Working With An Interior Designer

One of the big benefits of shopping at Safavieh is that you get to use the services of an outstanding interior designer at no charge. What’s it like to work with one? We asked Sheila Broderson, a staff designer based in our Livingston, New Jersey, showroom, to fill you in.

Sheila, how would you describe your style as a designer?
Chic elegance. My philosophy: Designing for the senses is just as important as designing for function.

Give some examples of chic elegance.
Cool, quiet color, as well as texture in fabric and finish. These things feel current yet timeless.

What furniture finishes do you favor these days?
What once was all brown wood has morphed into beautiful soft grey, tawny beiges and smoky stains. My go-to finish is called greystone. It’s a soft grey wash that allows the grain to show through with a medium sheen.

Give us some tips for decorating a guest bedroom.
Comfort is key. Think bed-and-breakfast room with fresh towels, beautiful soaps and even some fresh flowers. A carafe and drinking glass for water are welcome, useful accessories for the bedside table. Consider adding a small writing desk and chair, as they can serve either as a work space or as a vanity.

You were born in Scotland and grew up with classic English furniture. What are some tips for mixing antiques with new furniture?
The keys are scale and color. Louis XV dining chairs paired with a glass-and-acrylic table take on a new dimension. An antique carpet with sleek modern furniture becomes instantly timeless.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in designing today’s homes?
Time can be a challenge. Custom furniture takes time to complete, and people love instant gratification. Safavieh has addressed this with its Couture collection, which combines high-end, designer chic looks with a quick delivery time.

What trend or idea do you wish more clients would embrace?
I have been offering performance fabrics for quite some time now. They’ve come a long way since the old outdoor fabrics most of us know. Beautiful colors and textures that are really easy to clean are essential for today’s busy families.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in designing today’s homes?
Time can be a challenge. Custom furniture takes time to complete, and people love instant gratification. Safavieh has addressed this with its Couture collection, which combines high-end, designer chic looks with a quick delivery time.

What trend or idea do you wish more clients would embrace?
I have been offering performance fabrics for quite some time now. They’ve come a long way since the old outdoor fabrics most of us know. Beautiful colors and textures that are really easy to clean are essential for today’s busy families.

Complete this sentence: “As a designer, I think you can never have too many …”
Dreams! Reality is inspired by the imagination. If you stay too safe, your result will lack excitement. Be bold.

What do you like best about working for Safavieh?
That I get to use my creative instincts and knowledge to bring beauty and elegance to our clients.

Complete this sentence: “As a designer, I think you can never have too many …”
Dreams! Reality is inspired by the imagination. If you stay too safe, your result will lack excitement. Be bold.

What do you like best about working for Safavieh?
That I get to use my creative instincts and knowledge to bring beauty and elegance to our clients.

Do you prefer pink or green?
Green.

Brown or Orange?
Brown.

Coffee or Tea?
Tea (green, of course).

Beatles or Stones?
Beatles.

What do you wish more people knew about Safavieh?
That shopping here is a complete design experience. The selection is second to none. And because we truly care about the customer, we offer superlative service.