Interview with Allison Egan

Allison Egan is another New York interior designer who use her experience with high end and custom design, combined with her own fresh design style to create beautiful interiors.Allison revealed us that for this autumn/winter season is essentially to add pops of rich color, like eggplant or emerald green and also incorporate a few metallic details, like a vase, lamp, or tray.

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Q:Were you always interested in design? Tell us about the moment when you decided this is the way to go.

I always loved design. I always wanted to rearrange my room and paint the walls when when I was growing up! But actually I got into interior design while getting my master in the history of decorative arts. I love antiques, but using them in real homes and modern settings was even more inspiring to me than seeing them in a museum.

Allison egan interior design13
Allison egan interior design13

Q:Where do you find your inspiration?

I love to look back to vintage design – especially the 1950s and 60s but I am also so inspired by travel. I have been lucky enough to live in Rome, France and now in Singapore so inspiration from new cultures is everywhere!

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Q:Can describe a bit your first interior design project ?

My very first project was my husband and my first apartment. It was in the West Village in NYC and it was tiny but I loved putting it together so much! I was already a designer at this time working at a large firm, so it was so exciting to work on my own.

Q:How would you define your personal style?

I love warm, collected, and layered spaces. A mix of styles and time periods is my favorite look; a warm space looks as if it was created over time, full of favorite pieces, not purchased all at once. I also love a hit of color in every space!

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Q:What kind of people ask for your help?

A lot of young couples or professionals. I think its difficult to create a warm and sophisticated look in your first real home, without buying absolutely everything new, so many people ask for help with this.

Q:What would be your recommendation for “what to do first” in a decorating project?

First is really to look at what you have – and decide what to keep and what to toss! De-cluttering can make a space look a million times better. And I love reviving old pieces too – maybe its reupholstering a chair from your grandmother or painting a table you found at a flea market.

Allison egan interior design13

Allison egan interior design13

Q:What advice do you have for someone with a new house to decorate and perhaps a limited budget?

Actually its the same as ‘what to do first’! Make sure you use the most of the pieces you already have and can repurpose. Other advice would be to check out flea markets and Craig’s list. Lastly, just decide what pieces you love the most and save up!

Q:What is the most frustrating aspect of your job as a designer? And the most rewarding one?

Sometimes it can be a bit frustrating to help a design client see your idea for a space but almost all the time I find the design process so rewarding! I think a happy and welcoming interior you love can make your whole outlook on life brighter – I love helping create these spaces!

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Q:What is your favorite book/magazine on design?

Lately I have really been loving the online e-mag Lonny – its full of great inspirations. I also really like the French magazine Marie Claire Maison!

Q:What you recommend for this autumn/winter and next year?

I love to update space with accessories and textiles. For fall and winter, I would add pops of rich color, like eggplant or emerald green and also incorporate a few metallic details, like a vase, lamp, or tray. New decorative pillows and throw blankets are a quick way to add a luxe feeling for the colder months.

Q:What is the average time allocated to a project?

Well, it really depends on the project . . . sorry this is hard one to answer!

Q:What advice do you have for young designers or architects reading this interview?

I am still at the beginning of my career myself, but I can say that I think the experience I gained working at large established design firms was really amazing. It’s wonderful to learn from someone you find creative and inspiring!

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Q:Tell us something unusual that happened in your career.

I moved to Singapore with my husband! I had not worked outside the US before and its been a wonderful experience. There are so many new inspirations and cultures here. I also had to innovate with my business and develop ways to work remotely too. Its been a great learning experience!

Allison egan interior design13

Allison egan interior design13

Q:In case there is anything else you would like the world to know about you or your ideas, here is your chance to share.

Just to have fun with your home and really make it your own. What you love is important – a home should be filled with details and pieces which mean something to you.

Q:What are your plans for the future?

To keep designing and traveling and learning more!

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Q:What do you think of our site?

I think Homedit.com is a great resource for those who love design and architecture. I especially love the international pieces and getting a peak at beautiful spaces in Russia, Australia, Iran and more!