Claire Thomashas had an active imagination for as long as she can remember.
“My mom would always say ‘Claire is off with the fairies.'”
In recent years, interior design has become her muse and a natural segue for more creative expressions.
Credit: David Tsay
“I see design as a storytelling opportunity,” Claire says.
It keeps you focused.
It’s like a gut check: This is what we’re doing; this is the mandate."
Credit: David Tsay
When Claire signed on, there was still time to add architectural details before choosing colors and surfaces.
Arched doorways andbuilt-ins, exposed ceiling beams, andcolorful tilesexpressed the old-world part of the narrative.
Those features also delivered the warmth the couple wanted.
Credit: David Tsay
Limestone flooring, large black-frame windows, and a clean aesthetic reflect the L.A. angle.
“All the elements of the story layer in to pull the design together,” she says.
In an open layout, Claire limits the drama to a single statement-making area.
“Swing bigonce,” Claire says.
Claire’s goal with every room, especially in an open-concept space, is to define it.
An area rug is an easy solution because it naturally unites furniture pieces.
Another is lighting, like the large chandelier Claire says creates a sense of geography.
The mantel mirror is a dumpster find; she spruced up the frame with paint.
For Claire, there’s a difference between designing with a story versus simply having a theme.
Credit: David Tsay
“Themes are more limiting,” Claire says.
“Stories have depth; they have themes, but it’s a layering of themes.”
Dramatic veining in the marble countertop brings pattern into the dining room.
Credit: David Tsay
Claire scopes out areas to create “islands of interest.”
Black and white marble floors nod to the home’s European influences.
Claire balanced old-world European and California-cool elements in the home.
“A collection of couches and seating is more curated and fun,” she says.
Claire Thomas
Every piece of furniture you put into a space is an opportunity for self-expression.
Claire says everything in a homeincluding color choices and details like booksis telling.
“It’s a really easy shorthand for understanding someone,” she says.
Black paint plays up the built-in bookcases as an architectural feature.
“Black is a wonderful backdrop for built-ins.
Credit: David Tsay
It makes displayed objects appear curated and purposeful instead of cluttered,” Claire says.
She adds that it’s “like putting a bull’s-eye on them.
It forces people to take notice.”
“They truncate a room,” she says.
“The continuous color makes a room seem larger and the space complete.
It allows your eyes to float upward.”
“Natural wood is the blue jeans of designit goes with anything,” she says.
Pendants sub for space-hogging table lamps and establish interest above the nightstands.
Because the room gets lots of natural light, she flipped the typical white tub and surfaces to black.
Credit: David Tsay
“Black creates crispness,” she says.
A luxe black soaker tub anchors the bathroom and flows into the deep color of the floors.
The painted black stripes bring enough energy to a room so that no other art is needed.
The graphic design integrates the beds and ceiling fixture into the room.
The design and the black “make the pink bold and chic, not princessy,” she says.
And for those who don’t have quite as active an imagination?
“Simplify,” Claire says.
“The easiest thing is to start with the emotion.
What do you want to feel when you walk into a space?”
“Whatever it isan object, an emotionconsider it your North Star to guide your decisions.”
