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Pamela Thiel, Allied Member ASID

School: Art Center College of Design
Company: Theme & Variations
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Phone: 310-433-2561
Email: pgthiel@aol.com

Designer Profile

Like a great piece of classical music, Pamela Thiel's interiors rely on an inspired mix of simplicity and complexity. A deep knowledge of history, art and architecture inform her projects, which range in style from Spanish Colonial and Craftsman to cutting-edge modern. In every instance, she seamlessly fuses function with flair, creating one of a kind spaces that reflect the personalities of her clients rather than current trends.
Pam's highly skilled approach allows her to take on every facet of the design process. With a background that includes studying environmental design and art directing on film sets, she's equally at home designing spaces as furnishing interiors. Her broad repertoire runs the gamut from creating architectural drawings to designing cabinetry and selecting fabrics.
In every phase, her main thrust is rigorous attention to detail and materials, whether fine-tuning the color for Venetian plaster, designing stained glass windows, fashioning patterns for a rustic tile floor or conceiving a raised beamed ceiling.
The quiet elegance achieved in Pam's interiors is reflected in her own calm, easy going style that thrives on imaginative problem solving and budget-conscious solutions. Above all, she seeks to create spaces both simple and beautiful.

Services Offered

Interior design:
Space planning, design concepts, working drawings and details, presentation boards.
Selection of finishes:
Millwork, surfaces, color, walls, flooring, lighting, window treatments, plumbing, hardware, paint, etc.
Construction coordination and installations.
Furnishings and equipment specifications.
Custom furniture and cabinetry design.
Art consultation.
Exterior design.
Staging.
Art direction.
Signage.

Awards & Publications

The California/Spanish ranch house project was in HGTV's "small spaces" 2000.
The Modern Project was used as the set for the pilot of "Modern Family" TV series.

A Spanish home from the twenties needed to upgrade a very small and dated master bath. In this case it was doubled in size adding an ample walk-in closet, vanities and clerestories above the bathtub making it the center piece.

In this Modern, open plan home, the client wanted to enjoy the warmth and comfort of his previously owned traditional homes; hence the selection of finishes, materials, colors, art, lighting, window treatments and furniture, including antiques throughout the house.

Only one wall was kept in the remodel of this twenties Spanish kitchen with low ceilings. In this case the entrance was kept low, then opening up to high cathedral ceilings creating a little drama. The floor is a pattern of Terra Cotta tiles with Talavera decorative key tiles. The counter tops are limestone. French doors and wrap around windows face the back yard making a connection with the outdoors. A wrap around banquette below the windows create a cozy breakfast nook.

Spanish kitchen remodel. (opposite view).

Spanish kitchen remodel. (another view).

Spanish kitchen remodel. (sink elevation).

Every architectural detail, finishes, materials, colors, lighting, built in cabinetry, and window treatments in this Craftsman house was designed from the ground up; interior and exterior. From the mantel to the beams, the woods, tile, stone, millwork, fittings, hardware to the stain glass design and patterns; in order to achieve an authentic Craftsman style house.

Craftsman project. (staircase/desk in family room).

Craftsman project. (master bath tub close up).

Venetian plaster, an antique stand, sconces and accessories make this tiny powder room inviting in this twenties Spanish home.

A neglected California/Spanish ranch cottage was practically gutted and a second story was added to accommodate a family of three more comfortably. This room was one of the few that was not altered adding only cabinetry, antique lighting fixtures, furnishings, window treatments, art and accessories. The fireplace was stripped and the white tile face was replaced with a limestone mosaic and two antique azulejos as corner keys.

Leading to the second story addition of the California/Spanish ranch the staircase risers were covered with blue and white Talavera tiles and the hand rails were made of wrought iron to keep with the style of the original house.

California/Spanish ranch. A close up of the stairs and landing.

California/Spanish ranch. In keeping with the style of the original house, the second story master bath was given a patinated look by finishing the walls with venetian plaster, tiling the floor with slate squares and off white lime stone keys. The vanity is also slate but a solid slab with under mounted oval sinks. Above the vanity, a wall to wall mirror unit that serves as storage and two sets of three way mirrors when opened.

California/Spanish ranch. Opposite to the vanity is the claw foot bath tub with antique cabinet for towels and toiletries.

California/Spanish ranch. Adjacent to the living room is the den/TV room where the use of modern pieces make for a more masculine and comfortable space.

California/Spanish ranch. (living room opposite close up).

California/Spanish ranch. The dining room is a cozy, comfortable space filled with antiques as in the oak server and mirror. Adorning the walls Moroccan and French plates add to the warmth of this room.

This small Fifties California ranch was my first project. It lacked good flow and was very dated. The approach was to connect the living room with the family room by adding two sets of French doors on either side of the fire place, surrounding it with a grid of book shelves. The mantle and face of the fire place were replaced with an Indian carved wood panel set in plaster. Furnishings, lighting, window treatments, color, floor coverings were purchased for this space and through out the house. The ottoman was custom made. The floors were ebonized.

California/Spanish ranch project. In this tiny kitchen it was necessary to relocate the laundry area to make room for space and efficiency. The ceilings were open to a nice pitch adding a copper hood to the stove and making it the hearth and focal point. The floors, counter tops and back splashes are lime stone with off white keys.

California/Spanish ranch project. Through out the kitchen; custom made cabinetry, high end appliances, limestone and a farmer sink add to the warmth and character of this early thirties home. The refrigerator end of the kitchen has low, beamed ceilings to define the non working area.