Behind the Scenes of Sunset’s Maximalist and Merry Holiday Issue, Guest-Edited by Martyn Lawrence Bullard

Martyn Lawrence Bullard might just turn you into a maximalist. When we arrived at his Palm Springs home to photograph it for this issue, I was feeling fairly colorful in a pink button-down, white jeans, sky-blue socks, and chukka boots. That is, until I walked into the courtyard of Bullard’s midcentury-meets-Hollywood Regency retreat, Villa Grigio. Bullard—the prolific interior and product designer who has created opulent, vibrant spaces for icons including Elton John, RuPaul, Sylvester Stallone, Kylie Jenner, and Khloé and Kourtney Kardashian—greeted us in a silk shirt patterned with tropical birds. Over the course of the shoot, he cycled through several ensembles: florals, pale pink pants, gilded sunglasses.

Courtesy of Martyn Lawrence Bullard

The house was as charismatic as its owner: a refined riot of form and color. Chaise longues with hot pink and black cushions lined the pool. Shaded seating areas anchored each end of the property. Soaring colonnades blurred the line between indoors and out. Saturated fuchsias, silver, and glass objets d’art mingled with zebra-skin rugs. Surfaces ranged from lacquered to plush. A well-stocked bar gleamed. When it comes to decorating my own home, I lean toward warm neutrals, but everywhere I looked, my mood lifted. Bullard isn’t averse to quieter moments, but there’s always a little pattern or a fun form to catch the eye. Spending even a day in Bullard’s world was refreshing, a reminder that color and graphics in harmony can make a room, and a person, feel more alive.

Thomas J. Story

Courtesy of Martyn Lawrence Bullard

As we captured the perfect image of him poolside—a tableau of what a winter getaway in the desert can be—we hatched the idea for him to guest-edit a special section devoted to holidays in the West. What could be more spirited than festive cocktails, lush florals, nostalgic pies, and beautiful gifts? Though born in England, Bullard is as Western as he is British. Once an aspiring actor, he reinvented himself in LA, creating theatrical interiors for people who love a little drama in their décor. And even if you’re not a celebrity, you can luxuriate in his vision. His designs shape iconic spaces such as the Sands Hotel and Spa in Indian Wells, the Hotel Californian in Santa Barbara, and the new Red O restaurant in Santa Monica. He’s created products for Ruggable, Addison Ross, and others, his television work includes Million Dollar Decorators, he has two new shows in development, and his social media channels abound with design tips.

Courtesy of Martyn Lawrence Bullard

Courtesy of Martyn Lawrence Bullard

His holiday traditions are much like anyone else’s: exchanging presents, feasting with friends and family, and spending cozy evenings by the fire. But his dinner guests may include RuPaul and Melanie Griffith, and in the living room, you just might bump into two life-size reindeer statues wearing white mink coats once owned by Liberace.

Courtesy of Martyn Lawrence Bullard

In our latest issue, you’ll see that his style channels global influences but is freewheeling, innovative, and open-hearted in a way that is quintessentially Western. Local botanicals are used along with seasonal produce. Warm weather is embraced. Reinvention and drama are always on the menu. Bullard lays out an indoor-outdoor playbook for celebrating the holidays. He reminds us that the season—like a room, like a life—comes alive with color, texture, and joy. Cheers to California maximalism and to holidays in the West.

Check out the issue on newsstands, Apple News+, and the Sunset app. And tour his Palm Springs oasis here.