Flax Interiors

07/11/2024

I’m super excited to share a newly completed project — along with the launch of the Flax Interiors YouTube channel!

I was lucky enough to partner with cinematographer, Alan Dean, to document the whole process of this bathroom renovation, from start to finish. Check out the video showing the before, during, and after of this project at the link below.

Every client teaches me something. In the case of my client for this project, Elizabeth Costello-Samiee, she taught me that the best taste in design comes from a true knowledge of yourself.

We both came to the table with a “yes, and” attitude, and the end result is a perfectly and authentically Elizabeth bathroom that neither of us could have dreamed up alone.

Enjoy!

xx
Emily

https://youtu.be/5RCe9E-H80A?si=1bHbeLjpRR6O67Ge

Cinematography -
Builder - Modern Times Custom Builders

Follow a primary bathroom remodel from start to finish for Flax Interiors client, Elizabeth Costello-Samiee, in Menlo Park, California.

01/24/2024

I love seeing where — and how — the things in my home are made. Understanding the process of creation always gives me new design ideas and inspiration.
One of the highlights of last year was going to Marrakech for a friend's wedding.

A rug company that I love, Beni Rugs, recently opened an 8,000 square-foot facility near Marrakech called 'The Studio.' I knew it was a fantastic opportunity to see some artisans at work, and the factory tour did not disappoint.

Come with me as I revisit my trip in this month's blog.

I love seeing where — and how — the things in my home are made. Understanding the process of creation always gives me new design ideas and inspiration. When I booked a trip to Marrakech for a friend’s wedding, I knew it was a fantastic opportunity to see the artisans at Beni Rugs at work.

11/20/2023

The Flax Five: November Edition

Sometimes inspiration strikes in unexpected places. For me this season, it's been the unassuming pear.

The pear is a symbol of prosperity, abundance, and longevity, and its distinctive shape has been used as art and design inspiration for centuries – from still life subject to furniture design.

The pear is a gentle reminder that less is more. In her book Joyful, designer and author Ingrid Fetell Lee muses on the abundance mindset – one that leads us to more joy, giving, and generosity.

Even the simplest of things can be a rich source of inspiration. There is something special about seeing a mountain of pears at the farmer's market and realizing that everything we could want or need is already in our lives.

Take a look into how I dive into inspiration when it strikes and how I harness unassuming, everyday objects (like the pear!) to spark new design ideas.

I hope that you enjoy this second installment of The Flax Five!

Sometimes inspiration strikes in unexpected places. For me this season, it's been the pear. In this month’s edition of The Flax Five, I’ve curated some of my favorite designs and color schemes and even recipes inspired by the versatile and unassuming pear.

11/03/2023

SO excited for my interior design work — and sweet Penny girl — to be featured in Homes & Gardens! Check out the article linked below.

Photography - Vivian Johnson Photography
Styling - Rachel Forslund
Interiors - Flax Interiors


https://www.homesandgardens.com/interior-design/warm-colors-vs-cool-colors -what-are-cool-colors

10/27/2023

Introducing: The Flax Five

I am excited to introduce you to a new monthly edition of the Flax Interiors Newsletter: The Flax Five. Each month, I will be spotlighting an artist, artisan or designer that I admire, as well as share what has been inspiring me in my creative work and life.

October is one of my favorite months. There's something special about the change in the air and the official end of summer and beginning of fall. Plus, I love a cozy sweater and warm beverage to accompany my days.

At the end of this month, we are revealing a bathroom renovation to my client, who hasn't seen her bathroom since the “before” stage. It’s always very exciting and gratifying when a project finally comes to fruition.

Earlier this month, I traveled to France, so naturally, most of what is on my mind is influenced by Paris and Provence.

The French architectural style leans into curves, gilding, and saturated colors and accents. But even more than the specifics of the design, the French lifestyle is a reminder that each moment is meant to be savored and enjoyed. Frivolous details are what make our lives rich, meaningful, and special.

I'm so glad that you're here, and I hope that you enjoy this first installment of The Flax Five!

I am excited to introduce you to a new monthly edition of the Flax Interiors Newsletter: The Flax Five. Each month, I will be spotlighting an artist, artisan or designer that I admire, as well as share what has been inspiring me in my creative work and life.

09/18/2023

Whether we are meeting for the first time or reconnecting, I want to introduce myself and my approach to interior design.

My background in psychology helps me bring a unique perspective to design. I focus on removing "design friction" to create environments that aren't just aesthetically pleasing but also functional and emotionally supportive.

I believe our homes should evolve as we do. Our lives aren’t static, and our homes shouldn’t be either! Many clients seek my expertise during pivotal life moments, whether moving to a new home, welcoming a family member, or navigating personal shifts.

It took me years to get to this point, but I can honestly say that I LOVE MY JOB! While my entrepreneurial journey lacks the security of past corporate roles, the rewards are incomparable. Every day is an adventure and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

There's an indescribable satisfaction when I'm engrossed in a floor plan or visualizing a space. And nothing compares to the joy on a client's face as they witness the transformation of their home.

I have discovered my superpower, and there is no upper limit to what I can do with it.

I am excited to continue to grow Flax Interiors from an infant company into something bigger. This is only the beginning.

https://www.flaxinteriors.com/blog/behind-the-design

Flax Interiors is now scheduling projects kicking off in January 2024. Have a room you’re thinking of renovating? Embarking on a new build? Let’s make something amazing together!

My background in psychology helps me bring a unique perspective to design. I focus on removing "design friction" to create environments that aren't just aesthetically pleasing but also functional and emotionally supportive. I firmly believe our homes should evolve as we do.

08/17/2023

A huge part of what I do is figuring out how to translate the design ideas that are in my head into something that I can communicate with my clients.

Most people think “design psychology” refers to the design of the space — and it does — but there is also psychology involved in guiding my clients through the design journey. Sharing my design ideas in a tangible and effective way is key to introducing new ideas with clients.

In this month's blog, I take you through a recent project to illustrate the arc of how I visualize my design ideas and share them with clients.

I hope you enjoy watching this design journey unfold!

Watch as this project unfolds, from the initial concept on a mood board to a vibrant 3D rendering and finally, a lived-in reality. I am excited to show you my process and how I use visual tools to transform my ideas and work collaboratively with my clients.

06/21/2023

It is such a thrill to see Flax Interiors' work and philosophy published!

I am so excited to share that Flax Interiors was featured in two publications last week:

The Wall Street Journal (pinch me!) - https://www.wsj.com/articles/windowless-bathroom-tips-to-make-it-less-dreary-fc110ef3

Homes & Gardens - https://www.homesandgardens.com/kitchens/kitchen-countertop-trends -6-introduce-vibrancy-with-lava-stone-brights

A huge thank you to Antonia van der Meer for interviewing and including me in her column on windowless bathrooms in the series, “How to Live with a Room You Hate.” (Spoiler, you don’t have to — hire Flax Interiors!).

For more fun information + photos of the offending bathroom in question, head to the blog!

https://www.flaxinteriors.com/blog/in-the-press

xx
Emily

I’m thrilled to share that Flax Interiors was featured in a recent article published in the Wall Street Journal, written by Antonia van der Meer. In this edition of her column about “How to Live with a Room You Hate,” she features windowless bathrooms. Below are a few tricks I used to convert ...

06/15/2023

Summer highlight: Unleashing Dog Durability and Style.

Hey there, fellow dog lovers! We all know that sharing our home with our furry friends can bring so much joy and love. But we also know that keeping our furniture clean and pristine can be quite the challenge. Worry not, I’m here to help you find the perfect balance of form and function. With some guidance, you can create a welcoming and practical space for both you and your four-legged friends.

Let's get into some tips in this month's blog for choosing upholstered furniture that keeps both you and your pup happy.

Happy summer!

https://www.flaxinteriors.com/blog/dog-friendly-fabric

05/11/2023

Project Spotlight: A Nursery Designed for Sweet Dreams

In honor of Mother's Day, I am excited to show you the design for my daughter's nursery. When designing her space, I made every decision around the most important part of being a new parent: sleep.

Similar to a lot of us, my mental health relies on getting enough sleep. I knew that in preparation for parenthood, my wellbeing would be directly linked to my newborn's ability to sleep for long stretches at night. To ensure a good night's rest for all, I put on my design and psychology research hat to find the best evidence-based design strategies.

I am thrilled to pass on some of the best tips and tricks in this month's blog to ensure you and your baby remain well rested throughout the early stages of parenthood.

Sweet dreams!

xx
Emily

When I was preparing for the birth of my baby girl, I knew that the key to my wellbeing was going to be directly linked to my newborn’s ability to sleep for long stretches at night. Therefore, as an interior designer with a specialty in psychology, I put on my research hat and found and executed t...

04/19/2022

Flax Interiors is hiring!

ROLE
Part-Time Design Assistant for Flax Interiors

POSITION SUMMARY
Flax Interiors is hiring a part-time Design Assistant. The role of the Design Assistant is to support the principal designer in helping clients achieve their design goals. The candidate needs to be comfortable working on multiple projects simultaneously. They must be detail-oriented and organized, be able to speak professionally with clients, vendors and contractors, and have a positive attitude.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
Skills
Bachelor’s degree
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google cloud programs
Studio Designer software, or ability to quickly learn new computer programs
Valid driver’s license

Responsibilities
Gather quotes and material samples from vendors
Help prepare for client presentations
Write client proposals and vendor purchase orders
Place and track orders
Schedule client, vendor and subcontractor meetings
Oversee deliveries and installations
Take notes at client meetings
Measure clients’ homes for drawing plans and elevations
Organize the materials library and return samples when needed
Assist with general administrative tasks
Answer the phone and field client, vendor and subcontractor questions

Key attributes
The right candidate is ready to assimilate quickly into a fast-paced environment, has a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, a professional demeanor, excellent communication and organizational skills, is detail-oriented, and has the ability to be flexible and multitask. There is a great deal of client and vendor interaction in this job. This role will be supporting the principal designer on many different projects, large and small, and functioning as a liaison between the principal designer, client, vendors and subcontractors.

Flax Interiors is growing quickly. There is a lot of opportunity to grow and develop, and there is a great deal of exposure to clients and all aspects of a project. With a well-rounded client list, there are a wide variety of project types and styles. The role is 16 hours a week.

ABOUT FLAX INTERIORS
Emily Flaxman founded Flax Interiors in November 2020. Emily’s interiors reflect her knowledge and passion for evidence-based design. She strives for interiors that are layered, timeless, and optimized to help her clients live seamless lives. She believes in creating spaces that are an extension of her clients’ lifestyles and aesthetic.

WEBSITE
www.flaxinteriors.com

CONTACT
If interested, please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected].

Guiding people through life transitions using the intersection of interior design and psychology. Design Philosophy You make intentional choices about the way you live — where you work, what you eat, whom you spend time with. The places where you spend your time are more than buildings or rooms. T...