Name:  Sofia Mendonca

Country:  Portugal

First Question:

I’m finding it a bit difficult to get samples from suppliers because I’m a student so I’ve been presenting myself as a young designer since I’ve started to help some friends on a big project.  But I feel pretentious and fake while doing it even though I always maintain a professional approach and act like I know what I want.  Is there a more honest way for students to get samples? Or should I just change my own perception of how to get what I need?

Second Question:

In your opinion, what are the most common mistakes young designers make?

Vicente Responds:

In response to your first question, I suggest you approach design firms and ask for samples you don’t want.  Are you young and a designer? If so, you are not being “fake” or “pretentious”.  You can return the samples after you use them.  If you like the fabrics, you’ll use them in the future.  You are laying the groundwork for your career in interior design.

As for your second question, I’d say the most common mistakes made by young designers is not being professional or giving away your expertise for free.

Name:  Cheryl

City:  Highland Park

State:  New Jersey

Question:

Due to the recent hurricane I had to rip out the carpet in my basement which is done in a sleek look with a Ligne Roset Didier Gomez sofa.  What do you suggest for flooring? I have admired your work for many decades and would love your input.  The rest of the house has bleached wood floors and bone wool flat weave carpet.  Thank you so much.

Vicente Responds:

Look into self-leveling floors.  You can make it look like concrete, or install terrazzo flooring.  Terrazzo is cured, ground and polished to a smooth surface or otherwise finished to produce a uniformly textured surface.  You can also consider placing cowhides or area rugs on your floor for easy maintenance and a touch of elegance.

Name: June

City: Astorville

State: Ontario

Country: Canada

Comment:

Okay, this might be unusual however, where do you hide the garbage holders? what are they made of? 
This is something I struggle with in every room as I don’t want to see them, however I don’t want to have to travel to far to use them. 
How do you handle this? 
Thanks in advance.

Vicente Responds: 

When designing a home I try to disguise the trash bins as much as possible.  In kitchens I like to hide trashcans in base cabinets with pull-out waste containers.  For bathrooms, I use stainless steel bins so they disappear.  I prefer to not have any trashcans in bedrooms and living rooms. In an office you can always put it under the desk in a coordinating material, but it’s a trashcan and it will always be a trashcan. My advice would just to try to make it disappear as much as you can.  Anyone out there have any tricks for camouflaging trashcans?

Question:

Question:

Hi, I have come across your blog post where you encourage readers to ask questions. This is so generous of you that I could not NOT take advantage. We are in the process of renovating (and giving some character) to a regular suburbia block house. It is in a popular neighborhood and we hope to sell it at some point and move somewhere less high profile. So, I would like to ask a question about updating a fireplace to be more modern/classic (not traditional) and less “suburban”/mainstream/boring. I’ve attached a picture. Any comments and suggestions from you would be cherished on my end

Name: Peggy

City: Greenville

State: SC 


Comment:

My husband and I have just inherited some nice antiques (New England style) from my mother-in-law and I’m having a hard time integrating them so that our house does not look so dark/heavy and traditional. I prefer a mix of modern and antique. Do you have tips? Thanks!

Vicente Responds:

Peggy your problem intrigues me, I would love to see pictures of the room and the antiques.  If you send them we could explore the possibilities on the blog as many people struggle with the same problem.  Can’t wait to see them and open up the discussion!

Name: Kathy

City: Warner Robins

State: GA

Comment:

Hi Vicente,
I have all your books–love them!
Have noticed several glossy, shiny ceilings, a look I also love. What is your reasoning for that technique?
Thanks

Vicente Responds:

Dear Kathy-

First and foremost I like them, secondly because it helps reflect natural light and lastly it makes the ceiling feel taller which makes the room feel more open.  There is a lot of prep work that goes into this job, you need to compound and sand then compound and sand some more. The goal is to get the ceiling as smooth as glass.

- Vicente

Name: Eric R.
City: Chicago
State: IL
Country: USA
 

Comment:

Happy Friday Vicente–

Window treatments: specifically, roman-style sheers. When you do a sheer, light-diffusing roman shade, do you go with natural textiles like linen & woven grasscloths or a synthetic like polyester? Thanks in advance for your functional & aesthetic thoughts on either or both.

Vicente Responds

Hi Eric-

 If a room has too much direct sunlight it can actually eat away at natural fabrics over time. For these rooms I suggest synthetic fabrics otherwise I prefer natural textiles.

Name: jackie denham
City: Fort Erie
State: Ontario
Country: Canada
Comment:

do you have some paint colour suggestions for a scottish theme interior design project

Vicente Responds:

Jackie-

If you are using traditional plaids or stones I would suggest going with Benjamin Moore Super White. I think it would be a fresh modern take on a traditional Scottish theme. 

 Name: Cathy Bybel
City: Naperville
State: IL
Country: USA
Comment:

You have mentioned using laminated linen on dining room furniture. I would love to use it as a tablecloth. Our children are young and it seems like that would be a huge timesaver and a lot more appealing than any of the other options I have located. Do you sell laminated linen in your shop? If not, do you have suggestions as to where I might find it. (Just found your blog recently and was so inspired I bought all three books. Your work and commentary very inspirational. Hope to see a book based on your project with Mr. & Mrs. M)

Vicente Responds:

Cathy-

 You should ring Trudi in my showroom, she will be able to help you. 212.244.5008