Brexton Cole Interiors Founder, Valerie Darden
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 :)
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. □