An interior designer revamps her own home into a posh expression of personality.

After spending four years in her current home, interior designer Lauren Lerner felt it was time to upgrade the blasé builder-grade abode into something more suited to her style. “This house needed some serious personality, and I wanted to make it feel special. It was time for a refresh,” she recalls of the original interiors. “Now, the design is a fusion of various styles and features that I love. It’s an eclectic mix that leans more modern.”

The Entryway

“The entrance of our home needed to make a bold impact and set the tone for the rest of the space,” explains Lerner of the vibrant vignette that greets guests at the front door. Set against a wall painted a velvety shade of gray, a sleek burl console is topped with curvaceous forms and houses matching woven baskets beneath. These neutral-hued pieces are enlivened by the purples, pinks and blues of the eye-catching area rug and framed painting.

“Every entry deserves a glamorous chandelier and a piece of art that introduces your personality,” asserts the designer. “In this case, I chose this colorful abstract painting, which feels fun and exciting. Also, when in doubt, add greenery—it will always freshen up your home.”

The Master Bedroom

Soft, serene colors, textures and forms reign supreme in Lerner’s master bedroom. “This space is now a center for relaxation and puts a smile on my face every time I walk in,” she says. A tufted upholstered headboard, velvet throw pillows and floor-to-ceiling draperies impart a resort-inspired sensibility, while minimal furnishings and clutter keep the energy in the room flowing.

“Purple is my favorite color,” notes Lerner, “so I fell in love with this gorgeous wallpaper that was the perfect backdrop for the jewel-toned accent pieces we chose. Keeping everything else neutral ensured that the room would still emanate a calming effect while not going overboard.”

The Home Office

As the owner of an interior design firm, Lerner needed a space at home where she and her staff could get down to business and still be inspired. “I wanted my office to be fun and comfortable for my team to gather for meetings,” she explains. “One of the first elements I picked was this beautiful wallcovering by a local textile designer. I love the black-and-white pattern and strategically placed it on one wall to act as a focal point. I also chose a dramatic, funky fringed chandelier to play off
the wallpaper.”

In lieu of a traditional rectangular desk, the office features a round pedestal table more conducive to collaboration. “The large surface area gives us plenty of space to spread out, and comfy chairs make meetings more bearable,” Lerner says.

The Backyard

“We use our backyard all the time and wanted to create a memorable destination with all the features needed to entertain and relax,” notes the designer about her home’s amenity-rich outdoor living spaces.

Flanked by a verdant lawn and a tranquil pool complete with floating loungers, an expansive patio is a go-to entertaining spot. A custom built-in barbecue area is cloaked in glossy black tile and topped with a porcelain waterfall countertop perfect for food prep and serving. Nestled at one end is a covered grill sporting a playful pink finish. Adjacent to the dining area is a set of cozy lounge chairs situated around a low-slung fire table, a favorite place for Lerner and her guests to enjoy cool desert evenings.

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