{SS}: What is your current profession?
{AK}: I am an Interior Designer specializing in residential interiors. I have always had a passion for designing but didn’t start in design right from the beginning. I decided to enter the creative field after working in the business end of a graphic design company – and not enjoying that job. It became clear to me that interior design was my passion after working at the Michigan Design Center and other design firms. I then decided to launch my own business, Armina Interiors.
{SS}: Tell us about your typical day.
{AK}: Let me preface this by saying I am not a morning person. I tend to work late nights so I don’t wake up super early. My day always starts off with a good cup of coffee followed by reading through some of my favorite design books. Even if it’s just a few pages, I find I always learn something new. A few of my current favorites to peruse are The Finer Things by Christiane Lemieux and The Element of Style. Both are great references for any interior designer. The best thing about my job is that I don’t have a typical day. There is so much variety in design, and I love that I am always doing something different.
{SS}: What do you love about your job?
{AK}: I love to design spaces and make them both functional and amazing for the clients, to create something specifically for their tastes and to make them feel better about their surroundings. I also really love the relationships that I form with my clients. I feel so fortunate to be a part of their lives.The road getting to the final result is also fun for me. Watching and working with the construction teams and tradesmen that bring these designs to life is so rewarding.
{SS}: Any advice to those starting out in your profession?
{AK}: Start by getting the best education you can, both in school and at a firm. It’s so important to work in a great design firm before you go out on your own.
{SS}: What would you tell your 23 year old self?
{AK}: I would have told myself to work at the best design firm and gain more experience. I jumped into my own business pretty quickly. Though I was able to succeed, I wasn’t fully prepared. I wish I had learned more about the day-to-day business. Being creative is not enough. There is a great combination of knowledge and disciplines you will only learn in the field. Getting real world experience at a firm will teach you how to organize yourself and your business and will help you succeed.
{SS}: Where do you, personally, get your daily news fix?
{AK}: Every morning I go through my phone and read The New York Times and CNN…and of course my daily style fix from the trades and magazines.
{SS}: What do you do to make you feel beautiful, confident and ready to take on anything?
{AK}: I love shopping! Finding a great piece of clothing that makes me both look and feel beautiful is the best. Quality clothing that reflects my personality and fits me perfectly makes me feel good on the outside and inside. Subtle fragrances, in lotions or body oils that smell good, make me feel confident. I also remain active. I go to Yoga and run several times a week. I finish my runs with a sauna. Self-care helps me feel rested. When I feel rested I am incredibly creative. In life, especially when you work in a creative field, you have to find balance so that your creativity will thrive. I tend to find that I have the most creativity in the morning, when I can relax, and have a quiet moment, without any work pressures.
{SS}: What is your “Style Archetype?”
{AK}: My results came out to be Classic. However, it could have been my mood for the day. It’s difficult to only select one. I love glam and wild style just as much as I love clean lines and modern!
{SS}: Who is your Style Icon?
{AK}: Again, I don’t like to feel boxed in. I admire women who have a naturally effortless beauty from the inside out. I am not a fan of overdone women. Some of my favorite examples are Victoria Beckham and Jennifer Aniston.
{SS}: Where do you find interior design style + fashion inspiration?
{AK}: Usually in magazines. Vogue, Elle, W… they all inspire me. Fashion is a great alternative for me to focus on when I look to take my mind off of interior design.
{SS}: Easy tip on how to freshen the home (or apartment / condo) for Spring?
{AK}: Add color, often it’s the art, texture and accessories that add depth and pull together the overall design. It’s super easy to swap out your accessories for punches of color, or switch out your art for something new. Add plants, new throws, change your window trim or lamp shades, all of these items will give your home a breath of fresh air for the season.
{SS}: Can you please share some of the interior design / home décor trends you are seeing for the year ahead?
{AK}: This year is all about color.
Green, navy blue, jewel tones and grown up pastels are adding vibrancy and life to a home.
Textured fabrics like velvet, mohair and linens are being applied in new applications. Spring inspired objects like butterflies and plants are whimsical accessories that can add personality to your decor.
{SS}: What are YOUR “words to live by?”
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I love to discover Detroit. I just started and I have a lot to uncover, but the DIA is the top of my list., I am a member now so I go often. Recently, I checked out a new restaurant that I loved called PARC.
Three favorite boutiques of mine are: Lori Karbal in Birmingham; Zieben Mare in Franklin; and SHE in Bloomfield Hills.
