Designer Q&A
Design Evolution
Emily Castle, ASID, principal designer of Castle Design, brings architectural design expertise to her clients.
BY
Vicki Pickle
PHOTOGRAPHY
Colin Miller/Strauss Peyton

“Creating spaces with a timeless appeal is my firm’s design goal.”
                    – Emily Castle

Designer Sketch

Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri

Design inspiration: Architecture – I often work in Clayton and the Central West End, and the details of those homes provide a perfect backdrop for beautiful interiors.

Looking forward to: My next trip
to the beach

Favorite accessories: Lamps and anything in the Gump’s catalog

Hot new item: The Karbon articulating faucet from Kohler – I can’t wait to install one in my own kitchen.

www.emilycastle.com 

How does your design plan evolve for each or any space in a residence?
I always draw a floor plan or request the house plans. A visible plan with furniture, rugs and accessories gives the client a road map, with the sizes and shapes of the furnishings, and lets them visualize how they will live in their home.

How do you work in partnership with your clients, considering their personal wishes/needs, personalities and lifestyles?
Most of my clients are busy executives who know what they like. I listen to their wants and needs, and then I have access to the resources that will bring them a variety of design ideas. I have a reliable team of subcontractors to get the job done in a timely manner without much disruption.

When it comes to color, what are some of your favorites or new palettes?
I love monochromatic rooms. I often select a color and paint a shade of it on the walls and ceiling, producing a tone-on-tone look. 

How do you blend design styles to create functional, original and stylish spaces?
Very rarely do I design a space that will not incorporate some of my clients’ existing furnishings. It never ceases to amaze me how prized possessions placed in an original way and combined with a few new pieces can take on a whole new look.

What are clients requesting in regard to relaxed indoor/outdoor spaces?
My clients want the comfort of their living room outside. More and more outdoor furniture pieces have cushions like a sofa.  Century Furniture recently began selling custom covers for each piece of their outdoor furniture.  That’s a really smart idea, especially for high-rise living.

How does your design background help you create a plan for your clients?
My degree in architecture from Washington University lends itself to comprehensive designing. For many clients, I’ve made product selections (including lighting), supervised construction and managed complete projects – all the way to the final furniture placement. And I love picking faucets as much as selecting furniture!