BEIGE but BOLD
RuPaul’s Vibrant Retreat in Bluffton, South Carolina
In my first interior design studio at SCAD, I had the opportunity to design a residential project for RuPaul and his husband, set against the serene backdrop of Bluffton, South Carolina. This project challenged me to thoughtfully address their unique needs, particularly their tall statures, while capturing RuPaul’s bold personality and love for vibrant colors interwoven with calming neutral tones. Through meticulous site and client research, hand-drafted plans, and Prismacolor-rendered visuals, I crafted a home that reflects their larger-than-life presence and celebrates self-expression in a functional and leisurely space.
RuPaul & Georges LeBar
RuPaul and his husband are both people that stand very tall, literally with their height and figuratively with their big personalities. RuPaul is bold, creative, and a fun person to be around. His home will capture all of his personality traits as well as his love for bright colors but also all the different shades of beige. Creating a space that portrays this and is leisurely is a top priority. As well as including design solutions that work well for their very tall heights is important. They both need a space they can be and love themselves in and that fully expresses who they are as people.
The Process
Analyzing the Environment for Intentional Design
The foundation of my design process for RuPaul’s Bluffton residence began with a comprehensive analysis of the surroundings. I examined the site’s building elevations to understand the structure’s relationship to its environment and conducted a sunrise and sunset analysis to optimize natural light throughout the day. Additionally, I studied sunshine and daylight patterns to ensure the interiors were bathed in the right amount of light, creating inviting and energizing spaces. A shadow analysis further informed the placement of key elements, ensuring functional and aesthetic harmony between light and shade. This thorough environmental research allowed me to craft a design that not only complements the natural setting but also aligns with the vibrant and bold personalities of the clients.
Analysis Images
The Concept
After completing my initial site, building, and client analysis, I translated my findings into a carefully curated mood board. This visual tool captured the essence of RuPaul and his husband’s personalities, blending bold, vibrant colors with sophisticated neutrals to reflect their love for bright hues and varied shades of beige. The mood board also incorporated textures, patterns, and materials inspired by the surrounding environment, creating a cohesive design direction that balanced their dynamic energy with the tranquil Bluffton setting. This step was crucial in establishing the aesthetic and emotional tone for the project.
Schematic Design
Translating Research into Spatial Planning
Building on my comprehensive research, I transitioned into the schematic design phase, where I began shaping the spatial framework for RuPaul’s residence. This stage included developing bubble diagrams, adjacency diagrams, and block diagrams to explore and define functional relationships within the space. I created initial drafts of the floor plans, reflected ceiling plans (RCPs), and furniture layouts, ensuring the design addressed the clients' needs for functionality and their tall statures. Each element was informed by my environmental and client analyses, allowing me to balance bold aesthetics with practical solutions for comfort and usability. This phase laid the groundwork for a cohesive and client-centered design.
Schematic Design Images
-
![]()
Bubble Diagrams
-
![]()
Block Diagrams
-
![]()
Adjacency Diagrams
-
![]()
Level One Reflected Ceiling Plan
Final Plans & Elevations
-
![]()
Kitchen Elevation
-
![]()
Level One Floor Plan
-
![]()
Laundry Room Elevation
-
![]()
Primary Bathroom Elevation
-
![]()
Level One Rendered Furniture Plan
-
![]()
Level Two Floor Plan
-
![]()
Level Two Reflected Ceiling Plan
-
![]()
Level One Reflected Ceiling Plan
-
![]()
Level Two Rendered Furniture Plan
The Final Design Renderings
Furniture & Finishes
