Dallas Blog | Material Girls | Dallas Interior Design

When I was a senior in high school, one of the items on the required reading list was F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.  After chapter 1, I was hooked.  It’s a beautiful story, and if you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it before you see the movie (scheduled to premier May 10th).  The descriptions of the life of the wealthy in the 1920′s is mesmerizing.

Original book cover of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby

A life full of partying, prosperity, and feeling the need to be free from the constraints of what was deemed socially acceptable at the turn of the 1900th century brought around the Art Deco movement.  A call for new fashion, new architecture, and new furniture and home decor!  Immediately everything went streamline, architecturally as well as decor.  Geometric shapes, and bold colors were all the rage.

A real 1920′s beauty bedecked all in dazzling Cartier jewelry.

Baz Luhrmann is by far my favorite movie director and producer.  He can take a old classic story and turn it into something new and over the top like no one else.  You can totally see what I mean if you’ve ever watched Moulin Rouge, or Romeo and Juliet.  His adaptation of The Great Gatsby has once again totally hit the mark with his impeccable style and lavish ways of transforming something great, into something even greater.  If you ask me, I think he’s done a remarkable job defining the 1920′s era by putting a modern day spin on it.

The stunning Leonardo Dicaprio as Jay Gatsby.

Carey Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan

Gatsby’s Humble Abode

Now this is the kind of entry hall I’m talkin’ about!  This is where Gatsby hosts all of his lavishly epic parties.  It’s the perfect atmosphere if you as me!

Welcome to the party!  The outside movie set of the famous swimming pool/fountain party scene.  Looks like a blast!

Take a look at Gatsby’s bedroom.  The clean lines and no frills make it the perfect bedroom for such a dashingly dapper bachelor.

Daisy’s sitting room exudes femininity with all it’s pinks and blushing hues, accented by soft whites and golds.  I’m loving that patterned rug and long fringed throw over that side chair!

Even Tiffany and Co. has gotten into the spirit of the movie.  They’ve designed an entire collection devoted to Daisy, the leading female role in the movie.  If you visit their flagship store in NYC, you’ll find their famous window displays bedazzled with 1920′s glamour in  honor of the movie.

Looking for that special outfit to go along with your new diamonds and pearls from Tiffany’s? Just stroll on down to the Brooks Brother’s flagship store on Madison Ave.  They’ve transformed their store with a vintage 20′s ambiance that’s sure to make you want to pop open a bottle of bubbly!

Still can’t get enough of that fabulous Art Deco style?  Take a gander at these gorgeous rooms!

I love the soft golden back drop of this room.  The ebony furniture pieces make a dramatic contrast against it.  The marble floor inlay is breath taking, and look at that console on the back wall!  I’m in love with the Greek Key motif in white that borders its edges!

One of my favorite pieces of furniture in a grand home like this one, is an entry table that sits in the center of a foyer.  It’s so stately!

Let’s face it, deep down, everybody wants a grand sweeping staircase like this to walk down every morning.  I know I sure do!

This Art Deco interior embodies the clean and simple shapes found in many period buildings.  Check out all that silver leafing on the ceiling!

This Parisian apartment designed in in the early 20′s is still fashionable today!  Just look at the shape of the cocktail table, and the gilded screen behind the sofa!

I’ve always been in love with these simple and sophisticated prints from the 1920′s.  These wallpapers are still a classic, even after 93 years!

So, if you haven’t bought your ticket yet, what are you waiting for?! This is definitely a movie you don’t want to miss on the silver screen!

Last week we had the honor of being invited to High Point Market in High Point, North Carolina!  We were more than thrilled when we were contacted to host a tour of new vendors at the Suites at Market Square building.

Our first evening there really set the tone for the entire trip.  Material Girl Lauren, Material Guy Nathan, our friend Meg of LeSueur Interiors, and I made our first stop at the CR Laine showroom for a little get together with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.  While we were there, we met up with Material Girl Jill, and our fabulous friend Christian, of Maison21.  It was a great first night in High Point!  What could be more fun than having a blast with friends in a gorgeous showroom, while meeting other fellow designers and design bloggers?!

 The Material Guy and I at CR Laine!

Material Girls Lauren and Emily with Meg Lonegran! Check out that awesome Schumacher fabric on the wing chair and accent pillow!  It’s perfect with that sofa!

Emily, Rachel and Meg with design blogger Nicole of So Haute!

Our first full day was just that…. a FULL day of shopping, checking out all the vendors we could possibly squeeze into one day, and spotting all the new stuff we could see!  We found a ton of new and exciting vendors that we can’t wait to start using in our designs!  There is so much to see at High Point Market, we feel like we barely scratched the surface!

Amazing new lamps at Visual Comfort-

We brought home lots of great new vendor sources to use on our client projects!

The Bungalow 5 showroom was amazing in person!

We’ve always been a fan of glass knots as accessories.  These beauties are from Sklo.

We met Tara Shaw of New Orleans, who couldn’t have beem more nice!  It was incredible that she gave us a one on one tour of her booth while we were there.

We loved these guys too!  Their look is fresh and exciting, with great use of color and materials.

On day #2, we hosted our Material Girl tour through the Suites at Market Square.  It was really special to be able to meet and connect with some of our devoted readers!  The vendors I targeted on the tour Nathan and I hosted were Festoni, The Detroit Wallpaper Co., CHC Art, Louise Gaskill Lighting, Tamarian Carpets, Saddleman’s of Sata Fe, and Tara Shaw.  We had a really good group, and we think they enjoyed their tour!  We know we sure did!

Tamarian Carpets

CHC Art

The Detroit Wallpaper Co.

Louise Gaskill Lighting

Saddleman’s of Santa Fe

Our tour group at Tara Shaw!

After our tour….. you guessed it!  More shopping and scouting for new vendors to add to our list!  We found some good ones!

Of course Aerin Lauder (and her new collection at Visual Comfort) was s-t-u-n-n-i-n-g!

Regina Andrew had some great new lighting and accent furniture pieces that are to die for also!

Loving this wheel bookcase from Noir!

The agate series from Wendover are so colorful and each one is really unique.  We will be specifying these asap for a client.

After another full day of shopping, checking out vendors, showrooms, and hosting tours, it was time for the famed Halo party!  What a great way to spend our last night in High Point!  We were finally able to get all the Material Girls that were at market all together in the same place, at the same time!  It was a blast getting to hang out at the fab Halo showroom and share a glass of champagne with our fellow Material Girls!

From left to right: Nathan (Dallas), Emily (Dallas), Julia (Chicago), Jill (LA), and Lauren (Houston). We missed you Rebecca (New York)!

Our last day in High Point was short, but we were still able to squeeze in a few more places to see! Our first stop was Oly Studio’s showroom.  It was beautiful with it’s clean and crisp white color scheme.  Have always wanted to see their pieces all in one space and they certainly did not disappoint!

The biggest highlight of the day we found at the Vanguard showroom.  As we were walking through, we turned the corner, and low and behold, there was Thom Felicia!  How adorable is he and his greek key belt? Love!

Before we headed back to our hotels to pack up and head to the airport, we were able to have a fantastic roof top lunch over looking High Point.  A perfect way to end a spectacular trip to market that we’ll never forget!

We’d like to give a big thank you to the High Point Market staff and vendors who all helped make 2013 Spring Market memorable and successful! See you next year! 

Over the past month or so, I’ve developed a few new obsessions.  Having always been captivated by the world of fashion, I’ve recently taken on a new style.  The source of my inspiration has been derived from historical time periods, fashion, as well as my favorite TV show at the moment, Downton Abbey!

I haven’t started showing up to work in three piece suits or attending dinners in “white tie”, but, I’m enamored with the impeccable style and elegance of the well dressed men in this show.  The interiors of Highclere Castle, located in Newbury, West Berkshire UK, where Downton Abbey is filmed, has preserved the interiors of the home in their original states.  Each room shows perfect attention to detail, and is dripping with the finest gold and crystal objects.

The main drawing room remains perfectly intact since its last redecorating in 1895.  The walls are upholstered in antique French green silk damask.

Second on the  ”current obsessions” list is The Luxe Series.  My good friend Jana introduced me to the series, and now Im hooked!  These novels, set at the turn of the century, are jam packed with page turning drama, as well as lavishly dressed “dandies” and debutantes of New York’s finest families.  Along with all that, you guessed it, descriptions of grand ball rooms and  interiors that scream wealth and high society status.  If you’re looking for a good old fashioned  scandal, pick up a copy!

So, after watching Downton Abbey and reading The Luxe Series, I found myself becoming bewitched with the male characters of these stories, and their luxurious surroundings.  Seeing as how the time period of these epic dramas occur during the turn of the century, I started asking myself how I could bring the same excitement and flare these stories and characters portray, to the present modern day.  The result has been a new found approach to a way of personal style and dress, as well as interior design.

When it comes to design, I love relating and drawing on fashion as a source of inspiration.  I’ve always believed that the only thing better than a well dressed man, is a well designed interior!

I’m in love with this home library.  It’s clean modern look with brightly colored books is fun and inviting.  The touches of “old world” style with the gilded clock and pair of globes adds just the right amount of a traditional element.

The stark contrast of black and white will forever be a classic.  It’s the perfect backdrop to add a touch of color to, no matter what your mood calls for.

Check out this great home office space.  The chrome edging on the desk and shelving units really make this built-in unique.  I’m really liking the use of yellow here too, and those fabulous marble obelisks with the gold bases!

The contrast that the spring chartreuse rug, bamboo chairs, and roman shade create against the dark finish of the book case is stunning here.  I love how the brightly colored books and solitary pink flower give this space a fun feel.  Books and flowers are two of my favorite accessories!

Who doesn’t love luscious chocolate brown?  This gorgeous cocoa colored headboard with square tufts and sconces adds  great texture.  The soothing corn flower blue adds a crisp contrast against the deep chocolate tones.

The color pallet in this living area is definitely exciting.  The orange mixed with the neutral tones feels so happy, and fun, while maintaining a sense of sophistication.   According to color psychology, orange is optimistic and uplifting, and rejuvenates our spirit.  I think it’s perfect for a family room!

I love any room that feels “royal”.  Rich velvets in royal hues of purple with accents of gold and red scream majestic drama!  Prince William could come walking around that corner at any minute (or at least we wish!)

For as long as we can remember, my partner and I have always wanted a family. After many discussions and looking into several options, we decided to go with a surrogacy program located in New Delhi, India. In August of this past year, things started to get serious, and we are now well on our way to fatherhood! We are very excited, and we hope and pray for the best! Along with planning for a baby, we also have to plan for two trips to India. The closer we get to our travel dates, the more I’ve found myself looking at Indian design, cuisine, and culture. It’s so very different from the mainstream western world, and almost immediately identifiable.

How exotic is this?!  The clean, crisp white walls and decorative tiled floor make the perfect backdrop for bold Indian color and pattern.

This room is full of so much life and excitement!  All that pink is enough to make Lisa Vanderpump proud!  Ever since I was little, I’ve always been a fan of bold colors.  Rich hues are in no shortage when it comes to Indian design aesthetic.  It’s almost as if the rule is this: The more color you can put in a room the better!  It’s amazing how these spaces can look so energizing, and yet so calm and restful at the same time. Classic Indian interiors are known for their extremely intricate, ornate, and busy patterns.  Over the past month or so, I’ve ran across a few fabrics that I might use somehow in our new nursery.  We’re working to create a fun space, that has touches of some of our future child’s heritage.  Here are a few of my favorites so far.  The colors and patters are so exciting and playful!

Recently, Beverly Hills House Wife Lisa Vanderpump, her husband Ken Todd, and their dog Jiggy, moved into their newly remodeled Beverly Hills home…. well, mansion.  At 8,000 square feet, it’s a downsize from their 15,500 square footer they just moved out of.  Lisa’s reported net worth is valued at $65 million.  So, with that being said, it’s no wonder she lives a life of lavishness!  With pink as her trademark hue, she’s tricked out her new princess digs in the pretty color.  Take a look at some of these “Before & After” shots of this glammed out Real House Wife of Beverly Hills super sumptuous pad.

Here’s the entry before:

And after:

Definitely a massive change!  The mirrored walls, and lighter wall colors with Lisa’s touches of pink, totally brighten this baby up!

The formal living room also “had a little work done”!

Lisa’s new Formal Living Room:

Darker hardwood flooring, lighter upholstered furniture, painted trim work, chandelier and mirrored furniture transformed this once dark living area into a room fit for even Marie Antoinette to receive callers.

Next on the list is the dining room.  Here’s what it looked like before:

And after:

The next area that got a major face lift was the outdoor living areas.  Check out the before and after’s of this part of the estate:

Talk about a night and day difference! Love how you can lounge outside, yet still be under a fabulous chandelier at the same time! And, I’m totally obsessing over that infinity pool with it’s view of the famous ‘Hills’!

Check out the master bedroom. Major pink transformation!

Even Ken’s closet got a make over!  I love how all the white and mirrors can still be made to feel masculine.

And here’s his closet after shot.  I guess the love of pink is a mutual thing! Looks like he has more pink shirts than I do!

And now, without further ado, I give you the piece de resistance….. Lisa’s closet! (although, I feel like “closet” isn’t the correct terminology for this palatial dressing room).  I don’t know whether I should stand and stare, or go shopping!  This thing is so big, it needs not one, but TWO chandeliers!

OMG, am I in Hermes? Oh, no, wait, it’s  just Lisa Vanderpump’s private closet! Check out all those Birkins! My mouth is watering!

And here’s just a little sampling of some of her bling:

Clutches, purses and bags, Oh My!

Well folks, there you have it.  The life of the the rich and famous!

The holiday season is by far my most favorite time of year.  As soon as Halloween is over, I start planing Fall gatherings with family and friends, autumn decorations for the house, and of course, the Thanksgiving menu!  But, before I begin even thinking about the food, I start daydreaming about the tablescape for the big meal!

There are so many directions and options to choose from when it comes to creating your holiday table.  The possibilities are truly endless!  Maybe it’s my Southern roots, but, I’m a big fan of dining etiquette when it comes to meals like these.(especially when it comes to sitting down at a large dining table in a separate dining room- as opposed to the “eat in front of the TV while watching football” type meal which my family has been known to do a time or two)

The best part about a big dining table is that you can create an amazing tablescape!  A great tablescape just seems to make for a more dramatic production.  I also love to mix in some elements that help make it not quite so formal, and more relaxed.  Above all, you want your guests to feel welcome and comfortable.

As you put together your place settings, there are two layouts that I like to use as guides. You can use variations of each, depending on the type of meal, and your menu.

Here are a few more place setting layouts for different meals.  Just as there are different meals throughout the day, there are also appropriate place settings for each meal.  I also like like to mix and match these depending on what I’m serving!

Here are some great examples of fun Fall place settings.  I love how they mix and match a bunch of different patterns, textures and materials.  That is the best way to do a table so not everything is so matchy and stuffy!

One of my favorite types of centerpiece for holiday tables are ones that are relatively low in height.  I’ve found that it’s much more conducive for your guests to be able to converse with each other if the table center piece doesn’t impede their view of the people sitting across the table from them.  I also like to use up as much of the “dead space” left on the table as possible, so I like to make my center pieces run the length of the table.

 

 

Another great way to set your table for the holidays, or, for any time of the year, is to mix and match different china patterns!  I have a few different sets that are all completely unique, and I love layering the different colors, patterns and shapes.  It really makes for a diverse table!

And how about doing the unexpected with your Thanksgiving color scheme this year? I love how this atypical Fall scheme incorporates a yummy teal blue and brassy gold to boot!

Another great way to add a personal flare to your table, is adding name place cards at each table setting.  I always love to go to a dinner party and see my name on a cute card next to my appointed seat!  Below are a few of my favorites for Thanksgiving.  This is such a fun and easy idea, and, you can almost make a place card holder out of anything!

Hope these ideas have inspired your table for tomorrow.  Have a great Thanksgiving everyone!!

In recent years, there’s been a resurgence of all things mid-century modern.  And I love it!  One of my favorite mid-century modern classics is the Sputnik light fixture.  Its starburst shape with arms of irregular length make this chandelier a seriously one of a kind light fixture.  I am DYING to get a brass sputnik for my guest bedroom and I’ve been searching Ebay like crazy. The right Sputnik (perfect size) can be hard to find!

Above is a brushed brass fixture, that was modeled after an original.  This particular fixture is quite large, and has 36 lights!

What is “Sputnik” anyways?  Sputnik was actually the worlds’ first artificial Earth satellite.  It was launched on October 4, 1957 by the Soviet Union.  Sputnik started the Space Age, which introduced an influx of all new modernized technology, furniture, and motifs in the world of interiors.  Above is an artist’s rendition of the original Sputnik satellite in orbit around Earth.

Sputnik pendants come in all shapes and sizes.  Some are installed closer to the ceiling, like a flush mount, while others have several suspension wires that connect at the top.  Below is another version of the chandelier, but with a modern day touch.

In a recent project we’re working on, I found a fantastic vintage Sputnik inspired chandelier at White Elephant Antiques.  We’re using it in our client’s master bedroom.  Its black arms with silver ends really make this piece stand out.  It’s truly a fabulous spin-off of the original version.

 I really adore this particular fixture.  I just love how its shape is more flatt, and not as spherical.  It fans out over the table, and acts as a great visual focus point in this dining-

 This kitchen has integrated a Sputnik chandelier over the petite grand piano to help define it as a more elegant area, separate from the working areas in the kitchen.

We are currently working on a guest bedroom where we are specifying black silk drapes- oh the luxuriousness!   I know, not your typical drapery color, but I promise you black drapes can look tres chic and really add some drama to a space!

I’ll let you in on a little secret…the key to doing black drapes the right way is to pair them with white walls.  This ensures that they are the exclamation point in the room (and also that they don’t get too dark and dreary) Another way to achieve black drape success is to pair them with black and white graphic prints, metallics, and if you do color, only do tiny pops of color- or your room may end up looking like a bad black and white college dorm room.

 {In Style Magazine}

 {Rue Magazine}

 {Darryl Carter}

 {Made by Girl}

{Vogue}

{Elle Decor}

The opening ceremonies for the 2012 Summer Olympics, was indeed quite a show.  We certainly enjoyed watching all the festivities, especially the Queen’s awesome entrance into the stadium! Another great highlight was watching the parade of champions.  This year’s summer games ushered in some fantastic inspiration from fashion.  Fashion can be a marvelous muse for creating an unforgettable interior space.  Here are some of our favorite inspirations from this year’s Summer Games:

Cobalt, Orange & White: Holland

This year, Holland totally rocked their bold color pallet of cobalt, orange, navy, and white.  Each athlete was exquisitely tailored in these designer outfits.  A wonderful touch and homage to their homeland’s national flower, can be seen here with a tulip pinned to each athlete’s lapel.  These colors are a fresh and trendy way to spice up any interior.  The contrast that these colors make next to each other creates a statement that is sure to impress.

Mixing patterns with these exciting  colors works well, and adds even more look to this stimulating mix of hues.

These deep navy walls with accents of orange is striking and at the same time, elegant and fun.

This luxurious cashmere blanket by Hermes is a definite must have statement maker.  The unmistakable, classic Hermes orange and white will not go unnoticed!  Also, these orange and cobalt painted vases would be fabulous on any mantle.

Aqua, Sunshine Yellow, & White: Sweden

Sweden’s athletes were definitely noticed at this year’s opening ceremonies.  Their bright yellow and aqua stripes with white pants were definitely “spot on” for summer fashion.  Even their sneakers made a statement, blue with yellow laces. Great attention to detail.

This delicious dining room makes great use of yet another bold color pallet.  Beautiful,bright bamboo chairs in a cheery lemon yellow are definitely a focal point.  The black accents of the doors and the chevron pattern rug help add a touch of chic to this fun dining space.

Add some colorful light and sparkle to your space with this amazing yellow chandelier from Cyan.  This piece brings fun antique whimsy with its classic shape that is sure to liven up any space.

Check out this brightly colored room! The yellow sofas and bright blue pillows are festively summer, and help give this room its own signature look.

Kelly Green & White: Nigeria

Take a look at these fabulous white and green outfits worn by Nigerian Olympic competitors.  Kelly green makes a luscious color statement against bright white.

This gorgeous green upholstered head board transforms this bedroom into a tropical retreat.  The simple bedding with a classic green stripe is simple and refined, making a calm compliment to the statement making headboard.  The bedside lamps with a clear glass base add interest to the room, without taking away from the clean, crisp feel of the space.

Another clean color pallet of green and white makes this living room feel swank.  The modern floor lamp and glass top cocktail table make this space feel expensive, without going over-the-top.

The metallic accent pillows and chrome side table really adds some glamour and flash to this tropical living room.  The palm tree is also a great touch of natural color.  We also like the white cow-hide rug turned on an angle under the cocktail table.  Definitively chic and modern!

Red, White & Blue: U.S.A

Who better than to dress our American Athletes than Ralph Lauren? This classic American preppy look was a fantastic representation of fashion directly from the USA.  Navy blazers, white trousers and knee length skirts with berets and ties definitely has an Ivy League spin.  Feel like standing up straight and saluting the flag?  With and outfit like this, I sure do!

Using red judiciously is key in this bedroom.  Red is a powerful color, and helps define the headboard, bedding and bench.  The gold pendant fixture definitely adds a designer touch to the room.

Adding adventurous patterns makes these living rooms come alive.

This patriotic painted chest with gold accents demands attention.  Finding unique furniture such as this, really adds a great deal of character to any room, and is sure to serve as a conversation piece!

We had the great opportunity to recently interview HGTV’s Design Star winner, Danielle Colding! I’d been following Design Star season seven ever since it began and was on pins and needles at the end to see who was going to take home the title.  Ultimately, Danielle’s name was called and ever since, her whole life has changed! Read to find out how this former professional modern dancer ended up with her own show and a Design Star title to boot!

Q: How did you get started in Interior Design? Did a specific situation spark your interest?

A: There wasn’t a specific situation that sparked me going down the interior design career path. But, when I look back home design is always something that’s been a part of my life. I grew up doing home repairs and changing rooms around with my mother on a regular basis….  And we loved to shop! When I decided to move on from my career in dance, I kept coming back to design as something I would love to do every single day. When I was contemplating a new career, I focused on choosing something I was passionate about, something that constantly changed (I hate to be bored), and something that forced me to grow and learn new things regularly. The chance to travel and shop all the time didn’t hurt either!

A Place to Lounge

Q:How long have you been a designer and what is your personal design style?

 A:I have been a working designer for eight years… gulp! My personal style is pretty eclectic with a definite bent towards the classic and elegant. In general, I love modern and traditional furnishings with clean lines and elegant detailing, accented by global and contemporary accessories and art. For me, it’s all about layering and mixing it up. I have always resisted defining my style in one catch phrase because I have been exposed to so many different styles that I love and always want my designs to evolve and respond to the project at hand with new eyes.

 Q: How did you go about getting on the show?

A: I was encouraged by friends to try out for the show. They insisted that I could do well but to tell you the truth I wasn’t so sure. I never thought of myself as a public figure and didn’t know how I’d fair in front of the camera. During the audition process my mother was in the hospital at the end stages of her fight with cancer, so in many ways I simply felt I had nothing to lose. I went to the open call and it escalated from there. It just felt like everything lined up perfectly for me to have this experience on Design Star. And I’ve never looked back.

Complete Kitchen Makeover

Q: What were the best and most difficult parts about being on the show?

 A: The best part of being on the show was being in a very creative environment. All we did was design 24/7. The other great part of the experience was being with the other designers. I was shocked by what a supportive environment it was and how we all helped each other out. And, we laughed non-stop which really helped keep us sane. The hardest part was the sheer intensity of being in a competition AND making a TV show at the same time. It was non-stop. We did not have any time off and had to just keep producing and being creative. There were times that we just wanted a day to sleep or veg… but in the TV world that just wasn’t possible.

Q: How did you feel when they called your name as the winner of HGTV’s Design Star?

A: I still pinch myself thinking about that moment. It was truly a dream- confetti fell from the sky, a studio of people smiling at me with expectation, and a rush of emotions from shock and awe to gratitude and sadness. It was absolutely incredible. I had thought through both possible outcomes but really was not prepared for the experience of winning. It’s just not something you can fathom until it happens.

Dark and Moody

Q: How has your life changed after winning HGTV’s Design Star?

A:  The funny part was that initially my life didn’t change very much. After Design Star ended, I couldn’t tell anyone anything about my experience or the outcome. It was a strange let down because I had this amazing secret that I had to keep completely to myself. Once I finally started shooting Shop this Room, the real change came about. My life became different because my career became different. I went from being a full time designer to being a TV personality who happens to shoot a design show. And unlike being a working designer, it’s not all about the design. It’s about shooting a show that is interesting and entertaining and brings something new to the table. From that perspective, it’s a whole new world. And…. I can finally talk about my experience! Woo hoo!

Q: You’ve started filming your new show, Shop This Room- what can we expect from the show in the future?

A:  I am so excited about Shop This Room. It is a reflection of my design approach and who I am as a person and a designer. The show focuses on my life as a New York interior designer and my approach to designing highly personalized spaces. It’s about finding inspirational items- that speak to the home owners in some way- and designing spaces around them. The viewer gets an inside view into where I like to shop, my design process of developing a design plan, and the artists and craftsmen I work with on a regular basis. And we have a blast shooting- I have such a great team. Design should be fun and we try to bring that to the show as much as possible.

Dramatic Vignette

Q:  What is your favorite space you’ve designed so far?

A: Whoa that’s a hard one. There is one on my show I absolutely love but cant talk about that just yet…. You’ll have to be patient and watch all five episodes!

I would have to say my favorite space I’ve designed is a home I have been working on for about one and a half years. It’s a gorgeous colonial house in Westchester and it just feels like the design has evolved over a lifetime. The thing that’s great is that every room is different and tells its own story. My client is one who is amazing to work with. She is thrilled by beautiful things and has a passion for art. We push each other to make the house as incredible as it can be. I simply love it!

Q: In your opinion what element should a room have to give it a designer look?

 A: What I love to do in every space is focus on the decorative accessories. I love creating small vignettes by pairing decorative accessories with practical items. Creating moments in a room where interesting things are paired together with a focus on scale and textural interest achieves a designer look. Bookshelves and console tables are places to go wild!

Modern and Minimal

Q: Our blog is called Material Girls so of course we have to ask you what is your material of choice?

A: That’s a great question. All the materials I’m drawn to in my work are natural elements. Its so hard to pick a favorite since I’m an equal opportunity material lover. But to answer, finally, I will say Belgian linen- I love it! Printed, plain, glazed… I don’t care. It is elegant and relaxed at the same time- the feeling I love to create in my work.

Q:  What trends do you see coming to the forefront of design in the upcoming seasons?

A: The trend that I see and love is the willingness for people to take risks with the spaces they inhabit. Design has become such a part of our lives I think people realize that an overly designed, matchy matchy space is not desired. Instead being a collector of beautiful things over a lifetime is the goal. I like that this quirky approach to design is catching on and people are inspired to make their homes reflect who they are.

Multi-Use Living Room

Good luck Danielle on your future endeavors! Us Material Girls (and boys) will keep a look out for your upcoming HGTV show, Shop This Room!