Designer Crush Q&A: Lori Dennis
Author:Rachel Amy Shahvar1. Where do you currently live in CA and what’s special about how you’ve designed your personal space?
I live in Los Angeles and my personal space is open, bright, and kid friendly. At this stage of my life, my five-year-old rules the roost.
2. What’s your dream design project? Who would it be for (dead or alive)?
My dream client is Lloyd Blankfein. Like me, he has humble beginnings in NYC and has risen to the top of his industry. He has homes in two of my favorite cities, New York and Miami. And I believe he has the budget to allow me to create perfection for him and his family.
3. In real life, what’s your favorite design project you’ve completed to date?
My favorite interior design project to date is for a single man who is a top executive at Goldman Sacks. He gave me a budget, communicated what he wanted, and then allowed me to complete the task while he was in another country. He trusted me to walk into a completed project without having to be involved in the minutia. This is the best way to work! Plus his home overlooks the Pacific Ocean- great views!
4. You’ve been gifted a fabulously furnished dream home but can only bring one item from your current space. What would it be?
My Diego Rivera painting.
5. What’s your creative process when designing a space?
The first thing I do is examine the architecture and then listen to what the client wants. I combine further ingredients of originality, sustainability, comfort, livability and elegance. It’s always exciting to see what will come out of the oven.
6. Where do you score prized interior design items? Any shopping tips?
Interior design scores happen when you open your eyes. I’ve been given great pieces from older European friends, my grandparents; bought them in auction, antique dealers, flea markets and even tag sales throughout the world. Sometimes during a stroll on the beach or hike in the mountains, I’ll collect natural curiosities that I assemble into fantastic objects of art. Great finds are everywhere.
7. Ever had an epic DIY disaster? What project would you never take on again yourself?
In my early twenties I refinished a breakfront. I thought, “How hard could it be?”. I was sore for a week and gained a new respect for refinishing trades.
8. What new design trend are you excited to integrate into your next project?
I’m all about high performance fabrics, indoor outdoor experiences, sustainable living and vintage/antique pieces. We’re also working on a Hacienda-inspired line of fabrics and lamps called Casa Catorce. This is an exciting new trend that hasn’t saturated the market.
9. Lightning round!
Beach or mountains?
Beach.
Instagram or Pinterest?
Pinterest.
Architectural Digest or Wallpaper?
Architectural Digest- NO CONTEST!
Should you spend money on a fabulous bathroom or kitchen?
Bathroom.
Would you rather shop new or vintage?
Vintage.
Great view or perfect pool?
Great view.
SF or LA?
LA BABY!
10. What’s one tip you wish someone had told you when first starting out in the design world?
Go to work for Albert Hadley.
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