OUR STUDIO

DESIGN JOURNAL

ULTERIOR/INTERIOR
Looking beyond beautiful spaces

by Patrick Ediger

Great design begins with paying attention. The most valuable lessons I’ve learned as a designer haven’t come exclusively from job sites or showrooms. They’ve come from conversations, travel, remarkable hotels, memorable meals, exceptional craftsmanship, unexpected moments, and simply taking the time to notice the world a little more carefully.

Consider this an invitation into that process. Here you’ll find the observations, ideas, inspirations, and occasional provocations that continue to shape my perspective—not just as a designer, but as someone who believes our surroundings have a profound influence on how we live. Some essays are about homes. Others aren’t. But every one has, in some way, influenced the spaces I create and the life I aspire to live.

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Modern bathroom in Los Angeles, CA with a bronze-framed mirror, natural white limestone pedestal sink, alabaster wall sconces, and neutral brick tiled walls.

Brass faucet and handles on a white marble bathroom vanity, with soap, plant, and round mirror in a calm modern setting

Interior Design Budget: Why Your Designer Needs to Know What You Want to Spend

Talking about an interior design or renovation budget can feel awkward for a lot of people. And when you’re sitting across from someone you’ve only recently met discussing what may be several million dollars, I understand why. There’s something inherently vulnerable about telling a near stranger exactly what you’re prepared to invest in your home. It can feel surprisingly personal, even a little naked.

Aug 28

Patrick Ediger in blue shirt studies a projected elevation of a bathroom floor plan with shower, sink, and toilet, touching the wall tile of the tub area wall with measurements.

How Do Interior Designers Charge, and What Are You Actually Paying For?

There is no universal answer. Interior design fees can be structured in several ways. Some designers bill entirely by the hour, others work on a flat fee, some charge a percentage of the overall project budget, and many use some combination of these approaches.

Aug 21

Beautiful Homes Begin with Better Questions

FIELD NOTES: When people imagine working with an interior designer, they often picture conversations about colors, finishes, and style. While those decisions certainly matter, they’re rarely where we begin.

Aug 15

How Many Decisions Does It Take to Design a Kitchen?

FIELD NOTES: One of the biggest reasons renovations become overwhelming isn’t because homeowners have to make difficult decisions. It’s because they’re asked to make hundreds of decisions while construction is already underway.

Aug 7

Renovation Planning: The Most Expensive Decision Is Usually the First One

FIELD NOTES: One of the biggest misconceptions I see is that the most expensive decisions in a renovation happen when it’s time to choose finishes or furniture. In reality, the decisions that have the greatest impact on both budget and outcome are usually made long before anyone is looking at tile or paint colors.

Jul 31

Blurred Lines: How Interior Architecture Connects a Home to the Natural World

LA-based interior designer Patrick Ediger on how interior architecture and thoughtful decisions made long before construction begins allows a designer to connect interior spaces with the natural world and create a home that is beautiful and restorative.

Jul 22

Primary bedroom with french doors, light walls and accents of blue.

Why Constraints Fuel Creativity in Interior Design

Many people think that having more freedom leads to better design creativity. But after years of working on interior design projects, I’ve found the opposite is true. Constraints are the foundation for creativity. By narrowing the field, we create clarity. By creating clarity, we make better decisions. And better decisions, made with confidence, are what ultimately lead to the most thoughtful and personal homes.

Jun 10

dining table and large sofa on deck overlooking river in Zambia National Park

Embracing Thoughtful Design: The Shift in Luxury Interiors

LA-based interior designer Patrick Ediger on Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River, travel-inspired design, and the case for restraint in luxury residential interiors

Apr 8

Design Spotlight: Black Artists and Product Designers You Need to Meet

A spotlight on 11 black artists and product designers making an impact on the design industry.

Feb 24

a bedroom with blue walls and a large bed with natural blanket and blue pillows

Transform Your Home Into the Sanctuary You Need This Year

An interior designer shares five tips to make your home a sanctuary that lowers your stress levels.

Feb 5

Discovering Tailored Design: Creating Homes That Reflect You

When I walk into a home for the first time, I’m not just looking at the architecture, the layout, or finishes. I’m paying attention to how it feels. Is it inviting? Does it flow? Does it support the life that’s being lived inside it? More often than not, I can sense the story the homeowner wants to tell — even before they can put it into words.

Sep 2, 2025

Patrick Ediger relaxing on a blue chair, reading a magazine. His dog rests nearby on a cozy Moroccan rug. Green plants and flowers create a warm, bright room.

The Psychology of Interior Design: Why We’re So Drawn to Antiques

There’s something undeniably magnetic about antiques. A timeworn dresser. A leather chair with just the right amount of give. A crackle oil painting whose original subject and artist are both long gone from this world. These pieces have a way of pulling us in, even if we can’t quite explain why.

Jul 9, 2025

Empty room with large wooden floor, big windows showing green trees and cloudy sky, and glass door opening to a balcony with a scenic view.

Embracing Your Temporary Home: Design Tips for Rentals

Over the past few months, I’ve spent a lot of time discussing the process of rebuilding after the recent Los Angeles wildfires—helping homeowners navigate the complexities of restoring their homes and lives.

May 8, 2025