At Home with Blank Itinerary

As the founder of Blank Itinerary, fashion blogger and California-cool-girl Paola Alberdi is known for her swoon-worthy ensembles and jet-set lifestyle. But at home, the San Diego condo she shares with her husband needed a dose of personal style. Here, she talks adding her touch to create a space as memorable as her travels.

It’s clear you have a knack for fashion. How does your personal style translate to the design of your home?
I know how to combine fashion pieces, but planning a room is completely different. Seeing things through that lens did not come naturally to me, but I was excited to dip my toes into this realm.

Did you have specific inspiration when you set out to decorate?
I did a lot of research on Pinterest to get an idea of what I wanted. It was difficult because I liked so many different styles, but in the end, I was able to narrow it down and incorporate the main aesthetics and pieces I liked best.

Tell us about the vibe of your master bedroom.
My style leans toward minimalist Scandinavian design, but I also love contemporary pieces with some boho mixed in. I knew that I wanted the colors of the master bedroom to be gender neutral for both me and my husband, but I also incorporated feminine pieces, like the dresser accents and the hanging chair.

We love the black wall behind your bed. It’s dramatic, yet doesn’t overwhelm the space. Can you share any tips for acing that high-drama look?
To make it work, you definitely need to stick to a neutral palette for the rest of the space. The floor color also plays a key role—if you have darker wooden floors, a bold wall might be too overwhelming.

Tell us about your favorite pieces. Is there a story behind any of them?
I fell in love with hanging chairs when I visited Stockholm. The master bedroom has plenty of space and I thought it would be a perfect addition.  

Your space is incredibly organized. From your jewelry to your fashion week invitations, every item seems to have a place. What are your top tips for an organized home?
After I read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing , I learned to give away anything that doesn’t spark joy. By doing this you are surrounded only by the things you love.

As for my jewelry, I need to keep it organized so that I can see what I have. I suggest emptying out a couple of drawers and adding stacks of trays for your favorite accessories. 

We love the little office nook you created right outside of your bedroom. What’s the key to creating a functional workspace with limited square footage?
I like my work area to be organized and minimalistic, but it also needs to be cozy and comfortable since it's where I spend a lot of time. Add one or two pieces to set the mood and provide inspiration, like plants or personal accessories.

What's harder: pulling together a room or an outfit?
It was definitely a lot harder to decorate a room. Fashion has always come naturally to me and I’ve developed an eye for things, but home decor is a whole different ballpark.