Designer Spotlight: Erica Bryen Design
Employing bright colors, bold patterns, and organic shapes, Erica Bryen’s interiors pack a punch. Her lively yet sophisticated style has taken her all the way from Newport Beach, California, to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, designing beautiful beachfront properties, vacation homes, and family residences. Each of her interiors is different from the next, incorporating funky and cool elements into her modern transitional spaces. We sat down with Erica to learn more about how she got her start designing homes in Mexico and how it differs from California.
Erica’s first project in Mexico was one of her California client’s vacation homes. After a couple of trips to Cabo San Lucas to work on the project, Erica was introduced to her client’s friend who had just bought a home on the same street. She started working on the two projects in tandem and then was referred to another neighbor, who gave her a third project. “It all happened so organically,” Erica explained, “I never thought it would turn into more after the first two houses.” Now, Erica has been designing homes in Mexico for over five years and can cater to the market. From import laws and shipping logistics to having to fly back and forth, designing a home in a different country is quite complicated. Erica claims that “it has definitely been a learning experience, but I’ve learned a lot” and it has gotten easier with each project she’s completed.
It is essential to Erica that she gives her vacation homes a calm and relaxed vibe. “I always try to create an environment where people can have a good time and sit together- you want people to feel comfortable.” She recommends having high quality outdoor furniture that can stand up to the elements and a lot of outdoor activity. Her tip is to get a great outdoor fabric that will be resistant to water and messes since people will often be partying and swimming at the house. Erica looks to the surrounding landscape when designing the home. “I am so inspired by Mexico- I love the heat, I think the water is so peaceful, and I love the landscape and desert plants.”
When it comes to art, Erica likes to go big and bold. Drawn to large conversation pieces, Erica claims, “the most important thing for me is when someone walks into the house, I want them to say, ‘Oh my god, where did you get that!’” She feels that artwork doesn’t always need to match the house perfectly and that often, unexpected pieces make the most impact. The artwork will always depend on what her client is starting with and then she will help fill the home with “statements, layers, and interest” to fulfill their vision and bring out their best possible home. When asked about working with Visual Contrast, Erica replied, “You always go above and beyond and I appreciate that. I love your art because it is different and outside of the box and I feel like you’re trying to change it constantly to show us new things, it’s always up to date. I love the depth of your artwork, whether it’s fabric or paper or string, it always has dimension.”
