Meet Nicole Martinez - Knilans' Interior Designer
Up next in our designer introductions is Nicole Martinez. Nicole will be bringing you great home decor tips and tricks in future blog posts. Missed earlier introductions? You can meet Judy, Joan, and Lori by clicking their names. The Knilans’ design team is looking forward to bringing you professional insight on the spaces you can create in your home.
Today, meet Nicole Martinez, a Knilans’ designer for 7 years. You can browse through design work on Knilans’ Houzz page, including Nicole’s projects, like this lovely living room makeover. Read on below to learn more about Nicole:
How did you get your start in Interior Design?
I think my interest in design and furniture began as a child. I can remember the excitement when we got a new item for our home or during the frequent rearrangement of our furniture. I found joy helping my mom figure out the puzzle of how and where to put everything to give it a fresh look. I loved the feeling of new, fresh and clean - though as a child, the “cleaning” part of the refresh wasn’t my favorite! I later took an Interior Design class in High School that I really enjoyed and did well in. This all led to my future degree in Interior Design.
What is your goal when you work with a client?
My goal when working with a client is building a relationship with them. When a relationship is established, you have a better understanding of who they are, how they live and the things that make them happy or bring them joy. This all comes into play when designing their spaces. I like creating a space that reflects their personality and style. If a client is unsure of their style or what they want, my goal is to help them figure that out. The end result should feel like “home” to them.
What is a current design trend that you love?
I don’t tend to get too caught up in “trends,” I think it’s more about likes or dislikes. Just because someone else saying a style is “in” or “out” doesn’t hold much weight for me personally. If you like it and you want it in your home because it reflects you, then go for it! I suppose if I had to pick, I’m a sucker for all the floral prints out right now. Fabrics, wallpaper, clothing, art...but not all together at once, in moderation of course.
If you had to pick a favorite room in your home, which would it be and why?
When I think of my home, I think about my family and the memories we’ve made there. As we gather there daily, some of the best memories have been in our living room. It’s a comfy space that reflects our family well. There is a mix of new, old, and refinished pieces, sprinkled with family photos and items that are meaningful to us.
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
Spending time with my family and doing so outdoors when possible. I love fishing, hiking, and enjoying all of God’s creation.