Thea Home's Dorianne Passman on Designing a Space With Heart

Rip & Tan: Considering your background as a trained chef, we’d love to know more about your journey to interior design. When did you know it was time to make a shift?

Dorianne Passman: I loved attending culinary school, and still love cooking to this day. It is a huge outlet for me creatively. It’s cathartic,  and an easy way to make people happy. After working in one of the top professional kitchens in LA for almost a year, I knew that the rigorous lifestyle of a chef was not for me. On one of my days off, I visited my mom at a big job site she had just completed and felt, in that moment, that I wanted to get involved.

Designing is not so far from cooking. It’s creative, and you get to give people the amazing gift of creating their homes and space. It’s a generous field and I really do love that. It just clicked for me and here I am 10 years later.

Rip & Tan: In terms of design process—and as one half of a mother/daughter duo—where do you typically begin? Did you collaborate with your mom on this space?

Dorianne Passman: Although my mom and I have different inherent roles in the company, we collaborate on everything. We both always seek each other’s approval. My mom does more of the architectural drawings, spacial layouts, and construction details. I do more of the styling, material + furniture selections, and overall tone setting.

Rip & Tan: We can imagine the kitchen was a crucial space in your home design. What were some of your non-negotiables for this room in particular?

Dorianne Passman: Kitchens are always one of the top priorities and specialties in our designs. We are not only focused on the aesthetics of a kitchen, we really make sure that every inch is utilized to its utmost potential.

Some of our non-negotiable for all kitchens are: maximum counter space (hence the paper towel drawer), assignment of all inventory on plans (so that every utensil and pot has a home), and an appliance garage (to hide all of your not-so-beautiful everyday appliances i.e toaster, blender, coffee machine).

Rip & Tan: In terms of form meeting function, what are some of your favorite tips for a well-designed home kitchen? Are there any chef-specific mindsets you find especially helpful when approaching interiors? 

Dorianne Passman: In a kitchen, function comes first. For example, open shelving is beautiful, but if you don’t have enough space to house your everyday plates or the things you don’t necessarily want on display all of the time, keep the upper cabinets. Also, don’t worry about stained or etched marble. It’s beautiful, even if it is aged.

Rip & Tan: Your home is an excellent example of a neutral palette that doesn’t sacrifice a sense of liveliness. What’s your philosophy on earth-tones and more organic palettes? 

Dorianne Passman: I believe that if the textures are balanced the earth tones will feel organic. If you just have sandy linen everywhere it might feel too bland. Stick within the same tone while maintaining a variety of fabrics, stones, leather, wood, etc. It won’t feel overly monochromatic.

Rip & Tan: Whether it’s exciting textures or a bold statement piece, what are some of your favorite ways to add intrigue into a space?

Dorianne Passman: Vintage is key. If everything in your space is new it will feel staged, inorganic, and uninspired. Vintage and antique pieces ground a space. Even if it’s just a side table or a lamp, the tone and texture of an item that has had a past life really makes a house feel like a home.

Rip & Tan: At home or otherwise, what’s bringing you the most joy lately? 

Dorianne Passman: My family! I have two young and healthy boys (ages 4 and 1) and an incredible and supportive husband. Also, in working so closely with my mom, our family unit is truly a little tribe. My older son sleeps at my mom’s regularly, we do Shabbat dinner every Friday altogether, and go to Jordan’s side of the family every Sunday. I feel truly blessed to have so much family and support every day!