Has there been a defining experience that has significantly influenced your design viewpoint?
The projects that are most defining for me have been projects in my own homes. I started my business with my previous home as my only portfolio project and have gone through multiple renovations and decorating projects in our current home. Designing for yourself is much more challenging and has also allowed me to truly empathize with my clients during the design and construction process.
What are some of the current influences on your work?
I really love European style of cabinetry and all details and elements that make it feel like furniture. I try to include some vintage elements (usually rugs) in my designs to bring warmth and character to brand new spaces.
Specializing in new construction, how does that impact your design process?
We do conceptual design first and then we bring in contractors to bid the project. I always recommend that clients give us their full wish list to have priced out at the beginning and then we can scale back if needed once the estimates come in. We don’t start detailed design and material selections until we are aligned on the scope of work and what that truly costs.
What was the journey to building your own firm and how has your practice evolved?
I started my business in 2017 as a side hustle while working full time as a Project Manager at Amazon. I focused on décor-only projects initially and then went back to school for kitchen and bath design and started doing more renovations and new construction. After four years of juggling both jobs and having my daughter, I decided to transition into running my business full-time in the summer of 2020 and haven’t looked back.
What kind of reaction do you hope to get from people that live in your spaces?
I always want them to love the way the space flows and functions daily. I also want clients to feel like the space is a reflection of them, but something they couldn’t have achieved on their own. Well-designed spaces should bring happiness and ease to day-to-day life, my biggest goal.
What’s the first thing you notice when you walk into a room?
I notice what isn’t working from a layout perspective. Whether it is cabinetry size and location or furniture size and configuration, I am quick to pinpoint what could be improved.
What is your favorite space in your own home and why?
My kitchen, breakfast nook and family room area is my favorite space in my home. It was the first space we renovated six months after buying the house. It is long and narrow, so the layout was tricky to figure out. We spend 80% of our time in these spaces and I still love everything about them after two years of being here.
What’s on your radar?
Color! I love neutrals and how calming they can be, but I am really inspired by the way some designers mix color and pattern so effortlessly. I am pushing myself and my clients to be more daring with color and pattern instead of playing it safe with neutrals.
Favorite place to travel? London.
Favorite era of design? Hollywood Regency, 1920s-1950s.
For more information visit: www.cohesivelycurated.com
