This interview is with Elyssa Contardo, Principal at Elyssa Contardo Designs.

Elyssa Contardo, Principal, Elyssa Contardo Designs

Welcome, Elyssa! Could you please introduce yourself to our readers and tell us a bit about your background in interior design?

Hello, my name is Elyssa Contardo. I am the principal designer at Elyssa Contardo Designs. I have been a designer for 15 years. I am originally from San Diego, and while I worked for a previous firm, most of our work was located in the Palm Desert/Palm Springs area. I moved out to Palm Desert about 4 and a half years ago. We just moved, and I opened my new studio on El Paseo, which has been exciting for my team and me.

How did you get started in the world of interior design? Was there a specific moment or project that ignited your passion for it?

So this is funny, I was waitressing at the time, and my boyfriend was an electrician. I didn't know what I wanted to do, but I was always into art. I took every art class possible growing up and didn't know how to apply this into a career. He told me one day about the interior designers he worked with and that it could be a great career for me. I applied to a design school and never looked back. I loved design, and to me, it is creating a 3D art space. Every space is unique, like a painting. I always tell my clients there are layers and layers to the design, just like an oil painting.

Many of our readers are eager to find their own personal style but feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of choices available. What advice would you give them to help define their unique design aesthetic?

Yes, I couldn't agree more. The human brain is only supposed to make a certain number of decisions per day. Nowadays, with Instagram, magazines, Pinterest, Houzz, etc., there are way too many options. Go with your initial gut feeling on what style you like. The stronger the style/concept you decide on, the easier it helps eliminate so many pieces that do not fit. It makes saying no so much easier to furniture, paint colors, accessories, lighting, etc.

Once someone has a good grasp of their style, what's the next step in translating that into a functional and beautiful living space?

The next step would be to execute. I would go online from there and find inspiration images that fit the style, make a few mood boards of this style. From there, it will be easier and clearer for you to find the pieces, whatever they are - furniture, art, pillows, accessories - to create your living spaces from.

Let's talk about common design challenges. What's one of the biggest mistakes you see people making when designing their homes, and how can they avoid it?

Clutter is a huge mistake. I always believe in quality over quantity. Also, trying to make something work even though you know it doesn't is futile. Just get rid of it or return it—there's no reason to try and make something work if it does not. Also, the scale of items is something I see a lot of mistakes with. Make sure the pieces you are selecting are not too large or too small. And always check the seat heights of your chairs and sofas, as well as the heights of your coffee tables and side tables.

Budget is always a factor in design. What are your top tips for creating a stylish and impactful space without breaking the bank?

It is important to pick out all the pieces for a room first. I will pick out all the furniture items for a room and price everything before buying one item. This means you have to be patient and fully understand exactly what you are doing. Make a list in Excel or Word and add up all the items. From there, you will get your total, and if you need to re-select some items, it is easier to do so. It's almost a numbers game at this point.

Trends come and go, but good design is timeless. How do you balance incorporating current trends while ensuring a space remains classic and enduring?

I think in your pillows and accessories, you can incorporate trendier items. Those are smaller, more cost-effective items that are easier to replace than your furniture items. If there is a really funky, fun chair you really want, I would say go for it and enjoy it, knowing you might get rid of it in the future, which is okay. Just like clothing styles change, so do interior styles.

Sustainability is increasingly important in all aspects of our lives, including interior design. What are some eco-friendly practices our readers can incorporate into their design projects?

Any natural material is more eco-friendly than a man-made material. For example, a wool rug or cotton throw. Anything that is made from chemical or synthetic materials is worse for the environment. Also, waste - I would invest in nicer furniture items that do not break or come damaged. This way, they last longer, and you are not throwing away as much packaging. It cuts down on the waste significantly. Also, if you can support local artisans, this cuts down on shipping and freight as well.

Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring interior designers just starting their journey in this exciting field?

Know that this industry is harder than it looks. You will have bad days and overwhelming days. But if you love design, it is worth it. We have many moving parts, and you have to be able to juggle and let things slide. Stay positive and just enjoy the chaos. I love design so much; it becomes a lifestyle more than a job. Don't compare yourself to others as well; everyone has a unique style, and people will want to work with you for your unique contributions at the end of the day.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

I would add that the schooling to become a designer was harder than I anticipated, so if you are planning to go into design, know that it is challenging, but it is so worth it!