We have another great Q&A in the Designer Spotlight series! Interior designer Carmen René Smith is a maximalist whose work is dripping with soul and beauty, whether it’s a residential or commercial space. Recently nominated as a design changemaker by Apartment Therapy, she is one you should absolutely be following and learning from. Carmen René, who owns her own interior design firm Aquilo Interiors, talks to us about the her design superpower and the ways in which she pushes the industry unapologetically, and shares her tips for creating spaces that are maximalist and soulful.

Q. What led you to become an interior designer?

A. I studied architecture in college and was really inspired by the studios that combined architecture with other forms of design, like fashion and robotics. I LOVED studying design at an art school because the focus was more conceptual. We weren’t just creating four walls and a roof. We were exploring how architecture flows with all things creative. When I graduated I realized architecture, in the most traditional sense, wasn’t for me but I was pretty confident that I could do anything with an architecture degree. So I explored. I tried design and build, staging, set design, which led me to renovations and high-end interior design. I LOVED learning all of this because now I can say I am a well-rounded designer. I can build almost anything (which def comes in handy), I have a solution-based way of thinking, I can bring a high-end taste level to a tight budget and still make the project feel full and stunning. All of the valuable skills and information I collected over time gave life to my super-power of creating a special design unique to every client.

Q. Customized, tailored and soulful are just a few words that describe your work. How did you develop that aesthetic and brand?

A. I have spent many years working under people who have told me no, that’s weird, we can’t do that. For a while, I listened to them because I was still learning and growing into my style. As I became more confident within my capabilities and my perspective, there was no other option for me but to follow my own path. I use words like custom, soulful and tailored to describe my work because when I design, I follow my heart and I focus in on the details. I create a space for my clients to express what is in their own heart. So the soul is organically created by making sure that the foundation of the design is built on my client’s hopes and dreams for their space. We never lose that in the design. The space is customized because we are uniting my professional knowledge with my client’s goals and this always creates something very unique. I lead with the idea that we can do anything (stylistically), have fun and be super creative.

Q. You describe yourself as a maximalist. Is there a right way to do maximalism? Is there a wrong way?

A. Well, I am not a fan of rules but I would say to try and make sure each piece that is selected is intentional. Think about the scale of the patterns that are placed together. The idea is for the space to feel full and vibrant without feeling busy and cluttered. I think as long as you have the foundation of function, detail, fullness, and balance you can DO YOU!

Q. How important is it for you to create or commission custom pieces – whether it’s art or furniture or decor – for your projects?

A. I LOVE custom pieces. It is so important for there to be at least one custom design in the space. Whether that custom element presents itself in the interior architecture, furniture, or art, it is definitely vital. Custom design gives a space something that is special and unique to it ONLY. Don’t we all like to feel like we are the ONLY ONE that has something? Haha, I know I do. Right now, my client and I are working out how to create an art piece with all of their old CD covers from when they were young. They even have the original Jumanji soundtrack! They have a special love story- knowing one another for almost 30 years! They were friends in high school, lovers in college and 10 years later they are married! These projects give me so much life. I cannot wait to see this custom art piece come to life. 🙂

Q. How do you know when a space has soul? What’s that aha moment look like for you?

A. I know by the energy of the space. You can sense it as soon as you are in the room almost like magic. The soul comes from the personal characteristics that the client brings to the space. It doesn’t have to be a bunch of family photos, although that’s cool, especially if they are in awesome  unique frames, gallery-wall style – just a thought!

It shows in a family heirloom, a vintage instrument, something that you found that meant a lot to you so kept it and wanted to display it or customize it. That is the soulful magic that I look for. I am also always looking for something that is unexpected or unusual. I love quirky moments because there is a thought behind the moment. That thought is “ I don’t care what other people think. This is weird, this is what I like, this is me, and I am showcasing it unapologetically.”

Q. I saw the moodboard you created for Apartment Therapy’s Small/Cool event and thought it looked really, well, cool! Knowing that this event is all about celebrating and designing for small spaces, what do you think is the best way to design for small rooms? How do you incorporate all that color and pattern without overwhelming the room?

A. Thank you! That was a fun project. I took the small/cool experience as a perfect opportunity to be totally authentic to how I would approach a small space. And that perspective is “all things-everything-OPULENCE.”

Since my theme was mix-and-match, I imagined the client was an art collector that hosts intimate kiki’s in his sitting room on Wednesday nights in his Brooklyn loft. He sports a Captain Hook mustache, wears graphic tall socks with kitty-cats, smoking skinny cigs, a vintage kimono with hand-sewn Obama patches, and Alexander Wang sneakers specifically worn to the farmers’ market on Sundays. Fearless, eccentric, free.

If I could have changed anything, I would have added a window into the space. I think a bit of daylight would have shown some heavenly light on how awesome the space is, ha!

The best way to design a small space is to think about functionality as a top priority.  Make sure you have an interesting seating arrangement, be aware of how large your furniture pieces are so that you can move around. Use items that can be moved around on wheels (like the clear acrylic bar cart I used in my small/cool space). I love using layers, pattern and color for rooms of any size. I am a firm believer in “go big or go home.” The way to balance out all the fun is to use translucent items like glass, acrylic, perforated metals, or sculptural wire accent pieces to give some visual relief.

Q. You were included in Apartment Therapy’s list of design changemakers to know in 2020. How do you want to influence the design industry this year and beyond?

A. Yes! What an honor it was to be considered a change-maker by Apartment Therapy. I love the AT family! I have to agree with them, though. I have quite the design perspective and I am so excited to continue sharing it!

My influence will be to continue creating my quirky, soulful, fantasy designs. I will continue to do so unapologetically.

ALSO, with everything that is happening in this country, the strength and solidarity surrounding Black Lives Matter, I will influence the design industry by representing with a diverse design team and source from Black businesses as much as possible. I will use my business page platform to continue to discuss social and political issues and I will do so UNAPOLOGETICALLY.

Q. What do you want to see more of in interiors and the design industry?

A. More color. More playful shapes. More maximalist moments. More fun, more quirkiness, more fantasy, more fearlessness!

Q. What do you want to see less of?

A. The white leather and chrome ONLY interiors are not my fave.

Thank you to Carmen René Smith for sharing her top tips and giving us a peek into her maximalist world. For more of her and her work, follow Carmen René on Instagram and check out Aquilo Interiors here. To here more from some really talented designers whose work I admire, please check out the entire Designer Spotlight category here.