Possessing an extraordinary eye for detail and an unyielding commitment to quality, Trip Haenisch is an award-winning interior designer renowned for his broad range of styles and for combining refined creativity with the unexpected. It’s no wonder clients like Courteney Cox, Christina Aguilera, and Cher come to him for his sophisticated, eclectic, and always comfortable interiors. His work has appeared in over 70 publications worldwide, including: Elle Décor, Interior Design, W, Vogue, House Beautiful, Architectural Digest, House & Garden, The New York Times, Harper’s Bazaar, Los Angeles Times and numerous coffee table books.

DESCRIBE YOUR HOME IN THREE WORDS:
Comfortable, curated, and, most importantly, fun.

WHAT WOULD YOUR DESIGN STYLE LOOK LIKE IN FOOD? 
Definitely a Niçoise salad. It’s a French amalgam of vegetables and tuna nested on a bed of lettuce.

DESIGN RULE TO BREAK:
Always have a formal dining room. For me, that’s never a constant. It’s just a matter of listening to your client. If you rarely use a dining room, then why have one? I recently designed a home where the client almost never used hers, so we put in a pool table instead.

COLOR PALETTE YOU LOVE AT THIS MOMENT:
Right now, I’m really into natural colors such as raw oak. It’s very serene, and, when combined with deep grays and off whites, creates an interesting palette.

ENTERTAINING SECRET?
Good food, great friends, and, of course, fabulous drinks. Combine these things with an open kitchen where people can gather and you’ve got a great party.

 
WHEN NOT DESIGNING: 
I’m relaxing, which means doing yoga or reading a good book paired with a glass of wine.

 
FAVORITE FABRIC:
Hollywood at Home and Peter Dunham.

WHAT ONE COLOR MUST BE IN YOUR BOX OF CRAYONS? 
The color of dried sea grass or rush. It’s a neutral color so whether you complement it with something bright or dark it continues to hold its richness.

WHAT’S ON YOUR DESK?
What’s not?

 
WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW? 
Detoxify or Die by Sherry A. Rogers, M.D.

 
WHO IS INSPIRING YOU NOW?
The French designer Jacques Grange because of his unique sense of style: effortlessly combining chic elegance with casual comfort.

BEST PAINT:
I like to use Farrow and Ball for the wonderful array of color options all done using natural pigments and it’s eco-friendly.

 
GO-TO PAINT COLOR:
In the Midnight Hour by Benjamin Moore.

 
WALLPAPER, YAY OR NAY:
They say take everything in moderation, and that’s how I feel about wallpaper.  Wallpaper looks great in smaller rooms, such as powder rooms and kitchens, however, it can be overwhelming in larger spaces.

NEW OR VINTAGE?
Vintage. There’s nothing like finding a one-of-a kind piece that really makes a room sparkle.

MOST PRIZED POSSESSION?
A photograph of my son when he was three by Herb Ritts.