I always seem to be drawn to a neutral palette, both in my closet, and my living spaces. There is something so refreshing, timeless, and soothing about living in a muted home. I love discovering new, talented interior designers to share with you, since many of my followers have growing families and are looking for someone to help decorate a new home, that is both kid-friendly and beautiful. One I admire, and appreciate is Alyssa Kapito. I met Alyssa in her Soho showroom for our interview, which looks like a beautiful mini apartment in and of itself. I loved her technique of using multiple textures instead of bold patterns and colors to make a room interesting. She gives a great amount of time and attention to her clients, is a pleasure to be around, and has a great eye.
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
We have been in business in NYC for 7 years.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
I was on the art tract for a while. I worked at Christies and got a masters in Renaissance art after graduating as an art history major from college. But somewhere along the line, I just started to feel like I was looking at art from an interiors lens. I decided to intern for a summer at the interior design firm Bunny Williams Inc., figuring it was an itch I would probably get over once I tried it, but I absolutely fell in love and never looked back!
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
We focus on clean lines and a fresh take on the classics. I use a lot of texture and not a lot of pattern. I think it's rare to find a focus on elevated simplicity in the interior design field. I really try to create spaces that last.
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
Great relationships with clients, and work that is well-received is always a good recipe for any small business. We try to live by that. We’ve only been around for seven years but we just started getting repeat clients so that feels like we are doing something right.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
Homes are so important to people's identity. It's a place that is truly yours, where you come to to find comfort, spend time with friends and loved ones, escape the outside world, and entertain. I feel very lucky to be able to help my clients make those spaces beautiful, and to allow their best selves to come across. We try very hard to tailor our interiors to our clients by paying attention to the tiniest details of how they live, and also their aspirations of how they wished they lived. I love being able to make such an impact on peoples lives with the spaces I design! It's wonderful to see my clients enjoying them even years later.
What is your favorite part of your job?
The design reveal after an install is always so much fun! It's a real TV moment.
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
I Sodi is not such a secret any more but it's my absolute favorite.
How do you benefit mamas?
Working with families is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. As a mom myself, being able to design spaces that allow kids to be kids and yet not look like ‘kids spaces’ is a challenge that I find very gratifying!
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
That I exceeded even their highest expectations. It made me so happy to know that they loved their home that much!
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field.
Jacques Grange, Peter Marino, Shelton Mindel, Veere Grenney and Atelier AM are all designers I find super inspiring.
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
Be nice to everyone.
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
Planning out your day in advance, down to the half hour, is really helpful. My schedule is always super tight and it's great to have things mapped out in advance even if I don’t stick to it as rigidly as I hope to. The planning saves time and keeps me feeling a little more calm about all of the places I'll have to be.