Sep
4
Join NYDesign Agenda in this conversation with a fantastic designer. 
Being in love with our work is always the key to achieve better results. Are you in love with this job? What do you love the most about being an interior designer?
Vanessa Rome: I am extremely passionate and in love with what I do. My mind is constantly going with ideas. When I close my eyes at night I envision myself walking through the rooms of the projects I am working on and imagining what I will create. I never stop! 
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Do you have a favorite project or a favorite story about one of your projects?
Vanessa Rome: Our family summer home in Sag Harbor, NY. We hired a pre-fab company to build our house and after a few weeks of placing the shell of the house, the builder could no longer finish the job. Which meant I had to step in to get it done in time for the summer season! While it was an unexpected challenge, it was a crash course in learning the ins and outs of the building process. My work paid off. Our home was completed on time, and we adore it! It is our happy place.
How important is to have the perfect chemistry between you and your clients in order to achieve the best results?
Vanessa Rome: It is important to have a mutual respect and understanding between client and designer. This enables the client to trust the designer enough to allow them to take risks and be creative. In turn, the designer must respect that ultimately this is the clients’ home, and they need to feel at peace within their surroundings ( and budget!).
Do you think that working with teams in interior design is better or worse than working alone? Why?
Vanessa Rome: Interior design, like Art, is subjective, so I personally find it best to work alone on the creative process. But that is only a small part of any design project. It is impossible to be successful without a an excellent team of craftsmen.
Keeping up to date on all the trends is essential for anyone who wants to conquer this market. In what ways do you keep current with new trends?
Vanessa Rome: I am always traveling to various trade shows around the country and Europe to find new vendors and see what’s new in the market. I also read all the design magazines and blogs. I study the work of designers I admire and try to understand their design concepts.
How would you describe your work style? Do you have any kind “signatures” that help to identify your projects?
Vanessa Rome: I always mix high and low. Vintage and new. I don’t care for uber modern spaces that are cold and uninviting, even if they might be pretty to look at. I try to stay true to my creative vision, while also making practical, livable spaces for my clients. I do this by incorporating lots of texture, and I favor organic furniture and materials in neutral palettes. And each room always has that one special item that “makes the room”.
All artists need some inspiration to work, and interior designer are artists too. So, what or who really inspires you?
Vanessa Rome: Art, Architecture, fashion, and jewelry all inspire me. Jean Louis Deniot so far is my favorite designer.
If you had to pick one project around the world that you wish it had been made by you, which would it be?
Vanessa Rome: The Royal Mansour hotel in Marrakesh. I have never seen anything quite like it. The architecture is amazing. It has a mystical, exotic feel from the moment you start to walk up the extra long driveway before reaching the hotel. The use of local artisans who are true to their traditions really appeals to me. It is full of detail upon sumptuous detail and every room is like it’s own perfect jewel. I also happen to have a special love for Morocco because my mother is from Casablanca.
Choose the best pieces to compose a project can be the secret to getting the best overall result. Although it seems easy, this is a delicate task and needs full attention on time to execute it. Do you have some tips for those who do not know well how to start a challenge like this?
Vanessa Rome: I tell my clients to choose one item they are obsessed with and have to have. It can be a painting they already own, a piece of furniture or a fabric swatch… I then work the design around that item. There is so much out there to choose from it can be daunting. It helps for me to have a starting point. I also take into account the architecture and the surroundings. I feel that the interior and the exterior need to work together as one. I don’t like to fight the elements…
Which are your favorite brands, those that can never miss in one of your projects?
Vanessa Rome: Anything from Delightfull of course!
Explore our pinterest board for more inspirations. Get more ideas for your projects and find functional, stylish and sizable lighting choices.
