Home Decor: Five Questions with Top Designers

Spotlight on local Designer Tanya Shively, ASID and LEED AP
Sesshu Design Associates

"Live in an eco-friendly home without sacrificing style, comfort or convenience. You can have the beautiful and luxurious eco-friendly interior you deserve."

Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Sesshu Design Associates, are 'passionate about bringing beauty into the world by creating a sense of place through quiet, elegant details' and 'inspired by the natural beauty of each site, actively seeking ways to protect our environment by incorporating sustainable and green interior design' into their projects. Offering both Interior Design and Green Design options, Sesshu Design is making a long term impact with their compelling ideas and innovative designs.

We asked Five Questions of Tanya Shively, Principle Interior and Owner of Sesshu Design Associates:

1) What is your personal design style at home?
My personal home is contemporary but not cold- warm colors, comfortable seating and a bit of eclectic sentimental pieces mixed in as well.

2) I notice you liked Composite Countertops. What’s another recent Green innovation that is exciting to you?
LED lighting is probably the most exciting thing to come along- with new technology in bulbs that can go into any fixture, we now can make any style more efficient.

3) Is there anything that you steer clients away from in Green Technologies in relationship to design?
I think the direction clients need to focus on depends on their personal priorities.  For instance, if health is critical, then we focus on clean air, daylight, access to nature, etc.  OR if energy efficiency is a priority, then we focus on technology, climate control through window coverings, home automation and lighting control systems, etc.

4) What inspires you?
I am inspired by great design in all forms- artwork, beautiful cars (especially the new electric and fuel cell models coming out), architecture, and the work of other amazing designers.

5) Can you give us a quick design tip that we can implement right away?
My favorite design tip is to not be afraid of color.  So many people shy away from using color in their home and stick with "safe" neutrals to the extent that their home becomes boring and lacks personality. So choose color(s) that you love, and find a way to incorporate it into you rooms- in a pillow, in paint, in accessories, etc.

Contact Tanya Shively at Sesshu Design Associates, (480) 275-2968 and visit our website at Shop.StatewideLighting.com or LookatMyFire.com