The Hollywood Reporter's 25 Most Influential Interior Designers in L.A.

For all of her cool-headed elegance, Joan Behnke is not afraid to make a statement. A veteran with 20 years’ experience, she pulls off happy marriages — modern American meets Asian silks and Middle Eastern iron antiquities — that shouldn’t be attempted by mere dabblers at home. Her THR showhouse master bedroom is modern yet cozy, a chic mix of neutral tones, textures and subtle pops of color.

Famed for her intrepid cherry-picking abilities in remote corners of the world, Behnke constantly is carting back rare textiles and art. Sadly, Behnke’s own residence does not provide a suitable gallery space. “I wish I owned a contemporary home with tall white walls for large pieces of art, but I still live in the Cape Cod-style home with lovely moldings I bought 28 years ago and raised my two sons in,” says the San Francisco native, who e-mailed THR from Cambodia. “But I am happily married to a man who makes me laugh!”

On Hollywood style: “I love black-and-white films with flowing gowns by Edith Head. I like sparseness mixed with glamour.”