Using her talents to combine trends with tradition | Bonita Springs Florida Weekly – Key West Florida Weekly

A native of Pretoria, South Africa, where she grew up surrounded by breathtaking beauty, rich colors and creative people, Ingrid de Villiers has called Southwest Florida home for 24 years. Robb & Stucky has been her workplace home for the past nine of these years. Ms. de Villiers earned a bachelor of arts degree in interior design at London Metropolitan University in London, England. She has received numerous Sand Dollar Awards from the Collier

Building Industry Association for her work on single-family homes, and in 2016 she was the winner of Blink Art Resources annual interior design challenge. Blink is an art marketplace described on its website as a cross between a portfolio, an artist director and a trends reference.

When did you know you wanted to be an interior designer?

I am married to an architect and always loved looking at the homes my husband designed. Whenever we went to bookstores, I would go straight to the interior design/architecture section. One day I realized interior design was my passion. Soon after, I enrolled at London Metropolitan University to study my passion.

Describe your approach to interior design in five words.

Its all about the clients.

Tell us something about your first project.

It was a second home for a couple in Naples. I had to do everything. My mentor guided me though the entire thing and really built my confidence.

What about your most challenging project?

It was a Barefoot Beach condominium for a single guy who had started on it but got stuck. He didnt want to change the bright yellow walls in the den, the bright blue walls in the master bedroom or the bright, bright green walls in the guest room. It worked out great in the end.

And a favorite project?

It was a 5,000-square-foot house that we gutted. The clients loved silver, white, gray, cream and pink with crystals and bling. It was wonderful to work with them because they were open to my ideas. It earned a perfect score in the Sand Dollar Awards.

What is your favorite room in your own house?

The living room. Its very pretty, but its also very lived in.

What things do you consider must-haves for a great room/family room where people gather?

Plenty of comfortable seating. Some storage. And something soft underfoot.

Walk us through the process when you start with a new client.

I normally meet the clients in their home and ask about their style, design preference, budget, etc., to determine if we are a good fit. I take pictures and notes. I get a floor plan. We meet again at the Robb & Stucky showroom and walk the floor, look through fabric samples Then I do a power point design presentation so we can discuss everything involved.

Describe your ideal client.

I love it when clients are open to new ideas and are willing to incorporate different products, textures and designs into their space.

Do you have a design pet peeve?

I dont like a house that looks like everyone elses house. I am an out-of-the-box person and always encourage my clients to do something out of the box that creates interest in their home.

Remodel or start from scratch: Do you have a preference?

I would always prefer to start from scratch. But Id say half of my work is remodeling.

Any trends you especially love?

I love so many of the new furniture lines, fabrics and wallpapers, lighting fixtures and accessories. I especially love it when we incorporate them with traditional, older pieces and designs.

Any words of wisdom for a young person who wants to be an interior designer?

Make sure interior design is your passions. As Vincent van Gogh said: What is done in love is done well. I believe that completely.

What would you be doing if you werent doing this?

Probably something in fashion design.

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Using her talents to combine trends with tradition | Bonita Springs Florida Weekly - Key West Florida Weekly