Author: StyleRow Editorial

Are you ready to conquer the holiday season like a pro? Picture this: You’re effortlessly gliding through your shopping list, snagging the best deals and cash-back offers, all while staying perfectly organized. Well, it’s not just a holiday fantasy anymore. By combining the powers of StyleRow and Chirpyest, you can hack your holidays with ease and panache. Get a head start and use code “HackYourHolidays” for 33% off and a 14-day free trial at StyleRow today! And don’t forget to sign up for your Chirpyest membership to complete the package!

StyleRow, initially designed as project management software for interior designers, is your secret weapon for staying organized. But here’s the kicker – it can be used by anyone for virtually anything! Whether you’re planning a home renovation or curating the ultimate holiday gift list, StyleRow’s intuitive interface lets you categorize, track, and manage it all. Plus, with its elegant design and user-friendly features, you’ll feel like a pro organizer in no time.

Now, enter Chirpyest, the shopping platform and browser extension that’s about to become your new best friend. Imagine earning cash-back on your purchases, and even more exciting, making money by creating shopping boards and sharing them with friends. It’s like turning your holiday shopping into a profitable adventure. Chirpyest allows you to shop millions of products and automatically scans retailer sites for cash-back opportunities. And the best part? It seamlessly integrates with StyleRow.

So, how do these two incredible tools work together? Let’s dive in!

1. Effortless Wishlist Creation

With StyleRow, you can craft tailor-made wishlists for each cherished person in your life, be it family, friends, or even a little treat for yourself. Organize gift ideas by category, set budgets, and prioritize your purchases. As you’re doing this, you can use the Chirpyest browser extension to add items from your favorite online stores directly to your list. A cozy sweater for mom, those sunglasses your best friend hasn’t stopped talking about, or the piece of art you’ve had your eye on for a while, but haven’t been able to justify yet. All of these can easily be imported into your StyleRow lists! The sleek, drag-and-drop interface makes it a breeze to add and rearrange items.

2. Expense Tracking

Let’s face it; the holidays can get expensive. But with StyleRow and Chirpyest, you can set budgets for gifts, parties, and decorations and keep track of everything along the way. As you shop, Chirpyest keeps a close eye on deals and discounts, helping you stay within your budget while maximizing your savings. And, as you add items to your wishlists on StyleRow, you’ll be able to easily monitor your purchases. This way, you won’t accidentally double up on gifts or let your spending spiral out of control. It’s a win-win situation!

3. Stress-Free Planning

Planning holiday events and gatherings? StyleRow’s project management tools can help you organize everything from decorations to party favors, ensuring your holiday celebrations go off without a hitch. And with Chirpyest’s cash-back rewards, you’ll have extra funds to splurge on that show-stopping centerpiece. But why stop at holiday planning? Let’s keep the organizational momentum rolling into 2024! We understand that tackling the entirety of life organization can be a daunting task. Whether it’s managing your home projects or keeping your life in check, we’re here to support you every step of the way. So, let’s make 2024 the year of unstoppable organization and smart spending!

When you bring StyleRow and Chirpyest together, you’re not just organizing your holiday season; you’re supercharging it. Say goodbye to holiday stress and hello to efficient, profitable, and enjoyable holiday planning. These two tools will help you hack your holidays, making them more organized, budget-friendly, and fun than ever before.

So, why wait? Get started with StyleRow and Chirpyest today, and make this holiday season your best one yet! Use code “HackYourHolidays” for 33% off and a 14-day free trial at StyleRow this holiday season! Happy hacking, and happy holidays! 🎁🎄🛍️

In this edition, we became your eyes and ears at D&D Fall Market. Find out what designers are raving about for the upcoming season! 

Commissioning Art

The walls in your home are a blank canvas and the possibilities are endless when it comes to transforming the space and adding decor. Deciding what to layer on the walls to bring the room to life can be a daunting task. How big does the piece need to be? Should it be a classic painting or textile art? Where should it be positioned? This is where the professionals shine – designers are brought in to answer these exact questions. William T. Georgis of Georgis & Mirgorodsky is an acclaimed architect who creates stunning interiors by combining clean lines with sumptuous materials. He emphasized “commissioning site-specific art” and how doing so can enhance the meaning of the space and create a work that is integrated with its surroundings. Joining together the art in your home with the local aesthetics reflects a sense of character and history. William recognizes that this isn’t for everyone because it takes a “leap of faith”, but his vision is supported by the uniqueness of the space. Molly Torres Portnof of DATE Interiors also spoke about the importance that art plays when designing spaces. She founded her firm on the notion that spaces should be a reflection of your [the client’s] style and personality. The defining principle of this is that she tries to avoid using mass-produced art. You will most likely never find Molly browsing popular retail sites for decor. She tries to find unique pieces or, even better, commission custom art. Whether her client’s budget is unlimited or modest, she works to curate pieces that enhance the distinctiveness of the space. Having a story behind the art in your home makes it more valuable and brings an inherent luxury into play.

Creating Relationships Between Rooms

Many homes have an aesthetic or there is a style that can be seen throughout. The idea of designing a harmonious space seems relatively obvious, but the ways in which designers go about doing this are not. Vicente Wolf of Vicente Wolf Associates is a widely recognized and honored name in the interior design world. A refugee from Cuba, Vicente’s path is anything but ordinary. His wealth of knowledge comes not from a formal education, but from absorbing, traveling, and keeping his eyes open. His life experience has helped dictate his designs and his ability to see details that others overlook. When Vicente is working on a project, he seeks ways to create relationships between different rooms. However, he also chooses to do this without the repetition of elements. For example, he took the fabrics from a couch and chairs in the living room and used them for the opposite piece of furniture in the sitting room. So the couch in the living room became the chairs in the sitting room and the chairs in the living room became the couch in the sitting room. Using this technique, Vicente was able to accomplish that sense of unity without using the exact same piece in multiple rooms. Another example of this is matching the curtain colors to the wood. This brings a sense of cohesion throughout the home that puts the clients in their own little world, especially when the curtains are drawn. Incorporating these small touches ensures that there is consistency throughout the home in a beautifully executed, thought-out way.

Nature’s Contribution to Design

The beauty of nature is undisputed. The colors, lines, reflections, and more are up for interpretation and possess an intrinsic appeal. Elements from the outdoors have long been brought inside as we draw inspiration from the natural world to create functional, aesthetically pleasing living spaces. Nature also provides us with a feeling of serenity that many strive to achieve in their homes. Hudson Moore, Senior Design Editor at FREDERIC Magazine, wrote a book about properly incorporating blue and white into your home. Blue and White Done Right explores this timeless palette and how versatile it can be. Hudson chose to write about this specific color because people are drawn to it – it’s so natural. He believes that this pull comes from blue being repeated over and over again in nature. Justin Quinn, Partner at James Doyle Design Associates, is a landscape architect who seeks to connect with the regional vernacular. When designing, Justin sees the “landscape as art”. This profession is about understanding how the natural world can exist in unison with what you’re placing around it. He uses what initially exists in the natural landscape to guide his design process. It’s a heavy intersection of nature and art. At the end of the day, we are living in the nature that was here before us. It then only makes sense as to why we are so captivated by it and why we design with it in mind.

Tune In

Check out these podcasts to learn more about what influential designers are discussing. Design:ED profiles architects’ journeys, offering career insights and inspiration, Scratching the Surface explores design’s cultural impact, Archispeak asks probing questions about what it’s really like to work in architecture, and Clever delves into the creative journeys of designers and culture influencers, revealing authentic insights.

In this edition, we’re revealing our favorite moments from WNWN and the things designers said that just stuck!

“You’re in their underwear drawer” – Steph Viesta, Studio Seva

Verellen’s event, Design your Future: Navigating Industry Challenges and Making Wise Choices for Young Creatives, was a powerful conversation about how to operate your business and properly educate yourself and your clients alike to get the most out of the design process. Moderator Kathryn Richardson asked Lauren Waldorf, Steph Viesta, and Thomas Verellen tough questions surrounding the topics of sustainability, saying no, building relationships with vendors, and more! When discussing the importance of creating a strong, trusting relationship with your client, Steph Viesta chimed in saying “You’re in their underwear drawer!” As a designer, you’re granted backstage access to every nook and cranny of your client’s life and there needs to be that mutual understanding and respect between the both of you in order to make it work. This trust then leads to effective communication, making it possible to design the space they’re envisioning in their head. And at the end of the day, that’s what you’re there for!

“Green is the new neutral” – Dabito

Are we finally moving away from gray’s reign in interior design? If you ask me, after taking a stroll through Living By Design’s Virtual Showhouse, I’d say we’re in the midst of a vibrant revolution! Designers Dabito and Will Taylor sat down with Hadley Keller of Design Leadership Network to discuss their design processes for creating an entirely virtual dream space. Picture this: 18 rooms, 12 designers, and one metaverse. You’d think it could turn into a design mosh pit, right? But no, there was an enchanting cohesiveness that wove itself throughout the home. When asked how this was so seamlessly achieved, Dabito emphasized the importance of carrying elements throughout different spaces, specifically, color. “Green is the new neutral,” he said. If you think about it, green is nature’s neutral; all the more reason to bring it into our homes. Playing with different shades and textures brought dimension and charisma to the space. He sprinkled hints of green everywhere, from a green bedroom door to green crown molding, and even green striped towels in the bathroom. Dabito and Will worked together to bring this continuity from inside to out. Will designed the outside of the home where he filled both the front porch and pool surroundings with plants galore. He also created a beautiful outdoor shower with forest green tiling and gold accents, very similar to what Dabito designed for the Guest Room Bathroom. Check out a full virtual tour of the house here!

“Do you want me to facilitate that or interpret that?” – David Frazier

The Gallery at 200 Lex hosted a trio of up-and-coming industry professionals to chat about their journey in the design world. Allegra O. Eifler, David Frazier, and Peter Dolkas, FREDERIC It List honorees, really know what’s it in today’s ever-evolving design landscape! A large part of this conversation revolved around working with clients and knowing the right questions to ask. One of David Frazier’s key methods in deciphering what a client is looking for is to start out with a mood board or inspirational photo. Once that’s in play, he asks this very insightful question: “Do you want me to interpret that or facilitate that?” He goes on to explain that there can be stark differences between replicating what the client shows him versus recreating his own version of it. This methodology of questioning allows you to weed out exactly what the client is looking to get out of this interaction. Maybe they’re just looking for someone to make the process easier; they know what they want and they want you to source everything for them. Or maybe they have room for a little creative interpretation and are open to new ideas. Either way, it’s essential as a designer to know why you’re there and set the right expectations.

“When traveling, stay at the local hotel, not the five-star one” – Mary McDonald

The influence of travel on design is undeniable. Exploring new countries, cities, and cultures can be one of the biggest sources of inspiration. Mary McDonald has traveled all over the world from India to Portugal to Egypt, and continues to describe how her experiences spill over into her designs. With Mary being a luxury interior designer, one might assume that she’s staying at five-star hotels. But, Mary actually prefers finding accommodations that are more closely connected to the true culture of the city. Opting for a local, idiosyncratic hotel allows her to immerse herself in the authentic atmosphere of what’s around her. On a broader scale, this idea signifies a willingness to step out of your comfort zone and view the world from a different perspective. This approach aligns perfectly with the essence of interior design, which is all about creating spaces that reflect the unique character and spirit of their inhabitants. Mary’s advice encourages designers to seek genuine, unfiltered experiences in their travels. It urges us to explore the hidden gems, embrace local craftsmanship, and uncover design elements that may not be found in the polished, international hotel chains. By doing so, we gain a deeper understanding of regional aesthetics, materials, and design philosophies that can be integrated into our own work.

“White doesn’t compete with nature” – Billy Ceglia

Outdoor living has shifted its focus to creating functional, sustainable, and personalized spaces that can be enjoyed year-round. They offer a versatile extension of your home, enabling you and your guests to enjoy socializing in nature. Brown Jordan hosted a panel with Billy Ceglia, Cara Woodhouse, and Mario Nievera about how maximizing our outdoor spaces has changed the way we live. Each designer has their own unique style and way of bringing their projects to life. While Billy Ceglia’s color choice may not be groundbreaking, he sure makes a good case for it. Billy’s go-to is white outdoor furniture: “White doesn’t compete with nature.” He explains how his goal isn’t to create something that distracts from the beauty of the outdoors but to design with it in mind and effortlessly blend everything together. Billy tries to instill the biggest impact with the fewest ingredients. A clean, white space does just that. This still leaves space for pops of color in accent pieces, throw pillows, and table accessories to come through and reflect the homeowner’s style. His advocacy for the timeless elegance of white furniture serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful design statements are made through graceful simplicity.

In this edition, get acquainted with some of our favorite designers at the moment! From biographical design to embracing imperfections, these designers are bringing a new attitude to the art. 

DeMuro Das – Brian DeMuro & Puru Das

DeMuro Das is an international design powerhouse based in New Delhi and New York. Drawing inspiration from India’s rich culture, Brian DeMuro and Puru Das founded the brand in 2002 after visiting their families in New Delhi. The duo noticed how underdeveloped the furniture market was: Das described the concept of local carpenters coming to your home and assembling a piece of furniture in your driveway based on a catalog photo. To bring a stronger sense of quality and luxury to this market, they began working to fill this gap. While furniture served as their initial foray, the trajectory of DeMuro Das seamlessly evolved to encompass broader design realms. A natural progression led them to the realm of interior design followed by architectural services, symbolizing a holistic approach to shaping spaces. At the heart of DeMuro Das’s ethos is the aspiration to craft interiors that resemble the timeless nature of honest beauty. Their artistic philosophy is precisely modernist, but rooted in history. This very connection to India’s design heritage has empowered them to manifest creations that are both historical and contemporary, the epitome of crafted luxury. 

Bilal Rehman Studio – Bilal Rehman

Bilal Rehman is creating waves in the interior design space with his design approach grounded in experience. This designer turned internet celebrity has forged an unwavering fan base by staying true to himself and sharing his audacious style. Five years ago, Bilal was a college student majoring in computer engineering, a choice aligned with his parents’ conventional aspirations. Yet, his passion for interior design blossomed through an internship on the periphery of his academics. After four diligent years at only 23 years old, he opened Bilal Rehman Studio. Recognized for his aesthetic that didn’t fit the mold at the time, Bilal’s dramatic, contemporary style incorporated unique conversation starters and breathed fresh life into Hosuton’s design landscape. He was doing well but needed that extra push to solidify his abilities as a young designer. Bilal recruited his younger sister to revamp his social media. Under her guidance, he embraced authenticity wholeheartedly, even if it meant cussing on camera. The outcome was staggering; within a mere 24 hours, Bilal’s follower count skyrocketed beyond 100,000, affording him a newfound platform to cultivate his business endeavors. The brand he’s created builds a singular, cohesive experience that stimulates all the senses of the visitors, each detail working together to tell a story. 

And Studio – Arianna De Gasperis

And Studio is an interior design practice dedicated to crafting spaces that foster connection and infuse daily life with profound richness. Founder Arianna De Gasperis is a Parsons New School for Design alum who blends the precision of a graphic designer with an innate affinity for the sensory dimensions intrinsic to interior environments. Arianna’s fascination with historic and peculiar spaces resonates deeply with her design ethos and is an ever-present motif in her creations. And Studio’s approach rests on four ideals: imperfection is beauty, connection, art as muse, and slowness as virtue. Consistently looking to art history for inspiration, she’s more interested in preserving roots than focusing on what feels like a footprint of today. When working on a space, she attempts to keep the intrinsic character of the place intact, finding charm in even the most accidental of flaws. In Arianna’s own home, an 1850s Queen Anne Victorian brownstone, all the authentic details from the stained-glass windows to the trim and molding were left untouched. In essence, And Studio stands as a testament to Arianna’s commitment to the harmonious interplay between history, design, and the inherent spirit of space.

Lambart and Browne – Freddy van Zevenbergen & Tom Browning

Lambart and Browne is a London-based interior design and architectural firm whose fundamental inspiration comes from one founder’s grandparents who forged creatively driven friendships and social circles. Freddy van Zevenbergen’s grandparents were heavily immersed in the vibrant creative surroundings of mid-20th century British writers, artists, and photographers. This spilled into Freddy’s upbringing, instilling within him a fascination for architecture and decoration at a young age. He partnered with Tom Browning in 2010 to found Lambart and Browne which has continued to grow organically throughout the past decade. They have developed a meticulous process across all stages of design from conception to spatial coordination to construction. Sourcing from revered manufacturers, hand sketching designs at each stage, incorporating CGI, curating bespoke pieces, and many other details ensure each client receives a top-of-the-line experience and result. Lambart and Browne have an impressive portfolio working on both private homes and members clubs all while developing their own furniture to incorporate in each space. Upheld by the importance of creating spatial energy and emotion, this firm knows no boundaries. 

Tune In

Homing In explores the soul of homes – past, present, and future – with Matt Gibberd and cultural leaders. 99% Invisible delves into the art and influence of design and all the unnoticed design around us. The Interior Design Business features the practitioners and experts in the field on the challenges they face, both day-to-day and in the long term. House Guest hosts the designers behind the houses and hotels you see in glossy magazines to share their experiences and trade secrets.

In this edition, acquaint yourself with the designers who are making moves to enhance their company’s work culture and listen to their employees.

Jeffrey Dungan – Jeffrey Dungan Architects

Jeffrey Dungan, an architect based in Birmingham, Alabama, boasts over two decades of expertise. His aversion to urging employees into endless hours rather than smart work sparked a desire for streamlined efficiency. His vision? Timely project executions, delighted clients, and profits intact. Jeffrey identified time as the pivot to his triumph. Merging time and square footage data, he created a formula (square feet / time =  efficiency) quantifying each employee’s efficiency. He figured if he could operate his entire office at a more efficient rate, then he can generate more work without burnout. So, he calculated the average efficiency rate and rewarded average, above-average, and so on at an exponentially growing rate. By incentivizing based on performance tiers, Dungan unleashed a productivity surge. This ingenious strategy fueled a workforce aligned with purpose, propelling an environment of efficiency.

Elizabeth Graziolo – Yellow House Architects

Elizabeth Graziolo immigrated to the United States as a young girl. After honing her craft at Peter Pennoyer Architects for 20 years, she launched her own venture, Yellow House Architects. Here, Liz encountered unfamiliar territories, facing challenges foreign to her previous employee role. Transitioning from architect to boss illuminated stark differences. Time was her yearned-for resource – something elusive yet essential. Liz’s commitment to bonding with her team was affirmed through an exit interview that resonated deeply. Amidst burgeoning demands, Liz recognized the need to allocate time for herself and her business. Her solution emerged as a strategic delegation of responsibility, fostering meaningful connections within her team. Learning from the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, she embraced the power of a managing director/CEO to share her burdens, enabling her to invest time more strategically – a crucial hire, she contends. In her vision, a culture of transparent communication thrives. Be it time or remuneration, Liz encourages employees to voice their needs openly. With architectural prowess and business acumen, Elizabeth Graziolo is deftly navigating her dual role, striving for equilibrium. 

Kimberlee Gorsline – Kimberlee Marie Interiors

Kimberlee Gorsline, founder of Kimberlee Marie Interiors, has been designing homes since her very first dollhouse remodel as a child. Her passion has grown into a commitment to enhancing one of life’s core aspects: our homes. Throughout the years of running her firm, Kimberlee has asked herself, am I doing this right? While there’s no one-size-fits-all business manual, employee morale can speak volumes. Peaking behind her seemingly harmonious team’s curtain, she discovered hushed opinions, especially across hierarchies. Tackling this head-on, Kimberlee started with herself; she knew she had to be vulnerable in order to encourage others to do the same. With a known safe space amongst everyone, she guides her team to embrace positive intentions and approach discussions with openness. Creating a team that’s comfortable with conflict, commitment, and accountability marks a promising stride toward an enriching workplace.

Michel Fiechter TPG Architecture

The post-pandemic office landscape has undergone significant transformations, prompting the need to align physical spaces with new ways of working and communicating. As employees place greater value on a healthy work environment, New York-based design firm TPG Architecture steps up. Recognizing the importance of employee well-being, TPG takes a tailored approach through innovative workplace design. “We have to give people the right alternatives to working from home so they have a reason to come into an office,” notes managing executive Michel Fiechter. TPG worked with a multinational client, introducing a lush ‘green room’ and a tranquil meditation area to the workspace. Customizing solutions to match individual business needs and employee preferences cultivates comfort and productivity. Neglecting these nuances can yield counterproductive results. While technology aids in monitoring, organizational support remains the linchpin of success. People seek a comfortable environment, and responsiveness is key. Consult with a firm like TPG or tap into employee insights to optimize workspace productivity and culture. 

Tune In

To learn more about the importance of workplace culture check out these podcasts! Beyond Interior Design explores the fusion of interior design with health, technology, psychology, sustainability, culture, nature, and entrepreneurship, The Business of Home Podcast interviews thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives about the changes and challenges facing the interior design community, Happier at Work focuses on HR and business leaders aiming to retain top talent through enhancing employee happiness, and the StyleRow Podcast’s episode with Ariel Johnson pulls back the curtain to reveal how she innovates to build an exceptional culture. 

In this edition, discover the assets you need to add to your library that will propel your business to new heights of success! MasterClass is an immersive online experience, that sweeps you off your feet and into the minds of the world’s foremost experts. This is learning reimagined. 

Design A Space You Love

Elevate your most cherished room to superstar status with the guidance of home renovation guru Shea McGee. Building solely off of fresh and effortless touches, this first-class face-lift will transform the ambiance of your home. Shea’s wealth of experience in designing tailor-made homes has informed her approach to teaching and she believes her techniques can be used by anyone and applied to any room, creating a space you truly love. This course features seven thoughtfully, curated topics including developing a design plan, interior finishes and fabric schemes, and balancing lighting. The key takeaway: self-assurance to bring the designs you adore to life within your own home.

Kelly Wearstler Teaches Interior Design

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Kelly Wearstler’s design ethos, which has been credited with reshaping modern American design. Take a peak behind her curtains to unravel the enigma of interior design, learn to expand perceptions of space, curate art and objects, and more! Her seventeen video lessons uniquely include “field trips” to a few of her project locations where you get an authentic glimpse of her philosophy in action. Kelly not only shares prized design tricks like vibe trays, but she offers valuable insights into the intricacies of navigating the world of design in today’s dynamic landscape. Walk away with a fresh perspective and understanding of design. 

Frank Gehry Teaches Design and Architecture

At 19 years old, Frank Gehry juggled the role of a truck driver by day and sculpture student by night. Little did the world know, his audacious vision for the potential of architecture would ultimately redefine the silhouettes of our urban landscapes and ignite the imaginations of creatives across the globe. Now, through his online architecture course, this visionary extends an invitation into his never-before-seen model repository, offering a privileged glance into the intricate tapestry of his creative journey. Across Frank’s seventeen lessons, you’ll discover your distinct voice and learn the art of designing spaces and structures that resonate with humanity.

Corey Damen Jenkins Teaches Interior Design

Renowned as one of the leading contemporary interior designers, Corey Damen Jenkins crafts exquisite environments for clients worldwide. His belief in democratizing exceptional design led him to share his expertise with you! Get ready as he imparts the art of crafting impactful and functional interiors, regardless of your budget. All twelve of Corey’s lessons are infused with his infectious enthusiasm for the craft and the notion that beautiful design has the power to change our lives. From meticulous space planning to defining your style, learn to make decisions with conviction the first time around. “We’re all worth the investment,” says Corey. Why not channel that into your home: it’s more than just a physical space. 

Tune In

If design and architecture pique your interest, check out these engagingly educational podcasts! Learning Interior Design with Marcie Dennis reveals experts’ secrets on design, organization, and functionality for a stress-free path to creating a beautiful living space. The Interior Collective hosts renowned designers for actionable advice and inspiring takeaways, empowering your practice. A Well-Designed Business bridges the business gap with real-world insight from top designers. Lastly, Business of Design is a global resource offering field-tested strategies for enhanced confidence, client retention, and thriving profits.

In this edition, get to know a few designers who aren’t sticking to the status quo on their ‘services’ page. Every client has different needs, so why limit them by limiting yourself?

Gina Caulkins – California Daydreams

California Daydreams is adamant about people truly living in and enjoying the spaces they design. Whether that’s kicking your feet up on the coffee table or getting a little messy in the kitchen, this Bay Area design studio creates comfortable spaces for families to make their homes. Founder and Principal Designer Gina Caulkins is a working mom herself and launched her business on this idea from personal experience with a busy family still wanting a peaceful retreat at the end of the day. Gina and her team cater to clients with a variety of needs and their services reflect that. 

• Design Day: design-only service with up to 2 hours of in-home design time and up to 6 hours crafting the Design Plan, ideal for clients seeking assistance in completing rooms or selecting materials for construction, with a shoppable list provided to bring the design to life
• Styling Session: hand-select decor from our inventory that complements your design preferences and mixes with your existing pieces, with the option to purchase our favorite items at the end of the session
• Full-Service Interior Design: covers all the design steps – designing, planning, ordering, installing, and styling – and collaborates with contractors when necessary
• Interior Design Consultation: 90-minute walk-through and tailored proposal

Kristen Toscano Messina – Kristen T Messina Design

Kristen T Messina Design’s founder, Kristen Toscano Messina, began her design career as a set designer in the film industry creating visual landscapes as an extension of the narrative. In transitioning to interior design, Kristen reflected this skill in her work by finding the client’s story and expressing that in their home. With an emphasis on natural materials, she designs rooms that evoke a sense of wonder and serenity. Kristen provides services ranging from in-depth projects to a helping hand.

• Designer for a Day: 1-1 design session to help you design, shop, problem-solve, or style a space and get advice on making the most of what you have and what you need
• Designer By Your Side: 20-hour blocks of time for professional help and advice for clients who need a little help in certain areas but want to be involved 
• Holiday Decoration: transform your home with the beauty of the season – tree decorating, wreaths, garlands & tablescapes.
• Design Consultation: 2-hour walk-through to discuss needs and get to know the space, getting a fresh set of eyes on the project
• Full-Service Design: style from start to finish by creating floor plans, layouts, mood boards, and whatever else you need to transform your space

Shareen Bailey – Green Shareen Design

Green Shareen Design was founded by Shareen Bailey in the hopes of creating a design firm that was bespoke, female, and eco-friendly for other small businesses. Shareen is the only AfroLatina Interior Designer in Harlem, NYC, and specializes in growing women-owned businesses through designing from scratch and/or remodeling home offices and newly leased or purchased places. Creating spaces that are simultaneously stylish and live-able, she consistently hits the mark on clients’ expectations for a functional, high-quality end result. 

• Virtual Design: ideal for everyone social distancing and wanting anything from consulting advice to entire rooms designed for DIY implementation through 5 steps – click, consult, create, call, complete
  • Fill out a questionnaire to understand needs
  • Services include paint consultations, mood boards, styling, space planning, finishing touches, sourcing specific items, etc.
  • Receive a virtual client presentation of your e-design services including live links to purchase items
• Commercial Interior Design: transform your space to align with your mission and values, attracting clients to an ambiance crafted by us and executed with our architectural expertise, perfect for new or existing businesses and hospitality groups seeking full-scale renovations or new construction.construction
• Residential Interior Design: redesign your living or working space to suit your needs, with construction management and decorating services for all aspects, catering to owners and long-term renters alike

Jonathan Feldman – Feldman Architecture

Feldman Architecture is a forward-thinking residential and commercial studio, celebrated for its eco-conscious designs that seamlessly coexist with the earth, creating captivating and meaningful spaces that enhance the lives of clients, communities, and nature. Collaboration efforts lie at the heart of their design philosophy, yielding exceptional results to be enjoyed for generations. Feldman Architecture is committed to giving back, dedicating 1% of its collective time towards pro bono projects and organizing fundraising events, ensuring that thoughtful, sustainable design remains accessible to all. Their ongoing projects, including a deployable kitchen and classroom, the Global Glimpse Bay Area headquarters, and the SF Community Health Center office renovation, exemplify their devotion to community engagement. As pioneers in this endeavor, they can inspire others to embrace benevolent design and empower those in need to experience the beauty of architecture.

Tune In

Get into a deeper conversation about interior design with these podcasts! Interior Design Therapy Sessions with Britney Johnson empowers women to own their style and create authentic homes. Spacecraft – The Workplace Podcast examines the transformative nature of a well-designed workspace for businesses. Interior Design Business dishes out advice on how to attract high-paying luxury clients. Profit is a Choice teaches you how to command every choice in your business to increase profits.

In this edition, mark your calendar for the top events in the design industry you can’t miss!

In this edition, venture into the tech-infused design world and discover how AI can fit into your business!

3D Printing

Is 3D printing the future of design? That’s for you to decide. In the simplest terms, 3D printing is a method of materializing a three-dimensional object layer-by-layer using a digital blueprint. But here’s where the magic unfolds – design finds its playground in this realm. If you can imagine it, chances are you can use 3D printing to take it to its tangible form. You orchestrate every detail by choosing the color, design, size, and material. Plus, its use of eco-friendly materials is totally sustainable! You can also use 3D printing to create miniature versions of your ideas to truly bring your vision to life. If you find yourself stuck searching for the perfect lampshade to finish off a space, try printing one yourself! 

AI and CNC Cutting

Tsuruta Architects, a UK-based studio, fearlessly fused AI and CNC (computer numerical control) cutting technology to create a symphony of bespoke designs and artwork for residential homes. Founder Taro Tsuruta ventured into AI after facing budget constraints in hiring a graphic designer. Through a series of experiments, the AI program DALL-E 2 transformed his ambitious ideas into material masterpieces. A seamless upload to the CNC router cemented the sketch and the designs were directly imprinted onto wooden boards. The convergence of these technologies has shattered the boundaries of creativity, opening up a realm where the possibilities truly do become endless so long as there is a creative mind steering the ship.

FabricGenie

Finally, an AI dedicated exclusively to captivating the world of interior design emerged. Behold, FabricGenie – an AI-powered textile tool ready to transform design prompts into mesmerizing custom patterns with working repeats. But, the true allure lies in the creative individuality of the inputter. Load FabricGenie with a prompt like “pink flowers against a white backdrop” and within minutes, a free pattern arrives via email. Satisfied? Order a swatch for $8 or $27 per square meter. Within a week, thousands requested patterns and swatches including the most comical pairing of [former British Prime Minister] Theresa May surrounded by cheese. This tech will soon enchant the mainstream, and as a designer, you can actualize your clients’ unique visions. 

Zaha Hadid Analytics + Insights (ZHAI)

AI isn’t just stealing the spotlight in the world of interior design; architects are hopping on the bandwagon too! Enter ZHAI, the pioneering in-house team harnessing data and AI to craft intricate building plans. Post-pandemic, the corporate landscape craved a revolution waving goodbye to one-size-fits-all models. Embracing personalization, ZHAI began tracking both people and environmental cues with AI to create a design utopia. From seating arrangements that reinforce connections to strategic coffee shop placements and tailored lighting solutions, their AI-powered prowess knows no bounds. But that’s not all – using another tech, they can churn out 100,000 building plans in just 27 hours, a feat that would take an architect a decade of drawing 40 blueprints a day to match!  

Tune In

Catch up with tech in the podcast space too! Design You is a no-BS guide to designing a life that is both fulfilling and successful, recently exploring the possibilities that tech and AI make realisitc in design. Thrive in Design unveils the secret to weaving tech into your design process, transforming your creative process into a sustainable, innovative masterpiece. Design:ED lends an inside look into architecture through the eyes and minds of industry leaders. Lastly, The Interior Design Consultant is packed with advice, creative inspiration, and savvy business strategies to help you conquer the design world.

In this edition, meet the trendsetting designers who are also mentors, empowering you to leave your mark on the design world. 

Grayson Pratt – Grayson Pratt Interiors

Grayson Pratt of Grayson Pratt Interiors is on a mission to help busy people feel at home and at peace in their spaces. Her zeal for design doesn’t stop at consultations and renovations though. Grayson’s free resources include her guide “6 Key Decorating Questions to Answer”, virtual webinars and masterclasses, and the IG series dubbed “Wine & Design”. Her expertise comes full circle with “The Confident Design Course”, a program rooted in giving the design power back to the student. 

Rachel Larraine Crawford – The Design Coven

Rachel Larraine Crawford, a holistic interior designer, is here to guide you toward design enlightenment. The Design Coven’s “The Real Life Mentorship” empowers you to tap into your intuition and create awe-inspiring spaces. As a member, the design world is at your fingertips: exclusive access to premier vendors, furniture makers, and textile designers. Featured in exhibitions and published in a multitude of magazines, the mind behind this program is one worth exploring. 

Melissa Lunardon – ML Interior Design

ML Interior Design’s Melissa Lunardon has got the magic touch. Reflecting on her endeavor, Melissa recognized the importance of investing in herself thus the Interior Design Mentor Program. This personalized mentorship, aimed at those in the start-up phase of their business, guides you through the process of finding clients, networking, building a captivating brand, and finally transitioning to full-time self-employment in just three months. Melissa also shares her interior design expertise on Design Talk TV and offers design tips on her IG page.

Tune In

After hitting follow on these visionaries, plug into one of our favorite podcasts. The Holistic Interior Design Business Podcast, which hosted StyleRow’s Erinn V, guides and inspires by sharing entrepreneurial journeys, strategies, trade partners, and Rachel Larraine Crawford’s holistic design insights. The Chaise Lounge serves up accomplished designers like Joe McGuire, Matthew Tenzin, and Anne Carr on a silver platter. Discover the key to staying ahead of the curve with How to Decorate by Ballard Designs. Their source: the minds of top style makers. Lastly, The Great Indoors dishes out advice on how to turn your house into a fabulous home while fostering an interactive Facebook community.