Style secrets of Gwyneth Paltrow’s interior designer

Gwyneth Paltrow's interior designer, Brigette Romanek, has worked on several high-profile projects, including the design of Gwyneth's Los Angeles home, and their collaboration has garnered significant attention for its effortless sophistication, timeless elegance, and warmth. Romanek’s style perfectly complements Paltrow’s own ethos of understated luxury and well-being, which is also reflected in her Goop lifestyle brand.

If you’re looking to emulate the style secrets of Brigette Romanek—particularly the aesthetic she crafted for Gwyneth Paltrow’s homes—here are some key elements that define her approach to creating elevated yet liveable spaces:

1. Focus on Clean Lines and Simplicity

Romanek’s designs are known for their minimalist elegance, with a focus on clean lines and uncluttered spaces. For Paltrow, she created environments that feel open, spacious, and uncomplicated, reflecting Gwyneth’s personal approach to style and life: effortless and clean.

• How to incorporate this: Choose furniture and accessories with sleek profiles and simple silhouettes. Look for pieces that feel timeless but not overdone. Think of low-profile sofas, straight-edged coffee tables, and minimalistic lighting that still feels warm and inviting.

2. Layering Textures for Warmth

While Romanek often works in a neutral palette, she balances simplicity with texture. The goal is to create spaces that are visually interesting but don’t overwhelm the senses. Romanek layers luxurious fabrics, wood, and stone to add depth and warmth to the space.

• How to incorporate this: Layer soft linens, velvets, or textured rugs with stone countertops, warm wood accents, and natural elements. A plush velvet throw on a sleek modern sofa or a woven rattan chair in a minimalist living room can create the right balance of comfort and style.

3. Neutral and Muted Color Palettes with Pops of Bold Colour

Romanek is known for working within neutral tones, such as creams, whites, greys, and earthy beiges, which create a calming, serene environment. But she’s also not afraid of bold accents. For Paltrow, she introduced pops of deep blues, burnt oranges, and rich jewel tones to inject personality and energy into the spaces.

• How to incorporate this: Start with a neutral base (think white walls, beige sofas, and wood floors) and add in accent colours through art, pillows, or textiles. A rich navy velvet sofa or an art piece with bold colours can really make the space come alive without overpowering the serenity of the neutral tones.

4. Incorporation of Art and Statement Pieces

In many of Romanek’s designs, art is a central element. She’s known for selecting pieces that make a statement but don’t overwhelm the room. The art often feels organic, modern, and refined, complementing the natural light in her designs.

• How to incorporate this: Invest in a few large-scale pieces of art—whether it’s abstract paintings, photography, or even sculptures—that anchor the room and provide visual interest. Romanek often mixes classic, timeless artwork with contemporary, giving the room personality and depth.

5. Mixing Modern with Vintage

Romanek has a knack for combining contemporary pieces with vintage finds. This eclectic mix adds character and warmth to her designs. For Paltrow, this meant mixing modern furniture with vintage rugs, antique lighting, and even old-world textures like distressed leather or worn wooden furniture.

• How to incorporate this: Blend modern sleek furniture with vintage accessories like a mid-century modern lamp, an antique mirror, or a hand-woven rug. Don’t be afraid to mix and match, just ensure that everything feels cohesive in terms of texture and tone.

6. Thoughtful Layouts and Flow

A key element in Romanek’s work is the flow between rooms. She creates spaces that feel connected, whether that’s through open-plan layouts or thoughtful transitions between different areas. Each space flows seamlessly into the next, maintaining a sense of airiness and openness. This is particularly important in creating a home that feels as comfortable as it is stylish.

• How to incorporate this: Pay attention to furniture placement to create natural, open pathways between rooms. Avoid overcrowding spaces with too much furniture, and focus on creating areas that feel connected while still maintaining their own unique identity. Consider the flow of light, as Romanek also prioritises natural lighting to keep spaces bright and airy.

7. Comfort and Functionality Without Sacrificing Style

Above all, Romanek’s spaces are designed to be lived in. While her designs are undeniably luxurious, they don’t feel precious or overly formal. Romanek makes sure that every design choice also serves a functional purpose, from comfortable seating to easy-to-care-for materials. For Paltrow, this meant incorporating cozy elements like plush throws, soft bedding, and relaxed seating areas that make the home feel welcoming, not stiff.

• How to incorporate this: Prioritise comfort in your furniture choices while ensuring that they still have sleek, sophisticated lines. For example, a comfortable sectional sofa in a neutral fabric, a plush wool rug, and soft, inviting bedding are all important for creating a space that’s both stylish and functional.

8. Use of Natural Materials

Romanek’s design style is deeply rooted in the use of natural materials like wood, stone, and linen. These materials not only add textural warmth but also contribute to a more sustainable and organic aesthetic. In Gwyneth Paltrow’s homes, you’ll often see earthy elements incorporated into the design, which complement the overall wellness-focused vibe of the space.

• How to incorporate this: Choose natural materials for furniture and finishes, like raw wood tables, marble countertops, linen drapery, or woven baskets. These elements bring an element of nature indoors and create a connection to the earth, which is a big part of the calm and grounded atmosphere Romanek is so skilled at creating.

9. Lighting as a Statement

In Romanek’s designs, lighting isn’t just functional—it’s a focal point. Whether it’s a sculptural chandelier or elegant sconces, the lighting in her projects is designed to add atmosphere and drama. For Gwyneth’s spaces, Romanek often chose statement light fixtures that felt both artistic and functional.

• How to incorporate this: Don’t overlook lighting as an important design element. Invest in bold, statement pieces, such as a large pendant light or art-deco-inspired sconces, to draw the eye upward and add visual interest to the room. Think about how lighting can enhance the overall mood of the space, whether it’s soft, warm lighting for relaxation or bright, modern fixtures for a more energetic vibe.

Final Thoughts on Brigette Romanek’s Style Secrets

Brigette Romanek’s design style is all about balancing beauty with functionality, creating welcoming, luxurious spaces that feel timeless but never stiff. Her work for Gwyneth Paltrow is a perfect example of how to create a home that’s both elegant and approachable, with a focus on natural materials, calming color palettes, and texture layering that make a space feel effortlessly luxurious.

If you’re looking to bring some of Romanek’s design magic into your own home, think about layering comfort, natural elements, and modern sensibility into a cohesive, welcoming space that reflects your unique personality—just like Romanek’s signature designs.

Would you like specific advice on how to apply any of these secrets to your own home?