Design Alliance - Celebrating You

I have a Business Marketing and Home Economics Degree from Colorado State University. My career has been varied from the corporate world in sales and management to home-based businesses of various types. I have sewn since I was 12 years old and was greatly influenced by my creative aunts who taught Art, Home Economics, and practiced decorating! After learning to upholster in 2001 I was asked to take on projects for friends and clients that grew in scope from sewing/upholstery projects to full room design. I have been operating my Design business since 2003.

Design Star Belinda Simonini (above) and center, right, receiving her award from Jo Ellen Collins (left) and Joy Crowe.

Design Challenge
This awkwardly shaped family room was an add-on to a cottage home in La Jolla. Standard sized rugs cut up the space and made it difficult to arrange the furnishings. Additional seating that did not interrupt the flow of traffic was needed.

The Objective
To unify the space and make it feel larger while providing a comfortable family living area with seating on which everyone can relax and watch TV.

The Lesson
Using a custom-sized rug with a lattice pattern in a strong color both pulls the room together and creates a sense of more space and openness. Repeating the color and strong pattern in the crewel fabric of the valance mimics the garden and pulls the outside in, while a chaise provides additional seating without blocking the view or access to the pretty courtyard.

Design Alliance Products Used: Royal Dutch Carpet, Flores Clovis Chaise, fabrics from Fabricut, Kravet and JF Fabrics.

We've seen how hard you work.
We think it's high time to show EVERYBODY what you can do!

As 'your design studio,' our goal is to be the resource you need and to give you the recognition you deserve for all of that fabulous talent and wealth of creativity... by spotlighting you as our "DESIGN STAR."

As our reigning DESIGN STAR, your photo, contact info, career bio, project pix and description will not only be prominently featured on our website, but also on our Design Alliance Facebook page, as well as in our newsletter!

Additionally, all of the above information and photos will be beautifully framed and on display in our Vista showroom for the entire month.

We know you have what it takes to be a STAR...
Here's how you can make it shine and be seen!

Simply email (or drop by) a photo of one of your favorite projects. It can be commercial or residential, dramatic or fun... or maybe a unique idea application or theme. Be sure to include a short project description.

Submissions must be received by the 25th of each month to be considered for the following month's DESIGN STAR spotlight.