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Designer Spotlight: Jessica Tolman of Jessica Tolman Interiors, Needham, MA

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How did you get where you are today?

I’m a proud Midwesterner, born and raised in Racine, Wisconsin. As I child I spent a lot of time in museums because my parents loved art and loved to travel. After being dragged around the world, my love of art led me to study Art History at Northwestern Unviersity in Chicago. After graduating, I moved to London to participate in the Sotheby’s Works of Art Course. I then returned to Chicago and found a job as an appraiser at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers where I became good friends with my colleague, Nate Berkus. When Nate eventually left to start his interior design business, I had the opportunity to join him. Thus began my career in decorating and design.

In 1999, marriage brought me to Boston and I took a break from working full time to have children. Meanwhile, I found myself constantly giving out free decorating advice to my friends, helping them choose paint colors and rearranging their bookshelves and furniture. With my children getting older, the timing was finally right to start my own business.

DESIGN

The moment I knew I wanted to be an interior designer was when…

It was honestly always in the back of my mind since childhood. As a girl, I spent hours decorating my Barbie doll’s ‘apartment’ which was actually the bottom of my closet!! I wasn’t allowed to have any of the Barbie furniture or clothing so I had to be very creative and resourceful – a great foundation for my future career. When the opportunity came to work with Nate (Berkus), I jumped at the chance. In the beginning it was just the two of us, in his basement, learning the ropes of this business through many creative triumphs but also quite a bit of trial and error.

The most memorable space I’ve ever been in is…

The summer home I once visited in Cadaques, Spain. It had the most breathtaking views and was decorated in an airy, contemporary style that blended perfectly with and complimented the architecture. It was all about the views in that house. There was a lovely bathroom with a soaking tub perfectly positioned to overlook the cobalt blue waters of the entire bay. It was heaven.

I get to know a new space by….

Immersing myself in it. I photograph it and measure it and I find that hand drawing a floor plan helps me to understand the proportions better than anything else. I’m old school that way.

My favorite city for design inspiration is…

Anywhere in Europe, really. They’ve just been doing it better, for longer. A feast for the eyes.

When I design I feel…

Excited, happy, and fulfilled.

LIFE

Every morning I…

Meditate. It helps to begin every day with a clear frame of mind.

I treat myself with/by…

Spending quality time with my family and my close friends, enjoying a great meal, going for an early morning run, skiing in the winter and relaxing on the beach and swimming in the ocean in the summer.

My personal style is…

Classic, with a bohemian twist. I love vibrant colors and patterns.

My tips for staying organized are…

To take the extra time to think through a system to manage the clutter and to then put it into practice instead of putting it off. Sometimes that is easier said than done though!

I never leave home without…

My iPhone – it’s my lifeline in this business…and my glasses!

“Designing is the fun part, but to be successful you need a good grasp of the day to day tasks like getting estimates, placing orders, invoicing, tracking orders, etc.”

BUSINESS

My role model is…

Legendary American designer Sister Parish jumps to the head of the pack simply because I can relate to certain parts of her story. She started out decorating for friends and neighbors and going into business was also a necessity for her, not a choice. As she liked to say, her interiors had “character” and were so colorful and perfectly imperfect.

I also love the chic, understated elegance of Lee Radziwill who, in my opinion, shouldn’t have to stand in the shadow of her sister, the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa, has created an enviable lifestyle of elegant simplicity that I admire.

My business mantra is…

On the client side, listen closely to their ideas and always be honest and straightforward with them. On the design side, edit, and then edit some more. On the business side, don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.

For interior designers new to the business, I recommend…

Working for another designer first, to learn the ropes. Designing is the fun part, but to be successful you need a good grasp of the day to day tasks like getting estimates, placing orders, invoicing, tracking orders, etc. Interior design is a relentlessly detail oriented process, whether working with vendors or sub-contractors. Mistakes can happen so easily and can be costly to your reputation and your bottom line.

I define success by…

How much you love what you do. At this point in my life, it’s less about material wealth or posessions. Maya Angelou put it best when she said that “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do and liking how you do it.”

The best advice I have received is…

Do not fear the unknown – just jump right in. Also, trust your instincts, they are usually spot-on.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned working in the interior design business is…

To design spaces that people can truly live in comfortably. Pretty, or chic, or whatever just isn’t enough. Someone has to live there. Function has to work hand in hand with form.

WHY IVY

What’s your favorite thing about Ivy so far?

It makes invoicing and time tracking 1000 times easier allowing me more time to focus on the creative part of the job that I love the most.

If you were to tell your design friends about Ivy, what would you say?

Ivy is simple and straightfoward. While I’m not the most tech-savvy, Ivy’s support team is always available to answer questions and offer help. It’s a no-brainer really, what are you waiting for?

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Start-up culture has beautifully challenged the layout of the traditional “office”, however, modern-day technology has created more daily distractions, taking a toll on our daily productivity. Whether you work from home, or an out-of-home office setting with fellow employees, people are ditching the rigid four walls and traditional desk, and making room for a more fluid environment that nurtures productivity, collaboration, and innovation. This is all believed to lead to successful entrepreneurship. Just as artists have their studios, your office as an interior designer should be as put together and creative as the work you do. Whether you’re a one man/woman show, or have multiple employees, your space should work with you, reflecting the style of your business and maximizing efficiency. 

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Wide Open Spaces

Sonia Roy and William L. Hamilton from Dwell explained “the newest work environments are open floor plans that foster informality, flexibility, and an interactive group dynamic.” Whether you choose to create this versatile space by switching out walls with contemporary moveable panels, or have multiple interactive work areas, an open space could be used for conversing with your clients or fellow designers, plugging into your laptop, or catching up on some well deserved R&R during lunch. One thing’s for sure, the “corporate cubicle” is becoming a thing of the past. If your workspace also happens to be your living space, carving out a dedicated area, either in the garage, a spare bedroom, or even a section of the living room, can make working from home more efficient and free of distraction.

Photo by Dwell

Putting the “We” in “Werk” – Communal Space

There are endless ways to create a collaborative work environment, but the most common trend in all well-designed offices (in or out of the home) is a comfortable communal space. This is obtained by adding long communal tables or creating a lounge with comfortable chairs or a sofa to evoke an organic communal atmosphere. Avoid florescent lighting and seek a space with natural light. Even if you work alone, this area can give you the space you need to relax and meet with clients in a more interactive setting, eliminating the gap that forms when you sit behind a desk, and allowing for effective conversation and creativity to flow.  

Photo by Homepolish

With Comfort Comes Creativity

As a designer, you’re constantly being forced to make snappy decisions and be on your feet, meeting with clients and visiting endless vendors and showrooms. When you do finally get the time to be in the office, it should feel like a relaxing haven, allowing your creativity to flourish. The first step to getting the creative juices flowing is picking the right place to sit. Sorry, the plastic swivel chair just won’t cut it. Designers at Continuum, an international innovation and design consultancy firm, suggest that the psychology of seating is equally as important as ergonomics. Dwell explains that “subtle changes in elements such as pitch, height, padding and seating configuration can dramatically change a person’s mindset during an interaction—and even the interaction itself.” The hefty sticker price for a throne fit to sit in for countless hours a week is well worth the satisfaction that comes from classic design companies such as Herman Miller or Knoll.

1. Knoll – Remix Work Chair (Turquoise), $627.00

2. Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Side Chair (Pearl MCL Leather), $2229.00

3. Blu Dot – Modern Daily Task Chair (Red), $599.00

Inspiration Overload

Inspiration doesn’t always come so easily, so designing a workspace that stimulates the creative process while effortlessly blending with the functionality of an office is key. White walls, natural lighting, and pops of color, are just a few easy ways to give your space the extra bump it needs. However, pictures of your family don’t need to be limited to the fridge. Personalizing the office space can also lead to innovation, but no need to go overboard with the accessories and quirky vacation pictures. Try bringing in a collection of your favorite design magazines, or favorite art pieces to bring a design element to your space. Homepolish suggests “be smart with your accessory purchases, making sure that they are both functional as well as aesthetically pleasing”. Furthermore, the feel of your office should reflect the style you bring to your client’s home, whether you’re traditional, contemporary, or eclectic, let your personal style shine.

 Photo by Homepolish

Put the Junk in the Trunk

Keeping your space clean and organized is essential to an efficient work day, so file away the loose paperwork, fabric swatches, and magazine clippings, and clear your desk of the clutter. Your office should be refined and tidy, allowing for maximum productivity. Ariel Feldman from Homepolish couldn’t stress the importance of storage in a work space enough and suggests adding some cool, collected shelving or artful boxes to keep your office orderly and elegant. A clutter-free workspace will put your mind at ease and translate to an efficient and blissful work environment.

Photo by Dwell

Mercedes Austin, the enthusiastic founder and owner of tile collective Mercury Mosaics, tells all about the design team’s dedication for an American handmade process, passion for their beautiful home state of Minnesota, and plans for international expansion. Known for their Moroccan Fish Scales Tile and unique take on the Subway Tile, Mercury Mosaics wants their tiles to be the “backdrop of your life and your friends life”.

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Where is Mercury Mosaics based and how did you gather your fabulous team of “Tile Elves”?
Mercury Mosaics is based in Minneapolis, MN – USA! The tile elves are a collective of intelligent, creative, passionate & hard working people of various backgrounds. Our team has grown through classic hiring out and through internal referrals. The team has been building itself over the last 10 years. Before then, it was a solo show with myself “figuring it out”.

What is the mantra of the “Tile Elves”?

We share a common purpose to make beautiful objects that enhance people’s lives. With hard work, dedication, persistence, team work and really good coffee, we feel like we can accomplish anything!

Mercury Mosaics recently designed the stunning new murals in the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport – what was the inspiration behind the design?

Minnesota landscapes + a hidden inspirational expression. The men’s room has layers of hills, a cyclist and endless blue. We wanted to add a theme of something tactile, refreshing & adventurous in a place where you least expect it. MAC and Arts @ MSP are very passionate about curating an extraordinary experience for travelers in our airport. This was something that we basically treated as an adventure. Now, for the women’s mural, we looked at a more classic scene which can take place on almost any lake in our great state – you’ve got the trees lining the lake, the sun is setting, a person in a canoe and the word “tranquility” tucked in the lower right. The colors in the women’s room: warm tones, in the men’s cool tones. Engaging the senses visually and inviting a unique experience to the visitor as they head in and refresh – they’re jet setters, let’s give them an awesome experience in Minnesota – we have a lot to be proud of in this great state. I’m absolutely thrilled to be a part of curating an international experience in the bold north!

What are some other projects that Mercury Mosaics is particularly proud of?

Making tile in the newest Lunds developments: downtown Minneapolis + downtown Saint Paul. It has been a thrill to see the impact, the life – the vitality a grocer permeate in an urban core. Just exciting to work with a company that has sustained generations of entrepreneurs and one that was launched in 1939. Another really exciting experience has been working with the sensational locations of coffee spots in New York & Philadelphia: Bluestone Lane. The beans are actually sourced from right here in our backyard: Dogwood coffee, but the style of coffee and the energy behind the spaces comes out of Australia. In fact, we just got finished making tile for their 5th location in Brooklyn – their coffee and food fare is so spot on – they are attracting such personalities as Taylor Swift and Martha Stewart as “regulars”. Lastly it has been an absolute thrill to collaborate with some pretty epic ship builders on a global level. We recently fabricated and shipped tile to Italy. The company we worked with has been in business since the early 1700’s building ships. First of all, to make and ship tile to Italy – the birthplace of tile – is an absolute honor. Second of all, to make and supply tile for a cruise ship (and several of them) is very humbling. We were selected by a stunning architect firm in Sweden and built a relationship and picked out the perfect tile, colors and quantities to contribute to the experience they were dedicated to creating for the client on this luxury ship.

Which tile shapes and colors are your best-sellers?

Hands down: Moroccan Fish Scales and Subway Tile. Anything in shades of blues, greens, greys and whites are the “heroes.” It makes sense. I feel like any of these hues and shapes just call for a refreshing, stunning tactile feel in a space and, for me, they put me in another place and remind me of my global travels. I’d like to think we’re adding a little bit of that magic to each tile. If you think about it – with food “they say” to never eat something prepared by an angry chef…. that the anger translates into the food and then you consume it. Well, I feel the same about tile. We are here, we are making this raw clay material into a shape, we’re adding color, we’re making the tile come to life. If you ever come in and visit the studio atmosphere – you can really feel the passion and dedication and happiness. THAT goes into the tile. No bull. Go stand in front of a sterile, commercially, machine made wall of tile and “listen to it” and tell me what speaks to you. Now, go stand in front of an installation of Mercury Mosaics – handcrafted tile and “listen”… you’re going to feel something. There’s a story behind it. It’s this energy that we bring to the table with each tile we make. This is what we’re bringing to the table. We’re not trying to compete with big box. Our aim is to add to a meaningful, curated environment. We aim to add value to beautiful places. We want our tile to be part of the backdrop of your life and your friends life.

Fish scale tiles have been all the craze these days – what do your customers typically purchase fish scale tiles for?

Everything. Showers, kitchens, fireplaces, restaurants, hotels, murals. Anything and everything. People LOVE the sea.

The subway tile is also making a big comeback – what are some interesting ways to use the subway tile?

Let me count the ways! We are going to do a fun roll out on Instagram and across our social channels to help people be creative with one of the most classic tile shapes around – “101 ways to use Subway Tiles”. Follow us, it’s more fun to show you then “tell you” how to use Subway Tile in interesting ways.

What are 3 tips of “best practices” to offer interior designers for choosing the right tile and making the most out of tiling when decorating a space?
1.)   Have a sense of an overall goal in a space.

2.)   Decide what 3 things are the big focus & work from those.

3.)   When choosing tile, ensure you’re placing importance on 1 & 2 and make your selections based on empowering those two important points.

What are some other innovative ways interior designers can use tiles beyond the traditional usage in flooring and backsplashes?
Murals (interior and exterior), feature walls in showers, accent areas in entertainment nooks – like a bar, full walls for fireplaces, table tops, framed art, faces of islands in open floor plan concepts, column wraps & bringing the traditional kitchen backsplash to the ceiling – of course!

Based on your knowledge of the industry, what trends are you forecasting for 2017 in regards to tiling shapes, colors and texture?

Monochromatics to add texture and depth to highlight handmade, global patterns, timeless shapes pulled from historical installations, larger format versions of small patterns.

What’s next for Mercury Mosaics?

The metric system. Our government is really passionate in partnering with us to translate all of our materials into the metric system to strengthen our ability to export tile. We’re excited to focus on a few countries to start and pave the path to what we call our “evil plan” of #tileworlddomination.

Photos by Mercury Mosaics

The weather has already turned. It’s the time of year when your clients ask you for easy ways to transition the home for autumn without breaking the bank. Here are five recommendations to offer your clients without billing for your time 😉

Scent-sational

Switch out the summer floral candles with a scent suited for the cooler weather, bringing in notes of vanilla, spicy cardamom, white tea and musk, jasmine and birch, or orange and clove to make any room instantly feel warmer. Let it burn.

1. Redwood / Den Candle, $60.00

2. Le Feu Vert / Fig Candle, $62.00

3. Feu de Bois “Gris” / “Grey” Wood Fire, $90

Throw Back

Take out the extra blankets and throws that have been stored away during the summer months. Display on a wall ladder, drape across furniture, or stack on a wooden chair for a pretty and cozy look. Dare to be bold when it comes to color and texture, whether it be deep autumn shades or faux fur. 

West Elm Faux Fur Ombre Throw – Mocha, $89.00

Layers on Layers

Layering rugs in focal areas of the home, such as the entryway, living room, or bedroom is an easy way to make a space feel put together. As ELLE Decor‘s Lindsey Nelson explains, “versatile sisal matting often provides the perfect neutral background, but don’t be afraid to pile on patterns, textures, and colors.” Materials such as wool and thick weaves stay extra toasty on chilly mornings.

Photo by Lonny

Embracing Hygge 

Show off your knowledge of “hygge” (pronounced “hooga”), the Danish art of getting cozy. There’s nothing more hygge than snuggling up with a great book and a warm cup of tea in a personal nook. Re-arrange some pieces to create a reading and napping area to relax and stay warm. As Eleanor Busing of Apartment Therapy explains, “the best reading nooks are full to overflowing with cushions and throws”, so create a space that feels tranquil by adding layers of your clients favorite things, such as throws, pillows, games and a stack of great books.

Photo by Country Living

Autumn Accents

Bring out the fall decorations and show some love to the fireplace and dining room table. Place pieces such as lanterns, apples, or personal items like books and photos of summer family vacations. This will not only make the home feel warmer, but also inspire your client to spend more time around the table with family and friends. As Kelsey Kloss suggests in ELLE Decor, “to reflect the harvests of the season, feel free to get bountiful with your centerpiece design by allowing the center of the table to overflow with fruits, vegetables, leaves, candles and flowers.”

Photo by ELLE Decor

What are your transition-to-fall design tips? Feel free to share in the comments!

Transitioning from Studio Webware? We recommend that you save copies of your accounting records and start fresh with Ivy. Here are instructions on how to export historical data so you can keep a hard record of key documents you want to save.

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Clients/Projects

1. Login to Studio Webware
2. Access Reports
3. Select “Address”
4. Select Address Type as “Client”
5. Select “Export”
6. Download the excel

Vendors

1. Login to Studio Webware
2. Access Reports
3. Select “Address”
4. Select Address Type as “Vendor”
5. Select “Export”
6. Download the excel

Proposals

1. Login to Studio Webware
2. Access Reports
3. Select “Proposals”
4. Don’t select a particular Client/Project so you export all
5. Select the date range
6. Select “Export”
7. Download the excel

Invoices

1. Login to Studio Webware
2. Access Reports
3. Select “Invoices”
4. Don’t select a particular Client/Project so you export all
5. Select the date range
6. Select “Export”
7. Download the excel

Purchase Orders

1. Login to Studio Webware
2. Access Reports
3. Select “Orders”
4. Select the date range
5. Select “Export”
6. Download the excel

Project Worksheets

1. Login to Studio Webware
2. Access Reports
3. Select “Project Worksheets”
4. Select the date range
5. Select “Export”
6. Download the excel

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Have questions about Ivy? Shoot us an email at support@ivymark.com. To set up a complimentary demo, schedule a time here.

 

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Spotlight:  Kim Kuhteubl of MeByDesign

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How did you get where you are today?

I’ve been living in LA for just over a decade and I started my company five years ago because I was looking for a change of pace from production. I had worked on a lot of lifestyle TV, but I also covered interior design, real estate and development for newspapers and digital outlets. In between production gigs, I usually worked with designers, and MeByDesign grew from that.

Why did you decide to start a branding company for interior designers?

We actually work across categories in the homegoods industry, but I have a love for interior design. For whatever reason, I’m very good at translating for visual communicators, often INFJ or INTJs; giving them clarity and helping them create action plans that are strategic but also really fun. I’ve also worked with quite a few young businesses, 1-woman-bands who are ready to team up, but are having trouble asking for help and structuring their value in a way that can sustain growth. You’d be surprised how many designers pay their staff but not themselves.

What’s so special about the interior design space vs. others sectors of the design world?

I’m all about transformation and the best interior design transforms. I’ve been into rooms that are fluffed to perfection but feel awful. A good designer changes the energy in a space and is a master of function, aesthetics and emotional intelligence.

Tell us about your new release, Branding + Interior Design…what’s your favorite part of the new book?

I’m excited about this book because I got to interview people who have had long careers in the industry, who have built incredible, international brands. People like Barbara Barry, Rose Tarlow, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Christiane Lemieux, Clodagh and Kelly Hoppen. My favorite chapter is called “interior planning”. Sixty-nine per cent of interior designers are women so I’ve really had the chance to look at women’s leadership and their blocks to being visible in-depth.

You are an award-winning member of the arts community – what are some of your proudest moments?

Right now, it’s all about the book. It’s been a real marathon, between the writing, editing, design and media prep but I have great people working with me. A team that fits is everything.

What’s your business mantra?

Trust your intuition.

Based on your experience, what do you feel is the most “essential element” for a designer running their business?

Master your calendar. When you schedule days for clients meetings, accounting, creative time and my favorite, marketing, you’re going to feel less out of control as you add projects to your slate. Your calendar keeps you accountable, not only to your clients but to the vision you have for growth.

How does beautiful decor have beneficial influence on our lives?

When you’re surrounded by things love, you open up to receive. That is powerful.

How do you get to know your clients?

My clients complete a vision and branding STYLESheet™(SS) before we work together. It’s purposely intense! They’re questions designers don’t think to ask of themselves because they’re too busy running their business but think time is essential for growth. One of my favorite parts of the job is sitting down with one to get inside a client’s world and do my analysis. It’s also fun to compare a repeat client’s old SS with a new one and to see how far they’ve come and how fast.

In your opinion, what are the top 3 things an interior design should consider when branding their business?

1. Vision. What is the vision you have for your business and your life? Are they congruent?

2. Story. What is your story? Who are you telling it to? Who do you want to serve?

3. Energy. Intangible is powerful. What is the quality of your work that makes it personally meaningful to someone else?

What’s your personal style and interior design aesthetic?

I just cut off my hair and went back to curly so I’m rocking the boho at the moment. I also have a pretty big ring collection and probably need to go into a white blouse recovery program. In my design fantasies, I live in sprawling mountain house surrounded by trees and designed by Kelly Wearstler circa 2006.

How do you spend your first hour each morning?

Meditation + Reading + Throwing the ball for my dog.

Within your own home, what’s your next project?

My dining room chairs. I bought a set on Chairish—in the style of Milo Baughman, a momentary obsession—but I’m admitting that I’m just not going to have them recovered. So I’m looking for a new set to replace them with.

How do you keep your mind refreshed and creative?

Reading is big. You don’t know what you don’t know and a book gives you access to new ways of thinking and being. I love that. Travel doesn’t hurt either.

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It’s hard to leave the couch when you have the Olympics streaming 24/7. Is it just us or are you also humming “at the Copa, Copacabana” all day every day? This summer, we are channeling our Rio vibes. Here are some of our favorite design finds that give us our tropical fix.

USA’s Olympic House

Living walls, outdoor plants, and sandy tones – not too shabby.

Photo by USOC

The Cold Pressed Juicery

Amsterdam-based juicery featuring big glass windows and green tiles, offering pure, raw cold-pressed juices.

Photo by Standard Studio

The Beverly Hills Hotel

This iconic Martinique wallpaper at the landmark Fountain Coffee Shop.

Photo by Daily Mail

The Lodge Rio

This patio at The Lodge Rio, a hotspot hosting events and gatherings for the Rio Olympics.

Photo by The Lodge Rio

The House of Hackney “Palmeral” Collection

An interesting blue twist in the Midnight/Azure colorway.

Photo by House of Hackney

The Happiest Hour

Pure wallpaper paradise at The Happiest Hour in the West Village, NYC.

Photo by Bon Appetit

The Matthew Williamson “Cubana” Collection for Osborne & Little

Swooning over this flamingo paradise, featured in Matthew Williamson’s third wallpaper collection.

Photo by Matthew Williamson

The Hygge & West x Justina Blakeny Collection

Come Mr. Tally man, tally me bananas – the bold and beautiful Nana Saffron colorway. #jungalowvibes

Photo by Hygge & West

The Yoo2 Hotel in Rio de Janeiro

Patterned tiles on walls, wooden furniture, plant-filled – a great spot to lounge in Rio.

Photo by DeZeen

 

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Ivy is changing the way interior designers work. We empower interior designers to focus less on tedious tasks and more on what made them get into the industry in the first place — design! By using technology to streamline the moving pieces of an interior design project, we enable interior designers to make more time for design.

Our goal is to eliminate the stress and complexity that plagues the industry. All too often interior designers are bogged down by mountains of admin work, annoying amounts of double-entry, and a painfully decentralized workflow.

Before discovering Ivy, interior designers often face the following headaches:

A ridiculous amount of double-entry 🙁 Spending an absurd amount of time inputting the same details in different places. Ugh!

Time wasted on manual entry 🙁 Hours wasted on manual tasks that could easily be automated with Ivy.

SO many different tools 🙁 Interior designers often need to use a lot of different platforms (Excel spreadsheets, time tracking apps, bookkeeping software, journal notes, email, etc) to just manage their day. No centralization of details means lots of chaos and room for error.

Unprofessional proposals & invoices 🙁 Sending files to clients that look amatuer and inappropriate as an interior designer (such as invoices with no images!).

Complex softwares 🙁 Softwares that make you feel like you’re using a platform meant to land a spaceship on the moon — like were you supposed to get a PhD in rocket science to use them? Having thousands of features on an antiquated system when you only use 10% of them means an experience that makes you want to run for your life…

These are just a few of the annoyances that bring interior designers to Ivy. We’re built to bring design back into the forefront of what it means to run an interior design business.

If you are interested in learning more about Ivy, please click here.

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Designer Spotlight: Monique Duarte of Duarte Decor, New Brunswick, NJ

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How did you get where you are today?

I come from the Marketing & Advertising industry, having worked over 10 years in Digital and Direct Marketing in helping major million dollar brands, develop, market, brand, and launch new products and services. I worked for some of the giants like Yahoo! and Microsoft. However, after several years, I got burnt out of working long hours, that weren’t fulfilling me. So I starting thinking – what else could I do? What do I enjoy doing? After doing a little soul searching I remembered I had a gift of Interior Design, from decorating my first home. So I went back to school part-time while I worked my full-time job at the time and got my Interior Decorating degree.

After making over $50k in my first year in business on a part-time basis, while still working my job, I decided to take the leap and leave my job. Three years later I expanded my business by launching our Home Essential Services line, Duarte Essentials, which provides home owners the opportunity to save on their home expenses like their energy, cable, internet and home security services. Today, I love what I do. Global Interior Decorating, in helping people transform their lives through Interior Design. I live in New Brunswick, NJ, by way of the world.

DESIGN

The moment I knew I wanted to be an interior designer was when…

I purchased my first home. It was a white box condo, with nothing in it. I took my time decorating it over several months in anticipation of my house warming event. It was a major accomplishment for me as it was my first home that I had purchased on my own. When I finally had my House Warming with family and friends who came from different states, everyone said to me, “who did you have decorate your home”. I just smiled and said, myself.. That’s when I knew I had a gift. Not to mention my Grandmother use to be an Interior Designer, and my mother today owns her own design company in fiber arts and quilting. So I guess you can say creative talent runs in my family…

The most memorable space I’ve ever been in is…

A 22 million dollar home that overlooked the Hudson River, in NY. It had hand painted walls, and a master bedroom, that when you looked out the huge glass window, it looked as if the room was floating over the Hudson. Impeccable.

I get to know a new space by…

Getting to know the owner or person who will be dwelling in the space. I believe our environments are made up of our personal experiences, preferences, and lifestyle. So whenever I go to visit a new space that I’ve been hired to decorate, the first thing that I like to do is connect with it’s owner. I get some many ideas and knowledge about how a space should feel, look, and function, by getting to know the owner and who they are. Then once I have a vision, the design work is just putting it all together and making it come to life.

My favorite city for design inspiration is…

Milan, Italy. As a military child (both parents are retired Army) we traveled a lot growing up. So eventually when it came time for me to go to college, I wanted to travel some more, so I moved to Europe (London England) where I completed my Under graduate studies. During that time I lived in London for 4 years and Milan Italy for 1. Most of my friends and classmates were italian, so we’d take weekend trips to Milan, Rome, Luca and many parts of Italy. Every time I would go, I’d see and learn something new about their culture. I’d get a chance to experience a new place, that had it’s own story. So it’s always been that place that has taught me to pay attention to the history of places that are unique and rich in culture. Even today Italy continues to inspire me, from it’s fashion, to bold, sophisticated design elements all through out it’s country.

When I design I feel…

Peaceful, and fulfilled.

LIFE

Every morning I…

Meditate, have breakfast, and affirm that it’s going to be a good day.

I treat myself with…

Going to the spa or a music concert. Two of my favorite things to do.

My personal style is…

Relaxed, casual, and professional with a little european flare.

My tips for staying organized are…

Organize as you go and check things off. I have to write things down. I find that I am most productive when I write down my to-dos and focus on one/no more than two things at a time. As I complete them, I check them off and go on to the next thing. I also protect, guard and monitor my time, so that I can stay organized and on task.

I never leave home without…

My phone and flats. I am on the go all the time. So having a pair a flats and my communication devise is a must at all times.

“Your vision will keep you going through the ups and downs and give you a clear path to success.”

BUSINESS

My role models are…

Oprah & Tina Turner & my Mother. They all have honorable character, class, determination and strength that I admire. They are resilient and stand for something greater than themselves. What’s Love Got to Do with it, is one of my favorite songs and I was told that it was the first song that I sang at the age of 3. Tina made an impact on me back then and still does.

My business mantra is…

Live Life on Purpose to Live Your Dream Life…

For interior designers new to the business, I recommend…

Connect with other designers who are where you want to be. Getting a mentor and a business coach who can help guide you along the way, and creating a vision for your business. Your vision, will keep you going through the ups and downs and give you a clear path to success.

I define success by…

Getting to that place where you have everything that you asked for (big or small) and enjoying not only the destination in getting there but also the journey.

The best advice I have received is…

Never Quit. When the tough get’s going, you get tough with it! (My Grandfather)

The biggest lesson I’ve learned working in the interior design business is…

To be a great listener, the importance of having a tight process to run your business smoothly, and managing your cash flow is crucial to a successful design business.

WHY IVY

What’s your favorite thing about Ivy so far?

How easy it is to use and learn. It takes the stress off of having to work a complicated program so that you can focus on the things that matter. Its layout is user friendly, it’s a beautiful interface, and it has everything you need to manage your projects. I love it!

What makes Ivy different from other solutions you’ve used before?

How easy it is to use, and how it doesn’t take a long time to figure out how to use it. I’ve worked in many other solutions, and they all took anywhere from 6 months to a year to fully figure out how to use them, and honestly I would dread having to go into them, because there was always something I’d get stuck on. With Ivy, it’s so easy, that I get excited now to go in and create a proposal or whatever I need to do.

What’s your favorite feature on Ivy’s platform?

How easy it is to convert a proposal to an invoice and send the invoice for payment with one click of a button.

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Designer Spotlight:  Ally Gwozdz of Curate Interiors, San Francisco, CA

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How did you get where you are today?

I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. Soon after graduating from college, I drove to San Francisco to start my life here. I was drawn to the international influences, stunning natural beauty and diversity of San Francisco. Before starting Curate Interiors I worked in advertising, financial services, and retail.

For several years I worked at Pottery Barn corporate in their catalog division as a merchant. I learned so much about running all aspects of a business – developing product, marketing it and presenting it in the most compelling way on photo shoots for the catalogs. It provided a phenomenal foundation to go out on my own and launch an interior decorating business. Design satiates my creative and entrepreneurial appetite; I’m an aesthete to the core. I love when clients are thrilled with their spaces and we’ve achieved or exceeded what we’ve set out to do for them.

DESIGN

The moment I knew I wanted to be an interior designer was when…

The items I brought back from Brimfield Antiques Market and the Rose Bowl Flea Market were of great interest to friends and acquaintances. When my husband (then boyfriend at the time) and I would entertain, I’d field constant questions about the furniture, finishes and art in our home. It wasn’t a sudden “aha” moment so much as an evolution of my skills and interests and the timing too.

The most memorable space I’ve ever been in is…

Little Kulala Lodge in Namibia. It’s in the Namib Desert which is the oldest desert in the world. The lodge and villas are spectacular and unforgettable. It inspired many of the finishes and materials I use in my work.

I get to know a new space by….

Spending time in it, seeing how it’s used or not used, looking at the light during different times of the day, understanding how it fits into the flow of the home.

My favorite city for design inspiration is…

Paris abroad, and Los Angeles state-side.

When I design I feel…

Energized and motivated!

LIFE

Every morning I…

Cherish the chatty time at breakfast with my kids before we walk, bike or drive to school. It starts our day off in a very connected way. I cannot forget my beloved Illy espresso then a good workout before I sit down or run around for clients and focus on our projects.

“I define success by having the balance you desire and optimism to try new things.”

I treat myself by…

Watching Netflix in bed, going on annual girls trips, traveling with my family.

My personal style is…

Boho chic. My design style is on the contemporary spectrum yet consists of curated styles and textures. I strive for creating comfortable, authentic and timeless spaces.

My tips for staying organized are…

List-making and quarterly purging.

I never leave home without…

My iPhone, sparkling water in hand and a sweater or jacket. San Francisco weather changes several times a day!

BUSINESS 

My role models are…

My parents. My dad was an entrepreneur and my mom showed such compassion and interest in every person she encountered. They showed me how to take risks and be selfless.

My business mantra is…

Be professional, fair and honest. Doing the right thing leads to success in the end.

For interior designers new to the business, I recommend…

Developing as much or more business acumen as creative vision.

I define success by…

Having the balance you desire and optimism to try new things.

The best advice I have received is…

Trust your intuition.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned working in the interior design business is…

You should obsess over the hundreds of details on a given day.

WHY IVY

Why did you decide to start using Ivy?

I needed to streamline my business and improve efficiency. Ivy saved me, and I’ve been able to greatly reduce admin time and therefore pass along savings to my clients, which is nice!

What’s your favorite feature on Ivy so far?

I love easily converting client proposals to vendor purchase orders without doubling the work. Plus it’s amazing to be able to have Ivy automatically track due dates, production timelines, and every aspect of tracking projects I would normally have done manually in my calendar.

In one word, what do you hope Ivy will bring to your work life?

EFFICIENCY

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