It all starts with how she approaches the work. Mari is open, allowing inspiration to arrive organically. It can come from a piece of vintage wallpaper or tile, her garden, an old movie—even her three daughters’ whimsical drawings, which inspired her new “Elovephant" fabric design.
When working with her design clients, she looks for inspiration by discovering what they love. “I ask a lot of questions. As a designer, it’s my job to help bring their dream to fruition, while guiding and educating them about style, scale, color and so on,” Mari says. “Even when I have clients who have no idea what they want, there are clues all around them. They may have a piece of art they love, [for example]. I can build an entire room around that.”
Redecorating or designing a bedroom is no different. “It’s very important to surround yourself with things that bring you joy. When you open your eyes in the morning you want to see objects, fabrics and colors that make you happy. That's how you'll begin your day,” Mari says.
For children’s bedrooms, she shares her thoughts on her blog, marirobesonstyle.com: “I believe that a child’s room is their little corner of the world, and it should be absolutely magical and divine.”
But Mari wasn’t always this confident. Growing up in a family of engineers, economists and genetic scientists, she questioned the value of her artistic gifts early in her career.
“I used to think maybe what I did as an artist wasn’t very important, maybe I should become a doctor and save lives,” she says. But one project finally convinced her otherwise. A client, who had questioned her choices throughout the design process, was literally speechless when it was complete. “I heard the word ‘wow’ more than I ever had before. In that one moment I realized that what I did for a living mattered. When anything is thoughtfully designed it has the ability to change lives. Since then I've seen it many times,” she says. “Cultures are defined by art and architecture.”
If you want to quickly update your room, Mari suggests you focus on accessories and pillows. “Changing the color of your room changes everything. Pillows and accessories can change a room in a flash,” she says. “Of course it all starts with a good bed, and I believe that investing in a quality set of linens is worth every penny.”
She also feels that working with a good designer will save you time and money. If you do, make sure to ask for references and view the portfolio, and most importantly you should feel comfortable with that person, she says. “Working with a designer is a really enjoyable experience. Designers have a Rolodex of resources and should help your project move along in a cost-effective, timely manner,” she says.
Working with someone like Mari who has a passion to find what is best for the client will make all the difference, too. “My design philosophy? To simply bring beauty and joy where ever I can,” she says. “Be bold. And never question your first instinct.”
Photo courtesy of Thinkstock.com
