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Lulu HOME’s Cami Luppino and Alana Irwin Share Design Favorites

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Photo by Paul Johnson Photography

The duo behind the Bedford-based powerhouse design firm reveal where they source inspiration, as well as what their go-to resources are.

lulu home

Photo by Paul Johnson Photography

Background:

Alana: “I started my business during the real estate boom in early 2000. I renovated and flipped small houses in lower Fairfield County. I loved the building-and-design process, but when the market took a downturn, I focused my sights solely on interior design.”

Cami: “I am a landscape architect by trade. I spent years building high-end speculative homes in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Similarly aligned with Alana, my business model morphed into interiors after starting a family.”

Design Philosophy:

We pride ourselves on not having a design style! Our aesthetic is our client’s style, reimagined with a twist. After all, it is our client’s home, and it should be personal to their family.

Inspirations:

Fashion, travel, art, and Instagram

Hottest Design Trends:

Black windows, steel doors, abundant texture, and colorful art.

Cami & Alana’s Top Three Design Tips:

  1. Restraint! Maintain some negative space. This allows the eye to rest, which results in a space that feels less chaotic and more relaxed.
  2. Color Story: Construct your color palette to reflect a ratio of 60% for your dominant color, 30% for your secondary color, and 10% for your accent color — you can’t go wrong!
  3. Mix and match metals (limited to two finishes) to give your home a curated and collected feel.

Cami & Alana’s Fave Products

Meighan Morrison, Untitled 51420, 80″ × 52″; Meighan Morrison Art; Bridgeport, CT

Meighan Morrison, Untitled 51420, 80″ × 52″; Meighan Morrison Art; Bridgeport, CT. Courtesy photo

“We always like to source original art. The high contrast, organic forms, and neutral ground make this piece super impactful.”
–Alana Irwin

Foraged Leaves; Bedford Village Flower Shoppe, Bedford

Foraged Leaves; Bedford Village Flower Shoppe, Bedford. Courtesy photo

“We feel every space needs a pop of fresh greenery. We love using foraged branches for this effect.”
–Cami Luppino

Vanguard Console; Cocobolo Interiors, Armonk

Vanguard Console; Cocobolo Interiors, Armonk

“I always like to place an angular piece with a sculpture quality and warm wood tones. I find it to be the perfect balance.”
–Alana Irwin

101 Copenhagen Ceramics; Studio Nordhaven; www.studionordhaven.shop

101 Copenhagen Ceramics; Studio Nordhaven; www.studionordhaven.shop. Courtesy photo

“When accessorizing, I feel less is more, and it is important to select artful pieces. These textured ceramics are just that.”
–Cami Luppino

Made Goods Ottoman; Made Goods, NYC

Made Goods Ottoman; Made Goods, NYC. Courtesy photo

“I feel it is so important when sticking with a tonal scheme to add texture. What better way than with suede and fringe?”
Cami Luppino

Hubbardton Forge Abacus Pendant; Patdo Light Studio, Port Chester

Hubbardton Forge Abacus Pendant; Patdo Light Studio, Port Chester

“I love the multidimensional aspect of this smokey glass chandelier.”
–Alana Irwin

Fayette Studio × Art + Loom Watercolor Dot Rug; Fayette Studio, Greenwich, CT

Fayette Studio × Art + Loom Watercolor Dot Rug; Fayette Studio, Greenwich, CT

“I gravitate toward amorphous shapes; this custom ombre rug adds drama and intrigue.”
–Cami Luppino

Go-To Home-Design Resources:

Shelter Magazines

(other than Westchester Home)

  • Gallérie
  • Metropolitan Home
  • Dwell

Blogs:

Websites:

Instagram Feeds

TV Series

  • Rehab Addict
  • Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Party Challenge
  • Big Little Lies

Westchester Shops/Showrooms:

  • Sarza, Rye
  • Avant Garden, Pound Ridge

CT Shops/Showrooms:

  • Eclectic Home, Greenwich
  • Swoon, Westport
  • Antique & Artisan Center, Stamford
  • The Flat, Westport

NYC Shops:

  • Homenature
  • Dyphor New York
  • Suite NY

Brands/Designers:

  • Eric Kuster
  • Ryan Korban
  • Kelly Wearstler
  • Ray Booth

Architects:

  • McAlpine
  • Felix Millory Architecture
  • Eric Olsen

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