Casey Howard established her design studio in 2012, offering clients a modern take on classic styles. Her design journey began at the University of London, where she visited sixteen countries for inspiration. After earning a Business Administration degree from California Polytechnic State University, she studied Interior Architecture and Design at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Before her own venture, Casey spent 8 years at a leading East Bay interior design firm. Learn more about Casey and her designs in today’s Designer Friday.
Bernhardt Furniture’s faceted tables and an ivory sectional elegantly complement one another in this living space that is nestled into a full corner of windows.
AJ: Can you describe your design philosophy in three words?
Casey Howard: Thoughtful. Functional. Unexpected.
AJ: How do you stay creative and inspired?
CH: I am most inspired by traveling and exploring nature, and also by both fashion and art. I immerse myself in these things regularly to inspire my creative flow and explore new ways of seeing and creating.
Drenched in luxurious textures, this media room boasts walls adorned with Mark Alexander wallpaper and a sophisticated wooden feature wall rising above the Nero marble fireplace. A France & Son Aquila accent table flanks the channeled armchair.
AJ: What is your favorite aspect of your job?
CH: Creating and collaborating are my favorite aspects of my job. I have a wonderful team whom I adore working with each day, they make our projects come to life and are awesome collaborators. I also love working with our clients to bring their dreams to life and translate their wishes into the physical space. And of course, I wouldn’t do what I do if I didn’t deeply love the process of designing and creating.
AJ: How do you balance functionality and aesthetics in your designs?
CH: Form and function are best together. If either is missing, the design ultimately fails because great design elevates and supports the clients’ lifestyles. If a room is beautiful, but there is nowhere to store essential items, there is a block created in how someone lives in that space. We consider every detail of both how a space looks and also how it will function for our clients’ best, most inspired life.
The combination of white Omega cabinets and Calacatta Vagli marble countertops make for a clean, airy kitchen.
AJ: How do you incorporate client feedback into your designs?
CH: Listening is essential in our relationship with our clients, as is trust. It is our mission to hear what our clients need and want and earn their trust in us to translate that into the most beautiful and functional design.
Andrew Joseph: What is your favorite design element to incorporate into your projects?
CH: My favorite design element is the use of texture. One of the signature elements of my design style is rich, layered textures and always a touch of the unexpected.
Casey has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, LUXE magazine, CA Home + Design magazine, California Homes magazine, LONNY magazine, Studio 8’s “This is SF” and designed a room at the Napa Valley Showhouse. In 2019, Casey collaborated with Amanda Wright Pottery to create a collection of edgy ceramic objects, and completed a special collaboration with Revitaliste to transform ordinary pieces into one-of-a-kind creations.
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