Modern Minimalism, Mix-and-Match and Timeless Style with Sire Design
With a meticulous eye for detail, a love for minimalistic timelessness, materiality and above all else, the ability to connect with clients, Sire Design's work speaks for itself.
We had the opportunity to learn from the team behind the spaces you see here. In this piece, we learned about blending personalities that will inhabit a space, how to combine old and new (something that is especially important to us) and much more.
Grab your chai, tea, coffee - whatever you'll be having and enjoy the read!
Q&A with Eilyn Jimenez, Founder and Creative Director, Sire Design
Different Styles Under One Roof. We love that you emphasize Teamwork at Sire Design. It's a lot like a family who may have entirely different styles and preferences but all live under one roof! How do you give everyone what they want and a space that meets everyone's needs?
Eilyn Jimenez: "As designers, it’s our duty to balance the wants and needs of both parties. Ultimately, we are the conduits between a client’s vision and great aesthetics–while sometimes playing therapist too. A great designer knows how to pick up cues from each client and create a space that’s a reflection of all the personalities that will inhabit the space."
It’s like building a puzzle and finding the right pieces to make the design fit.
On Contrast. Okay, we’re obsessed with figuring out how to make different styles, colors, patterns work together without fighting each other. Whether it’s in mismatching throw pillows and a rug or a mid-century armchair with a clean white coastal couch. Can it be done or should we keep dreaming? How the heck do we do that without making a space feel like it’s all over the place?
Eilyn Jimenez: "I find that the best way to achieve the “mix and match look" is finding a balance between modern-minimalist pieces and vintage finds. I currently love a Hamptons meets Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein meets found items look."
Think mixing linens, natural oak tones, layers of texture, and raw materials — where old meets new. We personally are introducing this style into our current projects.
That Designer Touch. How can everyday homemakers who may not be used to working with designers like yourself give their homes that designer touch and feel?
Eilyn Jimenez: "People should focus on filling their homes with timeless and comfortable pieces and incorporate statement items that are special to them.
A statement piece should be something that stands out and generates conversation — maybe a piece brought back from travel, a vintage find or a piece that has been passed down from older generations.
Ikea is thankfully out the door and homemakers are focusing more on filling their spaces with unique pieces that are long-lasting and can easily be adapted through the evolution of design."
On Philosophy: Do you have a go-to philosophy when it comes to design, interiors & styling?
Eilyn Jimenez: "I'm a firm believer that spaces should feel timeless, and easily evolve with time. Good design can be seen today, tomorrow, and 20 years from now. I believe spaces do not need excessive varying elements to make them profound, yet with the right amount of minimalistic details, a design can be made stunningly unique. We create bold effects with pieces that can easily be changed, such as furnishings, sculptures, and art. With built-in millwork, plumbing fixtures, finishes, lighting, and stonework, on the other hand, we like to maintain timelessness and minimalism. I believe that when you approach design in a minimal way, the classic elements of the space stand out and combine beautifully with contemporary details — this approach allows spaces to feel timeless, alive, yet warm, and fresh."
Today: What are you most inspired by right now, in this season of life at home?
Eilyn Jimenez: "There is so much to be inspired by day-to-day, however, there are a few key elements that constantly drive my inspiration. First, is my clients’ lifestyles and aesthetics. Their likes and their goals for using their spaces are the first inspirations we draw from. We expand on their ideas, taking them to a whole new level.
My second source of inspiration is traveling. Seeing different styles of design and architecture around the world is a major influence on my design.
The third is Pinterest, which we’ve nicknamed, “the rabbit hole” at Sire Design — this is where we compile images to show clients inspirations and concepts that will define a project. Concept-development and storytelling are the bases for the aesthetics of every project. I'm very drawn to Dutch, Australian, and Swedish design so I pull a lot of inspiration from interior designers and architects that I look up to from those areas. Finally, revisiting projects from the ’20s, ’30s, and ’40s inspires me. Just like fashion does, we revert back to design from previous eras. I like sourcing books and magazines that show work completed in those eras and take note of the materials, trends, and aesthetics used."
Awkward Spaces. What’s your favorite thing to do with an awkward space that just doesn’t feel like it’s working?
Eilyn Jimenez: Add more layers of interesting, weird, and awkward pieces to give off a museum-esque vibe. Add extravagant art pieces or items that transform the space into making it look intentional.
Make it a conversation starter and embrace the awkwardness.
What's your biggest takeaway? How can you apply this to your own design process? Whether you're a professional or not, there is something to be learned.
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Shop with Inspiration
"Add extravagant art pieces or items that transform the space into making it look intentional." Shop Transformative Pieces
"We create bold effects with pieces that can easily be changed, such as furnishings, sculptures, and art. With built-in millwork, plumbing fixtures, finishes, lighting, and stonework, on the other hand, we like to maintain timelessness and minimalism." Shop Bold Lighting
"I find that the best way to achieve the “mix and match look" is finding a balance between modern-minimalist pieces and vintage finds." Shop Minimal Rugs Shop Vintage Hand-Knotted Rugs