While this year has been hard on just about everyone, I thankfully had the opportunity to connect with numerous interior designers and DIYers whose work is so exciting and beautiful, and got to share their insights, experiences and decorating tips with you. As we’re coming to the end of the year (THANKFULLY – BYE, 2020!), I am looking back on the past year of Designer Spotlight Q&As and sharing some of my favorite bits from each interview. Let’s go!

On starting on a design:

“It’s always about the client first: how will they live in the space? How do they want to feel? What kind of an experience are they wanting in that space for themselves, their family, and their guests? Asking thoughtful questions and listening with care is how every process starts. I can make anything beautiful or bold, but aesthetics only count as good design once the foundation of a space are right.” – Noz Nozawa, a San Francisco-based interior designer with her own firm, Noz Design. See her interview here.

“I like to respect the architecture with the bones of what I’m doing. So I try to reference the original style of the home in cabinetry, flooring choices and other finishes. At the same time I think it’s fine to depart from the style of the home, especially when it comes to furnishings and lighting.  In our last Victorian house, I used a super modern chandelier in the dining room.  In our current Midcentury Modern house, I used a classic MCM material, terrazzo, on the floors but still mixed things in that are more traditional, such as a traditional caned chair or gilt-framed oil painting.” – Jessica Davis, founder of Nest Studio. My Q&A with her is here.

On design mistakes:

“People tend to try and mimic WHAT they see in a magazine or social media without understanding the WHY! Why did they choose that size rug, why did they use a lighter color, why did they make the window treatments that length. Understanding the WHY in interior design is very important to composing a well-designed space.” – interior designer Quintece Hill-Mattauszek, the founder and principal designer at Studio Q Designs. See here for her interview.

On self doubt:

“Don’t be intimidated. Give yourself the props you deserve. I used to feel shy or unworthy about compliments. That imposter syndrome is real. Especially when you think you have to value your work by followers. I’ve learned to hold my head up high, because I worked my ass off just to get here, and I’m not nearly done.” – Tiffannie White of The Nappy Bohemian. See here for more.

On soulful design:

“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.’” – Carmen René Smith, who owns her own interior design firm Aquilo Interiors. See more from her here.

On color and culture in design: