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Interview with Win Dell'Ario
Do you have a signature style or personal design philosophy?
I think of myself as a synthesizer. I can pull together many different materials to create a look for a client. Most of my clients want casual elegance, rather than highly formal rooms, which sometimes feel stuffy. Simpler is the way to go as time passes. I love creating harmony in a room by balancing the elements so that it becomes a room that invites you to stay.
How do you help clients stay on budget?
I sincerely believe that working with a designer actually can save money rather than cost more. Working with a budget and good design establishes priorities and eliminates costly mistakes. Having a cohesive plan ensures that everything works together without waste. Sometimes when you're working without a plan you buy wonderful pieces that look great individually and don't work together. Then it takes more time and money to pull it together.
We pick a few choice places to spend the money and then fill in with less expensive items. If you have a great watch, shoes and coat you can wear anything with it. Anchor the room with significant pieces and then economize by using modest things of simple design.
Can you describe your design process?
I come up with an overall concept for each project and then we move from there. Once that's established it serves as a filter. Let's take an example of choosing a light fixture. There are so many choices, but if the design concept is modern craftsman, then which light fixture is right for the kitchen depends on the metal and the glass that satisfies that concept.
How do you give a room a little heart and soul?
Think about what means a lot for your family. Use authentic materials and keep it honest.
Can you mix styles in design?
Each project has to have the underpinning of a design concept. Within that concept I mix contemporary and antique. For example, Italian contemporary ceramics with an antique farm table -that all works because it comes from the same design concept for a Tuscan farmhouse look.
Where do you get your inspiration?
From looking at materials and imagining other ways of using them. Is there a way for me to use this in a current project in a clever way? Being on the lookout for new materials, new designs. I often think about how to keep things fresh while incorporating existing finishes. Knowing what questions to ask my clients helps me understand how they want their lives to work.
Do you have a pet peeve?
Rooms that have a showroom feel. Lots of people create fabulous looking places-but can you live in it? Is it inviting? Does it reflect your values and your taste? My designs are for people, not museums, and even for my most formal clients I keep practical issues in mind. Do you have a place to keep suitcases and your vacuum cleaner? Can you reach your cabinets? Is it easy to unload the dishwasher? Those kinds of details make a difference when you're living somewhere. It's not only about the design. It's about comfort, always comfort.
What are some of the issues you're passionate about?
Art is essential to life. Simplicity and quality, natural elegance without being too grand. I love to make clients feel at ease in their environments. I'm passionate about comfort in design. The feel, the touch of fabrics, their textures, are increasingly important to help us stay connected to our immediate environment when we're so surrounded by and immersed in technology.
I have great respect for design-not just decorating.
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