The work of Linda L. Floyd Inc. Interior Design is inspired by classical styling, contemporary comfort, pride of craftsmanship, and an uncompromising attention to detail. Based in California, the firm’s president, Linda Floyd, brings character and charm into her clients’ homes. Learn more about her work in this interview for byDesign!
What is your favorite part about being a designer?
• Exposing clients to the many design options available to them and to possibilities they never knew existed.
• Making the design process a great experience.
• Inspiring a sub-contractor with a unique design concept and watching them execute it with pride and enthusiasm.
Who or what would you cite as your most important influence?
I was inspired by European history and vitality, particularly the craftsmanship and use of quality materials in the 18th and 19th centuries. These tenets translate to the polish and perfection of every detail in my projects.
Can you tell us about your personal brand?
My personal brand: classical styling, a sense of history and ambience, subtle glamor, luxurious style, and an uncompromising attention to detail.
What is your favorite color palette to work with?
My projects are full of color… Old World colors; rich, warm and inviting reds, blues, greens and browns. Or, a single color mixed with white or beige, blue, brown or green.
Color is a passion! An instinctive sense of color is a must!
If you could travel back, what advice would you give yourself as you start this career?
Be fearless, travel more, know your history and the rules of design… then adapt accordingly.
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?
As a child, I was always moving furniture around and getting into trouble. In college, I signed up for a design class as a lark and was hooked. I immediately signed myself up for a full load of design classes. Luckily, the department was under the direction of an architect and I thrived with both disciplines, the structure and the fluff (interiors).
I traveled to Europe numerous times studying the architecture, furniture styles, historical character, and ambiance of the regions. I became a partner in a French antiques and interior design store. More trips to France and England followed… And the rest is history!
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?
We are closed (as a non-essential business) and are currently sheltering in place. Showrooms are closed and our truckers are not working.
I continue to send emails, talk to clients, and send them interesting tours that they can watch on Famous Gardens, Beautiful Homes in England and France, etc.
I hope to pick up where we left off on our current projects. We’re staying positive!
What do you like most about DesignerInc?
That DesignerInc is for trade only!
What projects have you found the most rewarding?
All projects have their own specific rewards. But as a designer, you strive to further develop your skills, to achieve a successful balance between interior architectural detailing, interior furnishings, window treatments, scale, color texture, elegance, luxury, and comfort. Sometimes you’re lucky enough to have a client committed to attaining those same heights and gives you the freedom to accomplish your goals for the project.
That is a really rewarding project!
How do you go about the design and building process?
For me, each project is like a book and each room or space a chapter in that book. After listening to the clients characterize their dreams and design goals, I envision a narrative or script in my mind and then, production begins. While there are always edits and changes, the storyline usually remains consistent with the original script.
Follow her on Instagram: @lindafloydinteriors