TM: When someone hires me, I like to come in fresh, with out preconceived ideas. I'm influenced by the architecture of the space, the people, and their possessions. I like to pull from my clients and exaggerate that character. A good designer will create a background that showcases clients in a flattering way, gives them a sense of comfort, and is welcoming for guests.
S@H: Is there a way of accomplishing those things without breaking the bank?
TM: Buy the best quality you can afford and amortize the cost over a number of years. Consider an Hermès belt. Sure, the initial cost is a lot, but it's an investment: you can wear it every single day, and even with a pair of $50 pants from the Gap, you can still get into the best restaurants. That's another point: mix the high with the low. Great design is still great design, regardless of price point. It goes back to the English country idea of mixing grand with humble.
S@H: Has your philosophy or approach to design changed over time?
TM: A designer, who once complained to me that his clients were all dying off, wanted to know how I maintained a strong base. I explained that it's because I'm changing with my clients. At Gluckstein Design Planning, Brian was always on my case, saying, "Tim, you’re a vibrant, stylish guy and you dress really well—you should decorate a little younger." I’m working on that; I'm always trying to evolve and create my own style. Once they’re ready for a renovation, most clients want something younger, more relevant and current. Adapting is key to surviving in this business.
Read more in Decorating & Design and Inside Design
You might also enjoy:
2 Comments
I had the good fortune to meet Timothy in person when I gave guided tours at this year's Showhouse at Mclean's House. His work is awesome, and as an interior decorator myself, I appreciate his style as it always seem to coordinate well with the era of the interiors he designs. Hopefully our paths will cross again in the near future. Not to use this comment field as a form of advertising, but still unable to resist :), please check out my website www.designcontours.com or for a quick look at my work, copy and paste the following link: http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=th1ikhe.3myidpk6&x=0&y=kxzkl4&localeid=en_US Happy Decorating! Design Contours
I had the good fortune to meet Timothy in person when I gave guided tours at this year's Showhouse at Mclean's House. His work is awesome, and as an interior decorator myself, I appreciate his style as it always seem to coordinate well with the era of the interiors he designs. Hopefully our paths will cross again in the near future. Not to use this comment field as a form of advertising, but still unable to resist :), please check out my website www.designcontours.com or for a quick look at my work, copy and paste the following link: http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=th1ikhe.3myidpk6&x=0&y=kxzkl4&localeid=en_US Happy Decorating! Design Contours