Meet the Designer: Erinn Valencich on the Small Space Big Style Showhouse
Author:Lindsey ShookErinn Valencich is busy at work, pulling together the master bedroom and bath she’s creating for California Home+Design’s first ever showhouse. The space weighs in at just 1,400 square feet, but Valencich looks at it as welcome challenge rather than an impediment. We caught up with her for a sneak peek at her spaces.
How is designing a small space different from a larger space?
I fell in love with this space because of the tall ceilings and natural light. Because it’s on the small side, it’s important to make every thing count as a functional piece as well as a beautiful piece.
Tell us about your color palette?
I was inspired by John Russo, a photographer who is known for shooting the stars on the red carpet, but who also shoots landscapes in a way that makes them look like watercolor paintings. I sell his work in my store, Erinn V. Maison, and I decided to include some in this room. The blues and pops of cerise green in these photos set the color palette for the room. I painted the walls a deep, deep blue and accented with cerise accents. There are floor-to-ceiling walls of windows in this room, and I had sheer black shades created for them. When they are down, they look like the color of the walls and you are enveloped in the deep hue.
There’s a bit of glimmer here too. Tell us about it.
I thought the room should have a touch of glitz. I decided to use the Astra bed, which I designed and sell. The headboard is silver leaf, inset with mirror. It stands out in a gorgeous contrast to the dark wall, and its shape makes a big statement. Because of the room’s size, I chose a queen size bed. That’s all most people need.” Above the bed is infinitely glam and glittering murano-style Bella Vetro chandelier from Cyan Design, also available at Erinn V. Maison. The ceilings are high here, and they deserve a statement piece.
You chose a laminate floor. Why?
The floor is actually a laminate floor from Quick-step in a dark gray varnished oak. It looks absolutely real and it’s absolutely durable.
Did you also design the nightstands?
For small rooms, I like to use larger bedside tables for storage purposes. I designed the Maron Bed Table with a drawer and shelves.
Is there pattern in the room?
I installed two bench seats near the bed for extra seating, and covered them with a bold chevron strip. Additionally, I choose a street-art Japanese rug from Amadi Carpets to add some boldness and a touch of surprise to the space.
Tell us about the light fixtures.
The room is tied together by the gorgeous aquaa murano-style glass chandelier from Cyan Design. We also are using beautiful lucite and nickel Flander Lamps from Grace Home Furnishing.
What should we expect in the bathroom?
I have tile that looks like wide wood planks, but my favorite thing is the bright red faucet I’m using. I’ve never seen one before, and I had to have it! It looks great with the wood grain in the tile.
