Why I Design
The latest episode of the podcast Good Company brought up a question that I have thought a lot about lately and is something I have surrounded around my branding construction. The guest on this episode was Nicole Gibbons, Interior Designer and founder of the paint company Clare. She started Clare to create a more inspiring and overall better shopping experience for paint colors. Clare offers large stick-on paint samples that you can easily place on your wall without adding layers and layers of color. They also offer a palette of 55 beautiful and timeless colors so there isn’t an overwhelming amount of colors to choose from. I have ordered paint samples from Clare and it was such an easy and inspiring way to look at color.
Nicole Gibbons- Founder of Clare paint (photo from Forbes.com)
During the interview Grace Bonney asked Nicole “In a world that can be sometimes catty and shallow, how do you find the purpose?” She was referring to the Interior Design world and how it can often be misunderstood, and looked at as expensive and just full of pretty pillows.
This question really resonated with me and is something that I had a hard time dealing with especially after my college years. It is now a question that I enjoy and can confidently answer, and I see it as an opportunity to educate others on the importance of design.
I chose to study Interior Design because I wanted to study the arts while also making a decent living, and I envisioned building (literally) an impact on the world. I loved the skills I was learning and I was excited to apply them to the real world. After college I had a couple jobs with different types of design companies, and I was starting to question my worth as a designer. I would wonder why I was just making someone’s home look pretty, when maybe instead I should be saving lives or moving to a big city to work in a high-rise to make a lot more money. This thought created a tug-o-war in my head for a couple years, and the more I learned and grew as a designer the more I became confident that I went into the right field.
Nicole Gibbons had a great answer to Grace’s question of the purpose of Interior Design. She said that a well designed space simply creates happiness. From my client’s and my own experience I know that is 100% true. When the key to a fulfilling life is happiness, then it makes me feel really good to decrease stress and increase the happiness and inspiration in the world.
My mission as a designer is much broader than most people think. My client’s needs are the most important, and I want to create inspiring and functional spaces for them to simply enjoy everyday life. Color therapy is a real thing, and sometimes the reason you are not comfortable in a space is because there is the wrong shade of paint on the walls. My services include color consultations where I interview the client and give them a color test to figure out a palette that reflects their personality most. There are different colors you can use to change the mood of a room. I typically lean towards using greens or blues in bedrooms to create a sense of calm. More vibrant colors such as reds and oranges can create more energy, and more neutral tones will help quiet a space.
Brunch at Allis, Chicago Illinois. A building I want to spend all day in.
Over the years I have also learned the importance of quality products. I want to use my knowledge and spread awareness of where your products are being made and understand why you wanted to buy it in the first place. I believe in saving money in the right places, and to create a connection for every single thing you buy. Why not purchase a coffee cup with your favorite colors from that ceramicist on Etsy you have been following, instead of that pack of 10 coffee cups from Amazon that you really don't need (unless you are the family from Cheaper by the Dozen). If we become more consciously aware of the quality of the product and be more realistic about the quantity, we can avoid mindless spending.
I am an Interior Designer in my late 20’s in Northern Michigan, and I am here to be real with you. I want to share my knowledge and spend your money in a smart way to create your perfect space. We can find what you need whether it is in the thrift store, or at a high-end light shop in Chicago. It isn’t about the amount of money, but the quality and story of the product itself. Interior Design does not have to be so scary and unapproachable, and I am constantly presenting this idea to open people’s eyes and minds.
When I walk into a room that is designed super well my heart skips a beat and I am instantly happy, and I want to create that feeling for everyone else. Interior Design may not save a life, but it creates a overall better quality of life. No one should feel like spending time and money on their home is a waste, since it is where you spend half of your life creating the memories you will cherish forever. Art and design is so important, and it is something I look forward to creating and experiencing everyday.
xoxo Alyssa
Alyssa in the Studio (Photo taken by Exposures by Rah)
