Behind the Design: Arielle Citron
Designer Spotlight: Arielle Citron of Citron Home, San Francisco (and surrounding Bay Area), CA
How did you get where you are today?
I grew up in the Bay Area surrounded by design: my dad is a publisher and my mom was an artist. Growing up my parents built spec homes, and I was able to see the ins and outs of building a home. I received my BA in Sustainable Architecture and Design from UC Berkeley and completed courses in the Interior Architecture and Interior Design program at UC Berkeley’s San Francisco campus. I currently live and work in San Francisco and have projects throughout the Bay Area.
Arielle Citron – Interior Design, Photographed by Blu Skye Media
DESIGN
The moment I knew I wanted to be an interior designer was when…
From early in my life I knew that I wanted to work in interior design. I was the kid who was always doing art projects, re-decorating my room, and giving style tips to my friends. I have an artistic mind and coupled with my love for homes and design, it seemed an inevitable career decision.
The most memorable space I’ve ever been in is…
One of our family friends has a vacation home that overlooks Lake Kinneret in Israel. The home was built as an architectural piece of art and to allow for breathtaking views of the sea. The style of the home is modern (yet with soft design) with large windows and beautiful wood features. It is sort of an Israeli-Frank Lloyd Wright take on a vacation home.
I get to know a new space by….
I’ve found that the best way to get to know a new space is by getting a thorough tour from the homeowner and by asking a lot of questions about how they live, work, and play in the home. Then I like to sit in the spaces and allow my mind to go into design mode while taking visual snapshots.
My favorite city for design inspiration is…
London, where the old-world, timeless charm blends with the modern, sophisticated aspects allowing for a true feel of creativity and interest.
When I design I feel…
Giddy. I smile on the inside and outside when I am able to be creative and put different pieces together to create a beautiful and coherent space.
Arielle Citron – Interior Design, Photographed by Blu Skye Media
LIFE
Every morning I…
Make my bed! There is nothing I hate more than walking into a messy space after a long day of work.
I treat myself with…
A nice long run to the Golden Gate Bridge. Its beauty always shocks me, no matter how many times I see it.
My personal style is…
Very similar to how I design homes. I generally gravitate toward clean lines and soft neutral colors (and a LOT of black). I love adding pops with an interesting bracelet or funky shoes.
My tips for staying organized are…
Always carrying a notepad and blocking off time to clean and organize. There will be less chaos in your brain if you write everything down and are in a clean and organized space. Get it done now is my mantra.
I never leave home without…
An un-lined notebook and pen. I am constantly note taking, sketching furniture and space plans out for clients.
Starting my own business was terrifying, but the best leap I ever took.
Arielle Citron – Interior Design, Photographed by Blu Skye Media
BUSINESS
My role model is…
I know it sounds cliché, but my mother. She raised four children, was a wonderful artist for many years, battle health issues, and is now on top of her game as a successful business woman. She’s done it all and is still going strong!
My business mantra is…
“Keep a balance.” Whether that be in cost, style, color schemes or life and work, keeping a balance always brings me back to why I love doing what I get to do.
For interior designers new to the business, I recommend…
Just do it. There are always so many reasons we can make not to do something we are afraid of. Starting my own business was terrifying, but the best leap I ever took.
I define success by…
A feeling of accomplishment and making families say, “Wow!” when they see their new rooms.
The best advice I have received is…
Give it everything you got. There are so many ups and downs when it comes to having your own design firm. Pushing through the rough patches are how you know it’s what you are meant to be doing.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned working in the interior design business is…
Take time to design. So many people expect quick feedback on where to put that lamp or how to set up their living room. Design is something that takes thought and creativeness, not something that can be easily answered.
Who is your new favorite supplier? Why?
I don’t have a new favorite supplier, but I always love seeing what new textiles companies are bringing to the market. There is so much inspiration that can come from a piece of fabric.
Arielle Citron – Interior Design, Photographed by Blu Skye Media
WHY IVY
Why did you decide to start using Ivy?
I decided to start using Ivy because it is a program that is specifically designed for interior designers. It is an organizational tool for me, and allows my clients to have a better understanding of what they are purchasing and where their money is being allocated. Bottom line, it allows me to be more efficient and it gives me the tools to send my clients polished and professional information.
In one word, what do you hope Ivy will bring to your work life?
Balance