We guarantee you’ve never seen an interior like this. After years of working toward her goal of buying her own home in LA, Designer Dani Nagel of Daze Den didn’t waste any time transforming it into her own eclectic slice of heaven. Not one to shy away from taking risks, Dani used bold colors and lots of patterns–including custom tile throughout–to make this a small space with a BIG impact.
We chatted with Dani about her emotional journey to buying this bungalow, her approach to designing a new space boldly, and why tile was the first thing she reached for to make her space her own.
Meet Dani
Can you tell me about the Dazey Bungalow? Is there a story about this house you'd like to share?
Buying a home in LA has been a goal of mine ever since moving here! It’s been years of hard work and a truly emotional process of home searching/buying to get here. The Dazey Bungalow represents so much to me and feels like a dream come true. We’ve really been able to make it our own verses the apartment spaces we’ve been renting in LA and it feels so good. Tile was a no brainer for me in this space, IMO the most underrated surface!
Tile Shown: Pivot in Custom motif , Tumbleweed in 2x8 // Design + Image: Dani Nagel
Can you tell me about your design process? How do you approach a new space?
I have an extensive background in graphic, textile, and fashion design before I started to get into interiors. When I go to design a few space I see it similarly to designing a collection. How can I make each space unique and stand out, but also work with the others. I actually design all my interiors in photoshop using a blank photo of the space and building from there. My clients love this process as it ends up looking exactly like the final install.I share a bit about my process on the @dazeyden TikTok!
Tile Shown: Pivot in Custom motif // Design + Image: Dani Nagel
Where do you draw inspiration from?
As and artist and fashion designer, I derive so much inspiration from those worlds. I notice so much overlap between fashion, art and interiors.Wavy patterns will be trending in textiles, and then all the sudden you see it in interiors with furniture shapes. It’s fascinating and I am obsessed with keeping my finger on the pulse and noticing these trend changes.
Tile Shown: Pivot in Custom motif // Design + Image: Dani Nagel
How would you describe your style?
Colorful, artful, and bold. I’m not afraid to take risks and don’t take anything too seriously. Design should be playful and fun.I want to empower other people to be a little more bold in both design and their everyday life. Across all my mediums you will see vintage inspiration, lots of patterns, color, and joy. I really see design as an every evolving challenge that will never be reached, and that’s what keeps me interested!
Tile Shown: Pivot in Custom motif , Tumbleweed in 2x8 // Design + Image: Dani Nagel
What did you change? Was it a remodel or renovation?
While the house was definitely turn-key, it was also pretty plain with no unique design elements and white/grey paint. The kitchen had grey counters and the steps outside were plain and grey. The fireplace was cute, but basically all just white drywall and nothing unique. Totally not my vibe! Tile was absolutely my first go-to and it payed off big time! Tiled the kitchen, stairs, and fireplace. Made such a difference and now the home really feels like me.Also a ton of paint, wall paper, and funky furniture. A total transformation design wise!
Tile Shown: Pivot in Custom motif , Tumbleweed in 2x8 // Design + Image: Dani Nagel
You used Pivot throughout the home, what drew you to this pattern? Were there any other contenders?
I love love this pattern. It felt artsy, but also classic for something as permanent as tile. I had a lot of fun using the same print but mixing up the colors for the different areas. Unique, but also cohesive. The tile also inspired me to use circles and half-circles in lots of different places in the house to tie it together.
Tile Shown: Pivot in Custom motif , Tumbleweed in 2x8 // Design + Image: Dani Nagel
Let's talk about the kitchen first? What were your goals for this space?
I wanted a kitchen that was really going to stand out. It’s a smaller space, so I wanted to at least make it feel special. We painted the current cabinets to match the new counters and added new sink/hardware. Luckily the originals cabinets and windows were really nice so we were able to work with them.
Tile Shown: Pivot in Custom motif , Tumbleweed in 2x8 // Design + Image: Dani Nagel
What made you choose this color palette in the kitchen?
I’ve just been SO into green lately and using it a ton in my clothing line Dazey LA. I am totally guilting of designing my spaces and clothing collections to match so it’s easy to create content at home LOL.
Tile Shown: Pivot in Custom motif // Design + Image: Dani Nagel
You went for a warmer motif for the fireplace, what was your point of inspiration here?
The door of the house was painted yellow already and I really liked it. Yellow is such an underrated color when it comes to interiors and can make you instantly happy! Then I wanted to tie the pink back in again from the kitchen and dining room accent walls.
Tile Shown: Pivot in Custom motif // Design + Image: Dani Nagel
Last but not least: the stairs! What made you choose these colors outdoors?
Outside we have our yellow door so wanted to be sure to tie that in. I also have dreams of painting our home a muted green one day so I was thinking ahead :) We have so many plants and trees on the property I love being able to blend in with nature!
Tile Shown: Pivot in Custom motif // Design + Image: Dani Nagel
You love bold color and pattern, any tips for someone trying to incorporate more color and pattern in their spaces?
Follow my Instagram and Tiktok @dazeyden haha! I’m always giving tips and encouraging people to dive into color. Sometimes I encourage people to just start off with an accent wall with a few matching decor pieces. One of my biggest tips for designing both clothing and interiors is to choose a really solid color palate and then build the space around that. Experiment and see what feels right to you!
Feeling inspired to go bold and find what feels right to you? Our Design Consultants are here to help! Reach out for free one-on-one design assistance, including rendering, sample selection, and ordering.