MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: CRYSTAL PHOTIOU

DESCRIBE YOUR JOURNEY TO DESIGN AND HOW YOU GOT TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY.

I would have to say my design journey started at home- in my cape cod red bedroom-with houndstooth red and white accent wall-my carpet was blood red shag. It sounds kind of awful now, when I play it back- but really, it was stylish and way over the top. My brothers’ room was Kelly green with black and white houndstooth and a tweedy black and white shag carpet. I don’t know how any of us slept- the colors were so neon! Very 1970’s!

WHO WAS THE FIRST INTERIOR DESIGNER TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION ON YOU?

David Hicks? Because of his use of color. Mary Quant – for her fashion style. My Mom- just had an innate sense of fashion and fun. We were extremely middle class yet my mom had a decorator (Lillian!) and took great pride in her home.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT INFLUENCE YOU, ASIDE FROM FURNITURE AND DECOR?

Music! I love music- I try to infuse my work with rhythm and balance, low and high notes. I appreciate symmetry- but sometimes like to break the balance a bit.  Each piece needs to resonate in the mix. I literally get uncomfortable when a piece or color does not flow the way I see it in my head.

WHAT ARE YOUR GO TO-BASICS?

Texture- I feel a space comes alive with mix of slick, slubby, warm, cool, lustrous, matte, drapey, fuzzy- etc…Now you’ve got me started! I learned this early on when I worked with a talented, eccentric designer in Tribeca, NY- right after 9/11. The world was so different- but I could ground myself in his colorful, creative world and feel better.

ARE YOU SEEING ANY PARTICULAR STYLE REQUESTS TRENDING AMONGST YOUR CLIENTS?

We've been coming off light and bright and I see a glimmer of moody, deep and rich tones ahead.

WHAT'S BEEN YOUR CAREER HIGHLIGHT TO DATE?

I can’t pinpoint this- each year has had it’s highs and lows- I think when I see my clients live in their space- with joy- it validates why I do what I do-

WHAT'S THE MOST TREASURED ITEM IN YOUR OWN HOME?

My most treasured item is a Hope Chest that I have in my family room- my Mom refinished it and I love the green tones and cedar smell that still lingers when I open it up.