Personal Space

I believe a house should be infused with the homeowner’s DNA, so getting a good sense of the client is essential to designing their custom interiors. I actually feel that the client-designer relationship is similar to dating—we are getting to know each other, and I am discovering what’s important to them. It is also my and my team’s job to help them discover exciting ways of expressing their personality through interior design.

Several methods and materials can work to help showcase a client’s aesthetic. These range from specific hardware and fixtures to finishes, wall coverings, paint colors, and artwork. The latter can be one of the trickiest elements to nail down for a client since art preferences are so personal.

For our beautiful Cashiers, North Carolina, project, the client had a pretty extensive art collection from which we were able to pull. And a huge bonus was that the homeowner‘s daughter was Caroline Schaad, my Lead Designer on the project. She obviously knows her parents well, so the art selections, in this case, were pretty seamless. Caroline is so talented, and it was a pleasure to have her work on this home project that she and her family can now enjoy together.

The house is nestled on the side of a mountain, and the homeowners wanted that reflected in every aspect: neutral tones, earthy walls, natural stone, and a luxurious but rustic touch. The palette is deep green with a range of taupes, but the primary “color” is actually texture. The client responded so well to our options for soft fabrics, fine linens, and several versions of alpaca. Used together, they make for a complex, layered finish.

The mountain environment was our muse, so our inspired choices for the home included hard-working, durable materials. In the common areas of the house, it was important that the family could gather, lounge, and celebrate without concerns about the durability of the materials. So, while the fabrics we selected undoubtedly look beautiful on our furniture frames, it’s not meant to be a showplace. It’s a home for the family to enjoy for generations. 

Choosing a Designer

Of course, not every homeowner has a family member in the design industry. I recommend researching and getting to know the work of designers who interest you. Most of our clients have been following along on our @mrsparanjape Instagram for quite a while, so they know how we personalize our projects.

But, if a client is interviewing several designers, it’s essential to find out if each one intends to be a steward of the owner’s vision or more of a leader in the design process. We tend to imprint early on in the process and then are better able to present elements that the client responds to. I tell them that we will play a long game of “get to know you” that will result in our team being able to say, “Oh, we are going to love this” on behalf of the client.

With that understanding and collaboration between designer and homeowner, clients will feel like their home is a professionally executed, singular reflection of their taste and personality.