Brexton Cole Interiors Founder, Valerie Darden
Tell us about yourself and Brexton Cole Interiors.
Well, first of all, thank you so much for this opportunity! Brexton and Cole are the names of my two sons… so I decided to name my business after them! I currently live in Virginia with my husband Jonathan and our two sons, but I grew up in New Jersey with my mother, who was also an interior designer. She has now been a designer for over 20 years. Through her, I learned all the tricks of the trade and was finally able to put those tricks to use when I bought my own home. Throughout the years, my mother and I have collaborated on projects together around New Jersey. I would often make the trip up to New Jersey or help her through E- Design. In 2017, I began posting photos of my own home on Instagram. Soon after, residents of Virginia - as well as other states - messaged me and asked me to help them design their homes. This is how Brexton Cole Interiors was born.
What made you want to become an interior designer?
I played soccer in college; I always imagined that I would end up in a sports management type of position. However, as we all do, I eventually lost interest in playing and coaching sports 24/7. The transition to becoming a designer happened very naturally for me since I had watched my mother in the profession for years. I also feel that the home is a sanctuary; creating spaces that others love makes me happy.
Tell us about the process of designing and finishing a design project.
My first step is to meet with my client and discuss the lifestyle they lead. For example, do they have pets, children, and/or are they first-time homeowners? These questions are important in making a design that is personalized to a client’s lifestyle. As a mother myself, I am a huge fan of stain-resistant fabric! We next discuss the style that they are looking for and the budget that we are able to work with. From this point, I begin measuring spaces, meeting with contractors, and putting together both floor plans and mood boards for my client. Once the client approves of all of the above... the purchasing begins! That's the fun part :)
How would you describe your design style?
I would describe my style as traditional, with a touch of Parisian simplicity and eclectic. For example, I pair my traditional furniture with unexpected art pieces, gold mirrors and funky pillows. I also love playing with patterns, especially leopard print!
Who or what influences your style?
In 2012, my husband and I visited the Palace of Versailles in France. I fell in love with the baroque-style pieces around the chateau, the high ceilings, the complicated shapes, and the twisted columns. Marie Antionette’s Petite Trianon is also a huge inspiration to me with its neo-classical style. Inside, it is elegantly simple with delicate painted wallpapers and paneling throughout the space. □
