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Interview Michelle Castagna
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MICHELLE CASTAGNA
OWNER OF MUSE DESIGN STUDIO
MICHELLE IS A DISTINCTIVE DESIGNER WITH OVER 20 YEARS OF INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE. SHE IS FOCUSED ON INNOVATIVE THINKING AND STRIVES TO CREATE INTERIORS THAT TELL THE UNIQUE STORY ABOUT WHO HER CLIENTS ARE AND WHO THEY WANT TO BE. SHE FEELS THAT WHEN A ROOM IS DESIGNED WELL, ONE CAN EXPERIENCE LIFE IN A MORE POSITIVE AND BALANCED WAY. SHE NOT ONLY CREATES AESTHETIC BEAUTY, BUT ALSO A SERIES OF EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCES FOR THE END USER THAT LEAVES THEM FEELING A TRUE SENSE OF HOME. What are some of your biggest inspirations?
Wow, Inspiration comes from so many places, both visual and emotional. The beauty of that amazing and unexpected moment when something strikes you and speaks to your soul is that you never know what direction it will lead you until it happens. I draw inspiration for my projects from many different places-nature, textures, patterns, but I find that when I allow the uniqueness of each client to become my true inspiration, it leads us to the best end result.
How do you describe your work style as?
Most of my local projects are second homes and clients want to embrace what Florida has to offer. They want warmth, comfort, and the sense of being on a vacation. My overall aesthetic tends to be a collected layering of clean lines and soothing colors mixed with interesting textures and finishes. I often have the fortunate opportunity of designing the interior architectural elements and those impact my work just as much, if not more, than the decorative elements themselves.
What is your philosophy on design and life?
Personally, I am trying to live my own life only with what resonates with me. I try to delve deep into what my clients truly desire and create a space that represents what feels pure and authentic to them. When I do, my job is easy and the talent we possess as designers pours out. We then design instinctually and naturally. I always say, enhance the space and enhance the humans that inhabit it. It makes me smile knowing that I possess the ability to emotionally and visually impact the way someone experiences their daily life.
Tough one, but as of recent, I would have to say a stunning and massive display case separating a foyer from a living room on a project I am wrapping up. The client is a collector of antiquities so he wanted the residence to feel like a home but also a museum. The surround of the display is clad in gorgeous marble and the interior has massive thick adjustable suspended acrylic shelves. Each display cavity is surrounded by soft light to create a glow around the featured artifacts and the pieces displayed within the cabinet…well those are truly priceless.
Interestingly enough, most answer with an impactful description of a feeling VS aesthetics. One client beautifully said “ Our home allows us to truly be ourselves, whatever we are doing or however we are independently or collectively feeling. Our decor definitely impacts our overall mood and sensory awareness. It seems as though our ability to appreciate beauty in other parts of our respective or joint lives are awakened when in our home. Our senses have been elevated by the aesthetics of our present surroundings to an extent which we had not predicted, but are now able to acknowledge and be thankful for.” Wow, just wow!
What are you working on at the moment?
I am working on a variety of exciting design projects at the moment. I have also taken a board position with IFDA Florida as VP of community relations. This gives me the ability to organize events that positively impact our community. Additionally, I have been speaking around the US hoping to empower designers-remind them of the value they bring to the table. We have the ability to provide wellness and health benefits through our creative gift. I will always love designing, but I also love giving back and am blessed that I have these opportunities.
I have been obsessing over that deep, yummy, and saturated emerald green tone for a while now. I have a client who loves green so I finally get to use it! I am also loving these massive oversized modern florals that are popping up everywhere. I am not big on what is trending per se, but these items make me do a happy dance when I see them. In general I am liking something bold and impactful mixed into the serenity and neutrality of what most clients have been craving.
Latest design object obsession…
I recently stumbled upon these unique stools and cushions by Knots Studio (www.knots-studio.com) that I absolutely adore. The knot itself provides a nautical flair making them a perfect addition to any Florida interior. They could be used in a casual beach house or placed in the most upscale and sophisticated interior. I just found them and immediately had to order a few for a project and cannot wait to get them!
A secret source you’re willing to share…
There are so many so it is hard to say. I recently used a product that although they are a booming company and are right here in our back yard, they were somehow off my radar. The company is called Kinon. Kinon® is a proprietary crafted art sheet for luxury surfaces. It is created as a composite with MDF or alone to be used as a surface material like veneer, laminate or tile. It is a spectacular product. To any local designers, I highly recommend you go check out their facility.
What’s next on the horizon…
The beauty is that I do not know the exact answer. I know I work hard and will continue to be successful because I love what I do. I fully believe in continuing my personal growth and to stay true to myself and remain authentic. If I do me, then all the right things will follow. I know I possess the drive and talent needed to thrive. I love to learn, experience new things, and push myself outside my comfort zone. I am a planner by nature but instead right now, I am seeing where the path leads me and I am very excited for the future of Muse Design Studio.
Muse Design Studio www.musedesign.studio (954) 859 6873 @muse_design_studio
Interview
Sherry Lee
SHERRY LEE
RISE & DESIGN IS THE CULMINATION OF RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR STYLIST SHERRY LEE’S LIFELONG LOVE OF ALL THINGS SOPHISTICATED, BEAUTIFUL AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, LIVABLE. HER PASSION FOR DESIGN IS MATCHED ONLY BY HER TIRELESS QUEST FOR THE EXCEPTIONAL YET TO BE DISCOVERED—A PURSUIT THAT TAKES HER AROUND THE WORLD AND BACK AGAIN—TO CREATE HOMES THAT ARE CURATED AND PEACEFUL.
What are some of your biggest inspirations?
One of my hobbies and something that I find beneficial to my work and growth as a designer is traveling to different parts of the world, seeking out new and exciting design elements for my projects. I draw inspiration from artsy boutique hotels such as The Brody House in Budapest, which is rich in history and who’s design is a collaboration of the 11 artists who once had a studio there.
How do you describe your work style as?
I have an affinity for beautiful things and an appreciation for pretty much all styles. For me, in order to have style, it must also evoke a feeling of peace and comfort and feel inviting as well. Therefore, one of the common threads in all my projects, regardless of the style I am designing at the moment, is a feeling of positive energy and tranquility the moment you walk through the front door.. What is your philosophy on design and life?
My philosophy on design and life is that a well-designed, organized, properly lit home can and most often does, enhance overall mental wellbeing. I also believe that designing a home to reflect my client’s lifestyle and personality is essential part of my design philosophy. If my client has a passion for music, for instance, it would only make sense that I incorporate this into many facets of my design, in order to reflect who they are, what they are all about, and what makes them feel good.
I had a client who was passionate about the color red and she was also an avid sports fisherman. We were searching to no avail for some time for the perfect art piece for her entry way that reflected both her favorite color as well as her favorite hobby. I surprised her by painting a very large canvas of a fish using just the bones, in bright red... 7 years later, she still tells her friends, “If my designer can’t find it… she’ll make it for you!”
One of the best compliments I ever received was in the first year I started my design business. My clients told me that I taught them to think outside of the box when it came to the design of their home. This allowed them to have a home that they were “excited to wake up to, and come home to,” and that because of this, they were “living in a home that was designed beyond our wildest dreams and expectations.” Ever since then, I’m not afraid to throw out cutting-edge ideas because I really feel most clients turn to a designer for this very reason: they need someone to think outside of the box..
What are you working on at the moment?
I have been working on several large remodel projects in the Boca Raton and Delray Beach area that are all finishing up around the same time. Now comes the best part... when I put my finishing design touches on a house and make it into a warm and inviting home. This is the styling aspect of my business, and the part I enjoy the most. I offer a concierge design service which means if my client wants, I will finish the home right down to the linens, dishes, and a toothbrush.
At the moment, I am using a lot of white and neutrals colors paired with neutral snakeskin and faux Hyde wallpapers. I love using wallpaper as a backdrop for an entertaining area of the home. I never liked the look of a television on a plain wall but when you put the right wallpaper behind it, it places the focus on the paper instead of the television when it’s not in use.
Latest design obsession…
My latest design obsession is my constant design obsession, which is lighting. In my invariable search for the most beautiful oversized lighting, I am especially drawn to those that incorporate natural stones or gems such as agate, selenite, or amethyst.
A secret source you’re willing to share…
My secret source that I am willing to share is to always go to the Kips Bay Showhouse, or any showhouse for that matter. Here, you will always find inspiration that you can bring back to your own clients and even to my own personal space. What’s better than getting inspiration from top designers, all in one space? What’s next on the horizon…
The next line of business on my design horizon is to continue designing and sketching my own creations for a line of high end, nature inspired of lighting sconces. At the moment, I am designing a pair of gold casted snake sconces that are made of various types of stones including tigers’ eye, turquoise, onyx, and jade. I am hoping to have the prototype finished by the holidays. That would be a very good way for me to finish another wonderfully successful and creative year as an interior designer.
Rise & Design www.riseanddesignhome.com (561) 702 3504 @riseanddesignhome
