Whether Paula is designing spaces, perusing the latest fashion and furniture trends or simply planning her next dinner party, design is her passion. She grew up in the Midwest and then realized her desire to integrate design into every day life in South Florida at the Ft. Lauderdale Art Institute. Her next move to Southern California in 1992 is where the inspiration flourished.
The relaxed California lifestyle provided the perfect backdrop to pursue her dream of opening a business in design. Staying true to her love of eclectic interiors, Paula opened Eklektix Furniture and Design Studio in 1997 in the artsy community of Laguna Beach and offered her clients a “boutique” environment to shop for home décor. |
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In 2003 Paula moved this successful business further south to the coastal town of San Clemente. Here she focused her efforts on residential interior design. Known for her love of hosting chic parties and intimate gatherings for friends and clients, Paula incorporates her passion for entertaining into her design business. Her Fusion Décor philosophy---a simplistic approach to the effective blending of styles, textures, and elements for the home reflects a practical yet modern lifestyle.
Paula draws inspiration from boutique hotels anywhere from Los Angeles to the Caribbean, approaching her projects with both design and comfort in mind and embracing the unique individual needs of each client. She believes that homes, like hotels, should provide sensory experiences that offer an escape from stress and chaos of everyday life. In fact, when entertaining, she often refers to her home as the “O Hotel” as she has created a relaxing retreat perfect for comfortable living and entertaining.
Having once been referred to as a “sofa expert” by Squeeze OC Magazine, Paula continues to share her knowledge of furniture industry trends and resources with her clients incorporating a simplistic “less is more” design approach. At a Redesign Conference in May 2005, Paula was invited to audition for a segment of HGTV and now features redesign in her portfolio of services. Paula is in process of receiving her LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) so she can begin educating her eco-friendly clients on the practices of living green!
With over 10 years of trade and industry experience, Paula is re-inventing her business and launching Paula Oblen Design, an interior design firm. When she’s not working on artistic projects or hosting a party, Paula can be found enjoying her casual San Clemente lifestyle with her husband, Steve; her son, Chase; and their labradoodle dog, Max.
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