AMY STORM TALKS DESIGN, TRENDS + INSPIRATION

Interior designer Amy Storm (founder of Amy Storm & Company) is rapidly turning into one of our favourite stateside designers. We caught up with her as she added the final details to her own private residence to talk about her work, influences and trends she’s tracking right now.

As a designer, did you approach your own home in the same way you would client projects?

We followed the same process that we use for all of our projects, however, I had the entire team pitch in for our home design. We passed around a bowl with individual room names in it and whichever room was pulled, was the room they designed. I then acted like the client, so they presented the design intent to me and we collaborated, as an office, to make sure all the rooms had a consistent design DNA.

Was there a clear vision or set of criteria for your home? Or did you approach the design in a looser way?

We always have a defined vision of direction (we call it our Design DNA), prior to starting any project. We made a few pivots along the way because I was more interested in trying new things that some of our clients would be apprehensive about doing. I was not afraid to explore a unique detail or explore a design that we had not seen elsewhere and I think that is what made the project, and its ultimate outcome, more appealing.

Amy Storm and Co has a portfolio of very diverse projects and renovations, is there any particular styles or architecture or interiors that you’re drawn to?

We do have a diverse portfolio, it’s extremely important to me that when we design, we have the clients desired outcome in mind and that it complements the architecture of the home. Our only agenda is to make sure it’s done well, thoroughly detailed and that we have pushed the design boundaries so that the home (regardless of the style) is truly unique to our homeowners.

Truthfully, I could have designed this home 10 different ways and appreciated all of them equally, but the place we landed is where we feel calm and visually happy which makes it feel very special. There isn’t anything I would pick apart or even do differently. I keep saying to Josh, everyone should get to live in an Amy Storm and Company house, it’s great!

We’ve got you on record saying you’re a Buster + Punch fan. What was it that drew you to our label initially?

Years ago, when we had a retail store, we found Buster + Punch. Your brand was relatively new in the U.S. (from what we could tell), and we thought we just had to re-sell the hardware!  That was easier said than done, so we opted to just specify it in our projects (happily). Since then, the product line has grown and we have found the details and quality to be perfect for our types of projects, adding the perfect flair. We are currently working on three custom homes for three siblings and each house has a very different style from one to another; however, we are using Buster + Punch lighting and hardware in all of them. The versatility keeps us coming back for more.

When we explore your projects, there’s a clear sense that details matter in the interiors you create. In your own words, why do details matter?

Details make or break a project. What most people don’t realize is how many potential issues there would or could be when details are not thoughtfully considered. It’s an intangible thing and hard to completely understand and articulate. When a project goes smoothly, it’s largely because we have taken time to detail things well. It’s the thing that we deliberately spend quality time on – fine tuning the desired look and exploring potential issues or outcomes on the front end of the project so to avoid problems farther down the road. It’s essential. We don’t know any other way.

Which B+P details did you select for your own home and why?

When we were doing our own home, we had so many incredible vendors working with us, that we opted to use the things that we didn’t get to use often, so we could showcase them for future projects. We chose to use a couple different configurations of the dimmer switches on our second floor and basement. We also chose to install the models with the Buster + Punch logo on them (why not!). Not only do people say “ohhh , what are these?!” but they add a cool, modern-vintage look to the space. Our home is very “modernish”, so they blended well into each space.

Biggest pro/insider tip you could give someone about to embark on a renovation or build..?

Hire the right people. Finding people who are aligned with your values, your goals, are transparent with the financials, and who are willing to be collaborative and flexible are some key components to making sure the team you hire is right for you.

And, finally, are there any trends you see emerging in the States right now you think are worth latching onto?

In the past couple years, with the aid of social media and its global exposure, we have found clients being more willing to try things they wouldn’t have even thought about trying in the past (or even knew existed). The biggest add to our projects has been texture. Integrating more texture in the form of wallcoverings, wood profiles and finishes, and 3-D applications. Things that bring depth and variety to a project have been well received. I think Buster + Punch does a great job with incorporating texture and mixing metals, in lighting and furnishings. I’d enjoy seeing a broader collection of hardware, including a pewter or a blackened silver finish. I’m finding that to be a great “neutral” in a world of mixed metals.