AquiloCarmen René Smith
The Animal House dining room: a large narrative painting above a sideboard of flowers and china, under a chandelier of crystal droplets

ANIMAL HOUSE

Animals, honored in every room.SAN JOSE
A teal archway opening onto the dining room, its ceiling painted with green foliage
Behind The Story:
Inspired by the cinematic richness of Knives Out, we designed this Spanish Revival home as a layered collection of stories rather than a series of rooms. We celebrated the home’s original architecture while introducing bold color, vintage furnishings, expressive pattern, and meaningful artwork that reflect the family’s personality. Every decision was made to honor the home’s history while creating spaces that feel playful, welcoming, and deeply lived in.
The carved dining table and embroidered chairs beneath the painted-foliage ceiling
A salon wall of gilt portraits and black ceramic plates above a painted console
The double-height teal hall, hung with art and brass lanterns, looking through to the arched doorways beyond
The staircase against a painted mural of clouds and cranes, with a cushioned bench below
Carmen René Smith seated in the teal corner nook beside a bistro table of lemons
History. Collected. Humor. Color. Character.
The powder room papered in bold yellow florals, with a brass basin and a black sconce
A carved wooden cabinet set into a lattice-tiled alcove against a deep teal wall
Looking through the doorway into the yellow-flowered powder room
Layering Old and New
We balanced traditional Spanish Revival architecture with contemporary color, graphic pattern, and vintage furnishings to create spaces that feel timeless without feeling expected. Historic character became the foundation for a home that celebrates individuality and play.
The study in botanical wallpaper, with green shades, a patterned armchair and a chartreuse ottoman
The arched wooden bookcase and desk in the botanical-papered study
A scalloped teal archway into the coral playroom, a toy giraffe standing by the fireplace
Designing for Imagination
We transformed the playroom into an immersive environment where color and creativity lead the experience. A canary yellow fireplace, coral ceiling, layered textiles, and playful furnishings create a space that encourages exploration while remaining functional for everyday family life.
The playroom in full: coral walls, a canary-yellow fireplace, a life-size giraffe, toy cubbies and a scalloped rug
The giraffe standing beside the canary-yellow fireplace, framed by botanical-print curtains
Flowers on a carved table in front of the teal pegboard shelving
A wooden rocking horse in front of the teal pegboard and the toy cubbies
The yellow mantel beside a window hung with a botanical-print curtain
Aquilo's watercolour rendering of the playroom
Beyond creating a space for play, this room celebrates the belief that great design should nurture curiosity, encourage imagination, and leave room for wonder. It serves as a reminder that homes can be both beautiful and deeply joyful, inviting every member of the family to dream a little bigger.
Stuffed animals tucked into the cubbies beneath framed children’s artwork
The arched teal shelving nook of books and toys beside the art table
The next world
Rosy ManorSee all worlds