World Interiors Day: celebrating the design community
At Cosentino, design professionals are extremely valued and celebrated – they take materials and ideas and turn it into something tangible for people to live in, work in, entertain themselves, and enjoy life. On this World Interiors Day, we’re catching up with top interior designers and getting valuable insight on their creative process, must-haves, and much more!
Nicole Domercq Zarr, Nicole Zarr Associates
Inspiration comes in all shapes and sizes, and for Nicole Domercq Zarr from Nicole Zarr Associates, it comes from travel. Amid restricted travel this past year, however, she has “been using social media more as well as watching old movies and TV shows,” she said. Her current obsession: the show Mad Men, where 1960s fashion and furniture shine. Interior and product designer Cesar Giraldo from Cesar Giraldo Design gets bursts of inspiration on his daily morning hikes, fashion, and art – “those are the three things that fuel my creativity,” he shared with Cosentino.
Shelley Martell, Fabulous Finishes
Inspiration goes both ways, which is why when starting a project with a new client, Zarr encourages them to find inspiration and create a file prior to the first meeting. “Gather images from home décor magazines, social media, travel, and even parties…it might be a china pattern, a wall color, or even a custom upholstery piece,” she recommends, “this helps me see what their style is and migrate towards it.” When it comes to starting a redecorating project, Shelley Martell of Fabulous Finishes emphasizes to her clients’ the importance of understanding their lifestyle and budget as “this will help them make good, clear decisions» especially in what Martell calls a ‘Staycation Lifestyle’ where it’s a value-added to help them have their dream home.
Cesar Giraldo, Cesar Giraldo Design
Something that makes the design world so special is that each designer has their own style and signature touch. For Giraldo, adding books is a “creative way to add color to a home and a reflection of those who live there.” While Martell is a believer that “fabulous lighting is the ‘diamond’ of the room” and takes the space from ordinary to extraordinary.
Another interesting insight we got from our designers came from the question “when do you consider your project finished?” and they each had different things to say. Zarr is a perfectionist, but once the photographer is booked, “lampshades are trimmed out, the final accessories have been placed, and flowers are on the coffee table” she considered it a done deal. For Martell, when the client wants more and more and “we eventually end up designing their entire home” is the best compliment she can get and the sign of a job well done. When it comes to Giraldo, “completing a job is sealed with my client’s total satisfaction”.
Thank you to our amazing designers – on this day and all others, we celebrate the incredible creative minds you are!
