As the saying goes, a house is not a home. This statement resonates deeply, especially in the realm of luxury interior design. As an experienced interior designer in San Francisco, my goal is to transform spaces into homes that reflect the unique personalities and desires of my clients. Here, I’ll share my approach to creating high-end home interiors that go beyond mere aesthetics to become true reflections of those who live in them.

The Difference Between a House and a Home

Visiting a show house can often feel impersonal. It’s beautifully decorated, yet it lacks the warmth and character of a real home. My responsibility as an interior designer is to bridge this gap. When a client seeks a complete makeover, I spend time getting to know them, understanding their motivations and desires. This helps me craft a space that is not just visually stunning but also deeply personal and functional.

Creating a Sanctuary: There’s No Place Like Home

Home is where we live, eat, sleep, laugh, cry, work, and dream. It’s a sanctuary where we can be ourselves and let our guard down. It’s where we rest and replenish, preparing ourselves to face the outside world. A well-designed home supports these activities and enhances our well-being.

Reflecting Your Identity

Your home should be a reflection of your identity. While some people move into fully furnished properties to avoid the hassle of decorating, they miss the opportunity to create a space that truly meets their needs and expresses their personality. As Winston Churchill famously said, “We shape our homes, and then they shape us.”

A home evolves with its inhabitants, growing and adapting to meet their changing needs. It becomes an outward expression of their inner lives, a place where they can grow spiritually and achieve their potential. Your home mirrors your subconscious desires, hopes, dreams, and fears. It reveals your beliefs and decisions about yourself and the world.

The Power of Personalization

Our experiences shape the context, framework, and structure of our lives. These experiences are reflected in the symbols we surround ourselves with—our photographs, possessions, and the colors and styles we choose. These elements bridge the physical and spiritual realms, reinforcing our identity and helping us integrate and unify these aspects of our lives.

The Transformative Power of Design

If our homes are a manifestation of our lives, then changing our homes can change our lives. By thoughtfully designing your space, you can create an environment that supports your goals and aspirations. As Carl Jung said, “Everything in the unconscious seeks an outward manifestation.” Your home can be a powerful tool in shaping your life.

Why Choose a Professional Interior Designer?

Working with a professional interior designer ensures your home reflects your unique style while maintaining a cohesive and luxurious feel. As an expert in luxury interior design and high-end home interiors, I bring a wealth of experience and creativity to every project. Whether you’re looking to transform a single room or your entire home, I can help you achieve a sophisticated and inviting environment.

Would you like professional help in creating your dream home? As one of the “20 Best Interior Designers in Britain” recognized by The Daily Telegraph, I design for clients in London, San Francisco, and New York. My team and I offer a complete service to bring your vision to life. Contact me at liza@lizaevans.com to start the conversation. I look forward to hearing from you.

With rising house prices and substantial deposits needed to purchase a home, long-term renting has become the norm. While renting offers the freedom to live where you want and the opportunity to explore new areas or even test a relationship before making a bigger commitment, it’s crucial to create a space that feels like your own. Living in a place that doesn’t reflect your personality can be demotivating and make even a temporary situation feel like a lifetime. As an expert in luxury interior design, I want to share some tips to help you transform your rental property into a welcoming and stylish home.

1. Invest in Quality Furniture

Buy the best furniture you can afford. High-quality pieces stand the test of time and can move with you to your next home. Opt for classic, regular-sized sofas in neutral colors that can be easily reinvented with new fabrics, pillows, and throws.

2. Embrace an Eclectic Style

Instead of matching everything, mix different styles and shapes. This eclectic approach allows you to experiment and develop your unique style. As Sir Winston Churchill said, “We shape our homes, and then they shape us.”

3. Maximize Storage Solutions

No matter the size of your home, additional storage is always beneficial. Use storage cubes with lift-off lids, utilize the space under the sofa with pretty boxes, and incorporate vintage suitcases for an interesting look that also provides extra storage.

4. Invest in Drapes

If you struggle with sleeping in a bright room, invest in some quality drapes. Stores like Pottery Barn, West Elm, John Lewis, and Next offer beautiful ready-made options. For a higher budget, consider custom window treatments with a blackout lining to ensure a dark, restful room.

5. Start a Collection

Showcase your personality by starting a collection of items that interest you. Arrange these items in bowls or clear vases to add character to your space.

6. Create a Trinket Tray

A trinket tray can make a strong decorative statement and serve as an interesting focal point. Ensure it’s only for beautiful items, not receipts or loose change.

7. Opt for a Day Bed

If you have guests staying over, consider a stylish day bed instead of a sofa bed. Modern and vintage options are available that won’t compromise your decor.

8. Add Real Plants and Flowers

Plants and flowers add a homely feel to any space. If you travel frequently or tend to forget to water them, choose low-maintenance varieties. If you must use artificial plants, opt for high-quality silk and keep them dust-free.

9. Create a Gallery Wall

Mounting your TV on the wall saves floor space. Surround it with artwork to create an interesting gallery wall and give your room an additional focal point when the TV is off.

10. Personalize Your Space

Don’t shy away from making small, approved changes that reflect your style. Even minor adjustments can significantly impact how comfortable and happy you feel in your rental property.

Transforming Your Rental with Professional Help

Would you like professional help transforming your rental property into a luxurious and personalized home? As a renowned interior designer in San Francisco, I have been recognized as one of the “20 Best Interior Designers in Britain” by The Daily Telegraph. My team and I are dedicated to helping clients in London, San Francisco, and New York create high-end home interiors that reflect their personalities and meet their needs. Contact me at liza@lizaevans.com to start the conversation. I look forward to hearing from you.

Color plays a crucial role in creating stunning, high-end home interiors. As an experienced interior designer in San Francisco, I always start by discussing color preferences with my clients during the design brief. This initial conversation helps shape the design concept and ensures the final result aligns with the client’s vision. Here, I’ll share insights on how I approach color selection to transform spaces and create that coveted wow factor.

The Intuitive Approach to Color Selection

While tools like the color wheel and swatches are valuable, I rely heavily on intuition and experience. Over the years, I’ve gained confidence in breaking conventional color rules when the project calls for it. My goal is always to produce a visually striking yet harmonious design that resonates with the client’s desires and the space’s purpose.

Understanding the Impact of Colors

Colors significantly influence moods and emotions, making them a powerful tool in interior design. Here’s a quick overview of common color associations:

• Bold Reds: Passionate and daring
• Yellows: Energetic and uplifting
• Greens: Soothing and refreshing
• Blues: Calming and reflective

Colors can also be categorized by their perceived warmth or coolness. Warm colors (reds, yellows, oranges) evoke the warmth of the sun, while cool colors (blues, greens) remind us of the calming sea.

Creating Harmony Through Color Combinations

Achieving a harmonious color palette involves understanding relationships between colors. The color wheel is a helpful guide:

• Analogous Colors: These are neighbors on the color wheel, such as yellow, yellow-green, and green, creating a harmonious and relaxing effect.
• Complementary Colors: Opposites on the wheel, like orange and blue, offer a vibrant and energetic contrast.
• Triadic Colors: Three hues evenly spaced on the wheel, such as yellow-orange, red-violet, and blue-green, bring a dynamic and adventurous feel to the space.

Personalized and Holistic Design

Every project is unique, and my approach combines an intuitive understanding of color with a deep focus on the client’s needs and aspirations. By considering the function of the space, the people who use it, and the desired emotional impact, I create designs that not only look beautiful but also enhance well-being and productivity.

Why Choose a Professional Interior Designer?

Working with a professional interior designer ensures your space reflects your personal style while maintaining a cohesive and luxurious feel. As an expert in luxury interior design and high-end home interiors, I bring a wealth of experience and creativity to every project. Whether you’re looking to transform a single room or your entire home, I can help you achieve a sophisticated and inviting environment.

Would you like professional help in creating your dream home? As one of the “20 Best Interior Designers in Britain” recognized by The Daily Telegraph, I design for clients in London, San Francisco, and New York. My team and I offer a complete service to bring your vision to life. Contact me at liza@lizaevans.com to start the conversation. I look forward to hearing from you.

As a startup, your office space plays a crucial role in defining your corporate identity and fostering a productive work environment. Whether you’re transitioning from a casual setup to a more professional space or looking to optimize your existing office, it’s essential to design a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment that reflects your brand and supports your team’s needs. Here are some expert tips to help you achieve a well-designed office space.

Designing Multi-Functional Zones in a Communal Space: 5 Key Considerations

Flexible Design Approach

When designing a space that hosts multiple activities, flexibility is key. Be prepared to make adjustments throughout the design phases to ensure you create something truly special. A flexible approach allows you to adapt to the evolving needs of your startup.

Test Different Zoning Layouts

Experiment with different zoning layouts and compile a list of strengths and weaknesses for each option. This process helps you identify the most workable solution for your space. Consider how each function fits into different parts of the space rather than just focusing on furniture placement.

Use Scaled Templates

Once you have identified your preferred zoning layout, use scaled templates to fit the furniture into the space. Create templates of the main pieces of furniture using rolls of thick lining paper joined together with tape. This practical step ensures that you can visualize how the furniture will fit and function in the space.

Professional Drawings

Transfer the information gathered from your zoning and furniture layout into scaled 2D and 3D drawings. These drawings provide a more accurate representation of what the space will look and feel like, helping you make informed design decisions.

Define Your Space

Throughout the design process, continually question your decisions and be willing to make changes. It’s much easier to fix problems with further space planning and visualizations before construction begins and furniture deposits are paid.

Creating a More Grown-Up Corporate Interior: 3 Steps to Elevate Your Startup’s Office

Step 1: Assess Your Current Space

Evaluate your current office setup by asking yourself:

• Who is your target audience?
• What would they expect your corporate offices to look like?
• If you were entering your space for the first time, what would you expect to see?
• How does your space measure up to these expectations?

This assessment helps you understand whether your current design aligns with your brand and target audience.

Step 2: Choose Unique Furniture

Avoid iconic furniture pieces that are likely to be found in other offices. Instead, opt for vintage or bespoke items that can be customized to complement your space, brand, and image. This approach ensures your office has a unique and personalized look.

Step 3: Hire a Professional Designer

A professional designer can provide an honest analysis of your space and develop design proposals based on your brief and budget. It’s easy to overlook details when you’re immersed in your environment every day. A professional can offer fresh perspectives and integrate design into your overall marketing strategy.

Additional Tips for a Professional Corporate Interior

Furniture Choices: Your initial furniture choices might have been inherited, purchased for the right price rather than the right piece, or selected for their iconic status to give your startup credibility. However, as your company evolves, it’s crucial to review and update these choices to align with your current brand and goals.

Color Scheme: You may have chosen bright, funky colors to appear young and hip, or matched your decor to your logo’s colors. Now that your startup has matured, consider whether these colors still represent your brand effectively. A professional designer can help you select a color scheme that reflects your company’s growth and sophistication.

Continuous Updates: If your startup is at the cutting edge of design and technology, your corporate interiors should reflect this. Plan for regular updates to stay current and avoid looking dated. A full makeover every 2-3 years, with mini-makeovers in between, ensures your office remains modern and relevant.

Modern Office Design for Startups

Designing a startup office involves more than just functional interior design; it requires creating a space that inspires creativity and innovation. A modern office design incorporates open spaces, collaborative areas, and private workstations to cater to various work styles and tasks. By integrating these elements, you create an environment that supports productivity and reflects your company’s dynamic culture.

Startup Office Decor Ideas

Your office decor should align with your brand identity and appeal to both employees and clients. Consider incorporating elements like branded colors, unique artwork, and comfortable furnishings to create a welcoming and professional atmosphere. Personalized decor not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also reinforces your brand’s values and mission.

Workspace Optimization for Maximum Efficiency

Optimizing your workspace involves thoughtful planning and strategic use of available space. Consider ergonomic furniture, efficient storage solutions, and flexible layouts to maximize functionality. Workspace optimization helps create an environment where employees can perform at their best, fostering a culture of efficiency and productivity.

Would you like professional help updating your startup’s corporate interiors? As one of the “20 Best Interior Designers in Britain” recognized by The Daily Telegraph, I design for clients in London, San Francisco, and New York. My team and I offer a complete service to bring your vision to life. Contact me at liza@lizaevans.com to start the conversation. I look forward to hearing from you

In the last thirty years, technological advances in communication have driven tremendous developments. Remote villages in Africa and South America are now connected to the developed world through the internet. Closer to home, WiFi and connectivity have become ubiquitous, allowing us to be constantly connected to others globally via various platforms and websites. This constant connectivity is both a gift and a curse. According to a recent research bulletin from the Office for National Statistics, 82% of adults in Great Britain use the internet daily.

While connectivity offers many benefits, it also brings challenges. With constant access to WiFi, when and where do you unwind? Traditionally, employees could escape work by returning home, but now work can be accessed anywhere via laptops or mobile devices. Creating a technology-free zone in your home can help mitigate these challenges. Here are four compelling reasons why you should consider it.

Healthier Relationships

A technology-free bedroom fosters healthier relationships. Couples who remove laptops, tablets, and mobiles from the bedroom tend to communicate better and have higher levels of intimacy than those who don’t. This tech-free living space encourages meaningful conversations and deeper connections, essential for maintaining strong relationships.

Better Sleep

Reading a few pages of a good book is far more effective for winding down after a long day than more screen time. The visual stimulation from checking emails or social media before bed has been proven to shorten average sleep duration. Creating a tech-free zone in your bedroom can improve your sleep quality and overall well-being.

Carpe Diem

Many successful people attribute their success to having a morning routine that allows time for reflection, meditation, or planning the day. Tony Robbins recommends creating the right habits for success and happiness. By designating a room in your home as a tech-free zone, you create a space to focus on your goals without distractions from connected devices. This functional interior design approach can significantly enhance your productivity and mindfulness.

Rooms Retain Original Use

Creating a tech-free zone helps rooms retain their original functionality. Bedrooms become places to sleep, and work can be confined to the study or home office. This separation helps establish a more natural equilibrium between work and life, promoting a healthier lifestyle and improving room functionality.

How to Create a Tech-Free Zone in Your Home

To create a tech-free zone, designate a specific room, such as your bedroom or a library. Emphasize non-tech activities like reading, meditation, or yoga. Enforce the device-free nature of the room, and you’ll soon find that this tech-free space becomes one of the most popular areas in your home.

Would you like professional help to create a technology-free zone in your home or workplace? As one of the “20 Best Interior Designers in Britain” recognized by The Daily Telegraph, I design for clients in London, San Francisco, and New York. My team and I offer a complete service to help you achieve a serene, tech-free living space. Contact me at liza@lizaevans.com to start the conversation. I look forward to hearing from you.

A ‘Living Wall,’ also known as a ‘Green Wall’ or a ‘Vertical Garden,’ is a wall partially or completely covered with greenery. Unlike green facades, which have plants growing from the ground, living walls include a growing medium such as soil directly on the face of the wall. Many living walls also have integrated water delivery systems, ensuring that the plants receive adequate hydration.

History and Popularity of Living Walls

Stanley Hart White, a professor of Landscape Architecture at the University of Illinois, invented living walls. In 1938, he patented his Vegetation-Bearing Architectonic Structure and System. Today, living walls remain popular as a sustainable way to incorporate nature into urban areas. They can be found worldwide, with notable examples such as the largest living wall in London at the Rubens at the Palace Hotel in Victoria.

Living walls can be installed in both commercial and residential settings, attached to the interior or exterior of buildings or as free-standing structures. Popular plants for living walls include Heuchera, Thyme, Sedum, Carex, and Ajuga.

Types of Living Walls

Broadly speaking, there are three types of living walls:

Direct Greening

This conventional method involves planting self-attaching wall shrubs and climbers. It is the most inexpensive option but requires time for the plants to establish themselves.

Indirect Greening

This approach uses a trellis or wire for the climbers to attach to, creating an air gap between the building and the plant. This method provides additional ventilation and protection for the building.

Living Wall Systems

These systems use planter boxes or felt with soil for the plants to grow into and require their own irrigation system. Living wall systems offer immediate aesthetic impact and are often used in high-end corporate interiors and luxury interior design projects.

Benefits of Living Walls

Living walls offer numerous benefits, making them a valuable addition to any building:

Aesthetic Enhancement

Living walls significantly improve the aesthetics of buildings, creating a more attractive environment for both work and living spaces. They can enhance the well-being of employees and residents by providing a connection to nature.

Temperature Regulation

Vegetation acts as an insulating jacket, keeping buildings warmer in winter and cooler in summer. This can lead to significant savings on heating and air conditioning bills.

Improved Air Quality and Noise Reduction

Living walls contribute to better urban air quality and help reduce noise pollution, creating a more pleasant and healthier environment.

Increased Biodiversity

Living walls provide habitats for insects and other small wildlife, increasing biodiversity in urban areas.

Alleviation of Sick Building Syndrome

When installed indoors, living walls can help alleviate problems related to Sick Building Syndrome and improve the morale of staff by enhancing the indoor environment.

Professional Help for Your Living Wall Project

Would you like professional help to create a living wall for your home or workplace? As one of the “20 Best Interior Designers in Britain” recognized by The Daily Telegraph, I design for clients in London, San Francisco, and New York. My team and I offer a complete service to bring your vision to life. Contact me at liza@lizaevans.com to start the conversation. I look forward to hearing from you.