Sound of Home - Interior Design - interior design - california

The real look book

By Interior Design

What should our living space look like? It shouldn’t resemble a furniture showroom or be an exact replica of the images we see in magazines or on Pinterest. Why? Because almost no one ever lives in those spaces. The pictures are heavily staged and edited to look perfect, and a bookcase filled with only blue or yellow covered books suggests that they were chosen for their appearance, not their content. A bed adorned with too many accent pillows that are promptly thrown aside when we go to sleep is not practical. Professional stylists have access to large budgets and numerous items that are not usually available to us. In real life, our homes have a mix of items that are functional or meaningful to us.

Your home should reflect you; it is an extension of yourself. It contains items you need, want, and love. If the house is for your family, each family member should see themselves in the space. Therefore, shared interiors are likely to be eclectic. The challenging task is how to combine different items into a harmonious and practical collection. Investing in quality, essential items and paying attention to details are crucial. After that, you can relax and enjoy your space. A little imperfection and sloppiness can be charming and comforting.

I love to see my clients take good care of themselves, their living spaces, and the memories they create. A cancer survivor who fell in love with her meditation corner all over again, a grandmother who treated herself to a high-quality leather recliner for the first time, and a military officer who realized that frequent moving doesn’t mean that her belongings have to be temporary. These real-life “images” make much more sense to me than the ones in fancy catalogues.

Sound of Home - Interior Design - interior design - california

A simple mindset

By Interior Design

As an interior designer, my mindset and approach to styles and projects is guided by a few key principles. First and foremost, my style is simple but not minimal. I believe in creating spaces that are comfortable and inviting, where people can feel at ease and at home. I will never trade comfort for look, and my interiors are always designed with relaxation and serenity in mind.

At the same time, I am also attracted to unexpected, intricate, or exotic details. These details should be relevant to the owner(s) of the space, and I always take the time to get to know my clients and their personal preferences. I am especially excited if I have a “curator” as a client, someone who has a passion for collecting unique or unusual items. Whether it’s a collection of tea cups or cigar boxes, I love to work around these special treasures and incorporate them into the overall design.

When it comes to materials, I am always drawn to natural materials, but I care more about the way those materials are treated. I am mindful of the fact that many treatments can produce high volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be harmful to both human health and the environment. Instead, I prefer to use healthy recycled materials and eco-friendly products whenever possible. My designs tend to be humble and unpretentious, reflecting a deep respect for both the environment and the people who will be living or working in the space.

In terms of design elements, I also like to layer different textures, colors, and patterns to create a cohesive and interesting space. However, I am careful to choose elements that are easy to maintain and won’t require a lot of upkeep or cleaning. My priority is always to create a space that is functional and practical, as well as beautiful and inviting.

Overall, my approach to interior design is guided by a deep respect for my clients, their individual styles and preferences, and the environment. By incorporating unexpected details, natural materials, and eco-friendly products, I strive to create spaces that are both comfortable and visually stunning, while also promoting health and sustainability.

Sound of Home - Interior Design - interior design - california

How it started

By Interior Design

Creating has been a passion of mine since childhood. I used to incorporate household materials into my designs, even if it meant sacrificing my mom’s pillowcase for a doll’s dress (much to her dismay!). However, I didn’t attend design school for college, I pursued a business degree for job security. I enjoyed the work, but I always felt like something was missing.

In 2010, I moved to the States and decided to take a chance and explore interior design by undergoing professional training. I studied hard, pouring over design magazines and blogs, and practicing my skills whenever I had free time. Eventually, I earned my certification and knew it was time to pursue my dream of starting my own interior design business.

When I moved to Los Angeles in 2016, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to take the leap and start my business. I began by working with friends and family, redesigning their homes and receiving valuable feedback. I knew that in order to succeed, I needed to stand out in a crowded field. I focused on creating unique designs that reflected my clients’ personalities and preferences, rather than simply following trends or the latest fads.

As word of mouth spread, I started to receive more requests for my services. I worked with clients in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, and incorporated different textures, colors, and patterns to create a cohesive and beautiful space. I took pride in transforming their homes into places they could truly enjoy and feel proud of. In addition to residential projects, I also collaborated with business owners, designing offices for lawyers, doctors, tax consultants, insurance agents, restauranteurs, and many more.

One of the things I love most about interior design is that it allows me to help people create spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and practical. I understand the importance of creating a space that is comfortable and inviting, and I strive to achieve this with every project I take on.

Starting my own interior design business has been a journey filled with hard work, dedication, and passion. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had and the amazing clients who have trusted me with their homes. Looking back, I am glad that I followed my childhood dream and pursued a career in interior design. It has been a rewarding and fulfilling experience, and I can’t wait to see where my business takes me next.