Category: Interior Decorators

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Up-and-Coming Interior Designers Across the Globe – Mansion Global

<br /> Up-and-Coming Interior Designers Across the Globe – Mansion Global<br />

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From Miami to Sydney, these decorators are making waves in their cities

Originally Published July 25, 2022

In the world of interior design, a rash of new talent is emerging and transforming homes, rooms and spaces in their wake. Across some of the world’s biggest cities, these creatives are injecting color, style and substance, and they’re doing it with their own unique flair.

In this special five-day series, Mansion Global is taking a look at some of the designers making a splash in New York, Miami, London, Sydney and Dubai, and learning, among other things, how they got started and what makes them tick. 

3 Hot Designers Making Their Mark in Miami

Miami, a city defined by Art Deco architecture, has proved itself a major international center of arts, design and culture, being the home of Art Basel and the Design Miami fair. 

A new generation of interior designers is leaving its mark on Florida’s coastal metropolis, creating award-winning innovative spaces…Read More

New York’s Rising Designers Create Livable, Modern Interiors

One of the great design capitals, New York draws creatives from around the globe. Scores of budding interior designers set their sights on the city for its limitless opportunities in hopes of landing a spot at one of the city’s most reputable design studios and eventually striking out on their own. That’s the path that Tina Ramchandani, Rozit Arditi and Danielle Fennoy followed.

Hailing from diverse backgrounds, these three designers are making a mark on the New York design scene. After getting their feet wet at leading firms, they established their own studios. Now, through their livable, modern interiors, these rising designers spotlight minimalism but with color, comfort and soul…Read More

London’s Emerging Interior Design Talent

Interior designers are experts in creating a sense of cohesion in a space. London’s emerging talents are bringing new ideas to the process to make standout, site-sensitive interiors, which transform and enrich how we live, work and play.

Their strong design thinking uses authentic storytelling, material transformation and immersive moods to create calming, inspiring projects that are rich and multi-layered…Read More

Photo: Christopher Horwood

Photo: Christopher Horwood

Photo: The Property Stylist

Photo: The Property Stylist

Sydney’s Star Decorators Who Are Adapting to a New World

Interior designers shape how we exist within internal spaces, blending form and function to create inner sanctums that embrace us physically and emotionally. In a post-pandemic world, where home has become our sanctuary, interior designers are stepping up the plate to produce palettes that both comfort and inspire.

In Australia, Sydney’s interior designers have never been busier as the city experiences a buying and building boom. From private harbor-front mansions to more humble residences, talented stylists and decorators are in high demand…Read More

Meet the Rising Stars of Dubai’s Eclectic Interior Design Scene

Attracting talent from around the world, Dubai is home to dozens of interior designers with unique visions and skill sets. Sam Armstrong, Nikita Chellani and Marco Maximus are all establishing names for themselves in a competitive design scene, focusing on turning clients’ visions into reality with sensitivity, creativity and flair.

After a slump during the very early months of the pandemic, Dubai’s real estate market has been booming and designers with vision are in high demand. These rising stars are helping to shape everything from the deeply personal interiors of clients’ own homes, to high-end hotels, modernist mosques and even a rug showroom…Read More

Photo: Courtesy of Marco Maximus

Photo: Courtesy of Marco Maximus

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For Young Designers, The Future is On-Island – The Vineyard Gazette – Martha’s Vineyard News

Sophia Brush Warren has a vision, and it has little to do with your living room.

Of course, as chief operating officer and creative director of Vineyard Decorators, the Island’s largest supplier of home furnishings and decor, Sophia spends a fair amount of time considering couches, managing inventory and keeping the showroom ship-shape, while also overseeing the company’s newly expanded in-house interior design studio.

But beyond the latest trends in home design or the evolution in Islanders’ taste and style, Sophia is most interested in the development of a far more precious commodity: her staff. And she’s not alone. Across the Island, interior design businesses – both small, independent studios and larger firms – have grown into major employers, with a particular interest in recruiting and nurturing young talent.

For Sophia, the decision to focus on employee development was a personal one. Born on the Island, she arrived at Vineyard Decorators by way of the fashion industry; after working for eight seasons at Pandora’s Box in Menemsha, she moved to Boston and took a retail position at fledgling denim company True Religion. Quickly working her way up to the executive level and landing eventually in Los Angeles, Sophia loved her job; by the end of her tenure she was managing 4,000 employees and overseeing the brand’s direct-to-consumer retail operations for North America and Europe. Still, the experience of having to leave the Island in order to grow professionally stayed with her.


Young designers at Vineyard Decorators are offered on-the-job training. Left to right: Lauren Brock, Julianna Theil, Paulina Capen.


— Ray Ewing

So when her brother, Vineyard Decorators owner Whitney Brush, asked her to come back to the Vineyard and help him with the “people managing” side of operations, she jumped at the chance. Her first order of business, she said, was to help Whitney create an “education-based company culture with a focus on peer mentoring.” In other words, she hoped to create the opportunities for young Islanders that she had looked for when she was starting out.

This dream became a reality through thoughtful restructuring and creative hiring practices. Because of the large showroom, Sophia is able to get a sense of people’s abilities in a retail environment. “What differentiates us from other places is that we have the ability to bring in people without a formal design background,” Sophia said. Many of her staff come to her with a retail or fashion resumé, which she sees as a natural fit. “If you can put together an outfit, and you like styling it, that translates into putting together a living room.”

She has also hired, to great success, former bartenders and servers. “Some of my favorite people to hire are restaurant people,” she said. “The hustle you get from a restaurant worker – their ability to multi-task under pressure – is incredible.” Sophia often finds herself making the case to younger workers to move away from seasonal employment and into a steadier, year-round income. Her employees earn a competitive salary, with full benefits. “This is the perfect place for somebody who is trying to make the transition from seasonal shuffle to career. And it’s the perfect place for somebody working retail who doesn’t see much room to grow.” Growth at Vineyard Decorators comes in the form of peer mentorship opportunities as well as frequent trainings. Sophia invests heavily in her staff, with the understanding that they’re going to invest in themselves, in return. “It’s work,” she admits. “I will give you an amazing opportunity, but you have to work for it and you have to want it. You have to show up.”

 

Talent Wanted

Like Sophia, Elizabeth Stiving-Nichols, owner since 2010 of Martha’s Vineyard Interior Design (MVID) and a sister boutique, Bespoke Abode, is constantly on the lookout for new talent.

Because MVID is a smaller firm, Liz says that she does require a certain level of experience and familiarity with the design programs and software. That often means that young designers join her team fresh out of design school or with a few years of off-Island professional experience. For many years, Liz has seen the struggle of the younger recruits to settle on the Island and find stable housing. To help address this challenge she has recently purchased a five-bedroom home in West Chop which she hopes will help ease the transition for new designers as they become comfortable with Island life. “This will allow our team members to have a sense of security, and not have to stress about where they’e going to live next,” she says.

Because many of her designers are young adults, Liz finds herself mentoring them through stages of adulthood that go beyond project proposals and working with clients. “I’m dedicated to my team,” she says, “which in turn creates a dedicated team.”

As the business has grown she’s been able to offer a robust benefits package and she makes sure to explain all of the options to team members. “Recently I sat down with one of the younger women and we talked over the 401K plan and savings,” she said. “I gave her the snowball analogy – how if you start saving and investing at 25 you’ll have this much, but if you wait until 35 your snowball grows less.”

MVID’s managing interior designer, Hala Zohbi, accepted a job working for Liz four years ago. Originally from Canada, Hala was an established designer, looking for a life change and new professional direction. Knowing next to nothing about the Island, she arrived in Vineyard Haven and walked the few blocks up to MVID’s Main street office for an interview. “I accepted the position seeing only that little strip of the Island,” she said. “I moved here to take the job and haven’t left since.”

Now Hala works with Liz to hire new designers and bring fresh talent to their small but growing team. Currently hiring for two design assistant positions and two junior designers, Hala says she looks for people with a certain level of experience but not necessarily a certain style or taste. “We’re looking at how they communicate, how they present themselves,” she says. “Attention to detail is everything.”

Liz agrees. “We’re a small collaborative office, and I believe in promoting from within,” she says. “People don’t always come with all of the skills but they have to have that something. Everything else I can teach.”

 



— Ray Ewing

Designing a Life

When Hutker Architect’s designer Sarah Shriber Ives was little, growing up between Mamaronek, New York and her family’s summer home in Aquinnah, she always imagined she’d work in a big city office, doing something design-related. “But I also always wanted to live on the Vineyard,” she said.

After earning a graduate degree in interior architecture at Suffolk University, Sarah landed a dream job working in commercial design at a large firm in Boston. Her big office dreams were coming true, and she loved it. But by then she’d reconnected with childhood friend and Island builder Taylor Ives, and the two began planning a life together back on the Vineyard.

“There was some culture shock at first,” she admits about the transition to Island life. Luckily, she landed at Hutker, one of the Island’s bigger firms, where she began as a “Designer 1” and has worked her way up to Senior Interior Designer.

Between its architecture and design departments, Hutker recruits many young, talented professionals to work in their Island office (they also have outposts in Falmouth and Plymouth) and experience Island life. “There’s so much learning happening all of the time at Hutker,” Sarah says. “In a bigger firm, everybody has their own expertise, so there are always lunch and learns, design reviews…it’s just a continuously exciting learning environment.”

Hutker also invests in up-and-coming architects and designers by creating relationships at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, through which they offer internship programs and occasional classes. For anyone potentially interested in studying design in college or beyond, Sarah recommends reaching out to her or other designers. “Just ask questions,” she says. “We love what we do and we’re happy to talk to anyone about how to get started.”

For Sarah, living on the Island and working at Hutker is the perfect balance of a fulfilling career and the Vineyard life she’d always dreamed of living. Like Sophia and Hala, Sarah appreciates the stability that a “9 to 5” design job affords, along with all of the excitement of a creative profession. And the views from the job sites don’t hurt. “I work a lot,” she says. “I still have late nights, but it’s so exciting. It fills my soul. And the fact that I can balance it out with a walk on the beach is perfect.”

 

Grab some decorating tips from the pros.

Alex Bullen Coutts is a writer living in West Tisbury and editor of The Oyster.

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Interior Design Aesthetics: 22 Projects that Explore Trending Interior Styles – ArchDaily

Living Bakkali Restaurant / Masquespacio. Image © Sebastian Erras

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“The details are not the details. They make the design.” – Charles Eames. Creating attractive spaces that anticipate the needs of users relies on several factors: scale, circulation, functionality, and comfort. However, the past few decades have proved that the visual appeal of a project is also greatly important, and can make or break the interior space. In this interior focus, we will explore the aesthetic side of interior design, looking at popular styles across the world and how architects and designers use elements such as color, furniture, accessories, and finishes to define their spatial identity. 

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There is often a confusion between interior architecture and interior design, as they do tend to overlap occasionally. Interior architects tackle the technical stages of a project; they work on structural renovations, the spatial organization and functionality of a space, the circulation of users, and ensuring that the building structure and codes promote a safe and habitable living space. Interior designers and decorators, on the other hand, are more about aesthetics. They are in charge of creating visually-pleasing and meticulous designs within existing structures. Similar to architecture, each era saw a unique interior style. Streamline Modern for instance, which first appeared in France in the 1920’s, was characterized by rich colors, bold geometric shapes, and lavish ornamentation. Whereas Mid-century Modern, the American design movement that rose to popularity in the United States’ post–World War II period, featured designs that were rooted in functionality, clean lines, and simplicity, using materials such as wood, metal, and glass. 

MCA Estúdio / Aurora Terrace / BC Arquitetos. Image © Denilson Machado

Read on to learn more about the visual characteristics of trending interior styles and how they’ve been employed by architects through 22 projects from our database. 

Contemporary

Contemporary interior design is perhaps one of the most commonly-used styles over the past couple of decades, notably due to its timeless features. The style is known for its use of sleek and smooth surfaces, refined furniture selection, and avant-garde art pieces within a neutral, black, or white color scheme. Often dubbed as “ultramodern spaces”, contemporary-designed interiors are filled with streamlined materials, integration of wood, marble, and metallics, contrasted with bright and bold colors of wall art, lighting fixtures, or accent furniture pieces. 

A | Residence / IAIA – Idea Art Interior Architects

A | Residence / IAIA – Idea Art Interior Architects. Image © Alex Jeffries

Mit Chit House / Looklen Architects

Mit Chit House / Looklen Architects. Image © Varp Studio

Industrial

Inspired by refurbished factories, particularly after the Industrial Revolution, the industrial style is identified by its bare and effortless philosophy of exposing architectural elements like pipes, brick, concrete wall surfaces, and beams. It is believed that the industrial style gained popularity in the late 1990’s – early 2000s when dense urban areas were facing housing shortages. That, in addition to economical crises, inspired people to convert old factories into loft apartments, keeping the structural elements exposed and making use of its open floor plan and large windows. Along with the open floor plan, this interior design style is often accompanied with a neutral color palette, and embellished with a blend of rustic materials in furniture and pendant lighting to contrast the rawness of the space.

ASKWATCH Store / Kenta Nagai Studio

ASKWATCH Store / Kenta Nagai Studio. Image © Kenta Hasegawa

Art Loft Chai Wan / Mass Operations

Art Loft Chai Wan / Mass Operations. Image © Jonathan Maloney

Scandinavian

Nordic countries are globally known for their design characteristics, so much so that they have their own design style, the Scandinavian design. This minimalistic style uses a blend of textures and muted hues, such as taupe, ivory, and sage, to create sleek and contemporary décor that exudes a sense of warmth and coziness. This style is further emphasized with clean lines, and simple-yet-functional furniture pieces and fixtures, as well as an abundance of natural light. Another prominent feature is sharp contrasts, particularly with color palettes. It is very common to see an all-white dining room contrasted with an all-black sculpture or black and white photography, creating a subtle yet bold statement.

Flat in Zverynas / HEIMA architects

Flat in Zverynas / HEIMA architects. Image © Norbert Tukaj

The Attic / f+f architectes

The Attic / f+f architectes. Image © Johan Fritzell

Asian Zen

Asian Zen interior design is a style that emphasizes a sense of harmony, calmness, and simplicity. At the very core of Zen décor is a sense of tranquility rather than a focus specific features, which is why designers often prioritize finding what works for the client personally instead of following generic schemes. Nature is a focal point within Asian Zen interiors, so the color palettes and material selection such as wood, sand, and rattan usually revolve around natural elements to reinforce this connection between human and Earth. With that, plants, rocks, pebbles, and water features are elemental, promoting a sense of relaxation and connection to the outdoor world. It also important to note that walking barefoot is a prominent cultural aspect of Asian households so choose flooring solutions should encourage doing so  without slipping. Other design features include the use of sliding doors, low rise platform beds and seating areas, screens, and partitions.

Tekuni 2 Apartments / DDAP Architect

Tekuni 2 Apartments / DDAP Architect. Image © Indra Wiras

Nong Ho 17 House / Skarn Chaiyawat

Nong Ho 17 House / Skarn Chaiyawat. Image © DOF Sky|Ground

Japandi

Japandi is the intersection of Scandinavian and modern Japanese interior design, sharing the same minimalist design principles, with a focus on warmth, comfort, natural elements, and muted color palettes. Japandi is currently one of the most popular and sought-after style by designers. Some of the notable characteristics used in Japanese designs include natural fibers like bamboo and rattan, furniture made from natural materials, and pottery, balanced with sleek lines and warm hues for a modern aesthetic. In Scandinavian homes, on the other hand, color palettes are dominated with shades of grays, white, and black, with the occasional neutral tones and metallic accents. Unlike Japanese interiors, Scandinavian designs employ a mix of materials such as leather and knits to create a casual, cozy, and effortless aesthetic. Once combined, modern Japanese and Scandinavian interior design create the timeless Japandi aesthetic. 

Ori Refuge / Traama Arquitetura

Ori Refuge / Traama Arquitetura. Image © Júlia Tótoli

Sumu Residence / Echo Design + Architecture

Sumu Residence / Echo Design + Architecture. Image © Echo Design + Architecture

Organic Modernism

Organic modernism, also known as Biophilic interior design embraces the characteristics of biophilic architecture, taking advantage of daylight, natural color schemes, and abundant integration of greenery, blurring the lines between engineered, man-made structures and the natural environment. Inspired by nature, organic design trends promote natural forms through the material selection and furnishing, the weaving of interior and exterior spaces, and natural materials such as wood and brick. Other characteristics include minimal ornamentation, light organic forms, muted hues, translucent materials, and open floor plans.

Villa Apollon / Block722

Villa Apollon / Block722. Image © Yiorgos Kordakis

Villa Mandra / K-Studio

Villa Mandra / K-Studio. Image © Claus Brechenmacher & Reiner Baumann Photography

Retro Revival

A big sum of designers, regardless of their specialized field, recycle trends while creating new products. Similarly in interior design, styles that were prominent decades ago, such as Art Deco and Art Nouveau, have found their way back into the modern design scene. But in order to blend with today’s modern aesthetic, interior designers reimagine old styles in a contemporary context, such as through the use of contemporary materials or color palettes. This revival can be seen in the form of vibrant color palettes, bold geometric patterns, brassy fit-outs, or vintage furniture pieces, finding inspiration from the second half of the 20th century.

Mo-Tel House / Office S&M

Mo-Tel House / Office S&M. Image © French + Tye

Banacado Café / ASKA

Banacado Café / ASKA. Image © Mikael Lundblad

Modern Farmhouse

Farmhouse interiors prioritize practicality and simplicity with a rustic, rural charm. Although this style is often linked to architecture in countryside houses, it has recently found its way into urban contexts, promoting comfort and creating a an effortless look that feels raw, cozy, and trendy simultaneously. Excessive use of timber elements and white-washed finishes are the most characteristic of this style, along with mismatched fixtures; vintage sofas and antiques are complimented with contemporary chairs or textiles. 

Redhill Barn / TYPE

Redhill Barn / TYPE. Image © Rory Gardiner

Flinders Residence / Abe McCarthy Architects

Flinders Residence / Abe McCarthy Architects. Image © Shannon McGrath

Mediterranean

Inspired by the serene, sunny, and classic atmospheres of countries around the Mediterranean sea, this interior style is a reinterpretation of summer beach villas. Mediterranean designs are characterized by light and warm tones, contrasted with shades of blue and green to represent the sun, sea, and lush plantations. Extensive use of natural materials such as ceramics, wood, fibers, and wrought iron are also heavily seen in such projects, along with ornamented tiling that characterize the flora found in Mediterranean countries, and floods of natural sunlight.

Monolith House / Desypri&Misiaris Architecture

Monolith House / Desypri&Misiaris Architecture. Image © Giorgos Sfakianakis

Palerm House / OHLAB

Nong Ho 17 House / Skarn Chaiyawat. Image © José Hevia

Eclectic / Maximalist

The perfect embodiment of “good big or go home”, a maximalist or eclectic style is often a combination of all kinds of interior design styles and periods organized within one interior space. These styles, which rarely follow any design rule, take a “more-is-more” approach, employing vibrant colors, bold patterns, graphics, avant-garde shapes, and an abundance of details, to make a strong and playful statement. As for how to create a maximalist or eclectic space, opt for expressive, bold patterns and colors, and layer textures and materials. Ornament the space with artwork and unique furniture pieces from different design eras, and organize them around the space in whichever layout desired. For a more “balanced” interior scheme, choose complementary colors, shapes, and arrangements so that the space doesn’t feel too messy. 

Beta Cinema / Module K

Beta Cinema / Module K. Image © Do Sy

Esquire Office / Studio Bipolar

Esquire Office / Studio Bipolar. Image © Suryan//Dang

Minimalism

Using modernist architecture as a foundation, minimalist interior design uses the bare essentials to create a simple and clean space. It’s characterized by a monochromatic color palette, functionality, lack of ornamentation, and clean lines, embodying the “less is more” approach. These spaces often incorporate an open floor plan, an abundance of natural light, and sleek furniture that is durable and comfortable.

Avila Warehouse Conversion / Allaround Lab

Avila Warehouse Conversion / Allaround Lab. Image © José Hevia

PP Apartment / Nildo José

PP Apartment / Nildo José. Image © Marco Antonio

Find more interior projects in this My ArchDaily folder created by the author.

This article is part of an ArchDaily series that explores features of interior architecture, from our own database of projects. Every month, we will highlight how architects and designers are utilizing new elements, new characteristics and new signatures in interior spaces around the world. As always, at ArchDaily, we highly appreciate the input of our readers. If you think we should mention specific ideas, please submit your suggestions.

This article is part of the ArchDaily Topics: Aesthetics, proudly presented by Vitrocsa the original minimalist windows since 1992. The aim of Vitrocsa is to merge the interior and exterior with creativity.

Vitrocsa designed the original minimalist window systems, a unique range of solutions, dedicated to the frameless window boasting the narrowest sightline barriers in the world: “Manufactured in line with the renowned Swiss Made tradition for 30 years, our systems are the product of unrivaled expertise and a constant quest for innovation, enabling us to meet the most ambitious architectural visions.”

Every month we explore a topic in-depth through articles, interviews, news, and projects. Learn more about our ArchDaily topics. As always, at ArchDaily we welcome the contributions of our readers; if you want to submit an article or project, contact us.

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Divine Design in Music City – nashvillelifestyles.com

From to-die-for dining rooms to colorful kitchens and sassy stairwells, some of Nashville’s top decorators share their favorite design moments. 

Jonathan Savage 

Savage Interior Design

When I designed this dining room, I based it around the Herve van der Straeten chandelier that takes center stage. I built the space—everything from the gold lacquered ceiling to the handmade wallcovering—around it. The room is beyond dreamy. This is one of my favorite spaces I have ever designed based on the many refined layers of furnishings that have been implemented into the design of the room. (savageinteriordesign.com)

Kate Figler 

Kate Figler Interiors

I try to mix different design elements when working on a space, and I love the way this dining room came together. I paired a traditional floral wallpaper with a more whimsical light fixture. And while the furniture shapes are classic, they are reimagined in fresh ways. The room is layered but still feels fun and approachable. (katefiglerinteriors.com)

Dana Tucker

Bella Tucker

My favorite project is a condo I worked on in Westhaven in Franklin. The owners were empty nesters who had downsized from a larger home in the neighborhood. The condo was pretty builder basic, but they were looking for a more custom designed space with lots of style and function. We took down a wall that opened up a beautiful view of the lake, and we took a completely unused space and turned it into a vibrant bar with tons of storage. The kitchen got a redesign with new tile, countertops, lighting, painted cabinets, and a new stove hood. This was my favorite project because the clients had been following my work for a while on social media and had been waiting for an opportunity for us to work together. Their openness to the bold use of color and their complete trust in my vision for their space gave me the creative freedom and confidence to pull it all together. It resulted in a great client experience and a space that I’m very proud of. (bella-tucker.com)

Jessica Davis

JL Design

The space I enjoyed designing the most is actually a stairwell. This was for a client that really wanted some outside the box ideas and let me go for it. The four flights of stairs seemed daunting, so I added multicolored stilettos on the ceilings that sometimes traveled down as they lead the way to the rooftop lounge. On the lowest level, I used a series of black cassette tapes with the tape pulled out at varied degrees to add interest and texture above the David Bowie artwork. It was so much fun! (jldesignnashville.com)

Amhad Freeman

Amhad Freeman Interiors

The owner of this space wanted a home that was an updated look on traditional. While I am more known for a modern look, I enjoyed exploring what traditional design means and how I could incorporate my design aesthetic into the space. (amhadfreeman.com)

Debbie Matthews

Debbie Mathews Antiques and Designs

We so enjoyed working on this guest bedroom last year. We were tasked with updating what was a childhood boys’ bedroom into a full-blown guest suite. Green is one of my all-time favorite colors and when paired with pale yellow and blush tones it just screams spring—it certainly offers a big dose of fresh and pretty during the winter doldrums. With rich antiques, an iron bed, framed dried botanicals, and sophisticated drapery, this is a timeless look that will withstand the test of time. (debbiemathews.com)

Matt Donahoe 

bureau interior design

We were inspired by our client’s passion for aesthetic utility, specifically the editing necessary for modern design to be successful. They wished for supple textures, warm tones, and luxe creature comforts. This home imbues that very sense of effortless sophistication. (bureauinteriordesign.com)

April Tomlin

April Tomlin Interiors

As songwriters and creatives themselves, the homeowners allowed us to be the experts on this project from the outset, and with this level of trust, we were able to create such a special home for them, especially in areas like the dining room. We decided to paint the table a light Farrow & Ball green and pair it with sourced antique wooden chairs for an updated nostalgic feel, and we accentuated the art by creating a built-in wall nook. The unique light fixture is by far one of the most impressive features, but it is really the experience once you sit down that makes it my favorite. From one side of the table, you take in the unparalleled views of the Tennessee hills through their kitchen window. On the other, you see the true focal point of the interior of the home, an unbleached Steinway piano. The breathtaking feeling created by the scene of this piano and the kitchen views is the stuff of music, and it is likely that this house, and its owners, will create a lot of it. (apriltomlin.com)

Robin Rains 

Robin Rains Interior Design

Having been an interior designer and owning my own business for many years now, I have had the privilege of working on hundreds of homes for my amazing clients, but I had never actually built my own home. It was both challenging and rewarding. The process involved asking hard questions about what really matters, what elements inspire and bring comfort, and that ultimate big existential question: What makes you happy? Designing your own rooms means doing some deep soul searching. I put my heart and soul into each selection. I wanted to build and live in a house that I would be able to love for years, and I wanted my home to be a means of expression: a house with beautiful angles, character, a presence on the land, and quality craftsmanship. This is a place that can and will stand the test of time. I wanted to surround myself with pieces of meaning and things I had collected over time, too. Having traveled to Europe to buy for clients for many years, I have collected vintage and one-of-a-kind pieces. I love mixing pieces from different eras and styles to tell my own story. (robinrains.com)

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The 2022 Best Designers in Dallas – D Magazine

We asked our some of our Best Designers to open up about their own homes—their favorite rooms, redecorating habits, and what their spaces say about them as people and professionals.

The Designers

A Well Dressed Home

Adcock-Smith Design

Alexis Pearl Design1

Alice Cottrell Interior Design

Allen Kirsch & Associates, Inc.

Allison Seidler Interiors

Amy Berry Design

Amy Gibbs Interiors2

Amy’s Interiors3

Angeline Guido Design LLC

Anne Williams Design

Ashley Dalton Interiors

Avrea and Company

Barbara J. Vessels Interiors

Betty Lou Phillips Interiors4

Beyond Interior Design5

Bobbitt & Company

Bodron/Fruit

Breck Woolsey Interiors

Brette Jacques Interiors, Inc.

Burkle Creative

Cadwallader Design

Cameron Drinkwater Interiors

Canon & Dean Design

Carrie Barron Interiors

Carrie Hatfield Interior Design6

Cathy Kincaid Interiors

Chad Dorsey Design

Chambers Interiors & Associates7

Charlotte Comer Interiors & Collectibles, Inc.

Chelsea Hargrave Interiors

Cheri Etchelecu Interior Design

Cheryl Van Duyne Interior Design8

Childress Interiors, Inc.

Collins & Sweezey

Collins Interiors

Corley Design Associates

Dallas Design Group Interiors

Dana Bass Designs

Deborah Walker + Associates

Debra Owens Interiors, Inc.

Debra Stewart Interior Design

Deleo & Fletcher Design

Denise McGaha Interiors9

Dona Rosene Interiors

Doniphan Moore Interiors

Dunbar Road Design

EJ Interiors

EJM Interior Design

Emily Summers Design Associates

Erin Sander Design

Fagan White Design

Furstenwerth + Bagley Design

Heidi Arwine Interiors10

Hillary Littlejohn Studio Design

Holly Hickey Moore

House of Amelia

IBB Design Fine Furnishings

Ike Isenhour Inc

J Wiley Designs

James McInroe Incorporated

Jan Jones LLC

Jan Showers & Associates

Janet Gridley11

Jean Liu Design, LLC

Jenkins Interiors

Joanie Wyll & Associates Inc.

John Phifer Marrs Interiors

Joseph Minton Inc.

Joshua Rice Design

Josie McCarthy Associates

Kara Adam Interiors

Kim McCue-Cypress Designs

Kirsten Kelli

Kristen Fegale Interiors

Kristin Mullen Designs

Laura Lee Clark Interior Design, Inc.

Layered Dimensions Interior Design

Lee Lormand Design

Linda Fritschy Interior Design12

Lindley Arthur Interiors13

Lisa Henderson Interiors

Lynn Sears Interiors

Maddie Hughes Designs

MADRE Design14

Maestri Studio

Marilyn Rolnick Tonkon

Mary Anne Smiley Interiors LLC

Mary Beth Wagner Interiors

Mauldin Designs15

Meredith Ellis Design

Meredith Steinhart Interior Design

Michelle Nussbaumer Design

Molly Van Amburgh Interior Design

Morgan Farrow Interiors

Morrissey Home

Neal Stewart Designs

Pam Kelley Design16

Pamela Fitch Design

Paul Draper Design17

Paul Duesing Partners

Peters Cates Design, Inc.

Pickering House Interiors

Pulp Design Studios18

R. Brant Design

Richard Gordon Design

Richard Trimble & Associates, Inc.

Rick Rozas Design

RN Interior Design, LLC

Robert Trown & Associates

Robyn Menter Design Associates, Inc.19

Roz Murphy Design

S.B. Long Interiors

Salem & Associates

Samantha Fisher Interiors

Schooler Kellogg & Co

Sees Design

Seitz Design LTD

Shannon Bowers Designs

Shelby Wagner Design20

Sherry Hayslip Interiors

Smith & Ragsdale Interior Design

Studio Ten 25

Studio Thomas James21

Studio White Interiors

SWOON

Ten Plus Three

The Collective

Tiffany McKinzie Interior Design

Tori Rubinson Interiors

Traci Connell Interiors

Traci White Designs

Tracy Hardenburg Designs

Trish Sheats Interior Design

Urbanology Designs

Wendy Konradi Interior Design

William-Christopher Design

Williams Design Inc.

Yates Desygn22

This list is the result of a peer-based survey. A panel of industry professionals vetted the list. The resulting list reflects the companies who received the most votes from their peers. It does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or the publishers of D Home.

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Viral ‘coastal grandmother’ look is turning homes into Nancy Meyers’ sets – New York Post

The viral TikTok “coastal grandmother” aesthetic is now making waves on the home front.

Brokers and interior decorators say that they’ve seen an unprecedented number of clients in recent months who aspire to live in coastal, grandmother-like spaces.

For those not in the know, coastal grandmothers is a movement that refers to an elegant older woman — think Diane Keaton in a Nancy Meyers film or the Barefoot Contessa — who gravitates to a beachy lifestyle and farm-to-table food and dons oversized knit sweaters in neutral tones.

When she has downtime, the coastal grandmother drinks white wine, does yoga and takes walks in the beach.

“My clients ask me for coastal grandmother styling tips all the time,” said Amy Herman, a real estate agent with Serhant. “It’s really resonating with people now as they look to their homes as a reprieve and spend so much time in them.”

The 2003 romantic comedy “Something’s Gotta Give” — directed by Nancy Meyers and starting Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton — exemplifies the aesthetic.

©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Eve

Hamptonites like the Barefoot Contessa have become unlikely interior design icons for a younger generation.

Food Network screengrab

With regards to home design, New York decorator Brittany Marom says that the term translates into minimal patterns, light woods and an abundance of soft colors such as creams, sea-foam greens, peachy pinks and sea glass blues.

“The idea is to layer neutral on top of neutral like having an off-white couch with off-white pillows,” she said. “The vibe is very ocean inspired and feels vacation-ey. It also looks effortless and chic and is easy to copy at any price point.”

Marom says that she has helped several of her clients create coastal grandmother areas in their homes over the last few months and keeps getting asked to do the same from others who want to emulate the look.

Justin and Jillian Forman say the coastal grandmother aesthetic inspired their kitchen makeover.

Courtesy of BRITTANY MAROM INTER

Justin Forman, 33, who works at a technology company, and his wife Jillian Forman, 31, who runs a nonprofit, recently moved into a Soho apartment that they bought and gut renovated over the last year with Marom’s help. They wanted to give their kitchen the coastal grandmother look.

“Since we had never owned a place before, we never really had a style, but when we saw coastal grandmother on TikTok, we knew that it’s what we wanted,” said Justin. “It’s outdoorsy and escapist.”

Features in their kitchen include a cream and soft blue herringbone-tile backsplash, cabinets in both white and light oak and a wide-plank light oak floor.

“I think of coastal grandmother as an evolution of the all-white trend, which is so common in New York apartments,” he added. “That’s boring, but this is fresh.”

“I’ve always loved a setting that reminds you of the beach, but my place had these red couches, oversized zebra print pillows and bold everything,” she said. “I got sick of it fast being home so much and wanted something that was more soothing and helped me get into a relaxed mood.”

A home that evoked a Nancy Meyers movie set was spot on.

Kelly Bensimon brought a taste of the coast to her Soho spread.

Courtesy of Kelly Killoren Bensi

Kelly Bensimon, 54, a real estate advisor and former reality star on “The Real Housewives of New York City,” also channeled coastal grandmother when she zhuzhed up the living room in her Soho apartment early last year.

Bensimon ditched the opulence in favor of cream couches, white marble tables, shearling cream pillows and cream light fixtures. Off-white window blinds rounded out the “I’m on a vacation” setting.

“I work from home and entertain from home,” said Bensimon. “Where I live has never been more important. I have to feel comfortable and want my guests to as well. Coastal grandmother is the way to go.”

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How to choose a good interior designer – Financial Times

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West Palm Beach Interior Design & Decor Update – Ballard Designs’ Studio Store Location is Open – Yahoo Finance

National furniture and home décor retailer Ballard Designs announces its new conceptual design studio store opens Tuesday, September 13th on the Dixie Highway, in the region’s iconic “Design District.”

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Sept. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — “How to Decorate” retailer and style-maker, Ballard Designs, chose West Palm Beach as the location of its inaugural Interior Design Studio concept store, and this week a newly renovated 2,500 sq. ft. space there becomes Ballard’s seventeenth existing retail location nationwide.

Figure 1 Beautiful contemporary furniture and decor inside the new Ballard studio retail store, all available to create customized home spaces for Trade and Retail interior designers and homeowners.

Dominic Milanese, VP of Retail for Ballard Designs relates, “We’re so excited to launch our first ever Design Studio in this area because our 40+ years of client buying trends and business data tell us that the people of West Palm Beach LOVE Ballard Designs.”

Milanese adds, “We’ve also chosen a location in West Palm Beach that is convenient for Trade professionals and home furnishings enthusiasts, alike.”

The new retail studio concept store sits on The Dixie Highway in the Design District, an area booming with distinguished designers and décor stores in the city’s most desired location for the home interiors industry. Ballard’s store will offer eclectic furniture & home décor, as well as personal design assistance, to the area’s interior designers, decorators, and consumers.

Ballard Design Studio’s core concept is to offer customers a hands-on, one-on-one experience for individuality and customization of home design projects.

  • Guests can easily see and feel furniture designs and fabrics, lighting, and rug samples, etc. before ordering them.

  • The store is streamlined to help guests make their design decisions in person, then seamlessly place custom product orders for delivery.

  • All Studio personnel are trained as experts in Ballard products and will serve as crucial resources in helping shoppers make selections.

The Design Studio can assist buyers in furnishing or refurnishing their entire homes in Ballard’s classic chic style.

Ballard’s product selection is varied and extensive, giving any Palm Beach interior designer or homeowner the inspiration needed to create or complete a new space or existing one. It promises a treasure trove for new home buyers and permanent or seasonal Florida residents.

Will anything be on hand to buy and take home? Yes!

Smaller décor items for seasonal statements will always be available for shoppers wanting a quick purchase. Holiday décor is in store starting in October.

Ballard Design Store Hours

Per market norm, the Design Studio opens to the public and the trade Mon-Sat 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

About Ballard Designs

Since 1982, Ballard Designs has offered a unique curation of home furnishings and décor and How To Decorate advice from all periods and provenance. Its designers travel the world for inspiration, translating latest trends in fashion, color, and style into finely crafted and unique products. Ballard Designs is part of Qurate Retail GroupSM, select leading retail brands that include QVC®, HSN®, Zulily®, Frontgate®, Garnet Hill®, and Grandin Road®.

CONTACT: 5WPR, Haley McDill, (646) 862-6866, [email protected]

Ballard Designs opens in West Palm Beach. The retailer’s first ever Design Studio concept store now calls the beautiful WPB Design District “home,” serving popular home design furnishings to the Trade AND to the Public.

Cision

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SOURCE Ballard Designs

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