Learn more about Stacy Garcia. I'm so excited to share an interview with her today!
YOUR
SIGNATURE STYLE?
Our brand produces
designs that all have an eclectic, well-traveled, high-art appeal. My personal
style is reflected in many of my interiors, as well as, my wardrobe with
thoughtfully collected pieces and a playful mixing of vintage and new.
WHAT IN DESIGN FIRES YOU UP?
My design aesthetic is
inspired by couture fashion. In particular, how fashion designers create their
collections. I’m lured by the idea that classic design can feel timeless, but
at the same time I’m fascinated by how their designs evolve each season. It’s
incredible to see the detail and level of craftsmanship that is involved.
HOW DO
YOU FORECAST TRENDS?
My team and I meet once a
year and we’re typically forecasting trends at least two years out. We start by
taking a look at society’s drivers in art, media, and fashion. We’ll even
examine mediums like politics and the environment, as many factors can have an
impact on trends. We start on this more macro level and progress to a more
micro level, looking at how these factors impact specific product categories
within our industry. At this level, we’re really looking at the details, such
as color, pattern, material and scale, and how they can be used together. When
dealing with the interior world, we really want to capture the essence of
evolution rather than revolution within the marketplace.
WHAT IS
YOUR STUDIO VIBE LIKE?
Contained chaos?! Just
kidding...kind of. Joking aside, we work in a highly creative environment with
materials and prototypes scattered everywhere. We get to have fun together,
even though we’re running a business.
ANY LESSONS LEARNED WHILE PREPARING/INSTALLING FOR DIFFA DINING BY DESIGN?
There was definitely an
initial panic over all the moving parts when we started. The biggest lesson I
learned is that I am capable of doing things outside of my comfort zone. There
are a lot of considerations involved in this event. There is a lot of
documentation that needs to be submitted in the early stages including a
technical rider, fire certificate, inventory list and table renderings. I had
to find the right vendors and partners for my installation and relied on them
to guide us, as we hadn’t done this kind of install before.
ANY
CHALLENGES WHILE DEVELOPING YOUR LATEST PAPER MUSE COLLECTION FOR YORK WALLCOVERINGS?
The hardest aspect for me
is editing, because there is never a lack of creative ideas. This is the most
selective collection that I’ve designed for York Wallcoverings. I have a very
eclectic design aesthetic and that can be challenging at times. With this
collection, I really wanted to merchandise beautiful textures that have global
appeal, and make sure that the editing work was done for the interior
designers.
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE PARTNERING WITH BERNHARDT HOSPITALITY TO PRODUCE THE NEW FOUNDRY COLLECTION?
Bernhardt Hospitality is
absolutely terrific to partner with. I look to Bernhardt as a leader in the
industry–the very best in class within the scope of manufacturing companies
involved in hospitality and residential design.
They were receptive to
our ideas and willing to take a departure from the look they were previously
offering to the hospitality market. We encouraged them to incorporate unique
materials, details and finishes into our collection, such as, raw and torched wood
finishes and rose gold details.
BIGGEST
DESIGN IMPACT ON YOUR WORK?
I would say that the
biggest design impact on my work is the appetite today for good design. People
have become increasingly more design-savvy. They have traveled more extensively
and are looking for ways to incorporate features of hotel living into their own
homes. This trend in consumerism has ignited another spark in what we do. The design-centric individual pushes us to keep
innovating. It has become our mission to transcend ordinary design.
MOST IMPACTFUL TRAVEL EXPERIENCE THAT INSPIRES YOU?
My most impactful travel
experience started with seventeen months
filling out paperwork and planning with anticipation of adopting our daughter
from Russia. I've been very blessed with three biological sons and we were
called to complete our family with a little girl. The process proved quite an
adventure with three trips to Moscow and Samara. The biggest inspiration of all
was our new daughter.
BEST DESIGN ADVICE YOU FOLLOW WHEN YOU ARE UNDER THE GUN?
When we are up against
tight design deadlines, it is always tempting to make concessions. When it
comes to design and product, we have to love it! “Meh” never makes the cut.
WHAT MANTRA HAVE YOU BEEN LIVING BY LATELY?
Stay Inspired. What else
would it be?!
