Fab Interior Designer: Alisha Taylor of Alisha Taylor Interiors
How did you get into interior design? My passion for design started when I was in the sixth grade and ‘redesigned’ my classroom furniture plan on the back of a school assignment. I arrived at school the next day to find the classroom rearranged based on my design. A note was left on my desk from my teacher that read, “You should think about being an architect or designer someday.” I have been creating and redesigning spaces ever since.
How has the pandemic affected your industry? Everyone was home and realized that they wanted to improve their home or finally build their dream home. The pandemic gave everyone an opportunity to evaluate what was important and creating a beautiful sanctuary to call home became a top priority for many. Our phone has been ringing non-stop!
What is your best advice for achieving timeless interior design? Timeless design is when you combine classic architecture and details with modern influences. To achieve this, you first need to step away from trends that you see on social media or through the retail stores and really think what style speaks to your soul, what details are worth that extra level of craftsmanship or budget that will carry the design past any trend and create a timeless look. Then, ask yourself what modern touches are important and allow me to function in a space better. What modern lines or elements resonate for the space? Timeless is the constant balance of those two things, classic architecture and modern influence.
Most memorable design project? My most memorable design project was completed a few years ago for a client that had used us for three houses, only staying in one home for a year or so before embarking on the next. Our clients were hesitant to use a designer at first, being in the home-building industry themselves. They wanted to make all the decisions and utilize us just as consultants but, with each meeting and each design presented, you can just see they enjoyed the process and were open to the possibilities of what we could bring to the project. By the time we got to the third project, they trusted us completely and allowed us to really dive into each and every detail architecturally and through to the furniture. The project was photographed for multiple publications and the ultimate compliment was when the project was complete, they decided they were never going to move again. They loved the home and the design so much, they couldn’t think of anything to improve upon!
Tip for a homeowner about to embark on a home design project? Hire the right team! For a new build project or full remodel involving an interior designer form the start, a reputable general contractor and a licensed talented architect will mean your home will be beautiful. Layering in the furniture and furnishings will be the icing on the cake!
Favorite Arizona-based retailers or home décor brands? We love our local craftsman and workroom but as far as retail-based stores, we love the store Bungalow in North Scottsdale and Found in Chandler. They each carry a variety of brands and gorgeous home décor items that are typically hard to access as a retailer shopper.
To learn more, visit www.alishataylor.com.