DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT VOL. V
INTRODUCING:
Crista Nodland of Coastal Interiors
AUGUST 2022
It was evident to Crista at a young age that interior design was the career path she wanted to take. Crista shares with us what ultimately sparked her interest in interior design and how she started her own business from there.
Crista: “When I was about 16 years old, I started working for an interior designer. I immediately loved being in that environment. Everyone was so creative and I started thinking that this was something I could do. Around the same time, my parents were building my house and they hired an interior designer but they let me design my room. I got to pick out all my fabric and work with the designer and I was in awe. That took me down the path of going to school and then having a few internships before I graduated. I had one internship that was for a model home firm where I learned so much - probably more than I did in school! I worked for another model home firm after that then decided to go off on my own, which I have been doing ever since.”
I always knew deep down inside that I was born for this. I could work so many hours in a day and it doesn’t feel like work to me. I’m just having fun!”
Coastal Interiors offers a full spectrum of interior design services. From remodels to new builds and everything in between, Coastal Interiors will explore all options and ideas to create a dream space for their clients.
Crista: “We do everything from start to finish - focusing on new builds. We start with an initial client meeting to get a feel for the project. From there, we pull paint colors, fabrics, furniture, and concepts down to carpet, flooring, art, dishes, sheets, You name it - we do it all!”
Crista has a diverse portfolio of designs that range in style and looks. It is important that every project is unique to the client and really resembles their individual needs.
Crista: “My style is a sense of modern, coastal, and eclectic. I can’t pinpoint one style that I have because my work reflects the client and their personality versus my own. I always want to make sure their personality is first and foremost in their house. I gravitate towards organic and coastal vibes. I don’t have a signature look for every single house which makes it more fun and challenging. It is definitely rewarding to see a finished project that doesn’t look like a project you’ve done before.”
It is hard not to feel inspired when living and working on the beautiful coast of California. Crista often pulls inspiration from the surrounding coastal scenery.
Crista: “My office is right on the water in Newport so I get a lot of inspiration from that environment. As soon as I walk in, I get a sense of ease. It’s easy to create there. I love looking at the sunsets at night or the colors and reflections that come off the water. I get most of my inspiration from nature and my travel experiences but even heading to the design center to look at different fabrics and textures.”
Inspiration can also be found when looking at trends. There is definitely an art to creating a space that is timeless while also incorporating trending elements. Crista hits the nail on the head. She takes note of what is trending in the design world while also having signature pieces she integrates into each project. It is the perfect balance of fresh, cohesive, and classic design.
Crista: “There are so many wonderful trends right now. I love looking to see what everyone is doing right now, especially with kitchen and hood designs. I gravitate towards neutrals but I enjoy pops of deep rich colors and I feel like that is more on trend right now. When I style, I use a lot of cocktail books and beads and I like to incorporate natural crystals. Pretty much every home I design I add a crystal or other organic elements to elevate the space.”
Style, function, and quality are what designers look for in furniture pieces. Crista provides insight on what is important to her when investing in furniture.
Crista: “I look for furniture pieces that are well made, have a high function ability and great visual interest. I try not to do the same pieces in every house; I want every project to be unique. One thing I am very passionate about is investing in quality pieces that will look beautiful for a long time.”
Crista: “I love your Cuddle Chair, it’s one of my favorites. It is unique in style and people tend to gravitate towards it because it is super comfortable, cozy, and warm. I always feel like it elevates a room when I use it. The Lilac Chair is a classic, go-to swivel chair that works with any style. It is comfortable and the sizing is right.
The Brooks Console is such a substantial piece. It is so versatile. You can use it behind a sofa, as a TV console, or put ottomans underneath it. It has texture with the leather front so it is stylish and also functional.”
Throughout this series, we love to ask designers for their advice on where to spend more and where to spend less when remodeling or building a home. Crista tends to start with the rooms that are getting the most use. Typically, that is a good indicator of where to spend money because it is also where you spend the most time.
Crista: “Invest more in the areas that you entertain in the most and live in the most. The kitchen and the great room are where everyone gathers so it is where I like to invest in quality pieces that are really comfortable and cozy.
I also am very cognizant about the master bedroom, you spend so much time in your bedroom, you need to make that amazing. It’s the first thing you look at in the morning and the last place you look at when you lay down at night!
I think you can spend less on styling and accessories. For me, I would spend more on key, quality pieces because accessory trends change more frequently and you can always switch them out.”
As we wrap up our conversation with Crista, we talked about life outside of design and what is important to her.
Crista: “I think something people may not know about me is that I am a mom. I think I give so much time to my clients and projects they may not know that I have a life outside of work. I also love camping and being in nature.”
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