Paul J. Kairis Interior Designer
Web: hominteriors.com Designer: Paul J. Kairis
Contact:(800) 835-8299
Location(s): New York, Newport, Palm Beach and Waverly
Years of operation: 15
- What made you interested in interior design?
This is a Hard question. Who knows what ever makes us do the things we do? The easy
answer is PASSION. I LOVE what I do. But, if I have to say what may have been the
catalyst for my Passion for Interior Design, it might come down to my Aunt and
Uncle. When I was a little boy, every year during the 4th Of July week I was sent to
my Uncle and Aunt's home in Washington D.C. I remember being so fascinated by their
home and them and their friends. They had a Classic Brick Washington house. The
inside, though, was very unique to me! It had classic lines, fireplace, molding,
etc... BUT... it was washed in white paint...which was very unusual for the time.
There was Large, Big, Bold Art; there were Antiques mixed with Mid Century
Furniture; there was always Music Playing, the Clinking of Glasses, and People
Talking, Laughing, and Smoke Billowing around... quite Auntie Mame meets Mrs.
Robinson. It was EYE CANDY for a little boy. Many of the people were Famous (even
though I didn't know it at the time!!). As a matter of fact, there was One Painting
in particular that I TRULY always loved. It was titled "The Cocktail Party". It was
an abstract painting of an actual Cocktail Party, not unlike the ones I had been
observing on my visits. There was an image of Jackie Kennedy as part of the
painting. The artist was the wife of a VERY famous Washington person who was best
friends with my Aunt and Uncle. To add to the whole impact of my visits with them,
and how those visits inspired me to become an Interior Designer come full circle to
this moment, when they died I inherited "The Cocktail Party" painting. I cherish it
and the impact of those visits to this day!
- How would you describe your design style?
That is almost the Perfect question for me. I know this may sound corny or it may
sound even a little vain to some people, but I am very proud of the fact that I
like to say, " I have STYLE, not ‘A' STYLE". I guess that sounds a little confusing,
but I like to think that I have Good Taste, Good Design Sense, Good Scale, so I just
like to apply those Sensibilities to each client and each project. If I walk in with
MY style then the client would get lost. It would not be their HOM. Then all of my
projects would look the same and have "A" Style. Instead I apply my Talents and coax
the Style out my Clients and Their residence. I make every house personal and rather
try to make their home reflect their style... not mine. Thus the name of my company
is NOT my name, but rather the way it should be- HOM. Personal Interiors.
- What is your favorite piece you have ever placed?
WOW! That is truly a tough question. I always like to think of the Future and say,
the next piece I Place!! But, to be truthful, it will ALWAYS be the Art!! In EVERY
project we wind up creating at least one original piece of art for a Client...
usually many more. But, I always tell clients, a Paint Color, a Sofa, a Light
Fixture, almost anything can be bought by someone else. BUT, the addition of the Art
and the Accessories is the magic that is impossible to duplicate that makes your
HOM. personal. So, I truly Emphasize and Encourage clients to really think of these
purchases as THE Most Important!! I firmly believe that it is the last 10% of the
pieces, meaning the Art and Accessories, that makes their HOM. a 100% "HOME" RUN!
- What should people look for in a designer?
They should like their Designer. They should like their Designers work. They should
trust their Designer. Without trust, their project will never turn out special. You
trust your doctor, your dentist, your hair stylist, You have to trust your designer.
They should take your home to a place and level you never dreamed of. They should
not "push" you far out of your comfort zone, but a good designer should take you
much further than your imagination can take you, or what really is the point? So
combine TRUST with Talent and you have your Designer!
In closing, I always like to say to people, "There is no right or wrong in design".
You should apply Creativity, Curiosity, and a little Courage. You should try to move
beyond having your home look like everyone else's home and make it your own HOM.
There are so many options to choose from... we now MIX and MATCH. We Use HIGH with
LOW price pieces together. The only rule is there are no rules. And if you ever
find it hard to do yourself, well then, just call HOM. There is no place like HOM.
Sarah Stacey Interior Designer
http://www.sarahstaceydesign.com Designer: Sarah Stacey
Contact: (512) 796-7388
Location(s): Austin, TX
Years of operation: 5
- What made you interested in interior design?
My parents hired a designer to work on their home when I was a teenager. I found it fascinating to watch her and to see what she selected. I decided to decorate my room while she was working on other rooms in the house and had so much fun doing it. I’ve thought about design just about every day since then.
- How would you describe your design style?
Happy, light, personalized.
- What is your favorite piece you have ever placed?
I’m not sure I have a favorite. It is a toss up between a custom geo light fixture and a metal coffee table, both made by local craftsmen.
- What should people look for in a designer?
Look for a designer whose work you like and resonate with. This is the style they do best and is their aesthetic. Also, you should really like the designer as a person, you'll be working with them pretty closely for about 8 months!