Argomenti trattati
When it comes to interior design, Ashi Waliany is a true maestro of color and form. Picture this: a dining room dressed in rich teal, where magenta chairs pop against the backdrop, accented by a light fixture that could easily steal the spotlight from any floral arrangement. In a chic Pacific Heights condo, an emerald-green sofa commands attention, its sculptural elegance adding both softness and a touch of drama to the surrounding decor. Layer upon layer of muted tones and warm woods serve as the perfect canvas for her vibrant creations. Waliany, the innovative mind behind Cusp Interiors, believes that every choice should feel intentional, crafting spaces that resonate with personality rather than appearing staged.
Embracing challenge in design
Bold and timeless—these are the two words that Ashi Waliany uses to encapsulate her design philosophy. Even when faced with clients who favor a more muted palette of whites and grays, she accepts the challenge with open arms. “Boring,” they might call their style, but Waliany sees an opportunity to elevate it. She expertly layers textures and refines details, steering clear of color reliance. “Instead of just splashing on bright hues, I weave in fabrics that invite touch, select furnishings with surprising details, and seek out pieces that, while subtle, carry a distinctive flair,” she explains. Each project becomes a dance of pushing boundaries—gently nudging her clients towards choices that might initially feel foreign, yet ultimately feel like an organic extension of their tastes. The result? Spaces that feel authentically curated, bursting forth with newfound depth and refinement. Neutral doesn’t have to equal dull, after all.
Transforming visions into reality
Waliany’s projects reaffirm her belief that great design isn’t about imposing a personal style but about enhancing and expanding a client’s vision in an exciting, natural way. In fact, she often finds ways to sneak in a little leopard print wherever possible—after all, who doesn’t love a hint of the wild? With a background in interior design from UC Berkeley and valuable experience under her belt, Waliany approaches design not as a risk but as a calculated adventure. It’s all about confidence—especially when stepping outside the confines of traditional expectations. Incorporating unique objects, like the razor-shaped screen by Kouros Maghsoudi, not only injects character into a space but also ignites creativity in unexpected ways.
Inspired designs for all ages
At the 2024 San Francisco Decorator Showcase, Waliany channeled her creativity into a children’s room inspired by the beloved classic, *Harold and the Purple Crayon*. Every detail, from the whimsical wallpaper to the headboard’s imaginative shape, was crafted thoughtfully yet subtly. The upholstered walls were designed with piping tracing the windows, mimicking a continuous line drawn by a crayon—an enchanting nod to the book’s storytelling charm. “To me, the details aren’t just embellishments,” she asserts. “They breathe life into a design.”
Taking calculated risks
When asked about the biggest risk she took this year, Waliany reflects on a particular project where she enveloped an entire room—from walls to architectural angles—in a singular patterned wallpaper. Many might hesitate, fearing it would overwhelm the space, but Waliany saw it as a chance to create intimacy and cohesion. To balance the bold print, she layered in a medley of textured fabrics and sculptural furniture, crafting a space that felt dynamic yet serene. It’s this blend of creativity and strategy that keeps her designs fresh and impactful.
Finding inspiration in craftsmanship
So, what’s waiting in her design arsenal? A stunning carved soapstone coromandel screen from the late Qing dynasty, rich with intricate carvings of vases and flowers, has finally found its place in her new office. This remarkable piece serves as a reminder of the artistry and craftsmanship that inspire her work. “From Jaipur With Love, for instance, is a rug maker that ignites my passion,” she shares. Their pieces, steeped in tradition yet contemporary in feel, resonate with Waliany’s design ethos. Each rug tells a story—an echo of the artisans who poured their heart into creating it.
Admiration for industry leaders
Waliany also draws inspiration from industry leaders like Heidi Caillier, whose effortlessly layered interiors and brand-building prowess leave a lasting impression. Caillier’s approach—a blend of personal expression and broad appeal—highlights the power of authenticity in branding. For Waliany, it’s a reminder that staying true to one’s unique aesthetic can be a potent strategy. She believes that thoughtful curation and a signature style can elevate a design firm, proving that talent alone isn’t enough; it’s about creating a recognizable identity in the industry.