Designers

In conversation with Francesca Grace

Bold, expressive and beautifully layered, Francesca Grace has carved her own path in the world of interior design – blending the romance of European heritage with laid back California living. As the creative force behind her LA studio and founder of design brand SOMME, Francesca’s work is defined by richly textured spaces that feel authentic, soulful and unique. Francesca brings that same intuitive sense of colour, pattern and emotion to her exclusive collab with Bemz – The Reverie Collection. We talked to Francesca about the creative spark behind the collection, her instinctive approach to interiors, and why great design should feel personal.

What inspired this collection?

The Reverie Collection was born out of a moment in Paris, drifting through the stalls at La Puce market. Everywhere I looked there were layers of timeworn textiles, rich tapestries, and beautifully faded fabrics that told their own stories. The textures, the patina and the history all felt transportive. I wanted to capture that feeling and reinterpret it in a way that feels modern, earthy, and deeply tactile.

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Each textile brings character into a space without ever feeling overdone.

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- Francesca Grace

What makes this collection unique?

The collection balances brooding elegance with grounded earthiness. It carries a distinctly European sensibility but with a softness that feels lived-in rather than formal. That tension between luxury and comfort, shadow and warmth, gives the pieces their freshness.

Can you tell us about your approach to the colour palette?

These are colours that feel intrinsic to my world. They appear in my wardrobe, my store (Somme om Silverlake, Los Angeles), and my design work. Growing up in Mill Valley, surrounded by trees and fog and that deep saturated stillness you only get in the forest, I tend to naturally gravitate towards this palette. Each fabric reflects a facet of that landscape: mossy greens, earthy browns, and muted shadows. It’s a palette rooted in nature, memory and home.

Can the collection’s many prints be mixed and matched? And how would you do that?

Absolutely! They’re designed to mix and match effortlessly. The connective thread is the shared brooding earth-tone palette, which makes pairing easy. I love the idea of combining the Vintage chenille moss jacquard with the Mohair velvet. The contrast in texture creates depth, while the harmony in colour keeps everything cohesive and elevated.

How would you describe your personal interior style?

I’m drawn to spaces that feel layered, collected and inviting. My style blends European romanticism with California earthiness and a touch of American maximalism. I love rooms that feel intimate and textural, spaces that hold stories and memories and make you want to linger.

In what ways do Italian and American influences appear in your aesthetic?

My work is heavily influenced by European design, Italian sensibility in particular, where craftsmanship, warmth and history matter. But I grew up in the forests of Northern California, so there’s always a grounding American ruggedness and lived-in comfort woven in. California, in many ways, is craving more European sophistication in design, and I hope this collection helps fill that gap. It merges old-world texture with new-world ease.

How would you describe your work?

I’m an interior designer and furniture designer, and I also own a home-staging company. My work spans everything from creating bespoke furniture pieces to shaping spaces for clients and productions.

How do textiles contribute to the atmosphere and expression of a room?

Textiles are the emotional layer of a space. They introduce warmth, softness and dimension. Without texture, even the most beautifully designed room can feel flat or cold. Fabrics bring personality, comfort and balance, and they’re often the element that transforms a house into a home.

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Interior design is storytelling. It’s about translating someone’s personality, rhythm and emotions into a space that feels alive. It’s the art of giving rooms heart and presence, so that living in them feels effortless and meaningful.

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- Francesca Grace

What are your top three tips for successful decorating?

1. Start with a feeling, not a formula.

Before you think about colours or layouts, decide how you want the space to feel. Cosy, elevated, eclectic, bold? Your emotional direction will guide every choice and keep the design intentional.

2. Mix eras, textures and silhouettes.

The most compelling rooms have contrast. Pair something sculptural with something vintage, something sleek with something timeworn. That tension creates depth and tells a fuller story about the home and the people living in it.

3. Let one piece lead.

Every space needs a hero; maybe it’s an incredible textile, a piece of art or a statement sofa. Once you choose that anchor, build around it so the room feels curated rather than chaotic.

Any final thoughts?

Design should always feel personal. Don’t decorate for trends, decorate for your life. Choose pieces that carry a story; materials that age with you, and objects that remind you of where you’ve been. When a home is layered with memories and meaning, it becomes more than beautiful. It becomes lived-in, loved and entirely your own.