CASA By PC, is owned by Argentinian born and US-based designer, Paula Cushman, and one of the amazing brands that I represent. Paula has a delightful mix designs and her love of colour is evident throughout. She shares her thoughts with us below.
Tell us about your design journey and where your passion for decorating began. Did you start your career in interior design, or was it through another avenue?
My design journey began in fashion. I studied Fashion Design in my twenties. I have always loved fashion, colour, patterns and creating new things. Later on I found a passion on textiles and wallpapers, I discovered a lot of overlap between fashion and textiles, especially when it comes to the creative process. In 2017 I embarked on a new adventure and launched a textiles and wallpaper line called CASA By PC.
What do you consider your design ethos to be?
I prefer not to have a design ethos, I like a lot of different styles, “bohemian chic”, “crisp and bold geometrics”, “feminine flowers” and so on. I design based on what moves me. I believe design should be something that gives others a window into who you are. I love when people tell me “this pattern is so me” or “this is my favourite pattern”.
What do you consider the key elements or the “must have’s” of a timeless home to be?
A timeless home should be a reflection of the family who lives in it. You will never go wrong choosing objects, patterns and a design aesthetic that makes you feel happy and at home. I personally love colour, I can’t live without it! So I make sure all my home spaces reflect something by using certain colours. For instance, I have a vibrant orange lacquered library that has a warm and cosy feeling and my kids love spending time there! It is a happy space!
Who are the designers (past and/or present) that you really admire?
- Lisa Fine
- Carolina Irving
- Peter Dunham
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I am inspired by so many things, art work, especially when it comes to colour palette, a lot of my pattern designs are inspired on colour palettes I find in paintings. I also feel very inspired after traveling as well as researching old textiles archives.
What is your favourite room in your home and why?
I love our family room, it has a lot of patterns, colour and comfortable seating. I have four children so when I designed the family room, I did so keeping in mind that it needed to be very functional as well as colourful and fun. I have a large square ottoman upholstered in our Sultana pattern that is used as a coffee table and as an ottoman to rest our legs when watching movies.
What advice would you give to people about following trends?
I say, do not follow trend! Your home should be a reflection of what you enjoy, what you like. I agree with updating and refreshing design elements as you evolve as a person, but those objects, fabrics that you chose because they resonated with you they will never become out of style.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have had to overcome as an interior designer and/or business owner?
The pandemic brought along many challenges, especially when it comes to the supply of goods. I learned to be a better planner as well as accepting that many things are out of your control and you just need to go with the flow!
