LUX Xmas 2018

LUXLIFE MAGAZINE | 53 Xmas 2018 on the international stage. It is something which I never really thought I would achieve so early in my design career. Having been in business for five years, I have had some ups and downs; but this is a dream come true!” Moving forward, there is currently a movement towards online designing. Online furniture companies are beginning to move towards selling ‘E-design’ services for an affordable price point. The downside of this is the personal touch in the interior design process is taken out of the question. Interior design is becoming more accessible, but a lot of work is put in the client’s hands. Looking ahead to what the future holds for the firm, Jenn signs off by revealing the exciting plans that she has in the pipeline for Muse Interior Design. “Currently I have a luxury farmhouse bedroom design in process. After much deliberation, the client has opened her budget to my personal shopping services to obtain new décor, lighting, some smaller furniture pieces, and luxury bedding, but we must incorporate key pieces that she already has. “I am participating in various charity events including a staging project in partnership with Kaleidoscope Fighting Lupus, for a charity fundraiser in support of Lupus education. This event, Serving Up Style, features a variety of designers creating dining room displays to bring public attention to the charity. At the end of the event, is a charity fundraiser. This is my 5th year participating; my first two years that I was involved was as a design student. This event helped me launch Muse Interior Design to the public, so it is very close to my heart. “Additionally, I recently got involved with our local chapter of Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build. Our focus is fundraising to be able to build a home for a much deserving family. There are also build days every quarter, and I am super excited to get on site and build. “Also, I am working with a builder on designing a tiny home he is working on. It’s still in early stages but in researching tiny homes, I am finding inspiration in sustainable designs including container homes. This tiny home has renewed my interest in planning and building my own container home someday. “Lastly, my long-term goal for Muse is to open a designer storefront for clients to source home décor and furnishings and plan their home designs in one location.” Contact: Jenn Robbins Web Address: www.muse-interior-design.net “Additionally, I like to educate clients along the way about design decisions or products. While I love design shows, they can mislead the public and set unrealistic standards or timelines. An informed client can make for a successful project; which is why I work with my clients providing accurate information, understanding of manufacturing and materials, and have the tough conversations. It is my aim to set realistic expectations of what my clients will get from me.” Staying on the designs, Jenn highlights the key factors that sets Muse Interior Design apart from other companies within their industry, which marks them out as the best possible option for their clients. “In my designs, I am a big picture and small detail designer. What I mean by that is I am looking at what the final design looks like and the details it takes to achieve that. I had a client that only wanted new paint and tile in her kitchen, that had one light fixture. I advised her to start by adding lighting since she wanted a deeper color in her kitchen. “The little things can make or break a project. I look at the little details that can easily be overlooked, like color of lighting or the way the paint looks in a room at all hours of the day. I have even walked through how the client uses their kitchen, and where things are in relation to each other. I really look at how the space is used and how to maximize the design for the client. “One thing I learned in retail that I take to heart as a designer, clients are the reason I have a business. I like to focus on one or two projects at a time, so my clients have my time, attention, and dedicated focus to their project. It is what allows me to create personal relationships with my clients and address any issues in their project no matter how big or small.” Whilst reflecting on her innovative designs, Jenn informs us of how she is able to create innovative solutions to maintain success as a designer. “There are so many design events and marketplace centers for learning about trends and products, as well as seeing and researching new technologies. Some of the greatest keys to success are education and research, not just present and future, but also looking at great innovations from previous designers or cultures. I often look at Asian designs for storage solutions and am constantly looking at sustainable designs for creative materials.” On the topic of the success, Muse Interior Design were recently selected in LUXlife’s 2018 Leading Designers where they received the Award for Excellence in: Personalized Interior Design Services – Washington. When discussing the win, Jenn is keen to highlight what the recognition means to her. “To be selected for this award was amazing! The Pacific Northwest is starting to become a design mecca, but Vancouver isn’t as recognized for designers as Portland, OR is, so to be internationally recognized amidst the designers of the area…I mean wow! It’s a huge honor and I am still stunned that I was selected! “I have been in a few local publications and recognized on design industry, but this puts Muse Before