Of all the design trends to take over Pinterest, white subway tiles may baffle Mary Randolph most. “I know they’re a budget solution,” she says, “but there are so many better choices out there.” So when she and her family
moved into a 1926 Spanish bungalow in Piedmont, California, the home’s bland ’90s interior didn’t stand a chance. Some of her design choices speak to the history of the home, while others tap into German, Native American, and African-American heritage. What ties it all together? A daring approach to color and pattern, which Randolph layers on walls, floors, and furniture throughout the home. Randolph chose a bluish-black hue for the walls of the
small living room. The color creates a snug vibe for the space, where she and her husband often watch TV
at night. It also dramatically contrasts with the lightness of the adjoining
master bedroom.
Paint in Railings No. 31, from $99/gallon; us.farrow-ball.com. Alpaca shag pillow (similar); ericatanov.com.