What inspires you?
I
recently purchased a few great design books at the San Francisco Antiques
show. I find it incredibly inspiring to
see what other brilliant designers have done either in the past or are doing
today. I don’t always agree with their
approach, nor do we have the same aesthetic, but I find it interesting to see
how others tackle the same design challenges that we face.
If someone is on a budget
but can splurge on only one piece, what should they purchase?
A
beautiful mirror can really elevate a space and add an element of sparkle and
glamour. Mirrors can also take the place
of art to fill a bare wall that is begging for something to dress it up. A
carefully selected frame can add a color or textural element to help tie a room
together, and of course mirrors also create beautiful illusions with light and
space.
When starting a new
project, what is the first thing you do?
We
start by doing a lot of listening. It is
paramount to understand how our clients live, and we drive our design around
that. Everything – from furniture layouts
to fabric choices and furnishings, are carefully selected and curated based on
what our client’s communicated needs are. The initial meeting is usually more
of a comfortable conversation about life and living.
Is there a classic—a
staple—that is always a part of your design…a signature?
I
put a lot of focus on seating. A great
chair placed in the right arrangement can make a wonderful statement, and set
the tone of the space. An accent chair
can suggest whimsy, refinement or be representative of an era. I select chairs
that are unique and sculptural, but also very comfortable. What good is a chair if you don’t want to sit
in it?! This circles back to my philosophy of never having to forgo
functionality for style.
What are 5 essential
pieces that every individual should have in their home?
1. At least one
piece of art or photography that captures the essence of the homeowners
2. A comfortable
place to sit as a family- namely a sofa that looks great but can also be a
place for everyone to cozy up and relax and enjoy quality time together.
3. A good table
for sharing meals. Tables are generally where most memories are created in a
home, and often even get passed through generations. Investing in a good table
is essential to a completed interior.
4. Throw
blankets- I love to polish every almost every project with a cozy lambs’ wool,
angora or cashmere throw in a rich color. They help soften and personalize a
room. I sell a beautiful variety through my store.
5. At least one
special treasure picked up during a friend or family member’s travels is great
to have in a home as a conversation piece -- whether it’s furniture, a
decorative memento, a textile or art.
A
great room is all about the feeling it evokes. Great light can often set the
right mood and make a room. If you don’t
have large beautiful windows, then you should have some really fabulous light
fixtures that can help set the mood.
Where are the best ways
to save money if someone is on a budget but wants high style?
High style is
not necessarily about high-end pieces – again, it is more about the feeling
that a space evokes. When on a limited budget consider the following to get a
chic look at a good price:
1. Paint: A
fresh color, or even a crisp neutral can totally transform a space and give it
an updated, polished look.
2. Refresh: Take
a moment to re-imagine what you have and see if you can recover, reupholster or
refinish something you already have. You can get a sleek look by applying a new
finish or color to something that looks tired.
3. Stay Minimal:
focus on a few special pieces rather than aiming to fill a space to the brim.
Even a few pieces when done right can create a very high style look.
What room is your
favorite room to decorate, and why?
Living
rooms are my favorite. There are so many
opportunities to create moments with a living room….the sitting area in front
of the fireplace where good memories will be made….the corner with the
comfortable chairs where you head to have a tete a tete at a cocktail
party….the walls where you can place amazing art. Again, it’s all about evoking that feeling
that is somewhere between “Wow!” and approachable all at once.
3 ideas for a small
living space?
- No clutter – it makes a space feel smaller than it really is.
- Furniture - be sure the scale of the pieces fits the scale of the room. Don’t select oversized furniture for a small space.
- Colors – light colors will make the space feel bigger and more airy. Dark colors often make room feel smaller.
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