This living room leans into the art of subtle drama, using curved forms, tonal layering, and a striking fireplace surround to create a space that feels both composed and alive.
Andrew Joseph: If you weren’t a designer, you’d be a…
Paulina Hospod: A bartender! I used to bartend, and now I’m a dedicated bartender for family and friend gatherings — and an unofficial consultant for friends’ wedding drink selections and other events that call for custom creations.
AJ: Three words to describe where you live:
PH: Animal, cozy, moody.
AJ: Best advice you’d give your teenage self?
PH: Say no to jobs or positions you don’t like. We often get stuck in places for far too long, and life is short.
A fresh take on cozy, where gingham, natural wood, and tactile textiles meet a statement fan that adds just enough drama to the bedroom’s softer mood.
AJ: What’s inspiring you in life (or in the industry) right now?
PH: Animal prints are always inspiring to me — they’re timeless, bold, and full of personality. I love that they’re making a strong comeback in fashion right now; it’s a reminder that good design, whether in interiors or clothing, is about confidence and individuality. Seeing them return in fresh ways always sparks new ideas for how to bring that same energy into my spaces.
AJ: Favorite app?
PH: The Lutron app — seriously love that I don’t have to get up from bed to shut my lights off.
AJ: Three things you can’t live without:
PH: Wine, jewelry, and a car.
Between the dramatic sofa, patterned rug, open bar cabinet, and casually stacked books, this eclectic living room embodies the swagger the furniture brings to it.
AJ: Favorite podcasts?
PH: I’m a huge crime junkie, so Unraveled (about a serial killer in Long Island, NY), Dark Valley, and many more. I also love stories about scammers—they’re so unreal and unbelievable: E-lies-abeth, Scamanda, and the newest one, Unicorn Girl.
AJ: Describe your design style as if you were explaining it to someone who cannot see.
PH: I’d say it feels layered, tactile, and full of contrast. I love the rhythm of prints — especially animal patterns and bold stripes. Botanicals appear occasionally, but only when they feel fresh and not overly traditional. I like to mix materials and finishes: polished nickel with brass, smooth marble against warm wood, and a touch of raw brick for grounding. I avoid trends and anything too predictable — like shaker doors or stark white kitchens. Instead, my spaces are rich with character and depth, brought to life through muted, moody hues: mustard, purple, and green, each in its most sophisticated, deep tones. The result is a balance between elegance and edge — timeless, but never boring.
Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to aspire design and home magazine.