Midori Karasawa of Style Guide Interior Design - Portland, OR
When did you realize that you wanted to become an interior designer?
I worked in product marketing for
more than 20 years before deciding to make a career change. In my previous
role, I led the product creation process for Nike apparel and footwear and
enjoyed delving into consumer insight, product conceptualization, design and
development before going to market. Through my job, I was also able to travel
the world, which exposed me to so many different expressions of design not only
in architecture and interiors, but lifestyle and culture as well. When I had
the opportunity to rethink my path for the next 20 years, I knew interior
design was calling, as I have always had a passion for creating beautiful and
functional environments. From past experiences, I know that if I align my
interests with what I do for a living, it is a recipe for success.
Who was the first interior designer to make an impression on you?
Kelly Wearstler has been someone I
have followed closely from the beginning of my career. Though my aesthetic is
not as eclectic as hers, I admire her design sensibilities and her ability to
bring objects with different texture, pattern, shape and form together
harmoniously. I especially love her work in the hospitality realm, such as
Proper Hotels and Residences, for example.
What are some of the things that influence you, aside from furniture and décor?
Because of my sportswear
background, I closely follow fashion trends for colors, materials and
silhouettes. There, I often discover novel combinations of patterns, hues and
form, as well as reinterpretations of classic silhouettes. All of these
concepts are applicable to interior designs and I consistently look to the
medium when I’m seeking inspiration.
What are your go-to basics?
1) White Walls
I would say the refined simplicity of white walls acts as a perfect backdrop for bringing colors to a room. When working with smaller and/or darker spaces in particular, the white walls also make a room feel larger and open.
2) Neutral Colored Sofa
I tend to choose neutral colors for large furnishings like sofas because they are an investment and I would like these pieces to work elsewhere if my clients end up moving. Plus I can tell more of a textural story using neutral colors.
Are you seeing any particular style requests trending among your clients?
They all seem to lean toward
modern aesthetics, without venturing into ultramodern. A lot of the time, I am
asked to blend timeless sophistication with a state-of-the-art feel. I avoid
designing environments that won’t stand the test of time, so for that reason, I
don’t necessarily follow industry trends, unless those trends improve the
functionality aspect of the design. I believe there are
always elements in design that are classic, yet can be elevated to the present
through furnishings and textiles.
What's been your career highlight to date?
As I am about to wrap up my second
year in business, I feel very fortunate for a number of incredible
opportunities. One of my biggest accomplishments to date is winning the first
runner-up award in the “Living Spaces $30,000 & Above” category at Interior
Design Society’s Designer of the Year gala for my Portland Heights project. I
was also invited to be on the panel at Portland Design Week where I shared my experiences among other talented
designers. Three of my projects were highlighted by Portrait of
Portland/Seattle, Portland Monthly and Old House Journal magazines this year.
Overall, my 2019 has been a whirlwind and I look forward to meeting new clients
and working on projects that will push me to better my craft in 2020.
What's the most treasured item in your own home?
I adore my Michel Ducaroy’s Togo
Sofa and matching chair. I went to the Ligne Roset showroom in Seattle and the
beautifully woven wool spoke to me in such an understated, yet sophisticated
way. Every time I walk by them or look at them from a distance, my heart skips
a beat. I’m awed by their uniqueness and how every small detail was considered,
resulting in a visual elegance and multisensory comfort. They are made of foam,
so I can easily move them to rearrange seating as needed. This furniture is
truly a testament to how good beautiful design enhances your lifestyle.