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Every year, House Beautiful editors identify a class of rising design stars as the ones to watch for trendsetting, show-stopping interiors. And even as new classes of Next Wavers come in, we love keeping up with our alums and the inspirational work they put out. We’re so proud to see our Next Wave alumni designing for Hollywood stars, platinum singer-songwriters, and even fashion icons. Working with such high-profile clients presents a unique balancing act of privacy and creativity. Below, we outline six Next Wavers who took the design dreams of your favorite stars and made them come to life. From Emma Roberts’s sunny living room to Tom Ford’s striking and futuristic retail stores, scroll on to meet the interior designers to the stars.
Pierce & Ward – Next Wave ‘16
Olivia Pierce
The design duo of Louisa Pierce and Emily Ward has quite the roster of Hollywood clients. Actors Emma Roberts, Johnny Galecki, Josh Brolin, and Dakota Johnson have all trusted the Pierce & Ward studio with their homes. From Johnson’s midcentury-modern refuge to Brolin’s sprawling Malibu guest house, the pair are known for creating striking yet personal spaces that reflect each star’s view of what home should be. Take the striking wood furniture from Roberts’s living room, or Galecki’s color-drenched library.
Nate Berkus – Next Wave ‘02
Heather Talbert
Nate Berkus has become a celebrity designer in his own right, and he is no stranger to high-profile clients. He designed supermodel Karlie Kloss’s first NYC apartment. Though Kloss is known for glamour on the runway, Berkus designed her apartment to be both refined and unpretentious, offering a place to relax between the supermodel’s busy schedule. “Working with Karlie on her first apartment was an honor,” Berkus wrote on his firm’s website. “And she has great taste.”
Francesca Grace – Next Wave ‘22
Will Meyers
When “The Way I Am” singer Ingrid Michaelson reached out to Next Waver Francesca Grace to design her historic Los Angeles home, it was a match made in heaven. Grace is known for a touch of European glamour in her work, which goes nicely with the home’s Spanish architecture. Grace highlighted Andalusian features with whimsical, patterned furniture and weathered patina. The home honors its architectural history and provides plenty of inspiring spaces for the singer-songwriter.
Studio Sofield – Next Wave ‘98
Courtesy William Sofield and Emma O’Neill
Studio Sofield, comprised of design mavens William Sofield and Emma O’Neill, is the go-to studio for Tom Ford. Ford’s retail stores have a distinctly modern James Bond-esque design that Studio Sofield brings to life. It’s what makes walking into a Tom Ford retail location feel so glamorous, and it’s why Ford and Studio Sofield have been close collaborators since the 1990s.
Jeffrey Bilhuber – Next Wave ‘98
Lisa Salloux
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star Mariska Hargitay entrusted Next Wave alum Jeffrey Bilhuber with the design of her New York City townhouse, which she sold in 2018. The home was full of bright pops of color, from sea blue carpeted stairs to marigold kitchen cabinets. One room even had a nautical theme, including a boat-shaped bed frame.
Robin and Regina Reaves – Next Wave ‘25
Brandon Grate
Taraji P. Henson’s vibrant home got a major makeover by Next Wave alums Robin and Regina Reaves. The couple behind R&R Interior Design 365 leaned into femininity, Black heritage, and jewel tones for a space that had just as much personality as the Golden Globe Winner herself. The design duo made the home come to life with eclectic wallpapers and soft textures that make a home comfortable.
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