CHERYL KEES CLENENDON

Poobah, Rainmaker and Creative Chief, In Detail Interiors

Owner, Creative Chief, Poobah, Rainmaker and saucy critic of the status quo, Cheryl Kees Clendenon, DGD, has been influencing the design industry with her out of the bread box, no way in hell, ok maybe will consider that, wow what a great idea—transformative ideas—for 22 years. Cheryl’s outspoken irreverence leads to confident and innovative solutions to the most challenging of design parameters. With an attitude of fearless exploration of all channels, she is able to solve problems and create unique interiors that reflect the client, not just the design of the day. A business strategy advisor, kick-in-the-butt mentor and passionate cheerleader to small business creatives, Cheryl is also a savvy shopkeep and a sassy writer. While her interior design day job keeps Cheryl (and the crack team babysitting her) busy, she still finds time to be mom to a menagerie of three in the animal kingdom, and a wife to Randy.

When and why (or how) did you first become interested in interior design?

After getting kicked in the teeth in a rough divorce, I needed gainful employment. So, I took my history of rehabbing homes—along with a strong background in marketing and an excellent spatial eye—and hung out my shingle. We now have a retail shop, a design firm, a robust consulting firm to other designers, a Candle Studio and a few other irons in the fire!

What is your design philosophy?

To me good design is all about layers—mixing patterns, color, texture and most importantly light—together for a cohesive but natural style that reflects the client's personality. This is very important to us. We do not espouse one particular aesthetic (although we love color) because not every client is "one size fits all." Our goal is to bring their style to the forefront but keep in mind a good balance of those four design elements.

What’s hot right now?

You tell me. I do not follow trends. We like to create them. I have been around a long time now and we have seen it all come and go and I don't really care. I am proud to say our work from 15 years ago looks as good today as it did then, but maybe a bit more loved from the people who inhabit the home. And that is the way it should be. We do not position ourselves as "luxury" designers. Our hashtag is #realpeoplelivehere!

What color combinations do you love?

Again, this will vary depending on my mood but it’s a great question. I would say I love a strong ochre mixed with a bit of a color bed of dark eggplant and a wood tone such as walnut to anchor the intensity of the color. This is a secret—the organic nature of wood tones will help absorb the intensity of any strong color combinations and help ground the look so you are not doing early Barnum and Bailey!

When did you first become interested in interior design?

I started collecting design magazines in high school and definitely knew the passion was there. My career path had a few twists and turns along the way, until I was living in Dallas and I began working as a design assistant. A few years later, I started my own design business. That was fifteen years ago.

What do you love most about working with clients to achieve a desired look?

We work mostly with new construction, so we are often helping families make a life-long dream come true with their forever home. In these cases, it is not always about a certain style they want to achieve, but more like what story they want the home to tell. Therefore, every tile and fabric is part of the big picture and the legacy that the home will leave.

What’s hot right now? Wallpaper!

What is your favorite piece of furniture in your home?

I recently acquired an antique Swedish clock. It doesn’t work and it really serves no function, but I just love it because it is pretty.

What is your favorite color combination?

I work mostly with blues and greens, but I love anything that plays with pinks.