Designer Interview with Denise
Balassi of Interior Consultants
Photography by ChiChi Ubiña
Where did
you grow up?
I was born and raised in Manhattan.
What influences
did you have growing up that made you become a designer?
My parents owned and operated a drapery and upholstery workroom
in Manhattan. Their clientele included some of the most prestigious
designers of the time. I spent many an afternoon after school
cataloguing and sorting fabrics and upholstery supplies.
It’s always been a fascination of mine to be a part of the
creative design process.
Tell us a
bit about your business:
Interior Consultants has been in business since 1992 helping
our clients interpret their wants, needs and desires as the
first step toward turning a “house into a home!” Our combination
of interior architectural detailing and warm color palettes
create enchanting homes that emphasize warm, inviting interiors
that reflect the individual personality of each of our clients.
Our space planning abilities set us apart from many other
designers giving us the opportunity to begin the design process
with our clients from concept to completion.
What would
you consider your design style?
I consider my style fairly eclectic with a use of soft color
palettes that create warm and cozy interiors. I believe in
simple elegance with visual balance and a bit of the unpredictable
thrown in for an unexpected surprise.
How long
have you been designing? Where did you study?
I’ve been actively engaged in the design field for the last
28 years. I studied both at the University of Pau in southern
France and at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan.
Please define
“home.”
For me, “home” is defined as a refuge from the outside world,
a sanctuary to escape to at the end of the day. A place to
envelop oneself. A place for family, friends, and building
memories.
What are
some questions you ask your clients before you begin a
project?
I will always ask my clients to describe their lifestyles.
Do they have children and pets? What are their particular
interests, and how do they see themselves living in their
unique and ideal environment?
What can
you tell about a person when you walk in a room?
I usually get a sense of how organized and confident people
are just by walking into their home.
Who are some
designers that have influenced your work, and how?
I’ve always admired designers like Mariette Himes Gomez and
Mark Hampton for their traditional classicism and refined
simplicity.
What are
some trends we should look out for in design? Any particular
colors?
Trends have definitely shifted toward a more contemporary
styling over the last several years. Environmental responsibility
and eco-awareness in décor and furniture have definitely
made great strides in the past few years and only seem to
be growing momentum. Color trends have also made a shift
to a more natural palette as new eco friendly fabrics are
becoming more and more available.
How does
your home design reflect in what you wear?
In both furnishings and fashion, I like to be classic and
unique in my choices. Vintage jewelry is a favorite accessory
of mine.
Who is your
dream client and why?
A dream client is both decisive and confident. It is someone
who wants to take an active role in the design process and
someone who will encourage and allow me to think “outside
the box” and embrace the creative process.
Interior Consultants • 62 Fox Run • South
Salem, NY 10590 • (914) 533-2275 • design1interior@aol.com
www.interior-consultants.com |
