Designer Series: Elements That Soothe the Senses with @bungalow56living
Karyn and Jessica, the dynamic duo behind Bungalow 56 Design, grew up in the small town of Truckee, nestled by Lake Tahoe, CA. Their passion for design sparked at a young age, starting in the fashion industry during their teenage years. Despite taking different paths after high school—Karyn working for an interior design firm in Truckee and Jessica moving to Southern California to attend design school—their shared dream of opening a design business together never faded. Eventually, Jessica convinced Karyn to join her in San Diego, where they established Bungalow 56 Interior Design and Shop. Now, after 12 successful years, they continue to bring their unique design vision to life, creating spaces that are both timeless and functional.
When preparing for their partnership with Mor Furniture, they emphasized the importance of selecting pieces that are versatile and timeless. The duo chose items that seamlessly blend into various design styles, ensuring that each piece not only looks beautiful but also serves a practical purpose in any space.
The Plan & Prep
To style two products and bring both designs to life, a combination of in-store furniture accents, studio props, and select accent décor pieces were carefully curated by Karyn and Jessica.
Room #1: Creating a Comfortable Retreat
The Result:
Inviting & Serene
Their approach to bedroom design centers on creating a comfortable retreat. They start with a neutral palette, layering in cozy textures and elements that soothe the senses. For their bedroom design with Mor Furniture, they selected streamlined furniture pieces paired with neutral lamps and oversized bedding to create an inviting and serene atmosphere. Karyn and Jessica add that the Modern Upholstered Panel Bed perfectly aligns with their design aesthetic, thanks to its clean lines and neutral color, making it easy to pair with other decor elements.
They kept the palette consistent by adding creamy tones with the Jamon Lamp sitting atop the Melbourne Nightstand in Brown, Hopkins Accent Chair in Light Natural, and the Abington Rug in Beige.
Room #2: Mixing Materials
The Result:
Beautiful & Durable
When designing dining rooms, Karyn and Jessica When designing dining rooms, Karyn and Jessica prioritize functionality and style, always keeping in mind how their clients will use the space. They focus on maximizing seating and serving areas for gatherings while ensuring that the fabrics and materials are both beautiful and durable. The white Bay Creek Dining Table and light gray Brighton Chairs, with their timeless style and neutral tones, exemplify this approach. They love how the classic white farmhouse table pairs beautifully with fabric chairs, creating a soft yet sophisticated dining space.
Personal Taste & Design Tips
Karyn and Jessica describe their personal design style as European-inspired, featuring natural stones, warm wood tones, and creamy whites. They are particularly excited about the current trend of incorporating natural materials and rich jewel tones, moving away from the once-dominant gray and white color schemes.
For those looking to enhance their space, Karyn offers two key design hacks: avoid buying entire furniture sets, and don’t be afraid to mix different materials and shapes. She also advises investing in high-quality pieces that you use daily, such as beds, sofas, and dining tables, and mixing them with more affordable rugs, pillows, and accessories.
When it comes to home renovation or redesign, Jessica’s advice is simple: hire an interior designer whose portfolio aligns with your vision. Gathering inspiration photos and understanding how you want to use your space will also help guide the design process, ensuring that the final result reflects your style and needs.
For inquiries, check out Bungalow 56 Design for interior styling needs, and give them a follow on Instagram at @bungalow56living for even more inspiration.