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“A day of just designing, that’s therapy for me,” says self-taught interiors expert Brigette Romanek. Although now a favorite of discerning Angelenos—her clients include Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyoncé, and Demi Moore—Romanek’s path has been a winding one. The daughter of singer Paulette McWilliams (whose collaborators included Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and Quincy Jones) initially followed in her mother’s footsteps, releasing her debut album with Virgin Records in 1994 with one to follow in 1997, but soon realized her passions lay offstage and turned to her first foray in design: handbags. While holding a sample sale in her LA home she noticed the way people responded to her space, so she started consulting on the interior design of friends’ houses and, in 2018, opened her own firm. Within a year Architectural Digest lauded her as one of the world’s top interior designers—an accolade that has followed her every year since. With a work ethic that celebrates instinct, Romanek’s interiors breathe life into the hollow halls of any home. Now, that sense of dynamic inspiration is on display in her first monograph, Livable Luxe. Below, Romanek shares her favorite things (to own and to give) for happy living.
Style File
DAILY UNIFORM: Jeans and a button-down.
EVERYDAY ACCESSORY: A Foundrae bracelet.
WORK BAG: Christian Dior Book tote. It’s strong enough to hold my computer, binder, and all my tear sheets of furniture pieces.
FESTIVE FROCK: A dress by Emilia Wickstead. She makes elegant, understated pieces that leave something to the imagination.
PARTY SHOE: Christian Louboutin.
On Beauty
EYELINER: Pat McGrath Labs.
WASH DAY: Monat.
NAILS: French or baby doll pink.
At Home
RECENT ADDITION: De Sede vintage sofa in orange leather—perfection!
LINENS: Beltrami bedding is spectacular to me.
LIGHTING: By Gabriel Hendifar, the mastermind behind Apparatus. He’s created an entire world.
ON THE WALL: Lorna Simpson.
AROMA: Maison Margiela Replica candle, By the Fireplace.
IN THE DRIVEWAY: A Tesla and a couple of furniture wrapping blankets—comes with the job.
FOR FURRY FRIENDS: Lay Lo. They make the beds stylish. I’m excited to work with them soon.
For Pleasure
HAPPIEST HOUR: Early morning, around 5 a.m., when it’s still quiet.
READING: The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese.
WATCHING: Motherland, a comedy about motherhood. I cry with laughter.
LISTENING TO: Tyler, the Creator; SZA; James Blake; Kendrick Lamar; Post Malone; Sade; and Beabadoobee.
The Menu
MORNING CUP: Coffee or a strawberry probiotic smoothie from Erewhon.
INDULGENT DRINK: Coca-Cola.
POWER SNACK: BjornQorn popcorn.
HOME-COOKED SPECIALTY: Pesto pasta with caprese salad.
TAKEOUT: Woon Kitchen. Beef noodles, scallion pancakes, or gai lan. Comfort food.
On Holiday
PERFECT STAY: Ritz Paris.
TRAVEL DAY FOOTWEAR: Gucci platform sandals.
IN THE CARRY-ON: Cozy Earth socks, Goop Beauty lip balm, Escentric Molecules, Molecule 02 eau de toilette, Sleeper pajamas, and outfits—I love A.W.A.K.E. Mode’s blazers, skirts, and dresses. As long as I check the weather, I can curate.
TOILETRY BAG: Hermès.
Gift Guide
FOR THE KIDS: A climbing wall.
FOR THE AESTHETE: A trip to Rome to see, well, everything.
FOR THE HOST: Lady M Signature Mille Crêpes cake.
FOR THE ENTERTAINER: Michaël Verheyden T-Light candle holders. They are stunning and when the candle is lit, the glow is soft and pretty on a dining table.
FOR INTERIOR ENTHUSIASTS: My coffee-table book, Livable Luxe.
ON THE WISH LIST: A new album from the late singer Prince or an Honor Titus painting.
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