John Cialone is the vice president/partner at Tom Stringer Design Partners. He oversees design development and client relations for residential and commercial projects across the United States. He brings his characteristic energy and enthusiasm to all endeavors, and he currently serves as the Past-Chair of the National Board of Directors of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). With 30 years of experience, his work has been recognized with many awards and has been widely published in magazines like Traditional Home, Luxe, California Living, Western Art & Architecture, Florida Design, Palm Beach, and Modern Luxury. He speaks to groups across the United States and is a member of the ASID College of Fellows, the Society’s highest honor, which is bestowed on less than 1% of the ASID Membership. See John’s designs in today’s Designer Friday.
A collected and worldly traditional space layered with global textiles, rich wood tones and natural light that spills across every curated detail.
Andrew Joseph: What inspired you to become a designer?
John Cialone: I always loved architecture and interior design and would frequently study floor plans and look at real estate listings as a child. Sitting in my introduction to justice class at the American University in Washington, D.C., was my first time really thinking about interior design. I thought, “If the seats were arranged in a semi-circle and there were windows on the west wall, we’d have a much better experience with this classroom.” I also thought the professor was fascinating as he explained why the design of some jails was so challenging for keeping order. It really made me think about how layout is so important to making a space functional and pleasing.
AJ: Can you describe a project that you’re particularly proud of?
JC: We have incredible clients at our firm, and I love all of our projects, but something I am particularly proud of is our team’s commitment to pro bono work. We’ve done several projects over the last few years for organizations that have very meaningful missions. From a community room at a downtown Chicago Church to the ASID Illinois Chapter office at the Merchandise Mart, we have had to stretch our creative thinking while working with very limited budgets to achieve excellent outcomes. Just recently, we designed a communal living room space at the 1920s Howard Van Doren Shaw home in Lake Forest known as Ragdale, now an artist residency program.
AJ: What was the last book you read and how did it inspire you?
JC: I’ve just read The Twelve Monotasks by Thatcher Wine. I used to love the idea of multi-tasking, but have now realized that I start many projects and tasks and don’t get them done. The writer’s premise is that to do everything better, you need to do one thing at a time. The concept is tough for me to grasp, as even when I was reading the book, I had to constantly remind myself just to be present for that moment and enjoy the book. My mind can wander! While I really think I am a business-minded left-brain person, there are moments when I realize my right brain is equally working.
A vibrant, feel-good kitchen where bold green cabinetry brings playful energy and frames the view straight through to a sun-soaked dining nook.
AJ: What is your favorite place to find inspiration?
JC: I love vintage books and magazines, both literature and design-related, to seed inspiration. Old design magazines are a no-brainer as they are filled with interesting pictures that inspire, but more so, I love books like I Married Adventure by Osa Johnson or Tales of Tortola by Florence Lewisohn. These classics fill my mind with thoughtful collections, international travel, and dreamy spaces.
AJ: What is the most important skill for a successful designer?
JC: Listening is the most important skill for a successful designer. I like to think of our work as client-centric, meaning we design what the clients want and do not impose our vision of a particular design aesthetic on them. What unites our projects is comfort. When you listen and get to know a client, you can put yourself in their shoes and make decisions that you know they would make… all while bringing your knowledge of how to bring it all together into a cohesive experience.
AJ: If you weren’t a designer, what would you be and why?
JC: I love to entertain and cook. I’d be a chef if I were not an interior designer, but with this caveat — no late nights and no having to make money! Sharing meals with people and providing unique experiences through flavor profiles and food combinations is very rewarding for me. Truth be told, I love comfort food, so give me a great mac and cheese any day. However, my two favorite dishes are chicken paillard and vitello tonnato!
A richly layered sitting room where deep navy textures, tailored millwork and graphic roman shades come together in a space designed for conversation and quiet confidence.
AJ: What’s your favorite cocktail?
JC: I’m going to blame two close friends for this answer, Kerry Kelly and Patty Dominguez, but they turned me on to sipping tequilas and I currently love a Don Julio 1942 neat served in a champagne glass.
AJ: What would your dream project or dream client be right now?
JC: A dream project would be to work on Villa Artemis, the Palm Beach estate in the Regency style, made famous by the photograph of CZ Guest by Slim Aarons. I visited the house once when the parents of the current owners owned it. The history, the scale of the rooms, the iconic Greek-style temple structure at the end of the pool, all reflect a bygone era of simple elegance.
AJ: Style (or design) icon and why?
JC: I am very attracted to David Hicks’ work. He also seemed very chic to me from a young age (sans his chain-smoking). His combinations of bold colors and the mix of antiques with modern furnishings never tire me. He was a master at lighting and understood how to use patterns together.
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