s warm, comfortable, and functional, all while still being chic, which is everything I want in a space I spend time in.'
How did ensure the kitchen felt calming?
Brigette Romanek is an interior designer and founder of Romanek Design Studio. Her work has been featured in Livingetc, Archictectural Digest, Homes and Gardens and many more international publoications. Having designed homes for celebrities such as Gywneth Paltrow and Beyonce, her first book, Liveable Luxury, was published last year.
'It’s the combination of simplicity and thoughtful design choices that makes it so soothing,' Brigette says. 'The colors, textures, and materials all play a role in making the space feel grounded and balanced. The subtle details, like the flow of natural light and the softness of the finishes, really bring a sense of calm.'
Brigette used Farrow and Ball's Elephant's Breath on the kitchen cabinets, a longstanding classic that has been in the brand's color book for years. But it's rarely used on kitchen cupboards. Until now. 'Elephant’s Breath is such a beautiful, versatile shade,' Brigette says 'I love how it has this gentle warmth but still feels neutral. It shifts beautifully throughout the day—sometimes it’s a soft gray, or subtle pink, other times it picks up a bit of warmth. It all depends on the time of day and what light is coming into the kitchen. It adds depth without overpowering the space.'
Why did you choose this countertop?
'The kitchen countertop is Oyster Marble,' Brigette says. 'I chose it for its timeless appeal and the natural movement in the stone. It’s organic and grounding, and I love how it wears over time, gaining a bit of character with each passing year.'
As a contrast, the hardware is all burnished and lovingly worn in appearance. 'Aged brass brings warmth and a subtle richness to the room,' Brigette says. 'It has a tactile quality that feels authentic and well-worn, which helps soften the space and make it feel more lived-in.'
How did you ensure the kitchen felt personal, but also minimal?
'I always want the pieces in a room to tell a story,' Brigette says. 'The minimalism here allows the personal items to stand out. Everything has meaning and intention, so even though it’s simple, it still feels deeply connected to the space and to me.'
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