Hi, Terri Higgins here! The Calgary Home + Garden Show is underway and I couldn't be more excited to showcase all of the inspiring exhibitors that are joining us this year. Innovation is in abundance and Lush Interiors, a Calgary-based design firm that specializes in residential interiors, is a prime example of how creative freedom can lead to beautiful work. Charlene and Lisa, the duo behind the operation, pride themselves in their ability to throw any sort of "signature style" out the window and work closely with the homeowner to achieve their vision. With a history in advertising, they truly understand the importance of imagination, professionalism and putting clients first.
From colour selection, home renovation and redesign, window treatments and space planning to sourcing unique furniture, Lush Interiors makes it easy to spruce up your home for the changing season. Check out how they got their start and how they approach their work:
1.How did you get started working together, and how did Lush Interiors come to be?
We have worked together for years in the advertising business. After starting our families, we decided we needed to focus on our passion, which was designing and decorating. So, we went back to school (you're never too old!) at Mount Royal University and started Lush Interiors in 2003. We haven't looked back!
2.What inspires you when designing a space?
I would have to say that each client inspires us in a different way. Whether it's the space, architecture, a specific design element or the personality of the client, we always find an element that motivates the design.
3.What's the best advice (creative or business-related) that you've ever been given?
Funny you should ask. We just attended Kimberly Seldon's Business of Design Conference in Toronto and learned that a successful design business is 80% business and 20% design!
4. How would you describe your signature design style?
If you look on our website, lushinteriors.com, you will see that we pride ourselves on designing for the client, not ourselves. So, we work hard at not having a "signature style" that we impose on the client. Our designs range from very traditional to ultra modern.
Charlene: That being said, if you saw my house, it's a mix of many styles, since I like them all! Classic, stylish, and timeless with a bit of bling thrown in for good measure (and a few lego toys as well!) I absolutely LOVE the mix of metals right now - gold, brass and copper.
5.Can you describe one of your favourite design projects you worked on?
Our favourite projects are the ones where we are given complete creative control. When the client says "I trust you" and lets us have free reign, that's when we do our best work. Unfortunately, that doesn't happen all the time, so the projects with the most successful outcome are often collaborations between us and the client.
6.What is some advice you would give to those of us with less of an 'eye-for-design'?
Hire a designer/decorator! You'll save yourself time and money!
7. Social media handles:
Website:
Twitter:
Charlene and Lisa will be appearing at the Calgary Home + Garden Show Ask A Designer booth, where they will be offering free, 15-minute consultations on all your home design projects. The Calgary Home + Garden Show will take place from February 28 - March 3, 2013 at the BMO Centre. Please visit the website for more information: www.calgaryhomeshows.com