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Interview :: Interior Designer Cynthia Collins

August 8, 2013 · Comments { 1 }

For over two decades, Dallas, Texas based interior designer, Cynthia Collins of Collins Interiors has been creating beautiful interiors that are inviting, timeless and functional. I first saw her work pinned on Pinterest and became an instant fan of her classic style with a fresh twist. Collins Interiors pride themselves in working closely with clients on the smallest of details resulting in designs that is unique and personal. For a timeless, curated look, Cynthia and her team are also known to hand pick antiques, lamps, art or other accessories for clients while traveling abroad.

I’m thrilled to be interviewing Cynthia today!

Simplified Bee: When did you know you wanted to be an interior designer?

Cynthia Collins: As a young girl, I was always keen on my surroundings. It wasn’t until later that I realized at an early age I was responding differently to spaces — I could immediately feel the difference between a pleasant room and an uninviting room. Also, my grandmother collected Asian inspired pieces (she was ahead of her time!) — I just took an interest in her collection at an early on and still love all things with an Asian influence. I think this may have spurred my interest in all things design related!

SB: How would you describe your personal style?

CC: My style evolves — I appreciate a lot of different looks. But I like things to look clean and timeless.

sofa side table lamp and artwork - Collins Interiors

SB: Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?

CC: Matisse! If only, right?! I’d love to commission him for one of his pieces during his Fauvism movement. The colors are brilliant!

SB: Do you have “go to” paint colors? If so, which ones?

CC: One of my favorite whites is Benjamin Moore Linen White. It seems to have the perfect combo of soft and crisp.

SB: Where do you recommend clients splurge?

CC: I’m a big believer in art! Art is the best way to get such a diverse range of colors and mediums into your home. In most cases, great art only appreciates. I also think it’s important to splurge on trims (flanges, cords, tapes, etc) — they are guaranteed to separate your home from your neighbors. So often we see client’s with a big room and a standard size rug. Splurge for a custom-size rug to fit your room. Your room will grow beyond measure!

SB: You have embraced social media and write a blog in addition to being on Facebook. What is your advice to other interior designers who are timid about trying social media marketing outlets?

CC: Do it! I have gotten a wealth of great feedback from our social media efforts — it’s just the nature of the marketing landscape these days. It’s such a helpful tool to connect one-on-one with my clients and followers. We have an instagram too, come find us! @blue_print_store

casual modern dining area with cluster chandelier

interior design tip - lighting sets the mood

SB: Fill in the blank. No room is complete without…

CC: good lighting!!! Great lamps and overhead fixtures are key to setting a comfortable mood in your home.

SB: Tell us about your store Blue Print and how it came to be.

CC: Four of my dear friends and I traveled for years to the UK and France for own design firms and in 2010 decided it was due time for a storefront! Blue Print is a home design shop specializing in custom upholstery, lighting, rugs, accessories and original art set in a restored 1920s home in uptown, Dallas, TX

Phillip Jefferies Wallcovering in Powder Room

SB: What’s next for Collins Interiors?

CC: My staff and I are just buzzing along — we have several projects out of state right now which is keeping us mighty busy! I’ve challenged my team to design new pieces for Blue Print’s custom furniture line. It’s all very fun and exciting!

Thank you Cynthia for your time and we will be on the look out for your new furniture line!

Cristin

*all images courtesy of Collins Interiors

Read full story By Cristin on August 8, 2013 in Bathroom, Bedroom, Features, Girl, interior design, Interiors, interview, Interviews, Kitchen, Living Room

Weekend Reading :: Shelter Magazine Recommendations

June 7, 2013 · Comments { 0 }

Ah, the weekend. Perhaps you have something fun planned with family and friends, but hopefully you get some downtime to simply relax and recharge. For me, I enjoy reading shelter magazines (big surprise I’m sure!). Here’s what I’ll be reading this weekend…

Matchbook Magazine’s June issue (digital format) features a not to be missed house tour of design greats (and personal faves), John Robshaw and iomoi’s husband & wife team, Matthew Grenby and Irene Chen.

(above photography by Cooper Carras and Carol Dronsfield)

Can you tell which home is which? They are so different, but I love both styles!

Another online shelter magazine I’ll be reading is this month’s Rue. The issue is focusing on wedding and entertaining, so lots of inspiration for brides. It also features the charming apartment of recent interior design college graduate and my former intern, Michaela Noelle. It’s look into the urban LA studio she shares with a fellow design student. I love how they pulled off so much in such a tiny space. It’s a fun, eclectic mix of styles. So proud of Michaela!!!

eclectic apartment - michaela noelle designs (above photography by Caroline Tran and Monica Wang)

And in case you missed it, you may want to check out the home tour of designer, Kelly Wearstler in last month’s Lonny Magazine. It’s so Kelly. The space is all glamour, but the images with her boys make it feel like a real home.

(above photography by Coral vo Zumwalt)

What will you be reading this weekend?

Cristin

Read full story By Cristin on June 7, 2013 in bar carts, Bathroom, bathrooms, Bedroom, bedrooms, chinoiserie, cocktail carts, dining rooms, flowers, interior design, Interiors, Living Room, living rooms

Peninsula Volunteers Decorator Show House :: Guest Bedroom & Bath

May 6, 2013 · Comments { 12 }

Melodie Rubin of House of Ruby designed the Traveler’s Bedroom, a serene guest retreat for the Peninsula Volunteers Decorator Show House in Woodside, California going on now until May 24th. The sunlit second floor bedroom as Melodie puts it, “offers the best seat in the house, providing an impressive view of the three-story birch tree and Woodside hills beyond.”

Embroidered linen window treatments inspired the room’s tranquil color palette of lavender, blues, greens and ivory. It’s the gilded canopy bed however, that takes center stage. I love that it has a soft upholstered headboard – it’s a nice juxtaposition to the metal frame. An ornate hand-beaded floral chandelier (which reminded me of a birdcage) hangs elegantly above a seating area placed at the foot of the bed.

The pair of Bunny Williams table lamps beautifully mimic the movement and pattern in throw pillows on the sofa love-seat. Those table lamps are gorgeous and are a personal favorite.

bedroom desk vignette - design by House of Ruby

Melodie (pictured above) designed a custom corner bookshelf lined in blue paint. It not only balances the room, but displays beautiful collections of art, books and worldly treasures. I also loved the sculpture of the colorful archer she selected and place just beside the bookcase.

Just of the guest bedroom is the Dressing Room and Bath by Jana Meewes Fung of Julianne Quelle Interior Design. It’s restful sage, lavender and taupe color palette allows for a seamless transition between the two spaces. Standout elements in this space include an exquisite Venetian mirror, bamboo “Dynasty” chair and luxurious fabrics.

That’s me in the mirror, but I loved this vantage point so much that I wanted to include the image. Don’t you love the inset shelving units flanking the pedestal sink?

These spaces are so fresh, crisp and chic. Love! Don’t you?

Cristin

*all images property of Simplified Bee

Read full story By Cristin on May 6, 2013 in Bathroom, bathrooms, Bedroom, bedrooms, beds, bookshelves, home accessories, interior design, Interiors, lighting, mirrors, original artwork, textiles, wallpaper, window treatments

Sneak Peek :: Peninsula Volunteers Decorator Show House 2013

May 3, 2013 · Comments { 17 }

One of the last great estates on the San Francisco Peninsula is the home of the 2013 Peninsula Volunteers Inc. Decorator Show House. Located in Woodside, California just south of San Francisco, the 11,000 square foot 1930’s Monterey Colonial features 20 beautifully decorated designer rooms and is situated on a 21-acre estate with breathtaking vistas of the hillside. This is the first designer home event on the Peninsula in a decade, so it’s quite special for us that live nearby.

Here’s a sneak peek at just some of the spaces decorated:

Foyer designed by Mary Linn Coldiron of Coldiron Interiors

Living Room – Warren Sheets of Warren Sheets Design, Inc.

Dining Room designed by Blair Morgan of Morgan Design Group

Library (drapery detail) designed by Emily Taylor of Emily Taylor Interiors

Master Bedroom & Lady’s Master Bath designed by Johnny Moallempour of MJM Interior Design

Mother-in-Law Suite designed by Christine Sheldon of Christine Sheldon Design

Sunroom designed by Sabrina Alfin of Sabrina Alfin Interiors

Card Room designed by Scot Meacham Wood of SMW Design

Traveler’s Bedroom designed by Melodie Rubin of House of Ruby Interior Design

Dressing Room & Bath designed by Jana Meewes Fung of Julianne Quelle Interior Design

Girl’s Bedroom designed by Teresa “Teri” Pollard of Designworks Morgan Hill

The Decorator Show House benefits the Peninsula Volunteers, Inc., a pioneer in senior services and the first volunteer organization to receive a HUD grant to develop and build low income senior housing in the United States. For more than 65 years, Peninsula Volunteers, Inc. has created and provided high quality and nurturing programs for the aging in South San Mateo County, allowing them to pursue long and useful lives.

Each year Peninsula Volunteers, Inc. delivers over $5 million in services, including over $150,000 hot meals to seniors and the homebound, and impacts over 4,500 households through its programs: Meals on Wheels, Little House, The Roselyn G. Morris Activity Center; Rosener House Adult Day Services; and, through Peninsula Volunteers Properties, Inc., provides 82% of the affordable senior housing in Menlo Park at Crane Place and Partridge/Kennedy Apartments.

Open May 4th through May 24th, visit Peninsula Volunteers Inc. for more information and tickets.

If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, it’s worth the trip!

Cristin

*photo credit: Cristin Bisbee Priest of Simplified Bee

Read full story By Cristin on May 3, 2013 in antiques, Bathroom, Bedroom, Garden, Girl, home accessories, interior design, Interiors, Kitchen, lighting, Living Room, living rooms, mantels, textiles, Uncategorized, window treatments

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