interior consulting:
One of the biggest lessons I learned in my time at architecture school was how to look at and discuss 360 degrees of a project. That means not only looking at what’s in front of you, but also how it affects all that surrounds it. I later worked as a production designer in film. Before designing each room, I would think about who the character was and how they would use the space. It was all about the character’s personality. Form follows function (with the exception of some can’t-live-without-it design objects).
Years later, when I started renovating houses, this practice re-emerged. How best will a family use a space? What is the ideal flow? Will they use their formal dining room or would a sunroom converted into a dining and entertaining space with an oversized table be preferred? What is the purpose of each room? How does the style reflect the function of the room? These are the questions that drive the design process. From there, it’s a lot of communicating. For me, that means photos as I am a visual person. I like to share mood boards, discuss them and then revise in order to narrow down a look and feel that suits your needs.
architectural salvage + sourcing
There is so much inspiring design in the world. I like to look to history before buying off the shelf. Sometimes, a pendant light off a mid-century home is made remarkably better than something you buy at a chain store. Many houses look the same on instagram. Sourcing details that are different not only sets you aside, but also means less waste.
staging:
15 years of producing photography and lifestyle shoots for magazines and advertising has taught me how to present a space and how others will view that space. Selling a home is a lot like a lifestyle shoot. You are selling a feeling. Buying a house is an emotional experience. You want to walk into a space and feel like you can insert yourself there. Maybe it’s aspirational or maybe it’s a certain familiar comfort, but it helps to picture yourself there. This is what sells a house and in today’s market, that can be an incredibly quick process with proper staging.
a bit about me:
mother of wild boys, friend, dog lover, design addict, attracted to nature while also loving the city…
Always designing with a story!
MFA - Hunter College. MFA - Glasgow School of Art