In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
Marbé Briceno Velázquez takes an architectural approach to interiors. The Los Angeles designer relies on a time-honored blend of neutral tones and natural materials to foster spaces that exude elegance and approachability. “I’m constantly navigating the balance between functionality and beauty,” she tells Business of Home.
Anchored by creamy white travertine and light oak wood, her mood board is grounded in structurally-sound pieces—a nod to the importance of “good bones” and a well-designed layout. “Patterned fabrics bring geometry and rhythm to the scheme, while mustard yellow velvet and Rosso Levanto marble lend richness and tactile depth,” she says.
Whimsical touches, such as a ceramic ant sculpture and a tasseled key chain, add a dash of mystery and intrigue to the design. “Every element was selected for its integrity, history and ability to age gracefully,” she explains. “In a world rushing toward the next new thing, I find calm and clarity in what lasts.”
Here, the Marbé Designs founder breaks down the details, from a fiddle-leaf fig branch to metallic faux leather.
1. FIDDLE-LEAF FIG BRANCH
“My favorite plant! I add greenery to every project, but this one is symbolic, too—it reminds me to let nature into the conversation.”
2. CUSTOM CORDOBA CREAM TRAVERTINE AT STONEVILLE
“This textured stone [from Stoneville] feels like time itself—natural, unpolished and grounding. It reminds me that real beauty never shouts.”
3. COLMORE CABINET PULL HANDLE IN AGED BRASS BY ARMAC MARTIN
“Brass is in my design DNA. I use it constantly. It ages beautifully and brings quiet luxury to everything it touches.”
4. SKINTH FABRIC BY JOSEPH NOBLE
“Tactile, rich and so versatile, this faux leather is subtle, yet it adds a layer of craftsmanship to the board.”
5. EURO OAK MATTERHORN FLOORING BY RHODIUM FLOORS & DECOR
“This wood is clean, modern and versatile. It’s a go-to when I need something that calms the drama.”
6. PALISSE FABRIC IN 0355 BY CASAMANCE
“Elegant, textural and quiet. I love how this upholstery plays with the geometry of the jacquard while softening the palette.”
7. TASSEL KEY CHAIN FROM THE BOWERY HOTEL
“I brought this key chain home from one of my favorite [places to] stay in New York. Now it lives in my mood boards like a little memory looped in brass.”
8. CUSTOM DARK OAK WOOD BY ARANELLI
“This deeper-toned wood [by Aranelli] adds contrast and anchors the warmth of the lighter oak. I use it to bring balance, mood and a grounded sophistication that modernizes any palette.”
9. STELLAR FABRIC IN GIORGIO BY THREADCOUNT TEXTILE & DESIGN
“Rich, grounding and moody. This nubby fabric brings the perfect counterbalance to the lighter elements.”
10. FAYE FABRIC IN CARAMEL BY THESIGN
“Warm, bold and touchable, this mohair velvet instantly elevates a space without trying too hard.”
11. GEOMETRIC ROSSO LEVANTO PRIZM HONED TILE BY WALKER ZANGER
“This marble is like a jewel—deep, dramatic and unapologetically rich.”
12. CUSTOM GRANITE OXIDIZED MIRROR SAMPLE BY MARBÉ DESIGNS
“I’ll never stop loving antique mirror finishes. It reflects softly, adds depth and always makes a space feel storied.”
13. ANT SCULPTURE
“I love incorporating unexpected objects, like this sculptural ant I found in a tiny town in Europe, into my compositions.”
14. ZEN GARDEN WALLCOVERING IN KOSHI CREAM BY MAYA ROMANOFF
“Like silk, this wallcovering has a soft shimmer that catches the light just enough.”
15. EUPHORIE CUBISTE FABRIC IN SEPIA BY ALISON ROSE FOR MISIA
“This one brings energy. I’m drawn to geometry, and this textile feels like a midcentury painting in motion.”
16. WEST DESERT, EVEN ANGELS CRY AND THE HIERARCHY BY TONESTER PAINTS
“I always bring it back to earthy hues, like beige, deep green and charcoal. These colors are anchors that give freedom to everything else in the room.”
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