Photo Courtesy of Michelle Ford Design
I’m really excited to bring you this first interview for our new Artist and Designer Spotlight Series. I have known Michelle Ford of Michelle Ford Design for many years, admire her work, and have even had the pleasure to work with her on a project or two. She does both residential and commercial design and has created some of the most beautiful award-winning spaces. We are always curious to see how nature has inspired other designers and Michelle adds her insight on that topic too. In her words, “Every season inspires me”. Her work show that influence.
Whether you are a budding designer, client in search of a designer, or just looking for insight into the world of interior design I think you will enjoy this interview. I asked Michelle 10 questions and here is what she had to say.
SGS: How did your interest in design begin?
MF: I don’t think I can remember a time in my life that I wasn’t aware of or interested in my interior surroundings. When I was little, I would create “rooms” for my Barbie’s by creating spaces with books as walls, washcloths as carpet and handmade drawings for art. I enjoyed that more than playing with the dolls. Around age 12, I started changing my room around, flipping my comforter to the other side to enjoy that color, buying items for my room with allowance, etc. When I moved into my first apartment, the wheels really started turning and the interest and passion has grown since.
SGS: How would you describe your overall aesthetic?
MF: I’ll call it modern earthy eclectic. I love so many different styles that I find it challenging to hone in on one particular style in my own home. I love natural colored leathers, all colors from nature, wood and stone. Abstract art is my favorite but I also love textile artwork, organic shaped wood wall hangings, certain vintage art prints and watercolor art. I believe that you can love a lot of things but if you connect your spaces with similar colors, it gives your home a cohesive feel.
SGS: Where do you source inspiration?
MF: I get inspiration from so many places. I can be watching a movie or TV show and see something that sparks my creativity. Design magazines and books have stunning photography that always inspires me. When I travel, I find that most hotels I visit have some area of cool architecture or beautiful pieces of furniture. There is so much inspiration out there. Most of my projects are multi-family clubhouse and amenity space renovations. Because of that, I have a handful of multifamily design firms that I follow on instagram for inspiration as well. Being a creative person, I’m inspired most days by something.
SGS: What is your favorite space/room to decorate in a home?
MF: I love decorating living or family rooms. I love the start of each project from measuring and space planning down to all of the beautiful furniture items, window treatments, rugs, art and accessories. Textiles and art are always a first consideration in a living room – those are the items I select first and the design grows from there.
SGS: If you could redo any room in your home, what would it be?
MF: My kitchen! It’s an odd L shaped space. As it is now the cabinetry and storage make no sense. There are unused areas that could be functional. I would love a double oven for convenience and a built-in wine fridge. I have so many ideas, I’m really anxious to tackle this space!
SGS: If you had no limits (money, resources) what would you create?
MF: I would buy a small boutique hotel and renovate it from top to bottom. In an ideal world every hotel would be beautiful, comfortable, functional and create a special experience for the guests. It would be an amazing thing to have the opportunity to create what I would love to experience when I travel. There are so many subtle ways you can create comfort and a truly special and memorable experiences for guests.
SGS: Is there a particular designer’s work that has influenced you or you admire?
MF: I had to think on this one for a bit. The obvious choice would be a celebrity designer, but I don’t really have one in particular that I admire- there are so many excellent designers out there. As I was thinking, the obvious choice is a designer that I used to work for- Erin Lowery of Lowery Design Group. If she reads this I’m sure she’ll be cringing but it’s true! Her talent continues to influence and inspire me. She is one of the designers I go to for inspiration on a regular basis.
SGS: What design faux pas makes you cringe?
MF: This is probably not what you would expect but two things- 1) it bothers me when HVAC vents on walls and ceilings aren’t painted- paint those vents people! If you paint them the same color as the surface they are on, they aren’t noticeable. For example, if you have a white vent on a dark wall, it’s so distracting. 2) I love tile, stone and wood floors for the beauty and practicality, but I love the juxtaposition of a smooth flooring surface and a textural rug together- don’t miss the opportunity to layer your flooring with a beautiful rug. It’s an instant layer of coziness and warmth in a space.
SGS: Does your own home reflect your professional style?
MF: No. My personal style rarely translates well in my designed spaces. With most of my design work being in commercial spaces, I have to approach them differently than a residential space. However, if you were to visit my home, the two main things you would notice is my love of abstract art and the color blue-these two elements are reflected in my professional work as well as my own home.
SGS: What advice do you have for young designers or artists starting out?
MF: Creative endeavors are rarely easy. I have a framed print on my desk that reads “If you want it, work for it. It’s that simple.” Building a creative business takes so much patience and perseverance. And don’t accept failure as an option- that determination has kept me going during challenging times.
SGS Final Thoughts….
So I think that is a great place to conclude our interview. My sincere thanks to Michelle for her insight and allowing us to peek behind the curtain and learn a little bit about her process and inspiration that allows her to create such beautiful projects!
To contact Michelle or learn more about Michelle Ford Designs …..
Email: mford@michelleforddesign.com
www.michelleforddesign.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelleforddesign/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-ford-0ba237a/