We caught up with interior designer Samantha Pappas, to talk about designing elevated, deeply personal spaces—and what happens when a record player becomes the heart of the room. Below, Samantha and her client, Stacey G., share their perspectives on bringing a meaningful, music-centered home to life.
What is your design philosophy?
Designer Samantha Pappas: My design philosophy centers on creating homes that are both beautiful and deeply personal. Since founding my interior design business in 2018, I have worked one-on-one with clients to design spaces they will not only love, but truly feel at home in. My approach balances clean, thoughtful design with a sense of warmth and comfort, layering color, texture, and pattern to reflect each client’s unique personality. Strongly inspired by the outdoors, my work brings the outside in—treating every space as an extension of nature and the surrounding landscape.
What is your music background?
Client Stacey G: I compose music as a hobby, and our youngest (19 years old) is a musician and creator and plays a dozen instruments. We always had music playing in our household, and every season had a particular genre. Our tastes are extremely varied, and we enjoy finding rare grooves.
What does a Wrensilva console add to a space visually and experientially?
Designer Samantha Pappas:
The Wrensilva console adds both visual impact and a rich sensory experience to a space. It serves as a striking statement piece that is beautifully crafted and timeless in design - an instant conversation starter. Experientially, it becomes the heart of the room. In this room, a space designed as a listening room for music enthusiasts, the console is the true star, anchoring the design and inviting people to slow down, engage, and fully immerse themselves in the experience of music.
“The Wrensilva console adds both visual impact and a rich sensory experience to a space. It serves as a striking statement piece that is beautifully crafted and timeless in design - an instant conversation starter.”
What was your first impression of Wrensilva?
Client Stacey G:
My wife, Cristina, and I wandered into the Los Angeles showroom randomly and fell in love with the unit; the look, the styling, and absolutely the amazing sound. We later enjoyed a private listening party at The Chelsea Hotel in NYC, and our fate was sealed. We created an entire vinyl room to house the Wrensilva, and there is nothing better than jazz and a cocktail.
What does the Wrensilva M1 add to the experience of music in your home? How does it compare to how you experienced music before?
Client Stacey G: The Wrensilva is a tactile experience, especially when playing vinyl records. Selecting an album, and then listening to the entire side without skipping a single song, requires a patience that is absent from the rest of my busy life.
Is there a particular genre or artist that consistently inspires your creativity?
Designer Samantha Pappas:
This space was intentionally designed with soulful melodies in mind—layered, warm, and expressive. The materials, textures, and tones were chosen to evoke the same depth and emotion found in soul music, creating an environment that feels grounded and inviting. It’s meant to be a space where you can slow down, relax, and truly settle in, whether you’re listening to music, unwinding at the end of the day with a cocktail, or simply enjoying the comfort and rhythm of the room.
How did you style the space around the Wrensilva console? Is it the centerpiece, a subtle statement?
Designer Samantha Pappas:
The Wrensilva console is the centerpiece of the space. The entire room was designed around listening to music, so everything flows from that point. Seating is arranged to encourage lounging and long listening sessions. Rather than competing with it, the rest of the room supports it, creating a space that feels calm, intentional, and focused on the experience of sound.
What's one record you prefer listening to on vinyl compared to digitally, and why?
Designer Samantha Pappas:
Full Moon Fever by Tom Petty. On vinyl, it feels more grounded and cohesive. The songs breathe a bit more, the midrange warmth brings out Petty’s voice, and the guitars have a softer edge that suits the songwriting. Listening on vinyl encourages you to take the album in as a whole, which fits the flow and timeless feel of the record.
Do you have any favorite rituals with your console?
Client Stacey G:
My wife, a wine expert with multiple certifications, selects a great bottle from our cellar; we crack it open, pour two glasses, and listen to slow, melodic jazz after a hectic day. Perfect way to relax and welcome the evening.
Have you played records for any guests?
How do they react to the sound?
Client Stacey G: Of course! We had our neighbors over and they never wanted to leave! They like the modern classics, so we played vinyl albums -- from Billy Joel, to Fleetwood Mac, even The Notorious B.I.G. The sound of great music from such an incredible system makes for special times.
How do you see music and design intersecting in the home?
Designer Samantha Pappas: Music and design intersect in the home through rhythm, mood, and emotion. Music has a unique ability to evoke cozy, nurturing, and emotionally grounding feelings. When designing a room, capturing those same sensations is essential—through warm lighting, inviting furniture, and materials that encourage comfort and ease. In this way, a home can feel like a favorite piece of music: familiar, comforting, and deeply personal, supporting both emotional well-being and everyday living.
What is your favorite record to listen to?
Client Stacey G:
That's a tough question, depending on my mood. Ryo Fukui in New York (1999), an absolute gem of Japanese Jazz, when I want to be inspired and immersed in technical instrumentation. For post-work relaxation and contemplation, nothing beats Tycho's Awake (2014), perhaps the best instrumental chillout album ever produced.
