Interior Stylist’s are busy people.  They’re running all over town meeting with clients, grabbing samples and placing their fabulous finds. They have taken on an inspiring adventure to make the world (or Southlake) a more beautiful place! We were lucky enough to slow down these Designing Diva’s for a great lunch at the new Campania’s Pizza & More in Southlake Town Square. We shared some laughs and a chat about their insights of the trade.

Who’s Who?

Holly Pesterfield is the Owner of Interior Bliss Design.

Kim Hernandez is a Designer with Magic Moon.

Judy Briscoe is the Chief Creative Artist for That Finishing Touch.

Julie Reid is the Design Manager from Cheap Thrills Décor.

Jami: What do you enjoy the most about your job?

Holly: I love when a client comes to me for design or remodel direction but has NO idea where they are going with their plans. After we’re finished and they have a better sense of direction, it’s great to see their relief and excitement about their upcoming project. 

Kim:  I love working with new moms and helping them see their dream nursery come to life. I love to see their babies grow up and when they pop in the store to show me the latest baby picture!

Julie:  I, of course, love my boss (LOL).  I love that moment when a client comes in to their room and sees the transformation. Sometimes they cry and jump up and down.  Their enthusiasm just makes my day.

Kim:  That “ahhhh” moment when they walk in is great. 

Jami: How can a client get the most bang for their buck from a designer?

Julie:  Input, input, input!  It greatly benefits the client when they are clear with their likes, dislikes and budget both upfront and throughout the design process.

Holly:  If a client is involved in every step of the design process it does really help.

Jami:  This is where pictures from clients or an idea file is priceless.  It cuts the time it takes for me to get a feel of the client’s style.  If they’ve seen something they like -- even if they don’t know what they like about it. It really speeds up that getting to know you phase.

Jami: What do you consider the big design trends for 2008?

Julie:  I think bold color is making a serious come back.  Wallpapers seem to be making a comeback, but in an edgier fashion (think glitter).  Also, outdoor living spaces are getting more attention with fabrics in bolder colors and patterns, reflecting the inside living spaces.

Holly: Another look taking hold is retro 50’s.  Black and White subway tiles with bright walls.  This is a more transitional look that is often easier to pull off than contemporary.

Kim:  I work with kids and the big trend is maxed out kids’ spaces.  I have clients all asking for the glitter wall like Ruby’s. We do a lot of crib bedding in beautiful silks and velvets. Also, bright happy colors. Many new moms love colors that complement the rest of their home.

Jami:  I like The Urban look -- mixing a more streamlined look with found objects. Also metallic is huge this year – on walls, furniture and tile.

Judy:  Minimal and a little black with everything!

Jami: What trends are on their way out? 

Holly:  I think heavy texture is on its way out. I don’t want to see heavy trowel marks. Also, art niches are unnecessary.

Jami:  I agree.  A lighter skim coat is more updated. I’m also not a fake ivy fan.

Kim: Toile is going out.  I think vintage with an edge is better.

Julie:  Goodbye toile!!

Judy: Anything that specifies the year it is. You shouldn’t be able to tell you decorated in 2008. A home should be more interesting than that. Carry things over from year to year- adding and deleting a little at a time to keep it interesting.

Jami:  How do you follow trends yet stay unique?

Holly:  Who says follow the trends?? It’s better to be timeless.  Who can afford to remodel every five years as the trends change? I say have a design that you can add on to.

Julie:  I think you can follow the basic trends such as color, but keep the details meaningful to yourself.  There is nothing more boring than following the same trend that everyone else is following... have you ever heard Jami speak of "stepford decor"?  Make it your own!

Kim: I don’t design my house for trends or other people, just myself. I like it to be very eclectic.  You want people to say, “Where did you get that piece.”

Jami: Do you think design clients are more savvy because of the revolution is design TV?  Are clients more savvy or unrealistic?

Julie:  I do think that people can get ideas to start with and basic tips on execution, but don't forget the "domino effect".  It can get overwhelming to redo an area only to find that it will lead to the adjacent area and so on...

Kim: I agree that it helps cultivate ideas. But in reality there are time restraints that those shows don’t show

Judy: I don't think they see the whole picture. They sometimes hone in on one element of a design and think they can do it themselves.  I think they need a designer’s input in order to make their existing furnishings work with the new look.

Holly: I agree.  I think 90% of what I do is giving clients a clear view of the design process – how long it takes and a reasonable budget.  I also caution against doing too much at a time.

Jami:  Are you talking about design ADD?

Kim:  It can get confusing.

Jami: What techniques do you use to best understand the desires of your clients? How do you relate your vision to them? 

Judy: Listening. I show pictures and sketches. Clients are visual. Too bad they can't see the pictures playing in my head!

Kim: I listen, I show fabrics, I pull colors and I have been known to pull out crayons and draw pictures.

Jami: Sometimes my ideas can be very out of the box and a picture is the only way to get it out there.  I’m not a great sketch artist so sometimes it feels like we’re playing Pictionary!

Jami: What are the most common misconceptions about designers? 

Holly:  That we get our feelings hurt.  It’s all about a clients’ house, not me and my personal style.

Julie:  That they overcharge for their services.  A great deal of time on a project can be spent outside of a client’s home (shopping for items or gathering swatches).  Since the client does not actually see these services being performed in their home, they may not realize how much time is actually spent on their project.

Jami:  What are designer’s most common misconceptions about clients?

Kim:  I used to ask clients what colors they liked and was surprised to find out that many people don’t have a good idea of what they like.

Julie:  That they themselves should be able to perform some of what they hire us to do for them, like hang pictures.  Some clients are actually afraid to put a nail hole in the wall in fear of making a mistake.

Jami: What design tool can you not live without? 

Holly: Paint deck

Kim: Paint colors, fabric swatches and paper

Julie: Hammer and power drill. (my cute hot pink tool belt helps too!)

Judy: A#1 tool would be photos of my past work and a cell phone

Jami:  Paint Deck, tape measure and spray paint – I LOVE spray paint!