designwire daily | 10 Questions With… Vanessa Deleon

10 Questions With… Vanessa Deleon

by Sara Pepitone | Tuesday, December 20, 2011 | 13 Comments

Vanessa Deleon was the International Furnishings and Design Association’s 2007 Rising Star of Interior Design. The designer spoke with us about glamour, minimalism, and inspirational Christmas gifts.

After years of creating interiors for customers of her family’s furniture company, Vanessa Deleon went to Berkeley College for Interior Design and started her own firm. Since 2000 Vanessa Deleon Associates has designed both residential and commercial spaces, as you may have seen on HGTV or “Restaurant Impossible.” Next up: a documentary about the demands of her day, and a weekly makeover segment during WPIX 11’s 5pm news in New York.

ID: How many hours are there in a day that includes meeting with clients and builders, running two offices, writing, consulting, and TV appearances?

Hours?! I hardly sleep! I truly work 24-7, even in my sleep, believe me. I’m blessed to have an amazing staff that can help me with all my madness.

ID: Speaking of madness, how does “Restaurant Impossible” compare to a regular day of work?

“Restaurant Impossible” is almost impossible. Creating a concept that would work and then implementing it in 2 days is not the way I develop a plan for my clients. I meet with them, get a feel for what they want and like, and it takes me some time to put something together to show them on paper. Then it’s another few weeks to actually get it done because orders take time, especially if they are coming from overseas. With “Restaurant Impossible” I find whatever I can to make things work.

ID: You describe your style as “glamilistic.” Does that attract a particular kind of client?

A bit! I love glamour and minimal combination. The mix of both can attract a modern clientele or a classic type of client. We are seeing more of our clients open to more of an eclectic mix.

ID: What is the project you’re most proud of?

A residential beach home project in Point Pleasant, New Jersey that I did from the ground up. I was able to develop many structural elements, such as placement of bathrooms, and all of the finish materials for the exterior of the house; everything from the color of the home to the slip for their boat. It took about two years to complete.

ID: Who has most influenced your work?

Jamie Drake and Kelly Wearstler.

ID: What emerging design trends have you noticed recently?

We will see a lot of rustic raw wood with classic crystal touch combinations, and lots of Ikat fabrics.

ID: Where do you go for inspiration?

Everywhere and anywhere: new restaurants, new boutique hotels around the world, mom-and-pop coffee shops, SoHo, flea markets, museums, trade shows, fashion shows, and the streets of New York.

ID: What do you do to relax?

I go to the Mandarin Oriental Spa in New York and Water Club Spa in Atlantic City, and eat at great restaurants.

ID: When did you realize your career would be in design?

When Santa gave me my Barbie Dream House. I was obsessed with decorating it. I was 8 years old.

ID: What advice do you have for designers-to-be?

My triple-D motto: Drive, Discipline, Dedication. It’s a great recipe to follow in this business.

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13 comments

Michelle

Posted Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 01:51 pm | Permalink

Learn a lot from Vanessa Deleon, her triple D motto is indeed the secret formula to success on whatever career a person want. Thanks for the great advice.
vanessa deleon

Posted Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 02:01 pm | Permalink

Thank you Michelle!

Thank you ID for the opportunity!

~Vanessa
Danielle

Posted Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 03:02 pm | Permalink

Great article! So excited to see Vanessa’s next project.
Skipy

Posted Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 11:02 am | Permalink

Oh! The Triple D Effect!

My mind may be a bit twisted, but I was thinking Bra size when you said that.

ironically the “Triple D Effect” helpful in any Business.
Aimee

Posted Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 01:02 pm | Permalink

Really like all of Vanessa’s answers. She’s such a great designer and I love all of her work. I wish her all the best in her success and accomplishments.
vanessa deleon

Posted Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 05:33 pm | Permalink

Thank you, Happy Holidays !!!

~Vanessa
Rose Hittmeyer

Posted Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 10:55 am | Permalink

I was on the committee that selected Vanessa to be the 2007 Rising Stars of Interior Design. I am glad to see that others admire her talent as much as well do at IFDA! You Go GIRL! Keep up the great work Your fans at IFDA are cheering you on!
Rose Hittmeyer
vanessa deleon

Posted Friday, December 23, 2011 at 01:54 pm | Permalink

Rose !!! OMG how are you ??? THANK YOU SOOOOO VERY much. Hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday. Many blessings to you and yours.

thanks again

~ Vanessa
victorine odukwe

Posted Monday, December 26, 2011 at 12:22 pm | Permalink

Have learnt from you today Venessa. Great work. Keep it up. Godbless
vanessa deleon

Posted Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 11:52 am | Permalink

Thank you Victorine. Happy New Year EVERYONE.
Sarah Richwagen

Posted Monday, January 9, 2012 at 06:12 pm | Permalink

As a new Interior Design business owner, I really enjoyed this article and admire you Vanessa! I already wrote down the Triple D formula to post on my refrigerator! My husband and I also just saw one of your episodes on Restaurant Impossible, nice work!
vanessa deleon

Posted Monday, January 9, 2012 at 06:35 pm | Permalink

Thank you Sarah, BEST of luck to you!!!

Become a fan of Vanessa Deleon Associates on Face Book !!!
David Ferrara

Posted Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 01:21 am | Permalink

Vanessa, you demonstrate your Triple D mantra every time you work with the demanding Robert Irvine. I’m constantly impressed by your ability to stay so calm and focused… and produce amazing results every time. Those spa treatments really are working!

I’d wish you luck, but with your brains and talent- you won’t need any. I wouldn’t be surprised if you got your own show this year. See you on Dinner Impossible, and don’t forget to sleep once in a while.