Designer Spotlight: AE Design
Employing bold color palettes, eye-catching patterns, and modern silhouettes, Amy Elbaum of AE Design creates smart and sophisticated interiors in southern California. With a focus on clean and contemporary design, Amy aims to create inviting spaces full of character that fit the needs of her clients. We asked Amy about how she got her start in interior design and learned about her design process.
Growing up, Amy spent a lot of time visiting her grandmother in Chicago who was an interior designer. Reminiscing on some of her fondest memories, Amy recalled, “she collected a lot of antiques and artwork in her home and we spent a lot of time discussing them.” After finishing her undergraduate degree and feeling unsure of what career to pursue, Amy looked back to her love for design to dictate her next step. She went on to get a degree in interior design in New York City, inspired by her grandmother’s passion for interior design. After working at various interior design firms, she started AE Design in 2012.
With a systematic approach to designing, Amy’s design process is organized and methodical. Emphasizing the importance of the concept design, Amy believes it is crucial to be on the same page as her clients and to both have the same vision for the space. She described, “I like the concept design, which is our first phase where we’re pulling inspiration images and starting to develop a moodboard.” Next, Amy makes a floor plan, taking measurements and creating a layout for each room. After finishing the planning and preparation, she starts sourcing materials and finding fixtures and furniture to fill the space. Her favorite room to design in the kitchen, as she explained, “I love figuring out the functionality of a kitchen and how it’s all going to work together. I love picking different stones for countertops and different styles of cabinets- I think they always end up being the most beautiful room of a house.”
Committed to her clients and their desires, Amy explained “our overall aesthetic is recognizable but we are very flexible in terms of what the client is looking for.” Always trying to keep her projects unique, Amy adapts her style to each project. “I don’t like to repeat myself, so I’m always trying to bring a new idea to the table.” From colorful to neutral spaces, AE Design has created interiors of all shapes and sizes while remaining true to their look and prioritizing functionality.
When asked about something she always includes in her projects, Amy responded, “I always include art- it’s something we try to incorporate at the beginning of the design so it’s not left to the end.” Gravitating towards colorful artwork, Amy’s signature is a neutral room with a pop of color from an interesting piece of art. When she’s not able to find exactly what she wants, Amy turns to Visual Contrast, stating “knowing there’s a vendor that can customize anything and will show me selections that fit the space I’m working on is incredibly helpful. Sourcing art is the hardest part, it’s super personal, and so it really has to be the perfect fit.”
