Sitting down with interior designer Scott Thomas, Dreams Magazine Editor-In-Chief Natalie Friberg looks at what makes Los Angeles a trendsetting locale, current design trends shaping 2018 (and which you can kiss goodbye), and how working with a true professional can make all the difference.
Q: Southern California is known as a design hub, especially in regard to the luxury market. How would you describe your design style, and how does it complement Los Angeles living?
ST: I’d say my general style is contemporary, with an edge. And even when I design and work in traditional spaces, I always include updated finishes and fixtures to bring the look into the present for my clients. I also like to reference elements of timeless mid-century modern as well as some drama here and there to spice things up. But really the most important thing is connecting with my clients, listening to their wants and needs and delivering spaces that bring them happiness.
As for complementing LA living/lifestyle – clean lines, lack of clutter, bold shapes and just the right colors and contrast really do accentuate the California lifestyle I think. My clients are busy people and they want easy, casual spaces they can relax and entertain in as well, all with a minimum of fussiness.
Q: What does your design process look like when you begin a new project?
ST: I start by honing in on the clients’ wants and needs, their general design style preferences, their budget and how that all can work with the existing architecture. Once I nail those things down, my team and I can start developing the design plans, timelines, etc. Yes, it can take a bunch of meetings to get to that point, but the time and attention on our end is totally worth it.
Q: Let’s talk about the clientele you work with. How would you describe them, and what do they expect from you?
ST: My clients are typically business owners, entertainment executives/professionals, other professionals and some celebrities sprinkled in here and there. In other words, they’re the people that make LA run every day. My Palm Springs clients are generally the same people who want their vacation homes done. I also work with a lot of developers there too.
How we fulfill their needs? We take the stress out of the process, that’s the key. We do all the running around and their role is simply to approve everything throughout the process so the end product works for them.
Q: What new design trends are you most excited about in 2018? Do you see any trends falling out of favor?
ST: So in my opinion, the three design trends that are officially over now are granite countertops, bamboo flooring and Edison-style lighting, track lighting too. And the newer elements/trends I’ve been playing with lately are: Adding bolder colors to kitchens and baths, using patterned (sometimes ethnic) tiles for flooring and other surfaces and adding rougher, more unfinished furniture and decorative elements for a more natural look.
For more information visit www.scottthomasinteriordesign.com.
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