Designer insights with Saudah Saleem

Saudah Saleem is an interior stylist, decorator and design blogger, as well as native New Yorker. Saudah's passion for all things design allow her to make design dreams a reality for her clients, at affordable prices. She tries to combine the energy and excitement of New York into her designs, as well as making spaces practical for everyday life. She currently offers her design and styling services in Baltimore, Maryland. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Saudah Saleem.

Designer Insights - Saudah Saleem

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

My design style is greatly influenced by my love of art, history, culture, and fashion. I like to use pattern, unexpected color combinations and a mix of both elegant and eclectic design elements to create an aesthetic that is both sophisticated yet approachable.

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

My goal is to help clients refresh, renew and re-imagine their living spaces. I start every new project by first determining how the client wants to use the space and what the client’s desired final look and feel for the space is.

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

I really respect the work ethic and dedication of the carpenters, artists, upholsterers and seamstresses I work with to create unique spaces for my clients. Their dedication to producing work that is exemplary as well as their unique eye and attention to detail make them such a crucial and necessary part of any good design. The color provided by a great piece of commissioned art work, the tufting on a chair or nailhead trim on a sofa are all beautiful elements that make good interior design great.

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

In addition to finding design inspiration in magazines and online, I also like to look for inspiration in unexpected places. Nature walks, trips to a museum or watching the latest collection of couture on the runway often provide me with great inspiration for using color and texture in a space.

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

Passion, commitment and support are what have gotten me to this point. After recognizing my passion for helping others style their living space, I immersed myself in all things design and learned everything I could about the industry. I was committed to developing a business that would allow me to share my passion for design with others. Having the support of my family as I pursued my dream and learned the ins and outs of the business has been extremely helpful. My advice: learn as much as you can about the design industry and don’t be afraid to reach out to those already in the profession for guidance, advice or opportunities for hand on experience. Find opportunities to put what you learn into practice. Believe in your talent! Surround yourself with people who believe in your talent and who are just as excited about seeing you succeed as you are!