How to Solve a Decor Debacle With Your S.O., According to Night Palm’s Tiffany Howell

For Tiffany Howell, design is all about the feels. Knowing how a client wants to feel in a space is foundational to her one-of-a-kind process. From there, the designer will create a soundtrack for the project and conduct a sensory study, digging deep into her client’s favorite foods, smells, or destinations—because she’s not just giving a room a new look, she’s bringing it to life.

“I hope that my work comes across as poetic. It’s an expression of who I am, but also a love poem to my client,” Howell tells Domino deputy editor Julie Vadnal in the third episode of Design Time: The Rebellious Ones (out now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts). “I have a tendency to create lifestyles on top of the design for my clients. It’s more work, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It has to be wildly special in my mind.”

After working in the music industry producing videos for some of your favorite pop icons, Howell pivoted to focus her career on her ultimate passion: interiors. In 2016 she launched Night Palm, a full-service studio based in Los Angeles, and has since developed a diverse portfolio of projects—from celebrity homes and boutique hotels to high-end retail and office spaces. 

During the conversation, Howell shares the iconic L.A. landmark she’d love to give a glow-up, how the film Paris, Texas inspired one of her client’s homes, and the Southern state from which she’s been sourcing the best vintage. She also answered a few burning Never Have I Ever questions. Here’s a sneak peek.

Never have I ever…bought a neon bar sign.

No, I’ve never bought one.

Never have I ever…shopped for furniture at Target.

Of course I have. In fact, I found a very cool ottoman at Target years ago. I just switched out the feet to make it my own.

Never have I ever…looked up a friend’s home price on Zillow. 

I’m literally on the side doing that right now. I’m obsessed with stuff like that. Guilty, 100 percent.

Never have I ever…framed a concert or movie poster.

Oh, always. There’s one outside right now. It’s an amazing way to express yourself and what you like. Not all design has to be so precious. To me, I’d rather see personality.

Never have I ever…fought with a significant other over a decor item.

Of course. I’m fortunate that my partner lets me take the lead in that regard. But you just have to give them a room. That’s the one thing I’ve learned, even in design. I will make a room for one partner that they get very excited about. And then I make sure to accommodate the other partner and give them a room. And so everyone’s kind of got their personal moment.