After the Applause: Our Dec My Room Installation
We had the opportunity to participate in a project that pushed us to work at an entirely different scale. Created in support of Dec My Room, a nonprofit that transforms hospital rooms for children facing long-term stays, this miniature installation was part of the Room to Grow initiative in Dallas.
The project invited a select group of six designers to explore how thoughtful environments can shape emotion and provide a sense of escape. We affectionately call it "tiny house" among ourselves, but the impact of the work extends well beyond its size.
The Concept: After the Applause
LA, late night. The party's over, the noise fades, and he's back in his dressing room. Oscar nearby, lights low, finally a minute to reset.
Our installation imagines that private retreat, a dressing room in Los Angeles belonging to a leading man at the end of the night. A miniature Oscar subtly anchors the story, while the room itself becomes an escape from the public eye. It's a space defined less by performance and more by what follows it: quiet, composed, and intentional.
The Design Approach
While small in scale, the exercise reflects how we approach every project at Maestri Studio. Our work begins with a narrative and is carried through material, light, and proportion to create spaces that feel immersive and personal.
The design is grounded in a restrained, architectural palette. Terrazzo floors, deep green tile, and warm wood tones establish depth and permanence. An Art Deco framework introduces structure, while a sculptural mantel serves as the focal point, reflecting our interest in architecture as object. Each element, from the vanity to the velvet chaise, is positioned to create a sense of intimacy and control.
The Experience
Working on this project was a joy. We all had so much fun putting these together (lots of hot glue burns) and getting to know the other designers better. Being part of such a talented group made the process as rewarding as the result.
This room, along with six other beautifully designed miniatures from selected Dallas designers, will be available for auction at the Room To Grow Luncheon on April 8 (which sold out in just a few days) in the Neiman Marcus garden at Northpark Center. The project was featured by Paper City Dallas.
Why This Matters
This project, though unconventional, illustrates a consistent principle: regardless of scale, we design environments that tell a story, feel considered, and support the way people live. Whether it's a full-scale residence or a miniature installation, the commitment to thoughtful design remains the same.
A big thank you to our sponsors, Concrete Collaborative, Sherwin Williams, and Schumacher, whose support made this project possible.