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Creativity isn’t just about creating but is rather the art of articulating a concept where your imagination peaks over the edge of an idea. Stacey Vuduris’ creativity sparks from self-trust. The key to designing and being bold in your work is to trust your instincts. Her instincts are sharp and inspiring and create way for a new path on the road to interior designing.
Stacey Vuduris is the mastermind behind Stacey Vuduris Interior Design, a company that from its inception in 2006 has brought forth confident and daring plans for those interested in designing or refurbishing their homes.
Vuduris’ talent for interior design has always been something of interest in the forefront of her mind. “I’ve always loved it. I use to draw houses all the time as a kid and when I would go out to eat with my parents, I would make my mom walk me to the washroom so I could see if it were fancy or not,” she laughs. “That’s how I decided if I liked a restaurant or not.”
During her years in college, she majored in Interior Design and did internships. “I started in hospitality design but then switched to residential when I moved to Los Angeles. Once in L.A, I worked for an amazing designer who was also a great mentor. I was very lucky.”
When it comes to inspiration, Vuduris mentions colours, fabrics and even pieces of furniture can help spark an idea for her as she never knows what it truly is on any given day that will ignite that motivation. “When I start designing a room, I start looking for inspiration. I try to create a story for each client. Sometimes I will see something or figure out a great floor plan or where to move a wall and the whole design will start to just click and I actually get so excited. I love that moment when I figure it out!”
Vuduris’ style when it comes to interior designing is of a simple one; modern with a warmth that is fresh and clean but textured and unique. That style can be found in her home but with a touch of old Hollywood kissed with a modern flair with whom she shares with her husband, musician Michael Johns and their French bulldog, David Puddy.
The last thing she bought for her house was new throw pillows as she constantly loves changing them as it changes up the look of any room. One room in particular that is her favourite is the living room. “It’s comfy, chic and I love the colours.” However, one thing you will never find in Vuduris’ home is fluffy fussy furniture. She’s not a fan at all.
When designing a house, Vuduris tries her best to incorporate the homeowner’s personality and style by walking through their home to see what they currently own. “I ask a lot of questions and really listen to their answers.”
A popular room that’s commonly asked of her to be decorated is the main living room. When approaching a room to decorate, she likes to determine a focal point in each room that will be the wow factor which would accentuate the room’s style. “It’s different in every room,” she says. “It could be the fireplace in one room, a wallpapered wall in another or maybe floor to ceiling window treatments to add drama somewhere else.”
She adds that window treatments are very important as they complete a room and add a softness and texture with of course, privacy.
In this day and age with the economy, Vuduris is accommodating to new homeowners on a limited budget, expressing that they can work in stages together and it doesn’t have to be done all at once. “[It’s] better to do it a little slower and do it right, than try to do everything at once and compromise the quality of work and the end result.”
As the seasons pass, so does style. Most homeowners wish to keep up with the trends and update their homes by season. Her techniques to transition a home from season to season are simple: throw pillows.
“I always like to say change your throw pillows to go with the colours and trends of the season and maybe add a new throw blanket. It’s an affordable and fast way to change and update your room.”
With changes to the home, comes the need or wish to paint to change up the look. A lot of people are afraid of using colour though thinking it’ll make the room look small or dark. This isn’t always the case. “It’s a big myth that painting a room dark will make it appear smaller,” she says. “Painting a small room a darker colour can add drama.”
She recommends to paint a sample of the desired paint on the wall to see if you like it as the lighting plays a big part in opening up a room’s depth. “Depending on the light in the room, a colour may look completely different than it did on the paint swatch,” she advises.
Whether it be paint or wallpaper though, she’s keen on both. “Paint can quickly transform a room and is great for budgets and quick remodels. [I] love print wallpapers for a statement but grasscloth is my all time favourite! It can be used anytime, anywhere for texture and a timeless unique look and feel.”
However, she does mention to avoid one thing when it comes to painting your wall. “Very bright colours on walls are never good,” she expresses ardently. “Really think about the colours you love and can live with. How do you want the space to function and where you want to splurge and where you want to save.”
In order to create a space that is both inviting and appealing, Vuduris believes that a space should never feel like a showroom and even though she doesn’t practice the art of feng shui, she says the flow of a room is very important. “It should look lovely and be interesting but should also be inviting and relate to the owner.”
She points out that homeowners should invest in important pieces like a great sofa, artwork and luxurious bedding. Vuduris appreciates the new and the old, enjoying both vintage accessories that encompass character and an aspect of artwork like mirrors, lighting and objects but always advises to buy new sofas.
“Who wants to sit on someone else’s sofa?” she quips.
She’s passionate about her work and it’s commendable. She doesn’t let a challenge overthrow her outlook on creating a defined and signature style. “I think all projects have their challenges but it’s staying calm and knowing your stuff and you can control it.”
Vuduris’ work was showcased in the June 2009 issue of InStyle magazine where she worked on actress, Kristen Bell’s home and designed it with a fresh and clean yet vibrant and modern touch. She also worked on former Access Hollywood reporter, Nancy O’Dell’s home and mostly works with clients in Beverly Hills, the Hollywood Hills, Malibu Colony, Pasadena and downtown.
Her clients trust her and that’s important when it comes to leaving your home to someone’s own creative designs to stylishly heighten your personal oasis. “They trust my taste and style but typically they are still particular about what we order and they like to see everything first and I encourage this,” she expresses. “Afterall, this is their home and they need to live with our selections.”
She does add though that if there is something she isn’t sure about, she will borrow it from the store and test it in the space and if it doesn’t turn out right or look good, she just gives it back. “I often do this with accessories.”
When asked who Vuduris would like to work with next, she’s fervent on clients who have a passion for design and expresses an enthusiasm to work with actress, Cameron Diaz. “I would like to work with anyone that has a passion for design, loves fashion and is not afraid to think outside of the box.”
Stacey Vuduris is the modern designing woman who’s passion for her craft shows flawlessly through her work. She loves the creative process and it shows in the concentration she has for crafting a room so eloquently and with heartfelt warmth. “I get to create beautiful rooms then see them come to life – [that’s] very cool!”
Her family, encouraging her all the years has been her biggest support system through it all. “They have always believed in my talent and supported my dream to own my own business. My husband has never doubted my talent and has always encouraged me.”
Michael Johns, a creative and talented man in his own right had nothing but kind words for his artistic and charming wife saying she has a gift. “I've seen her walk into rooms and houses and know exactly what it needs in minutes. I have no idea how she sees it all in her head. Designers can take months, but not her. Her true talent is working with the client. Stacey is not one of those designers who imposes her style on people. Yes she leads people to what she thinks will work but, [she] will always listen and work with her clients. Some people get to do what they love and what they are best at and Stacey is certainly doing both.”
It’s all about trust. Stacey Vuduris is at this place in her life because she trusts herself and that’s important when excelling in any business. “If you believe in the design, convince the client because often times they just cannot visualize it.”
Vuduris has advice for those who seek success and it’s simple and smart – understandable, for a clever creative artist whose confidence plays a key part in her work. “When you do what you love, success will follow. And I’m pretty darn good,” she smiles.
For more information on Stacey Vuduris Interior Design, check out her official website and become a fan at her official Facebook page.
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