On the Couch With Amanda Nesbit

Career Change

MyHomeIdeas (MHI): How did you get into design?

Amanda Nesbit (AN): I started my business 10 years ago by doing some projects for close friends while I was still acting in local theater productions. As I began designing more and more, I was acting far less, and the business took off from there!

Color and Lines

MHI: Who or what inspires you?

AN: Billy Baldwin and David Hicks for their inspirational use of color and timeless clean lines.

Multipurpose Design

MHI: How do you deal with combined living and dining spaces?

AN: You must edit every piece in a multifunctional room so that everything serves a specific purpose and, in some cases, more than one.

From the Ground Up

MHI: When starting a room from scratch, what's the first thing you choose?

AN: Fabric―definitely―every time.

Top It Off

MHI: What finishes do you like to use in a kitchen?

AN: Caesar Stone on the counters (for its great colors, different thicknesses and resistance to staining), high-gloss paint on cabinets, and wood for the floors. Wood is timeless and more forgiving than stone.

Over It

MHI: What current trend do you think we'll be so tired of in five years?

AN: Vessel sinks in the bathroom. They’re overexposed and not even practical.

Counter Culture

MHI: What cultural influences do you think are reflected in your work?

AN: Auntie Mame

Deal With It

MHI: How do you deal with televisions?

AN: TVs are what they are. There’s no denying that we all have them and use them all the time, so there’s no need to go to a lot of trouble to hide them. Everyone knows what you’ve got in the enormous cabinet!

At the same time, avoid placing it over the mantel. Work it into the living space but don’t make it the central focus.

Let Loose

MHI: What is the most common mistake homeowners make?

AN: Playing it safe and worrying too much about retaining resale value.

Big Spender

MHI: If you could splurge on only one item in a room, what would it be? Where can you save?

AN: Splurge on upholstery and save on trendy accessories.

For More Information

Amanda Nesbit Design
1326 Madison Avenue, Suite 64
New York, NY 10128

phone: (212) 860-9133
fax: (212) 860-9104

info@amandanesbitdesign.com