Designer Highlight: Q&A With Lindsay MacRae

We love getting inspiration from gifted designers, and this week we have been fortunate sufficient to speak with Linsday MacRae. With an aesthetic that’s colourful, shiny, and just a little bit coastal, Lindsay shares some particulars on her background, her ideas on the trade, and a few useful recommendation for adorning a brand new residence. Scroll under to learn the complete Q&A and to see a few of her lovely work:

How did you first get entangled with inside design?

After working at Walt Disney World for a summer time, I used to be impressed to turn into a Disney Imagineer and determined to review structure and inside design in school. Internships lead me in a unique course, and I ended up working for Gensler for a number of years after graduating. I labored on all kinds of business design tasks earlier than finally leaving to start out my residential design agency in 2013.

The place do you draw inspiration from?

I primarily draw inspiration from patterned wallpapers and materials. I really like comfortable patterns and colours. All the pieces falls into place after that.

What’s the most difficult side of your job?

Essentially the most difficult side is balancing my work life with my private/household/mother life. This job is intense and it’s 24-7. It’s not as glamorous because it appears on the surface.

What’s the most enjoyable/rewarding a part of your job?

Essentially the most rewarding a part of my job is when shoppers inform me how a lot they love their new properties. Whether or not it’s in individual, over the telephone, or in an electronic mail, it’s the most effective feeling and lets me know I’ve achieved my job. Additionally, getting pictures again and exhibiting my mother my work is tremendous enjoyable.

Do you could have a favourite challenge that you just’ve labored on?

It’s so exhausting to choose only one! I accomplished a house in Scarsdale a number of years in the past. It’s so fairly, and the household was such a pleasure to work with. I’ve one other shopper in NJ that I’ve been working with for years. I’ve touched virtually each little bit of the 15,000 SF residence and that shopper all the time sends me residence with recent baked goodies. That home appears wonderful now. Additionally, we simply mixed two flats on NYC’s Higher West Facet for one more longtime shopper. She has nice style and trusts me to do my factor and the top end result is sort of a dream. The final two tasks have been simply photographed so hold your eyes out for them!

How would you describe your type?

Pleased, shiny, recent, enjoyable, light-hearted, conventional, basic, tasteful, curated, and currently a bit coastal!

How has the trade modified because you first acquired began?

Oh boy. A lot is on the market on the web now. Purchasers have turn into savvier, and a few like to buy round and do a little bit of design themselves. Whereas I encourage shoppers to share their likes, it is very important not have too many individuals steering the ship. The perfect tasks are those the place the shoppers step again and go away the designing to the specialists (us).
Additionally, there’s such strain to maintain a continuing presence on social media. To me, social media feels a bit pretend, however I additionally really feel the necessity to hold as much as keep related.

What are 5-10 merchandise on our web site that you just love?

Meg Braff Two Arm White Tole Wall Sconce

Coastal Residing Perennial Birched Wooden Buffet Lamp with Shade

Circle Border Rectangular Wicker Tray

Resin Bamboo Impressed Flooring Lamp With Shiny White Drum Shade

Vertical Grotto Mirror

Pure Woven Bali Spherical Chair

Chippendale Upholstered Armchair

Two-Step Stool with Floral Vines Motif

Flamingo Punch Bowl and Ladle Set

Ornamental Brass Peacock Dish

Pair of Ceramic Hope Parrots

What predictions do you could have for types/developments in 2023/2024?

Coastal type remains to be in, and I believe we’ll proceed seeing a whole lot of pure supplies like rattan, jute, and seagrass. The maximalist type appears to be selecting up as effectively. I overheard that open flooring plans are being ditched in alternate for devoted rooms and I couldn’t be happier about that.

What recommendation would you give a brand new home-owner, or somebody embarking on their first design challenge?

I’d advise somebody to dwell of their new residence for a short time first to determine how they will use the house. Additionally, purchase what you like! If price range is a priority, do the house in phases as a substitute of ending your entire residence with furnishings that aren’t so nice. Don’t be afraid to put money into some excessive ticket objects – it’s all about steadiness. Styling and equipment could make or break an area. Don’t overlook to depart room within the price range for these. And, in fact, rent a designer! Working with a designer opens an entire new world of prospects with furnishings and finishes. They can assist you navigate renovations and design, herald expert and dependable tradespeople, and enable you keep away from expensive errors