Christine Vroom is an LA-based interior and exterior designer, who loves to combine classic design with more fashion-forward elements. Guided by the philosophy of “beauty meets function” Christine aims to make spaces that are as livable as they are luxurious, which impress architects and homeowners alike. Find out more about Christine and her design philosophy here in this week’s Designer Friday.
This inviting white breakfast table is crowned with a sculptural chandelier. Bright yellow and green pillows play with the lush outdoor scene visible from the three large windows, while the dark chairs give the room some needed tension and grounding. Photo by Dan Solomon.
Andrew Joseph: What’s your design pet peeve?
Christine Vroom: Overusing a trend. We have seen the shiplap, the blue island, the same white quartz countertop, the subway- over and over and over. What once felt interesting and fresh becomes overdone and bland. These trends get ingrained into our design taste for a period of time and then they wind up putting a timestamp on that space for many years.
With Pinterest taking our clients by storm, it’s hard to not jump on board with the trends as this is generally what the people want. But it’s up to us to stay relevant- not trendy. It is our job as designers to guide our client with a more fashion forward approach to see beyond the trends into all the possibilities for that space.
AJ: How do you define beauty?
CV: Beauty is subjective and it is always evolving. It is anything that provides pleasure to the senses or the mind and brings an emotional draw. It can also be an attitude of choosing what you want to find beautiful. Beauty has mostly been defined for us by the media dictating to us what is beautiful. But in reality, what one sees beauty in, another may not. I truly believe beauty can be found in anything depending on what you want to see.
A black and white marble wall highlights the bar and instantly draws you into this space. A brushed metal and alabaster chandelier compliment the cedar-colored wood and marble top of the dining table. Photo by Sara Tramp.
AJ: Style (or design) icon?
CV: Kelly Wearstler. I have been following her since I was in high school. I worked for a designer when I was 16 years old and she gave me her signed book as a gift. From that point on, I have been watching her evolve from her Modern Glamor book into a complete fashion and design style icon. Her work is inspiring, its bold, its drama, its evolving yet timeless, its luxe, and it’s just so high fashion. She is the epitome of a designer and I am grateful we have a design influence like her in our industry.
AJ: How would you describe your personal style?
CV: My personal style in terms of fashion and interiors are both versatile. In my fashion style, it ebbs and flows on the daily. I can go from classy professional, to athleisure, to sassy and sexy, to comfy and casual all in the same week. Potentially same day.. It’s all based on feel, color, mood, patterns, texture etc. Which translates to my design style. I can’t necessarily say I have one. I am drawn to all styles as I see beauty and potential in all of them. I tend to be more out of the box rather than right on trend, and I try to add a little bit of edge to my designs. You will see in my work I can go from Spanish to beach to contemporary and I am in love with all equally.
A cozy reading room complete with a classic Eames recliner chair serves as a tranquil refuge in this home. The bright red lamp adds a pop of color that is central to the room. Photo by Sara Tramp.
AJ: What would you like to be remembered for?
CV: It would be cliche and honestly untrue to say all I want to be remembered for are designing beautiful spaces. What I would really like to be remembered for is making people feel empowered. I believe in the depths of people. That there is more to be uncovered and unleashed in their abilities, their dreams, their drive and it is my passion to show them that in some way through the time I spend with them.. And of course I also want to be remembered for making people laugh- because although it is dramatic to not be able to find your faucet because it’s sitting on the pacific ocean, at the end of the day, it’s really just a faucet.
AJ: Best advice you’d give your teenage self?
CV: Live like no one is watching. Be fearless and free. Trust yourself, learn how to balance your passions, you are worthy of all things good and you are enough.
And girl, salads are not better than pizza.
About the Designer | Christine Vroom Interiors is a full service interior and exterior design firm in Los Angeles, California, founded by senior designer Christine Vroom. Bringing together her love of timeless design with a fashion-forward attention to detail, Christine has made an impression on homeowners, developers, architects, and business owners alike.
With an emphasis on collaboration, communication, and trust, Christine is able to truly connect with her clients and give them the personal attention they deserve. Her passion, well-honed design sensibility, and warm and inviting personality create long lasting relationships and build word of mouth for both residential and commercial design projects.
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