Portrait of Portland: Shoptalk with Shannon Ponciano
SHOPTALK | SHANNON PONCIANO
Q: What inspired you to become an interior designer?
SP: I have always loved Interior Design. When I was young and making the regular run to the grocery store with my mom, I would grab one of those free real estate magazines with all the homes for sale in it to take home and study all the different homes and floor plans. As I day dreamed about them, I would draw up my own floor plans and layouts, not knowing then it would become a passion and turn into my career. When I was in my early 20s, I saved enough money to buy my first home. I got to meet with the builder and pick out all the finishes—a process I really enjoyed. At the time, I didn’t have a lot of extra money so I would go to the Goodwill to find furniture that I could paint or refinish. I was doing a lot of DIY projects to make improvements and add unique style to my first little home. I was constantly moving furniture around to maximize the space and find the right combination where flow and function met. I entertained friends there regularly, and one day someone said, “You should be an interior designer!” That was the validation I needed to give myself the confidence to go back to school and determine if interior design was just a hobby or a career. Once I started my business in 2006, I knew there was no turning back!
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
SP: We are working on a little bit of everything. Design is a very cyclical process, so we are never working on the same things at once. We are working on some remodels with an existing homes that need to be updated, as well as new construction projects which we love because we can be involved from the very beginning stages all the way to the finishing touches. Other projects focus on furniture only, where we help complete a space by building around existing items or all new ones. We are also working on some commercial projects that include a restaurant, bar and outdoor patio renovation. In addition, we offer a luxury home staging side of the business, working with realtors and homeowners to get top dollar for their listed properties.
Q: What are you most inspired by?
SP: I am inspired by everything around me. I think it’s a built-in trait as a creative to constantly be aware and open to inspiration in all forms. Some days it comes in the form of nature and the colors and patterns you might see outdoors. Other days, it might be a song you hear and the mood it creates within. It could be a stranger in a funky outfit and the admiration you feel for that unique style. Or travel to another country or place that makes you appreciate different lifestyles or customs. Sometimes it can simply be found on your sofa while surfing Pinterest and Instagram. Personally, I find the most inspiration while traveling. I love to explore new places and see how other people live and find beauty. When I am traveling, I am able to disconnect and really soak in all the little things and become a part of the experience. This is what truly fuels me and my creativity.
Q: What colors are you loving at the moment?
SP: I am currently loving the mix of saturated moody hues like slate blues, burnt ember and deep emerald greens mixed with light blush and champagne tones.
Q: When decorating, where should people splurge and where should they save?
SP: A good place to splurge would be on classic colors and good quality fabrics on main pieces like drapery, sofa, or wallcoverings. I would also suggest splurging on lighting as it is the jewelry of the home. I would suggest saving on trendy patterns or styles by implementing them on such things as pillows, rugs or… fill in the blank!
Q: Who is your ultimate design icon?
SP: I really appreciate Kelly Wearstler and her design approach. The juxtaposition of modern and vintage, her infusion of color, and combination of graphic patterns, along with an organic texture are all seamless while honoring architectural integrity. Clearly, a lot of thought and intention goes into each of her designs.
Q: What’s one thing that every room needs?
SP: I think every room needs an area rug to anchor the space. Area rugs are a great way to bring in color, pattern and texture to complete a space.