It’s A New Year…
As I said in my e-postcard, I really had a blast when Blane Charles interviewed me for his TV program ‘Elements of Fierce’. Since it’s a new year, and I’m beginning year two of this blog, I thought I’d put my ideas down:
My clients. They’re first on my list for a good reason. I create interiors for my clients. What happens from my perspective is that I really get into their heads and translate their feelings and desires, their visions for their homes, and articulate them in materials and colors and shapes to create a place that’s theirs. I can’t say it enough; it’s all about the client.
Style. There are common elements that run through all my projects but overall it’s balance. I start with making the architecture balance. As I begin work on a project, I make drawings and look to see where the space is not working in terms of traffic flow, the windows and doors and ceilings, and fix these elements so that they balance the space. As I place furniture in the rooms the balance works from the edge of the rooms inward. Then I take on the colors, shapes, materials, artwork and objects to work together to further that balance, both statically and dynamically. Rooms aren’t stage sets – we walk around in them, eat in them and move in and out of them. Color and texture, rough vs. smooth, shiny vs. matte, glittery vs. subdued are also elements I use to create balanced layers throughout. I often combine unusual materials in unusual ways to achieve this.
Teamwork. It takes a village … and some duct tape. There are so many people whose work goes into a successful project. Everyone I work with has high standards for quality and workmanship – the minute there’s someone who suddenly isn’t, then the whole project can be affected. I coordinate the teams of contractors and their subs, artists and artisans, furniture makers, drapers and upholsterers, and more, while making sure everything happens when it is supposed to. And, yes, in this business you do get what you pay for.
Expectations. From drawings to move-in, a project is a journey through time. I make sure my clients understand what they’re getting into and what is happening step by step. Why decisions get made a certain way and how we handle situations when the unexpected crops up – and believe me it will – it’s the nature of the beast. It is always solveable. I make sure my clients’ expectations are met and exceeded.
Finally. I still love what I do!
I hope this gives you a better understanding of me as a designer and a professional. I also hope you’ve enjoyed last year’s stories. You know, let me know if there are topics you’d like me to talk about – really!
Meanwhile, next … I promised you more on guest rooms.