I recently made the acquaintance of Atlanta based designer Daniel DeSantis; Daniel is an established talent in the Atlanta interior design community, and a reader of my blog. Daniel’s aesthetic and style are very fresh and appealing, with an overall feel of casual sophistication – exactly the kind of look that I love. Daniel graciously agreed to answer some questions for me to share with my readers. It is always fascinating for me to learn more about the thoughts behind the designs! Interspersed with the questions are images from Daniel’s work. 
Daniel DeSantis A little background on Daniel… Before coming to Atlanta, Daniel worked under the late Reynolds Bienvenue, III, in Southampton, NY, then worked for Stephen Sills and James Huniford in Manhattan (both of whom were selected in the Architectural Digest’s Top 100 Designers several years ago). (Note: Huniford’s weekend house is featured in Elle Decor’s July/Aug. Issue 2010, and his Greenwich Village residence in the new Veranda; I also featured Sills and Huniford’s book Dwellings in my post from last week) Daniel enjoys working closely with clients, managing all details, and does not employ a large staff. 
A beautiful dining room by Daniel DeSantis Interiors. Q: How did you decide to pursue a career in design? A: Funny, it seems that a design career has pursued me and that there could have been no other outcome for me. Early on I developed a knack for drawing and painting. I was raised in a home where there was an emphasis on aesthetics and a focus on the home. Browsing excursions (and there were many) to furniture shops were exciting experiences for me…when an antigues dealer opened shop within walking distance of our neighborhood I experienced an hallelujah moment! An inclination for design can color your life. It influences your perception, the way you see light, color harmony, and shape, it is a satisfying something that you can’t separate from your self. 
A charming vignette from one of Daniel DeSantis Interiors projects. Q: What has inspired you as a designer? What are your sources of inspiration? A: With its mix of architectural styles, Atlanta is such an inspiring town. A home with great architectural style tells a tale, listen to it, it can be a wonderful starting point. The relationship between architecture and its surroundings also creates inspiration that should carry through to the interiors. In general, I think the most pleasing interiors are those that incorporate natural elements from their surroundings. I love a room flooded with natural light and a great view. Natural elements like beautiful woods and stones that don’t hide their age or substance bring an inviting and unique quality to a to an interior. 
Q: Do you have a particular style you favor? A: I am excited by many different styles. My work tends to build on a lot of French and English influences though. I love the gracefulness of a beautiful french leg, the soft curves help your eye move around a room. I enjoy mixing styles too, the impact of the French chair is stronger when countered by a straight lined English chest. I am an admirer of Suzanne Kasler’s style, I am currently working on a project with French and Belgian influences, and am using some pieces from her Hickory Chair Furniture collection. The finishes are light… cool blues, light greens, off whites and just hints of warm tones…love the palette, so fresh! Q: How would you describe your personal style? A: Inviting and relaxed. Perhaps my personal style has grown in part from necessity…I have an active home with two young daughters and several four legged pets. I strive for a style that is traditional and inviting but modern in its simplicity. I enjoy mixing a bit of the quirky in art pieces or chairs for instance to keep it “not so serious” which suits our lifestyle. I like light filled , comfortable spaces with aged pieces in painted and wood finishes. I like contrasts like the luxe of velvet mixed with the trueness of antique linen. Generally, I am drawn to lighter walls but also love the drama of a darker dining room or study in navy or chocolate for instance. 
Daniel DeSantis Interiors Q: In your own home, what is your favorite room? A: My kitchen is my favorite room. It is a social place where my family gathers at the beginning and end of the day. It is filled with natural light entering from three sides and from above. The color palette is subtle but warm. The finishes are solid, and natural. It makes me feel good! And that is what it’s all about isn’t it? 
Q: Do you have any favorite materials? A: I mentioned my fondness for velvet and linen, I am crazy about printed antique linen as drapery. I love the subtlety of color, texture, the glow. I am in favor of mostly natural flooring, the warmth of wood especially adds so much beauty to a space and the variety in type, finish and application completely adds so much style as well. The recent trend with ship lap siding is something I adore. I love the linear quality, the texture, the way it speaks to the past. I grew up in Bellport , Long Island., N.Y., A small new england style town on the Great South Bay, noted for its beautiful historic homes built in the early 1800′s. Ship lap is a favored detail in many of these homes and is something I find familiar and very charming. 
Q: On any design project what is the absolute first thing that must be done? A: The objective of any project must be determined first. What needs to be accomplished? Is an outdated interior being updated? Has the client’s tastes have changed? Do they need a more functional space? Is the client going to use the space differently? Etc. 
My favorite image from Daniel DeSantis’ portfolio, a beautiful bedroom awash in delicate greens and yellows. Q: Is there something that you should not skimp on when designing your home? A: I never want to skimp on upholstery. Sofas and chairs work hard day in and day out. It is important that they are constructed well; both for comfort and for great looks. It’s unfortunate when a beautiful room is marred by mis-shapen , worn looking upholstery when shabby was not the intent. Original artwork and beautiful lighting fixtures are also difficult to skimp on. Great pieces bring such life and energy to a space and foster a sense of intrigue. The result, an inspired interior! For more information on Daniel and his firm, please visit his website at http://www.danieldesantis.com/. Become a fan of Daniel DeSantis Interiors on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Atlanta-GA/Daniel-DeSantis-Interiors/119816728032836?ref=ts&__a=22&ajaxpipe=1 Some parting images – a wonderful before and after showing the transformative power of great interior design! 
Before (above) 
After – Daniel DeSantis Interiors transforms the room. ◊ Please visit Metamorphosis Monday for other inspiring posts and transformation stories!http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2010/08/welcome-to-82nd-metamorphosis-monday.html To visit my store, Quatrefoil Design, click here.To subscribe to my blog by email, click here.To follow my blog on Facebook, click here. 
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