Architectural Cases

Designer Ellen Van Dusen, known for her vibrant and patterned home and lifestyle collections at Dusen Dusen, delves into the extensive Architectural Digest archives to reveal the diverse influences that shape her distinctive aesthetic. Her selections highlight a range of architectural and artistic marvels, from a reclusive architect's innovative work to an exuberant mosaic sculpture park and a whimsical Bavarian-style cottage. Van Dusen's journey through these historical features underscores her appreciation for bold creativity, personal expression, and the seamless integration of art and environment, demonstrating how these past designs continue to inspire her contemporary approach to color and pattern.

One notable discovery from the July 1985 issue is the work of Alden Dow, an architect trained by Frank Lloyd Wright. Van Dusen admires a seamless indoor-outdoor project in Michigan, where the building's structure extends into an adjacent pond using congruent materials, creating a harmonious flow. She finds charm in Dow's reclusive nature, noting that his wealth, derived from the Dow Chemical family, meant he had no need to actively promote his work, leading to a unique and less-publicized legacy in architectural history.

From the September 1987 issue, Van Dusen highlights Niki de Saint Phalle's Tuscan Tarot Park, a site she describes as her favorite place she has ever visited. The French sculptor's creation of an entire world made of tiles, showcasing various finishes and an imaginative spectrum of colors, deeply resonated with Van Dusen. The mirrored-tile interior of a house within the park and the handmade nerokomi-style tile in a fountain were particular standouts, illustrating a fearless and deeply personal artistic undertaking.

The January 1988 feature on a Bavarian village in Northern California, built for the Hearst family, also captured Van Dusen's imagination. She was captivated by William Randolph Hearst's decision to enlist Hollywood set designer Willy Pogany to paint the muraled facade of his summer cottage. Despite initial skepticism from those involved, Van Dusen praises Hearst's commitment to "doing something weird," viewing the property as an amazing example of bold design and personal vision.

Further delving into the archives, the December 1997 article on artist Jennifer Bartlett’s New York City home impressed Van Dusen with its expansive and playful art collection. She appreciates how the owners, Brian Donnelly and Julia Chiang, made their home approachable and fun despite the significant value and scale of their pieces. Van Dusen was particularly drawn to the repetition of artistic elements both on the walls and throughout the physical space, such as boats, shingles, and house motifs, noting that the 3D art's impact is truly felt in person, especially with the added feature of a top-floor pool overlooking the street.

A modern lake house in Texas, featured in the October 2006 issue, fulfilled Van Dusen's lifelong fantasy of such a dwelling. Designed by Lake/Flato, the structure impressed her with its perfect blend of contemporary aesthetics and integration with the natural landscape. The seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces, a hallmark of Lake/Flato's work, was a significant draw for Van Dusen, who discovered the firm through her architect father.

Finally, a bathroom project by Charlap Hyman & Herrero, highlighted in the April 2025 issue, brings Van Dusen's exploration full circle. She admires the firm's overall work but found this particular bathroom especially striking, noting its resonance with Niki de Saint Phalle's tiled creations. Both spaces, in her view, exemplify a fearless and unique approach to design, characterized by personal expression and a bold use of materials.

This journey through the Architectural Digest archives offers a fascinating glimpse into the diverse and innovative designs that have left a lasting impression on Ellen Van Dusen. Her selections reflect a consistent admiration for creativity, individuality, and designs that push boundaries, reinforcing the foundational principles that guide her own successful brand, Dusen Dusen.

Carolyn Miller, an esteemed interior designer, embarked on a significant journey to transform her historic Hancock Park duplex into a deeply personal sanctuary. This endeavor, a collaborative effort with her husband, Cedric Nairn-Smith, became a defining project in her career, allowing her to fully articulate her unique design philosophy. The renovation masterfully intertwines historical design elements from Nordic, Italian, and Japanese aesthetics of the mid-20th century, resulting in a modern yet authentic living space. Beyond professional design, Miller's personal investment in the restoration, including extensive DIY work, underscores a profound commitment to crafting a home that resonates with both past and present, celebrating the inherent beauty of each curated object and the narrative it contributes to the couple's shared life.

The transformation of the duplex highlights Miller's keen eye for integrating diverse influences and her dedication to hands-on restoration. From preserving original architectural details to undertaking complex DIY tasks, she ensured every aspect of the home reflected a blend of historical reverence and contemporary living. The interior is enriched by a carefully assembled collection of art and furniture, each piece chosen for its individual character and its contribution to the overall harmony of the space. This fusion of professional expertise and personal passion has created a dynamic and evolving environment, embodying the couple's journey and their appreciation for design that inspires rather than dictates.

A Harmonious Blend of Historical Styles

Carolyn Miller's design philosophy is rooted in a deep appreciation for the past, viewing every new creation as an extension of enduring legacies. Her approach to transforming her Hancock Park duplex was no exception, serving as a critical milestone in her personal design journey. Miller meticulously wove together "threads that have spanned centuries," drawing inspiration from diverse historical periods and geographical regions. This careful curation allowed her to forge an environment that felt both authentic and genuinely lived-in. For Miller, this project represented a significant evolution in her professional identity, pushing her to explore less conventional and more specialized design sources. Her aim was to achieve a modern aesthetic that elegantly synthesizes historical ideas, culminating in a style she describes as “Art Deco craftsmanship with machine age clarity,” subtly incorporating Nordic, Italian, and Japanese design influences from the 1930s to the 1960s.

This transformative process was not merely about aesthetic choices but also about a profound exploration of her artistic self. By delving into esoteric design sources, Miller broadened her creative horizons, allowing her personal residence to become a canvas for her refined vision. The integration of various design eras and cultural aesthetics is evident throughout the duplex, where every piece of furniture, every artistic element, and every decorative detail contributes to a cohesive yet eclectic narrative. This deliberate fusion creates an interior that transcends mere trend, offering a timeless quality that reflects a deep understanding and respect for design history. The result is a home that tells a story, marrying the robustness of industrial aesthetics with the sophisticated artistry of Art Deco, making it a unique testament to Miller’s evolving and distinctive taste.

Craftsmanship and Curatorial Passion

The renovation of Carolyn Miller's home stands as a testament to diligent restoration and a profound respect for the existing structure, where original architectural elements like plaster moldings and arches were meticulously preserved. Miller’s hands-on approach extended to numerous DIY projects, showcasing her dedication to personal craftsmanship. This included the challenging restoration of old wooden windows, a task that involved extensive scraping and waterproofing to protect her cherished art collection from sun damage. Her involvement in replacing air vents, updating door hardware, and installing custom teak handles in the kitchen highlights a deep commitment to every detail. Along with her husband, she undertook significant upgrades such as the electrical system and the application of Portola Roman Clay to the fireplace, further demonstrating her active role in the physical transformation of their living space.

Miller's expertise extends beyond structural renovations to her exceptional curatorial eye, transforming the duplex into a vibrant gallery of unique objects. Rather than adhering to conventional retail, she passionately scours sample sales, floor samples, and auction houses like Bukowskis and Bonhams, as well as online platforms such as VNTG, Proantic, and eBay, in search of original and distinctive pieces. This eclectic collection, ranging from a Lalique vase to a humble Tsubo pot, creates an interior where every item possesses its own identity, contributing to a harmonious yet unexpectedly dynamic atmosphere. Miller believes that this deliberate “off-kilter” arrangement brings a space to life, reflecting the evolving tastes of the couple and ensuring a layered, lived-in aesthetic. For her, furniture makers and ceramicists are on par with fine artists, affirming that a thoughtfully designed chair or lamp can be as profound an expression as a painting, all while embodying the principle of "restraint" advocated by design legend Elsie de Wolfe.