“I’m self taught, so everything is very instinctual. Architecture is often very masculine with lots of hard corners. So it’s the soft goods that give the femininity and softness and the kind of inviting textual moments. We try to achieve that by introducing lots of texture through rugs, in our fabrics, our furniture, or with really beautiful, interesting sculptural lighting that feels like an art piece. We always want a space to feel visually calming. There’s definitely a sweet spot there.” RI: Tariffs are an evolving challenge, what messaging helps your clients understand their potential impact. “It’s been a really crazy year since last fall. A lot of clients were worried about the election, the stock market, mortgage rates were higher than they had been, and there was some definite panic. It was kind of this record screech of like, what just happened? And it is still happening. I feel like each of these moments is almost the new normal. Everyone needs to just take a breath, play the long game, and really take care of yourself. How do you take care of yourself? You create a sanctuary.” “We’re dealing in higher end homes, with higher net worth clients. They have more disposable income, which is really a great place for people to be in. And so just reminding them that
Design/build/interiors by Vanillawood
©JOSH PARTEE
RI: Another design technique you employ is mixing light and dark woods in the same space. What’s your process in creating balance between a really light wood and dark, because it looks amazing! “Ah thanks! I think texture, contrast, and color bring life to a space. We are always seeking organic elements to layer into our spaces and wood is such
an amazing way to do that by having variation where you aren’t just seeing the same element in every single space.” RI: You’re also not afraid to mix textures and materials from wood to a wool-silk rug, to brick, to a metal coffee table. Your work looks clean and modern, but never cold.
©DAVID PAPAZIAN
©DAVID PAPAZIAN
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