Creative Couple Harmonizes Opposing Design Styles in Laurel Canyon Home
Interior designer Harrison Soll and stylist Rodney Burns blend minimalism with maximalist vintage collections.
1Unexpected Creative Partnership
Interior designer Harrison Soll and vintage gallery owner Rodney Burns met five years ago, quickly forming a personal and professional bond. Their relationship evolved rapidly from their first meeting in the fall to becoming a couple by New Year’s. They discovered a shared throughline in design that anchors their life together.
2Blending Opposing Design Philosophies
The couple resides in a 1,400-square-foot 1925 craftsman home in Laurel Canyon. Soll identifies as a minimalist, while Burns embraces maximalism to the extreme. Their collaborative process involves merging Soll’s bold, modern approach with Burns’s eclectic collection of vintage art, sculpture, and furniture, creating a unique, layered aesthetic throughout the residence.
3Navigating Decorating Conflicts
Decorating the home involved significant negotiations, particularly regarding the placement of a rare Sergio Bustamante giraffe bust. While Burns insisted on displaying the piece, Soll worried about its proximity to the front door. They also debated the display of Burns’s extensive mask collection, eventually opting to integrate them throughout the home.
4Curating the Living Space
The living room serves as a primary showcase for their contrasting styles, featuring a leopard-print Joseph D’Urso sofa alongside a leather De Sede Terrazza piece. Artworks include a canvas garment bag by Roosevelt “Rip” Woods. The space is further defined by brass sculptures and a doe-patterned carpet that required extensive internal discussion.
5Renovating a Rented Property
As renters, the couple faced limitations but successfully negotiated improvements with their landladies. Soll received permission to retile the bathroom and install a new vanity. The installation of wall-to-wall carpeting was initially a risky move, but the owners ultimately approved of the change, demonstrating the couple's ability to personalize their rented environment.
6Dining Room and Bedroom Details
The dining room features a Sergio Bustamante table placed on a diagonal to accommodate their dog, paired with Paul Evans chairs and a Chinese Art Deco rug. In the bedroom, the couple mixed textures using a stainless steel TTMM bed and antique bronze lamps, following the home's unique, angular architectural geometry.
7Professional Influence on Design
Rodney Burns, who has styled Lenny Kravitz for 15 years, views home design similarly to building an outfit. Kravitz praises Burns for his limitless concepts and ability to mix diverse eras and genres. This professional background informs the couple’s approach, blending ethnic expression with midcentury modern elements in their shared home.
8Ongoing Collaborative Evolution
The couple continues to refine their home, describing the final result as an Afrocentric theme with Ralph Lauren influences. Despite their progress, they have yet to agree on a blanket basket to complete the space. This ongoing process reflects their commitment to balancing individual tastes while maintaining a cohesive, shared domestic vision.