Talli Roberts Interior Design specializes in clean, open living and commercial spaces that reflect the lifestyles and personalities of their clients. “It’s not about us, it’s about them,” says Roberts, who received a BFA from Sarasota’s Ringling College of Art and Design. “We listen to what our clients are looking to achieve and how they want their space to feel and work to meet that need.”
Carolina Home and Garden: Your work is marked by your ability to tailor your design to your clients’ personal style. Would you say that’s the most defining characteristic of your approach?
Talli Roberts: I think that it’s one of the things that the clients appreciate the most. I think that there are a lot of designers that are known for a specific style, but our firm doesn’t stick to a “look.”
Even if Talli Roberts Interior Design doesn’t have a defining style, per se, many of your projects tend to have a look that’s very clean, almost Zen.
Whether someone is looking for an Arts & Crafts-style space, a rustic cabin or a modern steel-and-glass house, across the board there’s going to be a clean and uncluttered look — but that’s not about me, as a designer, pressing my opinion. That’s me listening to how my clients want to feel in those spaces, and designing around that. People, especially in Asheville, are looking for that more often. They want spaces that are pared down. They’re looking for visual rest, which is something that speaks to me as well.
What is your personal style at home?
I work out of my home, so when my clients come in, they get to see not only how I work, but how I live. I like to use my space as an example to show them what possibilities are out there. I like bright, open spaces with a lot of natural light. I think that the spaces you live in should remind you of your life — the trips that you’ve taken and the good times that you’ve shared with loved ones.
What is the biggest mistake a designer can make?
Not listening to the client. As I’ve said before, it’s not about us, it’s about them. Designers are talented people. We’re dreamers. We can create beautiful spaces all day long. But if we’re not listening, then we’re not designing to what our client wants. Some want an organized office, and others want to entertain large groups of friends and family. How they’re going to use those rooms and how they want to feel in those spaces while using them is what we need to tailor our design to — function as well as form.
In your decade of operation, have you had any mishaps?
The biggest mistakes I’ve made are taking on projects that weren’t a good fit. Usually you can tell when you meet with someone the first few times whether it’s a good fit. The worst thing for me would be working for someone who is ultra-traditional and who had a huge collection of lots of little things.
What should someone always keep in mind while working with a designer?
Be honest. Don’t be scared of offending your designer. They’re there for you, to create something that is about you.
Any tips for designing on a budget?
Paint is huge. The first thing my husband and I do when we move into a new house is paint it. The house I live in was built in the ‘70s and looked like a wood-paneled man cave when we moved in. So we replaced the carpet and painted the paneling. We didn’t replace the paneling, we just painted it, and it made a huge difference for a minimum of expense. Lighting is another one. Getting light into a dark space does not mean having an electrician come in. Floor and table lamps are a great solution.
Any trends you’re especially fond of right now?
The use of shagreen. In history, that’s the use of sharkskin, but today, it’s faux. That particular texture is popping up everywhere. We’ve seen it a lot in fashion. I get excited about seeing fashion trends make their way into home design. We’re seeing that texture in wall coverings and upholstery — it’s a beautiful texture that can be given lots of different tones.
And any trends that you don’t like?
I think a lot of the trends I don’t like are actually on their way out because of the economy, especially huge living spaces that aren’t being used. That seems like an enormous waste of resources to me. It’s really refreshing to see this small-home and small-living-space movement gaining momentum.
Any parting words of wisdom?
Be true and honest to yourself.
Talli Roberts Interior Design is located in Asheville. Call 828-271-4350 or visit www.tallirobertsinteriordesign.com for more information.