Known for her inviting, serene spaces, interior designer Andrea Goldman believes that you should feel comfortable in every room. Here, she shares the story of her firm’s first project with PAGODA RED.

PR: What was the inspiration for the Indian Hill Residence?

AG: I was working with my very first client. They moved into a new house, and they were coming from a more traditional home. They wanted to use some of their previous pieces, so we started from a more traditional place. But as the project progressed, we got creative, mixing it up and leaning more modern with the furnishings.

PR: What were the functional requirements you had to meet?

AG: It’s a family home. Their kids are 12 and under. At the time, they were even younger. The family room opened up to a golf course. We wanted the room to feel very comfortable and relaxed. The kind of place where kids can crash on the sofa. They also entertain quite a bit, and they wanted to strike a balance between the comfort of a family room and the sophistication of a space for cocktail parties.

PR: How did you find the right mix?

AG:  I love doing rooms that have every type of furniture. In this room, I put Asian influences next to a clean, modern ottoman with a high metal base. Overall, the feel of the room had to be quiet in tone and not take away from the views of the golf course. We chose lots of different warm wood tones for the furnishings; which is why the PAGODA RED piece is perfect in that room. We wanted something with some age and patina, that would be interesting to look at. We clearly needed height on that wall too. It worked out well. It went into the space, and we were done!

PR: What do Chinese antiquities add to your aesthetic?

AG: It’s funny, in my own home, I don’t realize how many Asian pieces I have. I don’t feel like someone would walk into my house and say “oh it’s very heavily influenced by Asian design.” But in most of my projects – whether my clients are modern or transitional – there’s just something about the right Asian piece. I tend to gravitate towards clean pieces that aren’t what people would consider typical Asian objects.

PR: What do you look for in Asian objects?

AG: I love the various types of wood, texture, and tone you get from Asian pieces. I look for something with a story behind it. It makes a space feel like it wasn’t purchased in a showroom. It’s got a little interest and age. Asian pieces to me are very calming. I like to create soothing environments and interiors, and I find Asian objects beautiful to look at.

PR: What’s your advice for others trying to blend styles?

AG: Don’t think too hard about it. You can overthink some of this stuff. You want to have a balance, but I think that there’s always a place for mixing modern pieces with antiques. You know when it feels right. You know when it’s going to work.

Images Courtesy of Andrea Goldman Design

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