Miranda & Her Home
When we think of the typical jewelry designer, images of dainty gold chains and pretty pendants come to mind. But, for Miranda Frye—a Mission Viejo, Calif.-based jewelry designer—her start was a little on the edgier side. Rather than kicking her career off with traditional bejeweled silhouettes, this creative started by decking out belt buckles with unique jewel-encrusted designs. Her one-of-a-kind vintage-sourced creations quickly garnered her well-deserved attention, and by 2011, Miranda Frye jewelry was officially in business.
As she puts it, "I always seek to create effortless, wearable designs with a modern edge." After catching a glimpse inside Miranda's moody, monochromatic home, we can't help but think that this penchant for livable, modern design translates into all areas of this West Coast designer's life.
Today, we invite you to scroll on for a peek inside the Frye home, a set of spaces that plays host to this energetic, musically-inclined family of four. As you pop visually from room to room, you'll quickly see just how masterfully Miranda was able to create spaces fit for her mostly male family—we challenge you to pick up on the clever feminine details that she was able to pepper throughout! All we can say now is this: Prepare to be monumentally wowed by Miranda Frye and her home.
How did you get started in the jewelry business?
I began my career in handcrafted accessories about 12 years ago by making one-of-a-kind belt buckles encrusted with vintage jewelry. This quickly evolved into creating unique jewelry styles for myself out of my vintage jewelry supply. Soon afterward, my friends and family were asking me to make the the same designs for them. In 2011, Miranda Frye jewelry was born.
How do you approach a new collection? From where do you draw inspiration?
I always seek to create effortless, wearable designs with a modern edge. I try to always place emphasis on how a piece of jewelry feels and looks on the body. I want it to lay just right and to feel comfortable. I want Miranda Frye to be the piece you reach for again and again. I draw so much influence from the beauty we find in unexpected places—interior design and architecture always inspire me, and I love exploring fashion from past eras and modernizing the elements that speak to me.
It’s all about defining your individual style...There really are no rules anymore. Less is more and more is more!
Do you have a favorite accessory designer whom you admire?
I don’t have a particular designer in mind, but as far as brands go, I adore my Cuyana handbag and am impressed by the company's simple philosophy and excellence in customer service. I love Rag & Bone for shoes, and tend to run back to them again and again.
Is there a particular piece of jewelry that you love or that holds sentimental value?
I wear and adore my great-grandmother Sadie’s art nouveau wedding ring from the 1920s.
What’s the one piece of jewelry you think every woman should own?
Every woman should own an everyday jewelry set: A classic pair of earrings, a delicate necklace, a simple bracelet and a great ring that can be worn throughout the day and layered up in the evening.
What are some of your favorite metals to work with and why?
I love gold and rhodium for their durability, elegance and polish.
When it comes to accessorizing, what are your tricks of the trade?
I created my line to be worn singularly or layered together with purpose. If you are going for a minimally chic vibe, you can throw on a basic set of Miranda Frye jewels and refine any outfit. Alternatively, if you are channeling your inner gypsy, you can pile on dozens of Miranda Frye pieces and look effortlessly layered to perfection. It’s all about defining your individual style and then buying pieces of jewelry that reflect that. There really are no rules anymore. Less is more and more is more!
I draw so much influence from the beauty we find in unexpected places—interior design and architecture always inspire me, and I love exploring fashion from past eras and modernizing the elements that speak to me.
How does your fashion style translate into your home?
My personal wardrobe is very minimal, favoring black, gray and neutrals with my focus being on my accessories, such as jewelry and shoes. My home’s vibe is similar, though more eclectic, with modern lines, layered textures and metals, and lots of contrast. As with my fashion, I tend to gravitate toward unique findings, favoring blending high-end with affordability and vintage with new.
If you had to play favorites, which piece in your home would it be and why?
I love all my lighting. Lighting is my interior jewelry.
Did you have a specific design style in mind? What feeling did you want your space to capture?
Every time I update (which is often), I am usually inspired by a style I admire. I begin the transformation process and always end up with a fresh version of my own eclectic personal style, laced with the original inspiration. I live in a home with my husband and two sons (three men!), so I seek to create a comfortable androgynous home where everything is functional. Nothing in our home is off limits. I have learned to love the wear and tear of most mediums, and think the more distressed an item becomes, the more beautiful.
What’s the one spot in your house that makes you the most happy or proud?
I really love my living room. This is where we put up our Christmas tree, where we watch movies and make so many of our memories. I love looking at all of the art, the books and the vignettes in the bookshelves. I also adore our large windows, which let in lots of natural light.
How do you maintain such gorgeous skin with a family and a busy career?
I was a makeup artist in a former life and was taught the importance of sunscreen, nightly cleansing and quality skincare. In addition, one of my besties is an esthetician, so she keeps my skin glowing!
What beauty products do you keep on hand? What makes them so great?
I am religious about using Roc Retinol for cell turnover, Bambu Earth Petitgrain Facial Cream for hydration and Elizabeth Arden sunscreen for sun protection. Also, Batiste Dry Shampoo and Oribe Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray are lifesavers!
Nothing in our home is off limits. I have learned to love the wear and tear of most mediums, and think the more distressed an item becomes, the more beautiful.
What’s next for Miranda Frye Jewelry?
Our vision is to continue to produce quality modern jewelry as the foundation of MF, but we hope to branch out to include a range of accessories in the future. My personal long-term dream is to incorporate home décor design with a focus on chandeliers. This girl loves her interior jewelry, too!
