Was design something you’ve always felt strongly about or was it a gradual process of finding your voice?
Beth: I felt strongly about a sense of place, but it wasn’t until I became an adult that I realized that my passion for creating a sense of home could be translated into interior design. When that realization hit, I sought a formal education in the field.
Carolina: I grew up with my parents always mid-renovation, so I was surrounded by construction. It inspired me to seek an education and make a career of it.
You are known for blending bold color and textural palettes, creating beautiful, well-designed homes. Tell us about your “modern with a flair for the unexpected” approach.
Design shouldn’t be boring. It should surprise and delight! That could mean a serene getaway with fantastic texture and a soothing palette. Or, it could be a dynamic, color-filled, art-inspired home that energizes. As we get to know our clients through our unique intake process, we figure out all the things our clients love, and we help them define their unique style.
How does running a national interior design firm, as well as managing passion projects including licensed lifestyle collections and product design, influence your thinking?
We love creating! We are fueled by the opportunity to bring new products into the world, especially for designers or homeowners who aren’t ready to invest in full-service design. Our licensed textile collections with S. Harris and Fabricut have allowed us to join the design community in a new way, and it has been thrilling to see our fabrics show up in homes, hotels, and restaurants around the world.
You’ve built up a notable body of residential work, including new construction, renovations and furnishings. What are some major takeaways from designing homes?
Homes are so personal. Every home should reflect those who live in them. That sometimes means taking calculated risks. Why would you want your home to look like everyone else’s?!
What is your design philosophy? How do you tell your client’s story and define their personal style in their home?
We’ve coined a concept we call “Fearless Design.” We design homes with fearless style, courageously putting our own spin on our clients’ personal styles. We also believe that you should be able to live in your home fearlessly. We design functional and beautiful homes for our clients that are a reflection of them.
With offices in Washington, Oregon, California and Texas, are there particular differences in what clients are looking for?
It’s funny because our clients in every city say they love our style because we aren’t like other designers in town. Our exposure to all the different sources and markets has given us a unique perspective. All clients are looking for professional designers who care about their homes as much as they do and someone they can trust to see their vision come to fruition.
In your opinion, what is the most fundamental element of interior design?
Scale! Size and scale can make or break your design. It’s a skill that most overlook and a sure differentiator between an amateur and a seasoned professional.
How do your interests outside of work influence your designs?
Fashion and jewelry are passions that inspire many of our designs. And we both love to entertain, so we’re always thinking about how our clients will share their spaces.
When you were growing up, do you recall feeling amazed by design?
Beth: I was always amazed by architecture growing up.
Carolina: Yes! Exposure to my grandparent’s floral business and my parent’s renovations inspired me.
