The EL Design Process
Everything I do in my creative world starts with finding inspiration. This is my favorite part of a design project, a dinner party, or a room remodel. There is so much opportunity to create something new that is fresh, fabulous, and authentically you.
I approach each task in the same manner, whether it is in my own home or for a client: something has spurred me to do this. Recently a lovely client asked me to turn the bedroom of her child who had moved out (now an adult) into an office. I had so many questions for them... what would this room be used for now? Would guests be part of the picture in that space?
If I'm doing a new home and the style and space is "up for grabs" in a sense, I try to dig deep with clients and find out what is most important to them, both personally and aesthetically. I am very fortunate to have two shops with distinctive styles, where clients can come for inspiration and ideas when we are working together. The shop and design studio in Malibu has a more relaxed and coastal vibe, while our Pacific Palisades location is a little more modern, tailored, and chic. Each of our location's unique styles helps clients and customers to understand the quality of the work we do and the product we create, visualize pieces or remodels in their own home, and inspire them to create a home that is truly them.
If a client is interested in hiring us for design work, we first talk about what they want for their new space, room or house. Do they want a similar feel to the look of my shop? Do they have an amazing art collection that should be the star of the show? Are they a young family with kids, where everything needs to be easy-to-clean?
I also like to ask clients what colors, patterns they specifically do not like. It always seems to be an easier task of identifying what you may not like than initially trying to describe what you do like. This process helps me narrow down a color scheme and textures for a project.
The next step in our design process is the inspiration board! I like to pull images that evoke the feel I would like a space to have. Will a space be traditional, modern, or a blend of both contemporary and classic? We usually use a mixture of virtual and physical inspiration boards, starting with general inspirational images and then narrowing down to specific items and pieces as the project progresses.
After the initial mood board, we come to fabric choices. I think it is really important to have this as a jumping off point.
Most people are very tactile and can decide almost immediately which fabrics speak to them! Sometimes they are so inspired by a fabric sample I show them, that we will create the whole room around that color or textures. It is usually a fabric that ignites this creative spark, but sometimes it can be a rug or a piece of art...
What inspires you? I want to know! Comment and subscribe to join me on my journey into the world of my shop, designs, and passions.