Why use a designer?

A designer is a professional and can bring to a project years of experience.  Designers have an understanding of the history of style, furniture and interior design which is a valuable asset to any project.  A designer can interpret, if listening carefully, how a client wants to live and what they want their interior to project.  For example, I always start with the fabric choices.  I think a fabric can inform the designer in terms of both color and style in which the client is interested and help bring all the elements of a room or home into harmony.  A designer deals with all the billing, overseeing production, the final delivery and all the pitfalls of any project.

Why shop the trade?

I think shopping within the professional structure of the trade allows the designer and client a larger spectrum of home furnishings and accessories not available otherwise.  The client and designer are not limited to a single resource.  The client has the benefit of the “trade price” which of course is a great reason to shop within the trade.

What is your most valued design tip?

Keep it simple.  Perhaps the less you have, the more magical objects become.

What makes your style unique?

I try to keep my style “open” for the needs of the client and how they want to live.  I use good contemporary upholstered furniture and mix different periods, styles, materials, and most of all color to achieve a unique environment.  Color might be my single best asset.

Who is your design icon and why?

Pauline de Rothchild.  Her inimitable sense of color and style mixed with the unexpected juxtaposition of materials make her rooms unique.  Her taste spanned centuries but always seemed modern.  Beauty was the center of her world.

If you were a piece of furniture, what would you be?

A coffee table.  I want to hear what people are talking about and keep up with the times.  A coffee table is the center of attention and people congregate around it.

Who is your favorite fashion designer?

Yves Saint Laurent.

What is your greatest indulgence?

Flowers.