"While working in politics, Deema Tabbara Lopez launched her blog, Pretty on Fridays, as a creative outlet where she shared her DIY home projects and relatable musings. After her audience grew unexpectedly, she took a leap of faith, leaving her 15-year political career to pursue her passion for interior design full-time. Deema’s modern traditional style, infused with quirky eclectic touches, has attracted over 470,000 Instagram followers who eagerly follow her home’s evolution. Through trial and error, creative DIYs, and lots of thrifting, she has created a space that she—and her online community—adores. Deema firmly believes that anyone, regardless of their budget or home size, can design a space they love. Keep scrolling for a tour of her home and Deema’s advice for creating your dream home one step at a time.
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Deema Tabbara Lopez’s Los Angeles Home Tour
The Details:
Name: Deema Tabbara Lopez
Location: Los Angeles, California
Square footage: 1,900 square feet
Rent/own: Own
You spent 15 years working in politics before transitioning to interior design. What did that shift look like, and how did you transform your interest in interior design into a career?
I’ve always loved interior design! When I worked in politics, I started my blog as a creative outlet, and it sort of grew unexpectedly. When I hit a crossroads in my political career back in 2022, I decided to take a leap of faith and do this full-time. It was definitely a transition going from working for someone else all my life to suddenly working for myself. I love this job so much but have often missed the intellectual stimulation of my old career. I’ve since found that balance between my Instagram feed (that’s focused on interior design), my Instagram stories (where I discuss politics often), and my newsletter (that’s more focused on my reflections from the week). As for my interest in interior design, the main focus of my blog and Instagram, it’s something that feeds my creative soul and brings me immense peace. And I love the balance I’ve been able to find showing up as all versions of myself at Pretty on Fridays.
How has Pretty on Fridays evolved since you first launched it, and where do you hope it goes next?
When I first started, I was consistently told to niche down (to interior design). But Pretty on Fridays has evolved as much more than that, and my weekly newsletter has become a core part of my brand. As for my hopes, my dream is to write a book one day. And in the short term, I’m looking to launch a paid subscription that’s an upgraded version of my weekly newsletter, Merci Ktir, by the end of the year.
You have some stunning thrifted finds in your home. Is there a piece you still can’t believe you scored secondhand?
Don’t make me pick! Haha, so many. I’d say my coffee table is definitely one of them. I got it for $26 at Goodwill and couldn’t believe it. And anytime anyone asks about it, I love to tell them how cheap it was and where I got it. Is it even a thrift score if you don’t refuse to shut up about it?
Your living room has such a classic, cozy vibe. How does your family use this space, and how did you design it with that intent in mind?
Thank you! We spend most of our time there. I have struggled with our living room the most actually and have redesigned it so many times. I’d say it’s still a work in progress, but the leather sofa was definitely what guided the style in that room, and then, of course, that $26 Goodwill coffee table find (see how I won’t shut up about it?). I feel like the leather sofa paired with the horse painting gives more of a masculine vibe than the rest of the house, and I really love that.
You’ve lived in your home for over five years now—how long did it take for it to feel like a true reflection of you and your style?
It’s all trial and error over here! I feel like my style is constantly evolving, and I’m constantly learning. I’d say that in the last year or two, I’ve really come into my own and discovered what I like: modern traditional with a touch of eclectic.
Your style blends vintage and modern elements for a look that feels timeless and unique. How do you strike a balance between old and new while keeping things cohesive?
This has been such a trial-and-error process for me. I love that you used the word balance because that’s truly the key. I actually read Ina Garten’s memoir recently, and a portion of her book felt EXACTLY like my formula. This is what she said:
“If you have just antiques, it’s too busy and feels old-fashioned, like a mish-mash of your grandmother’s furniture. And if you’re strictly modern, it can be too austere and cold. But if you start with modern, and bring in antiques, everything can fit together cohesively, and the room has personality.”
Your home features beautiful and unique artwork in every single room. What are your go-to places to source artwork, and what themes or characteristics do you look for while shopping?
Well, now I’m excited. Art is my favorite part of designing any space. It sets the tone and is such a fun way to add character and personality. It’s the first thing I notice in a space, and without it, I feel like a room falls flat. First, let me say that I’m a big fan of supporting local artists. I love finding artists on social media or other art sites. With that said, I love thrifting art, too. One of the main reasons I love finding art in thrift stores is that you can find the most unique pieces paired with the most unique frames. Framing, in my opinion, is just as important as the art itself. As for characteristics, I just pick what speaks to me. Art is supposed to invoke a feeling, and that’s how I know I love a piece. I don’t care if it matches—in fact, it’s better when it doesn’t. I love a good juxtaposition.
You also love to style art in unexpected ways and places. How do you decide where to display your finds, especially when adding art in nontraditional spots?
I love the unexpected in design. Rules are so boring. I’m honestly not sure how I decide where art is going to go—I just hang things in random places and see what I like. I love trying new things and playing around with design.
Your dining nook has evolved slowly with a few different variations over the years. Does this latest version with the green painted ceiling feel final, or do you think it will continue to evolve?
I think so! But who knows—I love to swap things around like art, florals, pillows, etc. It’s so fun to try new things.
You designed your kitchen renovation entirely by yourself. What was the process like, and did you face any unexpected challenges?
I had no idea what I was doing and almost lost my mind. I learned SO MUCH throughout that process though—mad props to actual interior designers—I had no idea how difficult it would be. Before I reached out to a contractor to start the kitchen renovation, I wanted to have a solid grasp of what exactly I wanted done. Meaning, big picture stuff—think layout, cabinetry, flooring. I had never designed something of this magnitude before, so I was a bit overwhelmed. If you’re a newbie like me, I highly recommend using the Ikea kitchen planner tool. I’m sure there are many programs out there; this is just one that I found to be incredibly user-friendly (and free!). It was instrumental in the design of my kitchen renovation and really helped me solidify many of my layout decisions. What’s great is it allows you to enter the measurements of the room, then add in windows, walls, and other features. I played around with the space for weeks!
As for unexpected challenges, we had to delay our renovation after finding a huge crack in our floor. YAY for living on a slab foundation. Pro tip: If you have the luxury of deciding between a home on a slab or a raised foundation, pick a raised foundation. Repairs are way easier and cheaper.
Your home feels so uniquely you. What’s your best advice for someone looking to add more personality to their space?
ART. Take any boring space and add a unique piece of art, and it immediately has personality. I also love pieces that are conversation starters, whether it’s something incredibly personal to you, like an old family heirloom, or just something super weird and cool you found at a thrift store. Buy the weird stuff!
You share your home with your husband, two children, a dog, and an adorable kitten. With such a full house, how do you keep things clean and organized?
By yelling at everyone to put their sh*t away. JK, can I say that? No, but in all seriousness, my mom always used to say that everything should have a place, and it’s so true. Storage solutions have been key, whether that means baskets, extra cabinets, storage ottomans, or drawers. Everything needs to have a place, and if it doesn’t, off to the donation pile it goes. Also, keeping it 100 percent, my house is definitely not always clean or organized.
The gallery wall in your kitchen is so stunning. How long did it take you to pull together all the pieces, and how did you go about deciding on a layout?
Thank you! I had two prints I had previously purchased and custom framed, but the vast majority of that wall was actually thrifted. I typically like to lay all my pieces out on the floor (or a table) and play around with them first. After that, I start playing around with hanging them on the wall. The only structured thing I do is put the largest piece in the middle and then hang things around it. I know many people like to map out the wall first and take measurements, but that takes the fun out of it for me. Yes, I’ll actually nail things in and then change my mind. Tiny nail holes are so easy to fill, and a trial-and-error process is much more enjoyable, I promise. Have fun!
Of all the DIY projects you’ve taken on, which one are you most proud of? Are there any you regret?
I’d say my painted checkered patio and painted striped powder room were the most challenging for me. Honestly, I didn’t think I could do it and was so proud of how they both turned out. However, my painted floral wallpaper in my hallway is a project I poured myself into for four days straight. And while it wasn’t as challenging as the other two, I’m pretty damn proud of that one, too! I love when people say, “Where’s that wallpaper from?” and I get to reply, “Oh, I painted it.”
As for regrets, HA! There are so many. Love the process though, and I always learn so much with every disaster DIY. I did a pencil drawing of wallpaper in my bedroom that turned out great at first. However, it’s super smudged now because, well, it’s pencil.
Previously painted a dark navy blue, your powder room got brightened up with light blue and white stripes you painted yourself. What inspired this update, and how did it transform the space?
That bathroom was feeling so grungy, and you could see every little smudge on the wall with that dark color. I was dying to lighten it up and had always wanted to try painting stripes. It was incredibly challenging, but I love how it turned out!
The dot pattern on your office ceiling is so fun. What inspired you to add that pop of pattern, and how long did the process take you?
Thank you! I had a rough day at work (when I worked in politics) and just took my energy out on that ceiling. It was incredibly impulsive but so easy. I grabbed an old can of paint and just started adding dots. It probably took me a few hours, I’d say. Such a big impact though!
Your bedroom features a mix of textures and colors but still feels very serene. How did you strike that balance without making the space too simple?
Thank you! Are you sick of me saying trial and error yet? I played around with that space a lot, and honestly, it still doesn’t feel done. The art and thrifted pieces in there are really what give that space interest. Because otherwise it really would feel too simple.
You refer to yourself as a “softcore DIYer” because you don’t use power tools in your projects. What are some ways you’ve gotten creative to pull off DIYs within your skill set? How do you know when to hire something out instead?
When we first moved into our home, we were so broke. The easiest and most cost-effective way to make updates is truly with paint. You can get so creative! I painted faux tiles in our backyard, faux wallpaper in our hallway and powder room, faux backsplash in our bathroom, and, of course, a simple room color change (wall or ceiling!) always makes such an impact on its own. I’ve also done a Sharpie subway tile in our kid’s bathroom that took me forever to do and is holding up so well. As for hiring out, if we have the money, that’s always something I prefer to hand off to someone else—like when we saved up for our kitchen renovation. Designing and decorating a space is what brings me the most joy.
Do you have any upcoming home projects you’re excited about?
I’ve been thinking of repainting the striped bathroom for a year now. I know, I knowwww. I love it and love the color. But one thing I’ve been trying to be better at is working on making paint colors more cohesive around the house. And if you look at all my rooms, that striped bathroom doesn’t mesh as well with the rooms as I’d like!
Your children’s rooms are beautifully decorated but still feel authentic to a kid’s room. How did you make their rooms feel cohesive with the rest of your home’s style while also catering to their tastes and personalities?
My kids had A LOT of say! It was important for me to design both rooms to express their personal style. I asked both my kids what they wanted and then presented them with moodboards. We had a lot of back and forth of them saying yes or no to things. I highlighted a few tips for designing kids’ spaces and still keeping it tasteful here in this old blog post (just scroll to the bottom!).
Your patio looks like the perfect place to entertain or just lounge and enjoy the weather outside. What are your favorite ways to use this space?
Keeping it 1000 percent real, we don’t hang out there as much as we used to. When I first transformed this space, we were outside all the time. We especially loved to use the fire pit for s’mores roasting. However, now it’s a neglected space, and I’ve been meaning to do a refresher.
Anything else we should know about you or your home?
The only thing I’d add for readers, as sometimes looking at beautifully curated pictures online can be overwhelming, is that it’s all so attainable! With the exception of our kitchen renovation, so many transformations were done with paint, and so many rooms were furnished with secondhand finds. All by a girl making a ton of mistakes and just going for it. And honestly, working with a budget leads to far more creativity and fun. Anyone can create a beautiful home.
Lauren Blue, Lifestyle Staff Writer
As a Lifestyle Staff Writer for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of home decor, delicious recipes, hobbies, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Instagram for beautiful homes to feature on the site.