For Brentwood-based interior designer Zoie Aliado, work has always been less about chasing moments and more about creating homes that feel grounded, personal and enduring. As the founder of Zoie Brook Designs, the LA-native is known for interiors that strike a thoughtful balance between beauty and function—spaces that feel elevated but never precious, layered but never overdone. “My design style is organic, modern, and transitional,” Aliado says. “That comes from using a lot of organic materials and layering them—keeping the space modern while adding vintage items so it feels timeless.” That approach is deeply informed by her life and work in Brentwood. “What I love about living and working here is that it’s part of a major city, Los Angeles, but it still feels very community-based,” Aliado says. “Everyone feels connected in a certain way. And it’s not cookie-cutter—every house is different, every client has their own vision and that allows for so much creativity when it comes to interiors.” As she looks forward, Aliado sees a broader shift taking place—away from fleeting trends and toward choices that feel lasting and intentional. “Design this year feels different from 2025,” she says. “The trends are pointing toward things that will actually stay in your home and won’t go out of style.”
Rich Color Saturation
“I am loving rich color saturation within each room,” Aliado says. “We’re seeing walls, molding and ceilings all drenched in a deeper color.” Rather than relying on contrast alone, this immersive approach adds depth and warmth. “It gives the room more personality and makes it feel cozy and homey,” she explains. “It creates a really nice dynamic and makes the space feel richer overall.”
Layered Patterns & Textures
Pattern is returning in a more expressive, thoughtful way. “The trend now is an increase in different patterns styled with different textures,” Aliado says. “In the past, it was a lot of neutrals, and now we’re seeing much more pattern—which I really love because it gives uniqueness and personality to a space.” She emphasizes the importance of scale. “When using patterns, it’s key to mix different sizes—like a larger check with a smaller stripe—so the room feels more dynamic and balanced.”
Lived-In, Collected Spaces
“This is something I’ve always done, but it’s becoming more popular now,” Aliado says. “It’s about making design choices that make a home look lived-in, warm and inviting.” That feeling comes from thoughtful contrast. “Layering modern pieces with vintage pieces gives a home more personality,” she says. “It makes the space feel collected over time and really unique to each client.”
The Rise of Millwork
Architectural detailing is playing a bigger role in interiors. “We’re seeing a rise in millwork—more wall detailing, crown molding and detailed casing around doors and windows,” Aliado says. Millwork adds both structure and character. “It gives the house a personality of its own,” she notes. “It can also be used to frame different elements, like art or TVs, which adds sophistication and makes the space feel more intentional.”
Organic, Natural Stone
Natural materials remain central to Aliado’s work. “There’s an increase in organic, unique natural stones, which I really love,” she says. She’s also incorporating stone in more expressive ways. “We’re seeing it used as accent pieces in powder rooms, kitchens, fireplaces and even certain types of furniture,” Aliado explains. “Natural stone brings character into each room because every piece has its own patterns and colors.”
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