Home Decor: Five Questions with Top Designers

 

Spotlight on: Harris House Design
The Harris House Design aesthetic is influenced in Transitional design paired with modern and European influence, while incorporating strong architectural elements into the mix. They love to utilize found objects unique to their clients, yet the most important thing they do is help their clients interpret their own personal style.

How do you define your Design Style?My design style comes from travel. The pieces that I have borrowed from this beautiful planet all come from my travel. I began my journey when I visited Guadalajara Mexico 12 years ago. At the time I owned a small construction firm and was mainly remodeling homes and commercial properties. My jaw dropped so much in Guadalajara  my friends that went with me nicknamed me DROPJAW. It was then my love affair began with artists of all sorts. I cleaned out my savings account buying beautiful pieces of art/decor/furniture/lighting and more while my friends were recovering from the night before.  I had absolutely no plans on what to do next. I had enough to load a 40 foot truck plus more. When I came back I decided to search for a retail space and found a very small hole in the wall signed a lease and opened. I eventually moved from that tiny space and into a twenty thousand square foot space - I was bringing containers from India - Peru - Brazil - Europe and of course Mexico. During the upswing in real estate, I was known as the guy with the exotic -One Of A Kind pieces and did well.  I have had to evolve in this changing market and downsize. I'm now in a two thousand square foot retail space in Westlake Village and buying from local wholesalers and also have a design studio showroom in Calabasas, CA.

How do you access/interpret an Clients interior style? What are the most important factors in creating a compelling design?
Many times a client cannot articulate exactly what they are wanting and it is up to me to bring it out for them. I'm my best when I can climb up in their head and gradually pull out the pictures they see and lay them out. Something manifests in me - a feeling of first gratitude  then happiness and then inspiration.

What inspires you?
My inspiration comes not from what I believe in or what I may know about a space, but it's the client who has called me to help them bring out their desires.

Can you provide a simple design tip that someone can implement right away?
I would say when searching for a piece  take your time. Don't button up something to just finish up a room from being impatient. That's not easy for me to say cause I don't have the best of patience, but I have learned through trial and error that it is the special pieces that truly bring you most joy and inspiration .Next time you're on a road trip or vacation or find yourself in a local antique store - Look- touch - feel...Allow your mind to open up. Something that catches your eye and your jaw drops and allow the energy to guide you to what your eyes are showing you. I truly Love my pieces. Each one of them have a little story...And there is nothing like finishing a space with the ability to someday look back and think wow I remember that moment.

Contact Harris House Design at (818) 889-8647 and visit their website, HarrisHouseDesign.com.


Visit our Website at Shop.StatewideLighting.com or LookatMyFire.com

Home Decor: Five Questions with Top Designers

Spotlight on: Isabel Dellinger Candelaria 

Isabel Dellinger Candelaria is the owner of Earth and Images, her home furnishings showroom, and IDID & Associates, her interior design firm. She holds a BS in Psychology from the New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology and is a graduate of the American Institute of Interior Design. She consults regularly with design professionals as well as the general public on all matters of interior design. Prior to owning Earth and Images she managed a custom furniture and cabinet store and mastered retail merchandising.  Raised in northern New Mexico, Isabel has now lived in Scottsdale, AZ since the late 1990’s.

1) What is your personal style at home?
A good mixture of elegance and casual with a focus on entertaining since Mark and I both love to cook and have people over. Our place is real cozy, and kid friendly!

2) I noticed on your website you specialize in Investment Dressing.  What is Investment Dressing?Investment dressing for the home is acquiring timeless beauties that don't go out of style. We focus on offering collectables that will have as much presence and intrigue today as they will years from now. They remain relevant although time marches on.

3) Does your background in Psychology influence your Design choices?
My background in psychology is vital for my success with clients. It helps me lead them where they want to go, and helps me understand subtle clues and read between the lines to get them there.

4) What inspires you?
I look for inspiration everywhere so it always seems to find me. I love to see ordinary things in a new way so they become a surprise! My most satisfying design effects come from using art as inspiration.

5) Can you give us a simple design tip that we can use right away?
Store away clutter- edit something out to create more empty space...and then fill it back up with something that makes you happy.

Contact Isabel Dellinger Candelaria at (480) 596-0498, via email isabel@earthandimages.com and visit her website, Earth and Images.

Visit our Website at Shop.StatewideLighting.com or LookatMyFire.com

Home Decor: Five Questions with Top Designers

Spotlight on Tabitha Evans of Tabitha Evans Design

1) What is your personal design style at home?
Eclectic -  My husband I have traveled and collected interesting pieces from all over the world.

2) I notice the Room +24 and the Room +Box choices on your website, what inspired this intriguing approach to Design?  I think everyone deserves great design! I put together some affordable options.

Room + Box - Some people love DIY and need a little assistance. This option allows them to shop at their leisure or when their budget permits without compromising their design.  

Room + 24 - It is simply a 24 hour make over.  We use what the client already possesses and take the budget they give us to update/modify their current look. These are two great options for cost effective solutions and can be given as a gift also!

3) Are you involved in Fashion and Film Communities, as well as, Design? I love fashion & film.  I try to attend fashion events when available!  I think it's important to know and follow trends.  I also do staging for TV commercials, films, etc.  My husband has a production company and I had the opportunity to work with him on all sorts of fun projects.

4) What inspires you?
I find inspiration all over!  My mentor, Lynne Beyer continues to be a huge inspiration in my life.  My wonderful husband and beautiful children inspire me daily.

5) Can you give us a quick, simple Design Tip we can use right away?
One thing I notice people have trouble with is clutter.  My tip, things that clutter up deal with it as soon as you get it in your hands.  Example: mail - look through it and throw out what you aren't keeping as soon as you walk in...don't set on the counter.  Put your bills where they belong and magazines in their proper holder/place.

Contact Tabitha Evans at (480) 236-3784  or by email tab@tabithaevansdesign.com and visit her website: Tabitha Evans Design. 

Visit our Website at Shop.StatewideLighting.com or LookatMyFire.com