Gilded Hearth is a narrative-driven design studio — meaning every project begins with a story. Before a single finish is selected, we excavate what makes a home and its owners singular: their history, their obsessions, the way light moves through their rooms. That foundation shapes every decision that follows. We have a particular strength in sourcing one-of-a-kind vintage pieces — from lighting to hardware — and in connecting clients with local artisans and makers whose work carries a sense of place. The result is interiors with a historical patina that feel genuinely rooted rather than assembled. Principal designer Emily Brownell brings a background in film and storytelling to every project, alongside an editorial eye honed through features in House Beautiful, Domino, Rue, Homes & Gardens, and Living Etc.

We specialize in full-service residential design, including new builds, refined renovations, and comprehensive furnishing projects that allow us to craft cohesive, layered, deeply personal homes.

We also take on a select number of boutique hospitality projects each year — intimate motels, quiet coffee shops, and retail environments shaped for experience.

Given the depth and intention of our process, we work best with clients who appreciate craftsmanship, clarity, and the ease that comes from a design journey guided with artistry.

We're drawn to homes with character — spaces that feel collected, layered, and alive with history. That often means Spanish Colonial, Mediterranean, Tudor, Craftsman, mid-century, and cottage-style homes, as well as the rustic-refined aesthetic of the Adirondacks and Northeast camp architecture. What these share is strong bones, rich material detail, and a sense that the house has been lived in and loved. We're equally at home in newer construction where the goal is to build that sense of depth and rootedness from the ground up. What unites all of our work isn't a single aesthetic — it's an intentionality about how a space feels to live in.

Every project begins with a conversation — a chance to understand what you love, how you live, and the feeling you want your home to hold.

From there, we guide you through a thoughtful, structured process:
concept development → material and furnishing selections → detailed drawings → project coordination → installation and final styling.

At every stage, we balance story, function, and artful detail to ensure your home feels lived-in, layered, and uniquely yours.

We operate with transparent, upfront billing. Design services are billed hourly with minimums appropriate to the scope, and furnishings and materials are procured through our studio with a standard fee that covers sourcing, ordering, and coordination — often including a curated blend of custom pieces, quality manufacturers, and the vintage discoveries we're known for. Your proposal will outline all anticipated costs so there are no surprises — just a clear path forward.

Our current full-service minimum is $8,775. We also reserve a limited number of Design Intensive engagements each year for more targeted scopes, starting at $2,750.

Full-service design is an end-to-end collaboration — from initial concept through final installation. It encompasses space planning, architectural detailing, finish and material selection, custom furniture and millwork design, fixture and lighting specification, contractor coordination, trade sourcing, purchasing management, and on-site oversight. We act as a single point of creative and logistical accountability throughout, so you're never navigating vendors, contractors, or decisions alone. Most full-service projects run between six months and two years depending on scope.

Gilded Hearth is based in Culver City, with deep roots across Los Angeles — from Mar Vista, Palms, and Cheviot Hills to West Hollywood, Los Feliz, and Hancock Park, out to Brentwood and Malibu, and down through the South Bay including Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach. We also have a soft spot for the foothills, including La Cañada Flintridge, where the architecture and landscape feel worlds away from the city.

We work with clients nationwide, with a particular affinity for the Northeast — including the Hudson Valley and Adirondack region of Upstate New York. Our process is intentionally built to work seamlessly from afar, coordinating closely with trusted local contractors and trades. Whether you're down the street or across the country, we bring the same level of thoughtful detail, communication, and care.