“For me, nature reflects the most beautiful lines, and the fusion of interior and outdoor elements establishes a calming and inviting atmosphere. I almost always try to incorporate natural elements into my designs.
This month’s designer spotlight features Hong Ahn Sievert of Blossom Spaces. Hong is an amazing designer that I have had the pleasure to know and watch as her business has grown and come into full bloom. I do know that her customers definitely love her work and how it has helped them transform their own spaces and reach their full potential too so I think her business is quite appropriately named!
I am so pleased that Hong has shared some of her cultural insight and history too. We are all unique and I think the readers love hearing our story. So we will start at the beginning. Enjoy the interview!
SGS: How did your interest in design begin?
HS: I was born and grew up in Hanoi, Vietnam. While working as an Administrator for a American company, I fell in love with an American coworker and engineer. This year, we celebrate our 26th wedding anniversary.
While in Vietnam, I often spent my freetime and weekends decorating for family and friends. By tradition, after Vietnamese wedding receptions, family and friends pay a visit to the new couple’s home. At that time, the practice was to lavishly decorate the newlyweds’ bedroom with floral arrangements and balloons before the guests arrived. My friends regularly asked me to create these designs, and I found so much joy in making their dreams come true.
In December of 1997, we moved to Kansas and started a family. With the language barrier, it was challenging for me to find a comparable job in Administration. My supportive husband suggested I go back to school in order to pursue a career I would love. So, I went to Johnson County Community College to get an Interior Design degree. JCCC’s respected program allowed me to further develop and explore these gifts. In 2016, I started my own design firm, Blossom Spaces.
SGS: How would you describe your overall aesthetic?
HS:
My overall aesthetic can be best described as clean, sleek, and modern … with an eclectic twist. Soulless palettes can be transformed with a pop of color or well chosen accent pieces of antique furniture or art.
However, I don’t decorate to my own taste or style. Each design should speak for itself and reflect the client who occupies that space. I love to play with color and contrast to create a unique and striking focal point in every room. Antiques are a significant part of my style, as they add dimensional character and depth. Pieces that tell a story invoke history and nostalgia within modern design. They also spark great conversations!
I also like to bring the outdoors inside by incorporating natural elements such as plants or fresh flowers to add a breath of fresh air to any room. Overall, I aspire to have a harmonious blend of old and new. Blossom Spaces is known for timeless and elegant creations that my clients are proud to call home.
SGS: Where do you source inspiration?
HS: I love traveling with my family and friends. In the last couple of years, I’ve traveled twice to Europe and spent three weeks in Vietnam. At home, my family travels often throughout the United States. We look for artistic inspiration in majestic national parks, architecture, homes, museums and even the neighborhood nature trail. We always look for an antique shop in every city we visit. My two sons are always curious about each historical item, and my husband explains how the items would have been used during those days. There is a warmth that comes from bringing the past into the present through design. I also love to browse boutique stores, coffee shops, and hotel designs anywhere I am visiting.
During my recent trip to Vietnam, my son noticed how young people there spend a lot of time hanging out with friends in coffee shops. It is such a cultural phenomenon that coffee shop design has become a very competitive feature of that market. It was a treat to study each owner’s approach to the challenge.
SGS: What is your favorite space/room to decorate in a home?
HS: Around 90% of my design work is focused on the kitchen and bathroom. My love for these spaces has only grown as I’ve specialized in them for over 18 years.
That experience has been extremely beneficial when I’m presented with difficult layout challenges. Clients and contractors often call me asking for help in resolving situations after clients have exhausted their options and can’t arrive at a functional and beautiful solution.
One of my favorite part is an initial design consultation, I provide the client with two or three options, and explain in detail the pros and cons of each choice. Almost every time, we are able to arrive at a solution that the client can appreciate and enjoy. Seeing the final product, and my client’s reaction is the most satisfying part of my job. It is so rewarding to feel like you had a part in improving someone’s life and home.
SGS: What is a design trend you cannot stop using?
HS: I love clean lines in design. For me, nature reflects the most beautiful lines, and the fusion of interior and outdoor elements establishes a calming and inviting atmosphere. I almost always try to incorporate natural elements into my designs. Materials such as wood, stone, or green plants, bring a touch of nature and add visual interest. It also helps to connect the space to the surrounding environment. I believe this trend will continue to be popular as people look for ways to bring tranquility and balance into their homes and workspaces.
A minimalist and clean look that is not too busy is another design trend that is always in style. Utilizing a limited color palette, simple lines, and minimal accessories is visually appealing and functional without being overwhelming. This trend is particularly popular in modern and contemporary design, where the focus is on simplicity. The fresh and clean look can be achieved through a variety of design elements, such as mixed wood stains, stone, natural light, and uncluttered surfaces.
SGS: Do you collect anything?
HS: Yes, I collect a few things. I love fashion, and I think belts are the most important accessory. A belt can add a pop of color and define a silhouette that gives every body better definition. It is very similar to the way you can create a focal point with color in interior design. You can experiment with different belt dimensions and textures to totally transform a look.
I also collect piggy figurines. I love the look of them; their little faces are so relaxed and cute. Their expressions always make me smile.
SGS: What question do you get asked most often when meeting with a potential client?
HS: Most clients are very concerned with managing the design budget and getting good value for their money. I work hard to be upfront about the costs and help them reach achievable design and budget goals.
SGS: What should they be asking?
HS: I love when clients provide a detailed list of what they need in a space, and how they live and work in that area. I think clients should always be mindful that their design will possibly not only impact them, but also any future owners. Asking about trends that affect resale market value can be a wise investment.
SGS: What advice do you have for the young designer artist just starting out?
I would suggest new designers work for an established firm for the first few years, before they go solo. It is a lot to not only learn your trade, but run a business. As you initially work with a team, you will learn from other’s success and failures and you will gain experience that will help you to eventually establish your own client base. Take advantage of the many professional organizations and networking resources such as NKBA and ASID.
Work hard, be patient, and you will get there.
SGS: If you had no limits (money, resources) what would you create?
HS: I would love to build a Kitchen and Bath Showroom and Design Center. This center would be a place for design students to learn through hands-on experience under the mentorship of seasoned designers. This program could include students starting from high school, and onward. I dream about a product knowledge center which provide top tier instruction to aspiring designers and high quality product lines to inspire. Personally, I would also find the time, if I had unlimited resources, to enjoy the sun, air, and water at a beach…
Currently, I am working on completing Blossom Space’s new showroom. I hope one day to bring students to work at my design center and mentor young designers just entering into the field.
That concludes our interview. Thank you , Hong, for sharing your personal journey in design and insight! I hope all of you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed interviewing and learning more about Hong and her business.
See contact information below to find out more about Blossom Spaces or to reach out to Hong for a design consultation.
Contact Info:
- Email: Info@blossomspaces.com
- Website: www.blossomspaces.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/blossomspaces/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/blossomspaces/
Also, if you enjoyed this post and would like to stay in touch, learn more about infusing elements of nature into your space, or keep a pulse on what is happening in the world of Biophilic Design, please join the Sage Garden Style mailing list below!