Andrew Joseph: What inspired you to become a designer?
Shelagh Conway: I’ve loved design since I was a child – both fashion and interior! I went to school for fashion design and ended up more passionate about interior design. The two are forever intertwined, so it is fun to be involved.
AJ: How do you stay creative and inspired?
SC: I get out in nature as much as I can and believe that grounded connection is where inspiration begins.
Shelagh unites preparation and dining in one intimate space, accented with a black and brass palette.
AJ: How do you balance functionality and aesthetics in your designs?
SC: I teach my clients – function first! So many times clients will come to me and they are so far down the path in design elements, that they forgot to think about the function of the space first. Aesthetics can be built into any great functional space!
AJ: What is your favorite design element to incorporate into your projects?
SC: Black! I love to use black as a grounding point for many of my designs. Very rarely will I design without adding black in somewhere.
AJ: How do you stay organized while working on multiple projects?
SC: I have a system I work through for each project. While running multiple projects, I’m overlapping them so that I’m not in one stage all at once. Initial set-up and design development is the most time-consuming and prominent aspect of the project. I don’t want to be in design development for more than 1 project at a time as that is where the inspiration strikes.
Nestled in the woodlands, this outdoor living area extends the comfort of your living room into nature. Featuring a bar, kitchenette, and sectional, this becomes a grand entertaining space.
AJ: What is your favorite type of space to design?
SC: I love transforming older homes and updating them without leaving behind the original design intent.
AJ: What is the most important skill for a successful designer?
SC: Organization!! Many people think it is creativity, but if you cannot be organized and communicate you won’t succeed in this industry. There are so many details that need to be managed and communicated to multiple parties!
AJ: How do you stay up to date on the latest technology in design?
SC: I have my hands in technology all the time and the newest software that helps me be a better designer. From digitizing spaces to creating visuals for my clients, I would be lost without technology. It allows me to create and design projects around the country and sometimes never set foot in a home!
Positioned in the bathroom’s corner, the freestanding bathtub rests upon herringbone-patterned tiles that strikingly contrast with each other.
AJ: What’s the weirdest thing a client has ever asked you?
SC: “Can you find a light fixture that isn’t so fussy?” I’ve heard a lot of feedback on lighting, but never fussy. I had to dig a bit to determine what he meant by that as it wasn’t overly ornate at all. It turned out he didn’t like the bevel details!
AJ: What would your dream project or dream client be right now?
SC: Working on a mountain modern organic rustic cottage home – see how I did that? I really love blending styles and my dream project would be a little of all of those things!
AJ: Style (or design) icon and why?
SC: Jeremiah Brent – his casual luxury organic cozy style that is rooted in traditionalism!
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