Alicia Xiberras Interiors X Florabelle Living

1. What's your favorite aspect of collaborating with clients to bring their vision to life, and how do you ensure their satisfaction throughout the design process?

   My favourite aspect of collaborating with clients would be having the opportunity to bring their vision to life with a design that reflects their personality and style.

   I believe the key to client satisfaction is effective communication between the designer and the client. It is so important that I understand their needs, preferences, and budget during this process to ensure that we can produce a design that will exceed their expectations and enhance their quality of life.

2. How do you stay inspired and creative when approaching new projects in diverse sectors like commercial, residential, and event styling?

   I stay inspired by consistently keeping up with the evolving trends in Europe, as they often serve as the catalyst for emerging design movements.

3. What are some lesser-known design principles or techniques that can instantly elevate a space's aesthetic appeal?

   Incorporating texture through layering of different materials, using lighting to create ambiance, and allowing for centralised focal points in a design such as rugs and feature lighting can instantly elevate a space's aesthetic appeal.

4. Can you share any insider tips or tricks for maximizing storage in small or awkwardly shaped rooms without sacrificing style?

   My number one tip for maximizing storage without sacrificing style would be to utilise multifunctional furniture pieces that serve dual purposes, such as ottomans with hidden storage compartments and custom bed designs with built-in drawers.

5. In your experience, what are some common design mistakes that people often make, and how can they be avoided?

   In all new home designs, they are generally designed with open floor plan layouts. This design trend encourages family communication and unity within the home,
   As much as this is a fresh and healthy idea, if not accomplished correctly it can leave homes feeling clinical and cold.

   Our trick to avoid this is to allow for focal points and borders within all the inner spaces throughout the large open plan. Rugs are a great way to help frame lounge rooms, dropped ceiling above a kitchen help centralize and give the kitchen another element of character. Feature lighting above the dining room allows intimacy and independence to bring the dining room to life.

6. What emerging trends or innovations in interior design do you believe will have the biggest impact on home and commercial spaces in the near future?

   I believe the emerging trends and innovations in interior design will include a greater emphasis on sustainability and wellness, as well as the integration of technology into everyday living spaces.

7. How do you believe florals contribute to the overall ambience and atmosphere of a home, and what considerations should homeowners keep in mind when incorporating them into their decor?

   I believe that florals contribute significantly to the overall ambience and atmosphere of a home by filling spaces with freshness, colour, and texture.

   When incorporating florals into decor, you should consider scale, placement, and colour coordination to tell a story within the design.

8. Can you share some creative ways to integrate florals into different rooms of the house to add freshness and vitality to the space?

   Adding floral arrangements to areas of your interior is a simple yet effective way to elevate the space. In a kitchen design, a large, statement floral arrangement can serve as a focal point on the island, adding a sense of elegance to the space. In the dining room, you can opt for smaller arrangements as centerpieces, enhancing the ambiance during family meals and gatherings.

9. What role does decor play in expressing personal style and enhancing the character of a home, and how do you ensure a cohesive look throughout the entire space?

   Adding decor to your interior is a great way to express your personal style whilst enhancing the character of your home.

   To ensure you create a cohesive look throughout the entire space, it's important to establish a consistent design theme or colour palette. This can be achieved through careful selection of furniture, textiles, artwork, and accessories that complement each other and contribute to the overall ambiance of the space. Additionally, incorporating elements of balance, proportion, and harmony in the arrangement of decor items helps to create a sense of harmony within the interior.

10. When it comes to lighting, what are some key principles to consider for achieving the right balance of functionality, aesthetics, and mood-setting in various areas of the home?

    Achieving the right balance of functionality, aesthetics, and mood-setting through lighting is fundamental for every area of an interior. For task-oriented spaces like kitchens and work areas, it is important that you prioritise task lighting. In areas such as living spaces and bedrooms, softer ambient lighting are great to create a cozy atmosphere, while accent lighting adds depth and visual interest.

Watch how Alicia gives us tips and tricks on styling a console here. 

6. How do you select furniture pieces that not only complement the design aesthetic but also meet the practical needs and lifestyle of the occupantsWhen selecting furniture pieces, it’s important to assess the functional requirements of each space and consider factors such as lifestyle and versatility. It is also important to select pieces with timeless designs that will ensure longevity and adaptability as tastes and preferences evolve over time. By prioritizing both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality, you can create spaces that are not only visually pleasing but also comfortable, efficient, and reflective of your unique lifestyle.

11. In your opinion, what sets Florabelle apart as a go-to wholesaler for florals, decor, lighting, and furniture?

    Florabelle is the go-to wholesaler for florals, decor, lighting, and furniture. What sets them apart is their unmatched commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Their broad selection caters to a wide variety of styles and preferences, ensuring that designers can find the perfect pieces to elevate their projects.

12. In our recent collaboration, where Florabelle provided all the greenery, florals, and decor for the Lights on Western Sydney event (link to their website), we'd love to hear about your experience working with us. What aspects of our products and service stood out to you and contributed to the success of the event?

    Working with Florabelle for the styling for the Lights On Western Sydney event was an absolute pleasure. Having access to Florabelle's extensive range of faux orchards and high-quality greenery allowed us to create stunning arrangements that added a touch of natural beauty and elegance to the event space. What stood out to me the most was the lifelike appearance of Florabelle's faux floral arrangements, which utterly enhanced the ambiance of the event.

    Additionally, Florabelle's exceptional customer service and attention to detail made the collaboration seamless and enjoyable. From their prompt communication to their willingness to accommodate our specific design needs, Florabelle's products and service truly exceeded our expectations, and I look forward to our future collaborations.

Watch our event collaboration come to life here.