Call us sentimental, but we’ll always have a soft spot in our hearts for Whitney Port’s sensible style. (We blame all those weekend-long binge fests of The City.) So, when the reality star turned fashion designer opened up her Venice, CA, home to online interior design service Homepolish, we knew we had to sneak a peek. With designer Orlando Soria at the helm, the two outfitted the screening room in the star's home with some help from Joss & Main. Full of minty blue tones, unique knickknacks, and a gallery wall to die for, the space embodies Port’s laid-back California girl aesthetic while factoring in her husband Tim Rosenman's love of clean, neutral furniture.We tapped Soria for the details on how you can get the same look in your own space on a budget. Ahead, everything you need to know to steal Port's sophisticated, but delightfully eclectic, style.
What were some of the anchor pieces you added and why?
"We started by adding a big rug to soften the space and add some color. Then, we added a cozy sofa and four chairs for maximum seating — it is a screening room, after all. The coffee table also grounds the room and brings in another element, stone, which gives the space much more character and gravitas."
Tell us more about the theme of the room.
"Basically, the idea behind the room was to create a beachy, eclectic space that reflected Whitney and Tim's personalities. They live in Venice, so I wanted something that would have a coastal vibe, while being a reflection of their modern aesthetic at the same time. Whitney is a wonderful combination of classic and edgy, so I wanted the space to be the same."
What are your favorite pieces?
"I love the white Gus Modern chairs we got from Joss & Main. I love how they bring in some warm wood, while also having modern lines and bringing in some nice geometry. They pretty much embody the whole vibe I was going for with this project: earthy and approachable, yet elegant."
What color is the paint on the walls?
"Water Drops, by Benjamin Moore."
How would you describe the room in three words?
"Colorful, collected, calming. "
We love the eclectic mix of art and the statement-making neutral sofa from My Chic Nest.
What was the biggest challenge designing the room?
"The biggest challenge was taking a space that was designed as a painter's studio — Whitney lives in a live-work artists' space — and making it feel like a cozy screening room. It's a big space with tall ceilings, so I wanted to add some intimacy by adding gallery walls and art hung at lower levels. By adding drapery and lots of accessories, we changed the space from cold and lifeless to charming and lively. "
Fashion books can be found stacked around the room.
What advice do you have to someone who’s redesigning their space on a budget?
"Don't be afraid of doing things yourself and shopping at flea markets and thrift stores. If you're on a budget, don't waste money hiring painters to paint the room, do it yourself! Try and add one or two splurge elements to the room, like a fancy coffee table, [or] an amazing piece of art. If you have a few wow moments, you can get away with spending less on everything else. Mixing in some unique items you found at the flea market will definitely give the space a more unique look, which will ultimately make it look more high end. "
Port is a vision matching the room's blue hue.
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