“The home should be the treasure chest of livingâ€Le Corbusier.
For us, home is one of the most beautiful words ever created. It encapsulates the feeling of love, warmth, safety and belonging. As a mother and daughter design team it is our immense pleasure and honor to be invited into someones dwelling and given the opportunity to create their HOME. There is no greater pleasure then to go to work everyday and be given the opportunity to share our talents in such a personal and enriching way. One of the oddest questions we get asked is “what is your design style.†We don’t design to our style we design to our clients style. We take great pride in getting to really know our clients and how they live. We feel it our duty to deliver a home that is a direct reflection of their desires. Our job is to make sure it is impeccably done and flawlessly executed. Leaving behind a home that will grow with them and be a livable sanctuary.
Susan (my Mom) studied design and art in college and started her design career like most young designers by dabbling in every venue possible trying to figure out exactly what she was truly passionate for. Her beginning projects were designing and fabricating fashion shows for the Ojai, California Junior League which soon lead to floral design, fashion design, event coordinating, interior design and finally owning her own company. She is an accomplished seamstress, painter and cook, but most of all an incredible mother! She has worked for some of the greats here in Houston. Cornelius Nurseries, Sunny Road, Christina’s, Calico Corners and Interior Arrangements. All along gathering and perfecting her skills. Her talents, knowledge and impeccable taste are unprecedented. The knowledge she brings to our company is priceless and I am more than lucky to be her daughter and call her my inspiration! `~Deborah
Deborah (my daughter) came about becoming a designer in a more organic way. She just knew she could so she did. Deb is a true renaissance woman, which is good since she carries a degree in renaissance and british literature, studied Opera since the age of 10, paints, draws, sews, cooks, is talented in hair design and make-up and an accomplished writer. In 2000 she joined me on my journey to freelance and we haven’t looked back. Deb soon found her footing and passion in the building process. Last year she was given the ultimate designed opportunity and was commissioned to design the blue prints for a 7000sq foot ranch home. It is truly an amazing and detailed design. I am proud to say it is currently under construction. Deborah’s vision, flair, and out of the box thinking makes me excited to work along side her and to call her my daughter! ~Susan
The most important mindset that we try to stress to our clients is timelessness. Trend is fun but its a passing fancy and when you are investing in your home you need to think about longevity and not the immediate. Interior Fabrics has always been on target through its offerings by having both trend and timeless selections in both fabric and furniture. Therefore, while we strongly encourage our clients to make solid timeless choices in their longterm pieces we also love having fun with the trendy stuff! We do this in the way of accessories, throw pillows and occasional seating. Things that are budget friendly to change when the trends loose popularity. Our joke is that Susan is the voice of reason with her sturdy tweed sofa while Deborah is the fun throw pillow that makes the sofa come alive. One would be nothing without the other!
Another idea that we like to convey is the importance of color and how it effects a room or a feeling. There is no greater area for this concept then in the selection of paint. Paint color can make or break a room, a house, a mood, a budget! With our backgrounds in art we are true believers in the faithful color wheel and strongly encourage everyone to buy one and learn how to use it. Tone, undertones, light, and reflection all play their part in every color of the rainbow. The use of color and how to implement it throughout your home is what separates you from the novice to the home with the designer touch! In most respects paint should be the back drop of your masterpiece. It should compliment and enhance the tone and texture of your room. The only time this rule is reversed is in modern minimalist design when a pop of strong color is the voice of the room.
Our final advice to anyone contemplating a redesign or remodel is to create a budget. This needs to be done before you ever consider calling a designer or attempting to design on your own. Even if you think the sky is the limit it’s not. In the design world there is no limit to the cost of things and money can be spent rather quickly so to save you from over doing it or under doing it, have a budget in mind. This also helps your designer guide you on how to spend your money in the best ways possible. It is their job to deliver both function and design. Budgets allow everyone to be on the same page and to make future plans so that your project is completed to not only your satisfaction, but also to your expectations. A time budget also needs to be considered. How long are you willing to give the designer to complete your project? If a designer knows that your need to have your home ready for company by a particular date then they will work diligently to make that happen, but if no time allotment is ever discussed the designer may take their time completing your project. Whether this be because they are over extended or just because they want to find the perfect elements for your home it is important to discuss prior to hiring them. Both money and time budgets are important aspects of interior design and it is imperative to a successful and positive experience.
Designing in the Houston and the surrounding areas has been such a blessing. Not just because of our steady economy, but because of Houston’s immense resources. From the fabulous textiles at Interior Fabrics to the vast array of furniture, rugs, building supplies, and accessory havens, Houston is unsurpassed by most cities. Not to mention our glorious art and antique districts. Texas, especially Houston, is a cornucopia of design and we feel privileged to be right in the thick of it. Lastly, we have one singular philosophy in our business, and that is Luke 6:38, “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.†We know we are nothing without God and all our successes and talents are because he is at the center of our business. It’s not the popular belief of today, but for us its enough. If we don’t land that big account or we miss out on what we thought was a great opportunity we know its because it wasn’t his plan and in the same respect when we look over our 15 year old company and see how strong and successful it has become we can only be humbled by his grace on our lives!
Thank you for taking the time to read our two cents on interior design. It is not only an honor but a pleasure to be asked to contribute to Interior Fabrics as they support of the local talent. How humbling it is to be recognized by such a fantastic company. We look forward to our future with this Interior Fabrics and if any of you would like to get in touch with us the adorable manager Lauren always knows how to find us!!!
via Frills Interior
