The Designer’s Journal: Inside a Boldly Colorful Retail Redesign

For Redmond Aldrich Design founder Chloe Redmond Warner, bold design doesn’t mean sacrificing warmth—it means embracing it. Known for her layered, expressive interiors, Chloe brings a thoughtful mix of color, texture, and personal storytelling to every space she touches.

Her project t for Sherri McMullen’s Oakland boutique was no exception. Designed as a celebration of fashion, heritage, and fearless self-expression, the space traded the traditional white-box retail look for a cozy, salon-style atmosphere filled with blush tones, mustard accents, and vintage family photos. We caught up with Chloe to learn more about her inspiration, her favorite Schoolhouse details, and the design choices that made this project feel so personal.

Where do you draw your design inspiration from?

I’m always inspired by art, album covers, restaurants, hotels, and travel of course. Australian design, for whatever reason, is so good to me.

What’s your favorite way to create a statement-making moment in a room?

I try to make a few bold choices and layer them. It’s better for one single statement to not take up all the oxygen.

Can you tell us about your favorite Schoolhouse product?

I love the Allegheny Sconces that we used at McMullen in Oakland. They were a perfect counterpoint to the sweet pink notes.

Can you tell us more about the project pictured?

This was for client Sherri McMullen. The design for the store in Oakland, CA was a celebration of Sherri’s love of fashion and color. We went 100% away from a clean white box concept, and instead did a blush and mustard salon filled with Sherri’s incredible labels.

Any fun facts about the projects?

We enlarged vintage pictures of Sherri’s mother and grandmother and hung them in nooks.