Applying fashion principles to interior design is not a new concept, but it’s one that Britany Simon, founder of Britany Simon Design House in Scottsdale, Ariz., has mastered. Simon’s background in fashion has given her a unique perspective on interior design, allowing her to test ideas quickly and effectively.
She treats a room like a silhouette, considering the shape of a range hood against its surroundings, much like a stylist reads an outfit.
This approach to design has allowed Simon to create spaces that feel tailored to their surroundings. She favors mixing high and low or classic and current, and she isn’t afraid to bend a rule when balance calls for it.
By considering the scale and proportion of a room, Simon is able to create a space that feels right, much like a well-cut suit. The art of tailoring is also applied to the texture and pattern of a room.
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Simon studies color-driven collections for unexpected palettes, then lets them inform texture, pattern, and layered detail in her projects.
Simon has noticed that the lag between a runway palette and its arrival in interiors has all but disappeared. Today’s 70s-influenced moment is everywhere, with muddier tones, mustards, deep greens and browns, alongside cornflower blue and citron yellow.
However, she also knows that trends can be fleeting, and that’s why she reaches for materials and finishes that can shift in five years without heartbreak. Color and texture carry the trend, while the bones of the space remain timeless.
In the middle of a design project, it’s essential to consider the client’s personal style and how it can inform the design. Simon uses her client’s wardrobe as a tool to understand their design preferences.
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A closet full of neutrals sets a different course than one with bold patterns or bright colors. This design psychology approach allows Simon to create spaces that are deeply personal and reflective of her clients’ tastes.
By applying fashion principles to interior design, Simon is able to create rooms that look collected over time, effortless and considered all at once. The skirt on a sofa or the fringe of an ottoman can add a touch of luxury and personality to a space.
These fashion-inspired details can make a room feel truly unique and reflective of its occupants.
For more information on Simon’s design approach, listen to the full conversation with her on the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora and other outlets.
