If you are new here, we feature a locale each month that we dream to design one day. It’s a great way to stretch our creative muscles and get clear on a new vibe. I love this exercise so much! Dreaming is something I don’t take lightly — I hope you’re a dreamer too. It’s so good for the soul. So, let’s do this together!
I also love to explain our thought processes when designing these spaces. My goal is always to help people understand how to approach a space, and create something special and personal. Please let me know where you think we should design next? I would love to hear where you dream of living, or maybe there’s a vacation destination where you’ve always imagined owning a home.
You can shop every single piece—from the patio to the backgammon room, the tonic lounge, and even the outfits—directly on our LTK! Click through to explore, save your favorites, and start building your own soulful, style-forward escape.
Let’s dive in! There’s something about Venice Beach that feels like a forgotten film reel—grainy, sun-soaked, effortlessly glamorous. It reminds me of Old Hollywood, but with a rebellious edge. The kind of place where the icons of the ‘50s and ‘60s might have escaped for a weekend, sipping cocktails on a breezy balcony, draped in silk robes and oversized sunglasses. That mix of vintage charm and effortless cool is exactly what I’d want to capture in a little Airbnb here—somewhere I could go wild with design, layering retro glam with funky, soulful details that feel unexpected yet perfectly at home.
I picture moody jewel tones against sun-faded pastels, rich velvet mixed with rattan, a little rock-and-roll meets bohemian elegance. Spaces that feel like they’ve been curated over decades, filled with stories, character, and just the right amount of drama. If I ever make this dream happen, trust me—it’s going to be dripping in personality. But for now, let’s dream together. Here’s how I’d bring that Venice magic to life, one room at a time.
Inspo for the Home
I’ve always dreamed of having a funky little spot like this to vacation in—somewhere that feels like a total departure from everyday life. A place where the lighting is always golden, the design is bold but lived-in, and every corner tells a story. You walk in and feel like you’ve stepped into a cool time capsule … but one with really good water pressure and soft linen sheets 😉
The vision? A space that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still feels intentional. I’d start with a base of warm woods and creamy neutrals, then layer in retro patterns, velvety textures, and a few unexpected hits of color—maybe a soft brown, peacock blue, or faded marigold. I love the idea of mixing vintage finds with sculptural, modern shapes, like a velvet channel-tufted sofa under a quirky brass sconce or a rattan chair pulled up to a glossy lacquered desk.
It’s all about balance—between the glam and the grit, the old and the new. I want it to feel a little rebellious, like it could’ve belonged to a screenwriter in the ‘70s who threw fabulous dinner parties and didn’t believe in matching dining chairs.
Let’s break it down, room by room. Here’s where I’d start pulling in that Venice retro glam feel!
Patio Dining, the Venice Retro Glam Way
Because what’s a dreamy getaway without a little al fresco moment?
One of the things I love most about Venice Beach is that indoor-outdoor living just happens effortlessly. And, I knew for this imagined retreat, the outdoor dining space had to feel just as special as the rooms inside. Think: morning coffee in a robe, sunset cocktails with olives on ice, dinner by candlelight under twinkly string lights.
Embrace the Old Hollywood Meets European Café Mood
When I picture this space, I’m imagining Grace Kelly meets Slim Aarons—relaxed glamour with a hint of nostalgia. To nail this, start with sculptural furniture that has a retro silhouette but a clean, modern edge. I love the idea of striped iron chairs with curved arms (hello, visual drama), paired with a white tulip-style table or a black matte metal dining table for contrast.
Clouz Houz tip: Don’t overmatch your furniture. Let the materials and shapes speak for themselves. Mixing is part of what makes this feel curated instead of catalog.
Layer in Texture and Pattern—Subtly
Woven placemats, rattan chargers, and a chunky knotted jute doormat ground the whole look. These natural textures keep things from feeling too polished, and they help tie together the warm wood and metal finishes happening elsewhere in the home.
You don’t need to go full-on boho to use rattan—it’s all in how you layer it. Try pairing rattan accents with crisp linens, moody dinnerware, and touches of glam like vintage glassware or gold napkin rings.
Statement Lighting—Even Outdoors
Yes, even your patio deserves a moment. I’m all about a pendant light with presence, like a faceted capiz shell fixture or a honeycomb-patterned globe. These pieces nod to the glamour of the ’60s and ’70s, but still feel totally relevant. Just make sure your fixture is rated for outdoor use or stays covered—Venice beach breeze is no joke.
If you’re working with a rental or want a no-install option: opt for oversized lanterns or battery-powered sconces styled with greenery and layered on side tables or stands.
The Backgammon Room: Cozy, Cool, and a Little Bit Camp
Every good vacation home needs that one room you never want to leave—the spot for late-night card games, barefoot hangs, and slow mornings with a strong coffee. This is that room. We’re calling it the Backgammon Room, because why not?
The key to nailing this look? Layers. Start with a neutral base, like this ultra-comfy sectional in Jennifer Shorto fabric (obsessed), then layer in warmth with patterned ottomans and a woven rug from Rush House that brings major character. The mix of upholstery, wood, and print makes the space feel collected without going overboard.
Retro Glam, Grounded
To keep it from feeling too themed, I grounded the glam with earthy tones—think rust, honey, and walnut wood. Those sculptural lamps are the perfect example: retro in form, but natural in material. And that vintage-inspired credenza? A showstopper that doesn’t scream for attention.
The Tonic Lounge: Velvet, Vibes & a Perfect Pour
After a few rounds of backgammon, we’re headed to the Tonic Lounge. This is the kind of room that makes you want to mix a drink, put a record on, and stay awhile. It’s part cocktail den, part chill zone—and it might just be my favorite part of this whole Venice Retro Glam dream.
Where Style Meets Low-Key Lounge
This space is all about the balance between playful and polished. I wanted something that felt equal parts sophisticated and totally laid back—a room where a vintage decanter lives happily next to sculptural furniture and worn-in ceramics.
The star of the show? That dreamy, pillowy velvet sofa. It’s got major vintage energy without feeling dated, and it instantly softens the space. Paired with the curved black coffee table, it brings a nice grounding element to all the layered details around it.
Add Drama Through Lighting & Layering
Lighting is key in a room like this—think mood lighting instead of overhead glare. That oversized floral-inspired pendant gives off a soft glow and acts like a sculptural piece of art overhead. I always say: lighting should feel like part of your furniture plan, not an afterthought.
On the floor, I layered in a Ward + Gray rug for a pop of color and pattern. It adds just enough glam to feel elevated, but the vintage tones make it look like it’s been there forever.
This isn’t a formal space. It’s the kind of room you drift into after dinner. It invites good conversation, background music, and second rounds. Whether you’re hosting friends or just curling up solo with a book and a G&T, it’s a space that makes slowing down feel stylish.
What I’d Wear at My Venice Beach House
If I had a little sun-drenched spot by the beach, I’d want my outfits to feel just like the interiors—relaxed, fun, and full of personality. Think: flared denim with a striped bateau top, a floral neck scarf tied just so, and a suede fringe bag that gives a little ‘70s Venice energy. It’s the kind of look you can wear to the farmers market or to sip something sparkly on the patio.
Then there are the statement pieces—like the pistachio robe set with feather-trimmed sleeves (I mean, come on) or those red embroidered loafers that instantly make any outfit feel elevated. These aren’t just clothes … they’re part of the dream.
Ready to bring Venice Retro Glam to life?
You can shop every single piece—from the patio to the backgammon room, the tonic lounge, and even the outfits—directly on our LTK! Click through to explore, save your favorites, and start building your own soulful, style-forward escape.
We love putting these concepts together for you—it’s honestly one of the best parts of being a designer. Getting to explore my full creative potential, push boundaries, and mix in a little fun? That’s what it’s all about. It takes a few bold risks to make a space feel truly special—and I hope this inspired you to take one, too.
If there’s a location you want to see next, let us know here.
Feeling inspired to start your own design project? Fill out our questionnaire to begin—we can’t wait to meet you and hear your thoughts!
