Design Tips From the Countess of California Cool

BPF: In your opinion, when is it okay to go bold with color or pattern on a piece of furniture versus staying neutral?

BB: When you want to add a bit of whimsy to a room, it’s great to take a risk with pattern on major pieces. I’ve done striped sofas — even a camouflage print one — that added just the right twist to a room.  Another time to go bold is when you’ve got a piece of furniture with great lines that seems overly serious; a Louis-style settee is a lot more fun in a red linen than it is in a pale silk, for instance.

While color is one of Betsy's signature design elements, she finds it more practical used in small doses set against neutral backdrops.

Fans consider Betsy's work very complex and meticulously well thought out. Mixing patterns and using neutrals in fresh, unexpected ways isn't a skill picked up through reading a textbook. Betsy, who originally worked in menswear for The Gap, has an in-depth understanding of textiles and tailoring which often shows in her upholstery and seamstress work.

BPF: When is it okay to mix pattern?

BB: It's okay when there’s a color or mix of colors consistent between them and when their scales are different. For instance, a two-color, medium-scale ikat in grassy green and white will look fabulous with a multicolored paisley that has a bit of the same green in it. Add to this a small-scale leopard print with a white ground (and perhaps one of the colors from the paisley), and you’ve got a cool room. What’s important is to make it look just random enough; in other words, not too perfect.

As this living room demonstrates, something indicative of a Burnham-designed space is a meticulous layering of textures, sheens, colors and shapes.

BPF: What are your thoughts on dark-stained floors?

BB: I still love them. They’re classic, chic and timeless; dark floors provide fabulous contrast with white trim and wall color. So what if pet hair is more noticeable?  

BPF: Any decorating pet peeves?

BB: I can’t stand it when people push their furniture up against the walls of their room. This is not a furniture plan! Pull your furniture in, let it “float.” By creating more intimate groupings of pieces, the result is a much warmer space. Another pet peeve, and I’m sorry BPF, is too much DIY. Most people are not good painters, or paper hangers. Hire a professional to do the work. It’s really well worth the splurge, and that well-prepped and painted wall will make even Ikea furniture look expensive.

BPF: No offense taken! I'm a pretty darn good painter and stylist; however, I leave true wallpaper hanging to my team of professionals. I totally agree that there's many cases where paint jobs should be left to the professionals.

BPF: You use animal prints and make it look so luxurious. What can make leopard or zebra prints look cheap and gaudy?

BB: Garish colors are a no-no, as are inexpensive or overly furry fabrics. It sounds oxymoronic, but look for tasteful animal prints.

BPF: Many of your spaces sport breathtaking millwork. Any trick for making it look great without spending a fortune to do so?

BB: Oh, there’s no trick — custom millwork is expensive! One cost-saving idea is to use paint grade material, like MDF, for the actual millwork. Paint-grade materials are generally more affordable than finer, stain-grade woods.

The featured Los Angeles-based designer at home in her back yard.

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