07 Jul Design Uncensored with David Santiago
Ready for another inspiring discussion on trend & design with Stacy’s weekly live series Design Uncensored? On the eighth episode, Stacy hosts an intriguing conversation with Interior Designer, David Santiago of Casa Santi Interior Design, LLC. With over 20 years of experience in the design trade, combined with a sophisticated classical background, David shares his philosophy and the way he defines style.
See 3 key takeaways form the conversation below!
1. Leaving the Comfort Zone
Whether related to design or not, embracing change can be quite a difficult thing to overcome. Through years of experience designing, David has found that many times his clients are eager for change, but just aren’t quite sure how to go about it. Part of his process is discovering what makes his clients so “wonderfully nervous” and then infusing this energy into the design through color, movement, and other graphic elements. In a recent project designing lighting for American Brass & Crystal Lighting, which is a much more traditional company, he had them leave their comfort zone by bringing in a much more contemporary look. His solution was to keep the classical shape, but introduce the lighting in completely new colors and finishes including true navy, black, and a sophisticated fuchsia.
Interior by David Santiago of Casa Santi Interior Design, LLC. featuring the Finisterra collection from ABC Lighting.
2. Telling Your Story
In 2019, David took part in the High Point Designers’ Showhouse as an opportunity to marry both his lighting and wallpaper brands. A 1913 craftsman style home, David looked at how he could really play with the space and its different elevations and levels to tell a cohesive and complete design story. Since the home didn’t have a formal entryway, he took on the staircase with the approach of making this the place to make a statement and overall first impression of the space. He chose an invigorating yellow to bring in a sense of energy, contrasted by a blue to calm you before experiencing the bold orange. Although designing for a showhouse is definitely an investment and can be completely unpredictable, David says that they are a great caveat for either branding or growth.
Fall 2019 High Point Designers’ Showhouse, Dalton-Bell-Cameron House, Designed by David Santiago of Casa Santi Interior Design, LLC.
3. Feeling out the Dynamic
David gives us a deeper look into his process for designing interiors. Before beginning the actual design process, he has a “meet and greet” with this clients to feel out the chemistry between them and the task at hand to determine if they are a good fit or not. If not, he’ll recommend another designer to them that can accomplish the client’s goal. However due to his quick work, motivation and extensive list of resources, he has built a wide clientele where he says nine times out of ten, the client comes back. David isn’t afraid to “do it all”, from small projects, to room renovations, to full contract & new construction projects where every job is different. Of course something that comes with experience, this is a great way to establish both trust and credibility.
About David Santiago
Welcome to Casa Santi Interior Design, LLC, a virtual look at my philosophy and the way I, David Santiago, define style. With over 20 years of experience in the design trade, combined with a sophisticated classical background, I am eager to share with you the possibilities you can achieve within your residential or commercial space. I have a practical and common sense approach to how I work. First, I assess the project, your needs, style, function of the tasks at hand with the proposed budget. Then, I apply my traditional, unexpected, curation with my design expertise to achieve a cohesive successful concept, ultimately defining my client…YOU!
Follow David on Instagram at @strictlysanti.
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