Designer insights with Cheryl Khan

Cheryl Khan is an interior designer and writer at Tradewinds Imports, a retailer of high end Bathroom Vanities based in San Diego, California. She lives and breathes interior design and wants to inspire her readers to make their homes more beautiful. With an intense passion for design Cheryl loves keeping up the latest trends and innovations, then sharing her discoveries with her readers. A graduate of the University of California and contributor to houzz.com, we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Cheryl Khan.

Designer Insights with Cheryl Khan

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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?

I like to create spaces that are clean, well-defined and able to evoke a certain sense of emotion. I pull ideas from various sources seen in everyday life.

2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?

First and foremost, I consult with clients to get to know their personalities. What I try to do is capture their style in a room.

3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?

I had the chance to kick around some questions with Robert Passal last year. He reminded me that the design should center around the client rather than overly focusing on new textures, materials, products, etc. It was really humbling to hear how much time he takes to gather a genuine understanding of clients. Additionally, I've learned a lot from clients who have lived in different parts of the world. Their insight is invaluable and surprisingly candid.

4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?

Sometimes forcing yourself to become inspired is the wrong approach. Rather, I aspire to let things come naturally. It could be as simple as carrying a notebook and jotting down any creative concepts that come to mind throughout the day. Similarly, my smart phone is a secret weapon used to snap photo's of unique color palettes.

5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?

I love the creativity that interior design affords. There's nothing like it. The ability to materialize that which the mind imagines is priceless. Putting together a design is like floating through clouds. Complete freedom without limitations. I'd say that reading and reaching out to other designers is of prime importance. Figure out who you aspire to be and follow in their footsteps. If you wish to pursue a career in design, you must learn to eat, sleep, and dream about design!