TASTEMAKER TUESDAY: INTERVIEW WITH VANESSA DE VARGAS

Los Angeles-based furniture and interior designer, Vanessa De Vargas has received as much national press as any A-list celeb. She's not known for wild nightclub antics, but for her knack for polishing diamonds in the rough.  In addition to making the world a more beautiful place, she also unselfishly gives of her time with community efforts such as The Upward Bound House as well as the operator of the Designer Networking Group. Vanessa gives us an exclusive interview that truly defines her as a woman on a mission.

Please tell us about your firm Turquoise. Who, What, When, Where, Why…
Turquoise is a full service interior design firm located in Venice Beach, CA. I design full homes and also do consultations for clients that need less time to work on their projects. I feel like everyone should be able to afford design. I work all over the surrounding LA area and also offer virtual design called E-Decorating to help design spaces for clients that don’t live in LA. I call it E-Decorating because nothing is mailed its all emailed and its also Eco friendly! I also run and organize DNG (Designer Networking Group).

Please tell us about the success you’ve had with DNG events. Do you feel it encourages unity among the artist community? How?
DNG hosts a series of meet-ups for designers and the like to network and to hang out in a more social environment. We meet once a month at a different location could be a new showroom or art gallery. Its been very successful that people have gotten jobs, have met new vendors and made friends. Feels great giving back to the design community.

I read in an interview that you selected the name Turquoise because of your family’s vacations to New Mexico. Do you ever draw inspiration from those memories?
Its where my father is from and most of my family lives in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. I also love the color and have worn Turquoise jewelry for years. When I thought about what to name my company I knew it was not going to be my name but it had to be something the represented who I am. Turquoise fit perfectly.

Sherman Oaks Residence / photographer - Lloyd Rosen Photography

 

Were you always an interior designer? Before starting your own firm, what was the most valuable piece of advice you learned while working for others?
I was a talent agent and also worked on staff for some of the biggest commercial and music video production companies in LA, before I went into interior design.  When I did go work for other designers  I realized what NOT to do. This town is small and some working relationships can get personal with vendors and/or clients. You have to pick your battles and be clear about your emotions when it comes to being an artist. The line can get blurred so its best to ask questions and clear the air. Don’t assume and jump to conclusions.

Upward Bound House / photographer - Laure Joilet

With so many other talented interior designers in L.A., How do you distinguish yourself from the rest?
I’m not a one trick pony. I listen to my clients to guide me. All my projects are different then the next. I may use wallpaper or Lucite or pops of color but you don’t see the same “look” over and over again.

Upward Bound House / photographer - Laure Joilet

You do a wonderful job of promoting and branding yourself.  What are some of the best ways designers can create buzz for their business?
Make long lasting relationships with bloggers, store owners and editors. If you have a blog make it your own. I don’t mind looking at pretty pictures of other peoples work, but its also exciting to see what each individual is working on. A sneak peek into other peoples careers makes you different than the other blogs out there. Create a blog that’s about you, people notice.

Beverly Hills Playroom / photographer - Lloyd Rosen Photography

What are some of your favorite finishing touches when designing a room?
Artwork  and black and white photography, fun colored drapes, found objects and mix and matching pillows.


What is your ideal work environment?
ORGANIZED number one, tearsheets, fabric samples and my laptop.

When not designing I am…
Going to concerts and spending time with friends and family, listening to new music. Spending as much time as I can by going to the beach.

Heroes...
My Mom.

Highest Compliment…
My friend said “If I owned a Fortune 500 company I would want you to run it. (I was floored, such a huge compliment!) 

Lucky Break…
Oh that’s a hard one I have had so many lucky wonderful opportunities but I do feel like all my experiences in life have been lucky!

Eureka Moment…
Having my placed published for the first time in Sunset Magazine.

Looking forward to…
Learning, being creative and designing exciting spaces while thinking MORE outside the box.

Best Advice…
Go with your gut, don’t second guess. If you don’t know something always say let me get back to you on that one - don’t let anyone know that YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOUR DOING!

Encino Residence / photographer - Lloyd Rosen Photography

 

...AND NOW A FREE GIFT

Vanessa was recently selected to be featured in the first edition of Crave Los Angeles, The Urban Girl's Manifesto. This comprehensive, creative lifestyle guide lists over 125 industry professionals who either design, make or sell their amazing products.  Most are shop owners or provide a one-of-a-kind service in Los Angeles.

One lucky reader will have a chance to win a copy signed by Vanessa!

Just simply leave a comment below. 

The giveaway ends Thursday, August 26th at 11:59PM PST. 

Open to U.S. residents only. 

Winner will be announced Friday morning at 8:00AM EST.

PLAN MY WORK...WORK MY PLAN.

I'm in planning mode today. With all of today's advancements in technology I've gotten away from putting the pen to some good ole' fashion paper. Pretty antiquated, huh. Seeing my words on paper has always helped me to be better organize my thoughts, hopes, and dreams.

I'm also checking items off my to-do list. For example, designing calling cards for BluLabel Bungalow is long overdue. Here are two designs.  Which do you like best?
This one

or this one

Because I also sell furniture, I am considering buying an ad in my community's newspaper to advertise. There are a million ideas swirling in my head and my BlackBerry just can't hold them all!  What method do you use to organize your thoughts? What are you working on right now regarding your business or a special interest?

Tastemaker Tuesday: Palmer Weiss

Widely known as one of Domino Magazine's top 10 for 2008, but better known for her sprightly interiors, Palmer Weiss has great design running through her veins. I'm convinced she was groomed for this position from birth considering the fact her mother is an accomplished interior designer and her father in real estate development.  I should also mention she holds an ivy league education from Brown University and MBA from Northwestern University. She's not only an artist, but an equally capable businesswoman whom I admire.

How has your Southern upbringing influenced you as a designer?
I talk a lot about the role my Southern roots has played in my design.  I am sure many people feel that their childhood environment influenced their design regardless of the geography.  To me, Southerners (especially Charlestonians) are very tied to history and the legacy of their ancestors and along with that, cherish or at least live with, many heirlooms from the past.  There is a comfort with antiques and art that I don’t feel is quite as ubiquitous elsewhere or at least on the West Coast.

And if you have ever read a Pat Conroy book or seen a movie like Steel Magnolias, you also know that the South is full of unapologetic characters.  I love how Southerners embrace their eccentricities and even celebrate them.  I feel like this is reflected in the décor of homes.  As a small example, my aunt has a beautiful classically designed house with the wildest looking Southern folk pottery scattered throughout.  The faces on these things look like the boogey man incarnate and I love that they are right alongside English Staffordshire and Chinese export pieces.

Define your signature style.
This is always a tough question for me – boiling down all of the styles, objects, furniture periods, etc into one succinct sound byte.  On any given day, I feel like I could answer the question totally differently.  I guess if I had to sum it up I would say that I have a classic style with a modern, colorful pop.  To elaborate, I love classic scale and proportions, furniture arrangements, and clean lines.  To this, I like to infuse modern pieces – (I am on a big mid-century kick right now) and a great deal of vibrant color and fun bursts of patterned fabric.

With Spring’s pending arrival, what are you doing to “lighten” the décor in your own home?
Life in San Francisco is fairly Season-less and if anything, summer can be the gloomiest and coldest time, so I am not really lightening anything up for the Spring!  However, I am always tweaking things at my house and trying to find ways to contain the chaos and clutter of life with children.  I recently moved my office out of my house and have re-purposed the space as my girls’ playroom and am enjoying reclaiming our kitchen den as a family seating area rather than toy depository!

When not designing I am…
Taking care of or playing with my two little girls.

Heroes...
Anyone who does hard work for little or even no pay to improve the lives of others – teachers, firemen, social workers and nearest to my heart, the volunteers at Discovery Blind Sports who give up their weekends to teach those with vision impairments how to ski or make sure they can enjoy themselves with a guide on the slopes. 

Highest Compliment…
My mom asking me for decorating advice.

Lucky Break…
Getting in the Domino Top 10

Eureka Moment…
The day I decided that I was not cut out for corporate America and that I should follow my dream of owning my own (creative) business.

Looking forward to…
Our family trip to Mexico in April – bring on the margaritas!!

Best Advice…
Do what you love and the _____ (fill in the blank…money, happiness, success, whatever it is you seek) will follow.

Thanks so much Palmer for your time, talents, and free decorating advice! We continue to follow (and adore) your work and always wish you nothing but the very best!

{images courtesy of Palmer Weiss Interior Design}

Fashion Friday: Emily Sistrunk

About two years ago, I reconnected with Emily Sistrunk at our neighborhood playground. I hadn't seen her since we graduated college and we quickly updated each other on the past and present. While in school, I remember her working at the local department store as a makeup artist. She sat me down in her chair and in no time had me "catwalk ready" when in actuality I was only headed to a Corporate Finance class. I remember commenting about it being a bit "over the top" for everyday wear. She simply replied, "Sure, for most people but not you Erika." I laugh at that to this very day!

Today, Emily is an Atlanta based stylist, specializing in fashion catalog and print advertising. Currently represented by CREWS, Inc., she boasts an impressive client portfolio which include Macy's, Mens Wearhouse, LOFT, Carters/ OshKosh, Jones New York, Adidas/ Taylormade, American Airlines, Coca Cola, Miller Lite, Island/ Def Jam Records, EMI Records, and Turner Broadcasting.


 

photography, Leigh Germy  

Ideal work environment...
A tropical location? Actually, one of the best things about my line of work is that everyday is different. Whether we are shooting on a beach or in a studio-every client is different,  every shot is unique, fashion is constantly changing and so my focus is constantly changing. So I guess my ideal work environment is one that is always evolving creatively, working with people who are equally passionate about what we are trying to create.

When not styling.....
I am usually spending time with Donovan and Paul, I am at home reading a book, or cooking and enjoying my down time. Styling is a pretty high stress job, so when I get the chance to relax, I really relish it. One thing I am NOT doing...shopping!

photography, Alberto Oviedo

Heroes...
As far as other stylists who have influenced me, I like Brana Wolf, Camilla Nickerson, and of course Grace Coddington is genius. I'm also constantly looking at photographers work, the color and composition...Tim Walker is a favorite of mine. Personally though, my parents are my heroes. They have been completely supportive of me, and never doubted that I was making the right decision for myself by going into this business.

photography, Alberto Oviedo    

Highest Compliment...
Of course it is wonderful to have someone tell you that they like your work and think you are talented, but since I work in an artistic medium I am never truly satisfied with my work. So the highest compliment to me is when someone compliments my work ethic.  There is no real "how to" guide on becoming a stylist. It's taken a lot of hard work and dedication, so I am always happy when someone notices.

photography, Alberto Oviedo

 

Lucky Break...
Signing with my agency, CREWS, was a lucky break. They have really been instrumental in helping me build my client base, and take care of my day to day business needs.
 
Eureka Moment...
After a couple of years working in the music business after college, I just up and quit my job. I quit! (Not that I would necessarily recommend this) I had been styling for fun, working on my book for years and just decided I was going to try to do it full time. I knew that it was my passion, and figured that if I didn't follow my dreams I would always regret it. It was a bold move, and I am very lucky that it has worked out.

photography, Alberto Oviedo  

I wish I had...
Quit my job earlier! No, I really try not to have regrets in life...every decision is the right one, because its the one I decided to make!

photography, Alberto Oviedo

 

Looking forward to...
Taking a vacation! I am currently working on a new website, so I am going to be so happy when that is done. I can't wait for spring to come, which means more shoots outdoors and spring fashion (sundresses and sandals, yes!).

photography, Alberto Oviedo  

Best advice you've ever received...
My dad told me that I would never work as hard for anyone else as I do for myself. He was right! I love working for myself, and I love knowing that the effort that I put into each project is a direct reflection of myself.

I'm so unbelievably proud of Emily and all that she's accomplished. She's a great example of one who is driven, focused, and doesn't mind investing hardwork and sacrifice to be one of the best in her field.

I love the advice she received from her father regarding entrepreneurship. What is some the best advice you've ever received?