Authentic Design Inspiration from Downton Abbey: My Journey
As a lover of historical drama, I jumped at the chance to watch Downton Abbey as part of a design project for a client. The series was something I had intended to watch but never got around to - until now. Little did I know that immersing myself in the show's captivating interior design would lead to a whole new appreciation of the art of interior design. In this article, I'll share the steps I took to recreate a unique design vision for my client, plus the inspiring ways it has impacted my career.
Their belief in my capabilities propels me to push my boundaries and reach for the top. It is a powerful form of motivation that fuels my drive to deliver nothing but exceptional results. Having their confidence in me is not just an affirmation of my abilities, but it also serves as a reminder of the high expectations set before me. It challenges me to go beyond what is expected, to innovate, to create, and to set new standards. This trust not only spurs me to outperform myself, but it also inspires me to strive for continuous improvement and maintain a level of consistency in my work. It's a driving force that pushes me to outdo my past achievements and deliver my best work yet.
We used unique artwork to decorate the walls and bring in a touch of the clients' native culture. It brought a unique flavor to the atmosphere and a sense of authenticity that fit well with the regal furniture. Even in a period replicated from Downton Abbey, the space remained true to its roots. It created a harmony between the two design worlds, resulting in a timeless and modern feel.
The clients' traditional armchairs fit perfectly with an accent table with a clock dial. The light green upholstery picked up the green from the vibrant green rug. The curved orange sofa picks up the color from the beautiful artwork and the floor-to-ceiling drapes. The neutral-colored sofa with the wood detail with a sleek look, stayed true to the end result we were working to achieve. The finish of the frames for the art is continued in the beautiful wood coffee table with carved details.
The dining room also had the same look and feel as the living room. We decided we'd use different styles of chairs for the host and hostess chairs. We got them custom-made with a performance fabric that will be durable and easy to maintain while giving details, with cording to enhance the overall look and feel. The side chairs are a Queen Anne style. The sideboard/buffet is a contrasting finish to the wood table and chair finish. We added a very classic style mirror with an intricate design in a silver finish which is continued in the frame of the abstract art on the opposite wall. The rug was the inspiration for this room, from which the entire color scheme for the room was created.
Once the project was over, the testimonial I received was special especially, because they trusted my vision for their space and were very happy how it turned out.
We hired Farha Syed Design LLC to help us decorate the entry, foyer, formal living room, formal dining, family, and media rooms of our San Diego home. We realized that having a person we could trust and depend on was key, to overall success.
We gave Farha a vague idea of the colors and style we wanted, and she came back to us with the most beautiful color palettes, a layout that worked even better for us, and beautiful furniture and accessory choices. She easily “got” the look that we were thinking of and brought it to an altogether higher level (think “Downton Abbey” stylistically). Farha has the most exquisite taste, and our home turned out beautifully. We could not have ever imagined it could look the way it does. More than six months later, we are still in awe of the space in which we live.
Farha has excellent taste and resources. She knows where to find the right products and materials. She led us through new and different directions and provided beautiful solutions that exceeded our expectations. Farha is knowledgeable, super professional, passionate, and committed. We could not recommend Farha more.
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