press
"For Van Zee, establishing trust is one of her greatest design tools. She begins each project by listening and observing what is being said and what isn’t. It’s her curiosity and her ability to draw out their aesthetic expectation and how they intend to live in the space that informs how she proceeds."
Iconic Life Magazine - OC Top Designers Issue - September 2026
“Van Zee Design Interiors is known for creating deeply personal homes that balance sophistication with emotional warmth. Rooted in storytelling, the studio designs interiors that reflect each client’s history, values, and lifestyle—resulting in spaces that feel soulful, layered, and timeless.”
Modern Heritage Homes” by Beta-Plus Publishing, Fall 2026
"The Seal Beach–based firm takes a storytelling-inspired approach, making sure that each home is carefully curated to be a true reflection of the people who live there."
“To keep the Quiet Luxury vibe while unsaturating the trend, I look for things I call ‘my favorite aunt’ pieces. Think eccentric, think vibrant, extra, perhaps as far as inappropriate for the space, a piece that breaks the mood."
"There is a true art to creating a well-balanced maximalist masterpiece from the chaos of endless options. Plus, there’s always a great story attached to the items around a room, making them great spaces for cocktails and conversations.”
“Clients often hesitate to include the quirky, strange, or unique pieces they love because they don’t think they 'fit in' with the rest, but that’s where personality lives! We always encourage our clients to keep those pieces and build around them, because your home shouldn’t just look a certain way—it should make you feel a certain way.”
"Splurge on wall treatments like bold wallpaper, yes, even on the ceiling!"
‘A warm-toned beige creates a perfect atmosphere for a new breed of modern that upends the cold and impersonal mood that people typically perceive as modern,’
“For my clients who love the clean and serene look of a bright, white home, pairing natural oak with white walls provides the perfect patina.”
“A very traditional French Rococo wood console table full of dimension, swirl, and pomp dropped into a sleek modern white space is simply stunning.”
