The Expert - Meghan Eisenberg Always Listens to the Bones of a House

Showroom

Meghan Eisenberg Always Listens to the Bones of a House

Words by Morgan Goldberg

a woman sitting on top of a yellow chair

Photo courtesy of Meghan Eisenberg

Meghan Eisenberg does her research.

Though the Los Angeles-based interior designer has a distinct style that’s defined by a sense of playfulness and a use of sculptural furniture, her portfolio is diverse thanks to a habit of listening to the bones of a home. “It’s very thoughtful,” Meghan says of her process. “I really get into the history of houses, studying what's architecturally right for the space, and figuring out how to bring the clients’ personalities through.”

Meghan is also adept at striking a balance between a rich color palette and a minimal aesthetic, which is why her clients trust her so deeply. Now, she can flex her design muscles more freely. “That's the dream really, when the clients want to see what you come up with,” she admits. “It’s when things get really exciting.”

Here, the Expert shares the design secrets that earned her this trust, from her favorite color to the item she always buys vintage and the go-to recommendations that clients always love. Shop all the elements that make up her signature style in her Showroom cart.

a living room filled with furniture and a large window

Photo by Haris Kenjar; Design by Meghan Eisenberg featuring Nickey Kehoe Hassocks

How I curated my Showroom edit

I love sculptural furniture, so all the upholstery pieces I picked have that quality, but they also look comfortable, hearty, and substantial—like you could plop down on them. A lot of the vintage pieces I chose have an artistry that’s appealing because I like that balance between practicality and excitement. And I love bringing in nature, so florals are always a must.

Photo courtesy of Meghan Eisenberg featuring Nickey Kehoe Cove Dining Chairs

What makes a room feel cozy

A rich color palette of earth tones brings warmth into the space, but it's the layer of personality that comes with art and decor that makes a place feel lived-in and adds a level of coziness.

Placeholder Title

The first thing I do when I design a room

I always start with the floor plan. I do concept presentations with furniture and lighting selections first, then I'll start picking the fabrics. Lighting is a huge component of expression—and an obsession—for me, so I like finding the right lighting and building off of that.

a bed sitting in a bedroom next to a window

Photo by Haris Kenjar; Design by Meghan Eisenberg featuring an Armadillo Ravine Rug

My favorite color to use

I hate to be so predictable, but I'm really a green person. It’s very relaxing to us, as humans, because it elicits the feeling of nature and the world outside, which is a nice thing to bring inside a home. It almost feels like a neutral to me at this point.

How I mix colors and textures

It takes visualization to really understand what you're doing in a space, especially with color palettes and fabrics, because there are so many things to consider. Luckily, a lot of our projects are in LA, so we've had the luxury of bringing materials into spaces to make sure that they're going to read well.

a living room filled with furniture and bookshelves

Photo by Laure Joliet; Design by Meghan Eisenberg featuring an &tradition Copenhagen Table Lamp

A no-fail element that every space needs

I would never be able to design a space that didn't have any pattern in it. It always adds a level of excitement and interest. I have a client that doesn't really like florals, which is slightly soul-crushing, but I've managed to weasel in at least one floral pattern in each space. Even though it's going to read as a more modern, minimal space, that layer of pattern is going to elevate it into a different type of design.

Placeholder Title

What I always buy vintage

I buy lots of vintage dining chairs. New dining chairs can be so expensive, so I like finding cool, old dining chairs, like the Razorback chairs that I put in my Silver Lake project. And vintage lighting is something that I'm always scouring the internet for. Sconces, pendants—it's a real passion.

What I always buy new

Upholstery is definitely what I like to do new. When you make upholstery custom, the longevity is so much greater and it's so much more comfortable. I want my clients to be comfortable. And every space is so different, so we can dictate the size and the depth—it can be really tailored to their preference.

Placeholder Title

The finishing touch that always elevates a room

Artwork is high-priority. Even if a client doesn't have a big budget for artwork, we try to find creative ways to bring in that finishing touch, because it ties in all the colors and brings a room to the next level. The accessories part is important, too: books, candelabras, and catchalls... Even though you wouldn't notice those things first, they’re what makes a space feel finished.

a living room filled with furniture and a dining room table

Photo by Haris Kenjar; Design by Meghan Eisenberg featuring a Ruemmler Silk Pendant Lamp

My go-to recommendations that clients love

I’m always recommending grasscloth. It adds a level of warmth to a space and texture on the walls without having to do patterned wallpaper. It could be a neutral cream grasscloth or a solid navy blue for a powder room—it just feels super handsome and adds a level of richness.

I also love the Ruemmler pendant. I can't find one I like more. It's so chic and minimal, but feels very versatile. Every time I have a client with amazing, high ceilings, I can't get away from it. I have an obsession.

I've also used a lot of Shoppe Amber Interiors beds because they’re great quality and they have a very elevated look. And the price point is good compared to a fully bespoke bed, but there are still many options for customization. I would recommend them to anybody.