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DESIGN & DÉCOR

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DESIGN & DÉCOR

Designer Claire Thomas Shares the Story Behind The Highball House

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Designer Claire Thomas approaches each new space with a focus on crafting a unique and meaningful story for the home. This narrative serves as the foundation for her design process, guiding decisions on whether elements belong in the space and how they contribute to the overall atmosphere.

An excellent example of this design philosophy is evident in The Highball House, a vacation home situated in Palm Springs, CA. Collaborating with homeowners Mamrie Hart and Grace Helbig, both comedians, Thomas’s approach to storytelling in design shines through in the finished project.

Claire Thomas’s design for The Highball House in Palm Springs is a visual realization of a captivating story. The narrative, inspired by a 1967 Pan Am flight to Morocco with Barbara Eden as the flight attendant, transforms the home into a Palm Springs vacation retreat as if influenced by “I Dream of Jeannie.”

One remarkable space reflecting this inspiration is the former walk-in closet, now known as Jeannie’s bottle nap room. This area, draped with pink velvet curtains, features a day bed and a dramatic lighting fixture. The transformation not only creates a kitschy and dreamy spot for photos and relaxation but also enhances the perceived size of the room.

The playful and whimsical style integrated into the Highball House resonates with the owners, Mamrie Hart and Grace Helbig, providing a sense of flirtatious relief from the outside world. The space embodies a playful and cozy atmosphere that captivates the eye and offers a respite for the mind.

Claire Thomas’s design for The Highball House reflects a whimsical oasis designed to evoke a sense of silly and sweet comfort. Inspired by Mamrie Hart and Grace Helbig’s playful personalities, the home is a blend of slightly campy, ’60s-inspired aesthetics with modern comforts.

Standout pieces from Joybird, Concrete Collaborative tiles, Signature Hardware fixtures, Tappan Collective artwork, Hudson Valley Lighting, Reform CPH cabinet fronts, and captivating vintage items contribute to the unique atmosphere. Noteworthy elements include a curved purple sofa, vintage oversized jacks on the outdoor dining table, and vintage mirrors that transport visitors to the past, creating a playful and nostalgic ambiance.

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