Confessions of an Interior Designer
CONFESSIONS OF AN INTERIOR DESIGNER
Images from The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art
I think I have a problem. Yes, I admit, I can’t control my creative compulsions.
Design ideas constantly fill my mind and appear everywhere, even when I am just trying to relax. Take watching a movie for example–this is difficult for me. I can’t focus on the plot because my mind is focused on the interiors. I am constantly admiring or evaluating the interiors and thinking, “Oh, now, that was a good idea!” or “Oh, my, that needs to be redone.”
I have been known to stop a movie repeatedly just to replay a captivating interior scene. I told you I have a problem!
But, honestly, who can resist this living room from the movie, “Something’s Gotta Give” (Nancy Meyers, creator of this and several other films known for their interiors, is having a moment all over again, in case you haven’t heard!) I love everything about it…nothing needs to be redone. It’s sheer perfection!
Images from Cote de Texas by Joni Webb
My problem extends to shopping, as well. So many times I have set out to find a specific piece of furniture, only to lose course as I obsess over something else that is completely not what I am looking for.
Recently, I was shopping for lamps and sofas when this beautiful polished nickel bar cart stopped me in my tracks. I mean, I couldn’t move. I just kept thinking…which of my clients needs this bar cart? Someone has to have this bar cart!
Image from Modern Day Bid
Look at the mirrored top, the beautiful black shelves, the fretwork details on the sides. Ahhh, and it’s so functional. It would look great in a living room stocked as a bar, in a kitchen with a collection of antique tureens, or in a library loaded with books and collectibles. Can’t you see it? Don’t you want it?!
I almost walked out the door with this because I had an entire room designed around it in my mind. The funny thing is that I didn’t even want it for myself (not that I wouldn’t love it!). This is all about needing a beautiful piece to go to a home where it can bring someone joy every day.
Image from atmtxphoto.com
This kind of distraction has happened on other occasions, as well. My husband and I set off for a long weekend to the W Hotel in Austin, Texas and I simply could not stop drooling over the dreamy interiors. The design aesthetics of the restaurants and bars (yes, plural–they have several) are so chic!
I just could not sit in this bar and focus on anything but the fabulous ceiling, the bold artwork, and the chic decor. Apologies to my husband!
Now here’s the restaurant. Don’t you love the velvet upholstered booths, the stylish light fixture, the mirrored panels, and the modern wallpaper? I’m certain the food was delicious, but again, I was distracted by the surroundings!
Image from junenaylor.com
I am sorry to report that I was equally amused upstairs in the guest rooms as I was downstairs. I actually had my camera and tape measure out to document the goodness there! I mean, how cool are this chair and side table?! And look at the embroidered design on the edge of these draperies. So many distracting details!
Image from artgrayphotography.com
I guess it’s a good thing that I am an interior designer and can channel my creative impulses to benefit my clients–well, at least, most of the time!
If you have a design project in mind you’d like us to devote our obsession to, reach out and tell us about it.