Let us introduce you to the home of our dreams. Yep, you read that right, this coastal home designed by Robin Strickler of Design Works is the perfect combination of classic design and coastal decor—it may be one of our favorite home tours to date. To date, we say! Not only is the home’s interior design stunning, but the naturally lit rooms let in all that beautiful California light and those incredible ocean views. Bringing the outside in, and making you want to relish in the great outdoors is what inspired all the design elements from the start. Read on for Robin’s story of both her business and her design process with this dream boat-er-home…
How did you get your start in Interior Design?
I did not immediately start out in the interior design/home space. I first studied fashion, merchandising and design in San Diego, then launched a successful career in the fashion industry. After a few years in fashion, I found myself wanting a new challenge and took classes at the Interior Design Institute (IDI) of Newport Beach. Soon after I completed my design training, I started a job as a model home interior designer for some well-known developers in the OC area.
I found that I loved creating casual but elegant interiors – and soon the prospective buyers were asking for my info so I could design their own homes! This lead me to start Design Works so I could offer my design services to builders and architects, as well as to individual clients.
How would you describe your design aesthetic?
My design aesthetic can be best described as a bit monochromatic with pops of color and varied textures. I love creating serene spaces that evoke relaxation and will stand the test of time. My projects from years ago are still looking fresh and beautiful today – never trendy or dated.
What is your favorite part about being an interior designer? Do you have a least favorite part?
I love collaborating with my clients and creating their dream homes for them. Being able to work with creative homeowners and making spaces they will enjoy with their family and friends for years to come is what makes my job so special. The least favorite – indecisive clients – sometimes not being able to make a decision holds up the entire design process.
What are some of your recent projects you’ve worked on? Any celeb clients?
We recently completed a home for Jasmine Tookes – a gorgeous model and Victoria’s Secret angel. We’ve also worked with some well-known athletes and also designed the Beverly Hills home for the owners of Too Faced cosmetics.
One of our favorite projects is your recent Newport Coast home – can you tell us the design inspiration behind this one?
The inspiration for this home was definitely the ocean views that can be seen from almost every room in the home. This meant lots of coastal cool blues, whites, neutrals and blush tones. The client really wanted a more classic, traditional style with some transitional elements mixed in. Together we were able to achieve that and they were thrilled with the results.
What do you love most about this home?
I really love the outdoor space! The home is located near the beach in Orange County – and we knew our clients would want to take advantage of the incredible weather, so we built a stunning bar, lots of lounge seating and fire place, outdoor dining, pool, lounge chairs – it is heaven out there and I know they’ll be using it a ton this summer!
What trends are you seeing in interior design right now?
A lot of our clients are loving blush. We’ve used blush in master bedrooms a lot lately – and its not too feminine – but very soft and welcoming. Our male clients are loving it, too! Other trends include taking risks in the office or powder baths – bold wallpapers, paint colors – small spaces where you can make a big statement/impact!
What advice would you give someone starting out in the interior design biz?
Try to not reinvent the wheel. Get ideas by looking at other designer’s work you love, magazines, Instagram, etc – and then incorporate some of the things that appeal to your sense of design.
What’s next for Design Works?
We have lots of exciting projects in the works – and also have been collaborating with Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent on their TLC show – Nate & Jeremiah by Design. It is coming out in April and we had a blast working with them!
