Amanda Cram, of Interior Daydreams, designs for function, beauty and feel. She has over 10 years of experience in the field of interior design. Learn more about her work in this interview for byDesign!
What is your favorite part about being a designer?
My favorite part about being a designer is getting to know my clients’ needs, wants and desires, and then bringing them to life.
Who or what would you cite as your most important influence?
Kelly Wearstler and nature are my most important influencers.
Can you tell us about your personal brand?
My personal brand is much like me: eclectic and fun. Yet, it has a relaxed sophistication.
What is your favorite color palette to work with?
Canvas Nature tones like white, wood tones, and colors found in the nature.
If you could travel back, what advice would you give yourself as you start this career?
Find your voice, your personal style and go for it! You don’t have to say yes to every project if it does not align with what you want.
I wasted so many years interning and doing things for free with no recognition for my ideas. People will use you because you’re “young” and “new.” Don’t fall for that trap of validation and know your worth.
Please give us an overview of the more personal side of your business, how did it come to be, any interesting stories about the origin you can share?
I graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design when the economy tanked in 2009. All my expectations of having a booming career didn’t happen.
Interiors is a luxury and people weren’t even really hiring new/more interior designers and if they were, it was for little pay or they were bringing on interns. So, I moved out to LA. I was determined to use my degree and skills even if I had to work as a waitress on the side. I did that for years. I then decided I would give San Francisco a try, that was a fail.
I moved back to LA with even less money than after college, however this experience ignited a fire in me. I was one of Amber Lewis’ first assistants for almost a year, but I really wanted to design my own spaces. Meridith Baer Home, an awesome staging company, took a chance on me. I remember myself digging through their warehouse, tagging for my first job on my 25th birthday. I worked there for years, then longed for a steady job.
I transitioned into Faye Resnick’s design firm where i really found a foothold. I then founded Amanda Cram Design. I mostly did home staging and worked for Faye here and there. I also worked for Veta Home and eventually Leah Kouba Interiors. However, I was still not satisfied, that’s when Interior Daydreams was born.
My daydreams of creating unique beautiful functional projects for all budgets and styles. I felt restricted for so long. I knew my worth and what I could do. I literally can do anything from home interiors, event design, commercial retail shops and fixture design. You name it and I probably have had a hand in designing it.
Do you have anything you can share about how you and/or your firm have been affected by COVID-19, and any tips for other designers on how to navigate and cope?
COVID has affected my business. It has been a challenging but also reflective time. I realized that with all my years of experience, I can change lives and lift others up through design.
What do you like most about DesignerInc?
DesignerInc helps me source items quickly. It saves my clients money and saves me time to focus on putting everything together and bringing the room to life.
Why Did you choose Design?
I chose interior design as a career because I couldn’t choose what subject from the arts I wanted to study. This field taught me that interiors affect our emotions and feelings instantly.
Follow her on Instagram: @Interior_Daydreams