Designer Spotlight: The Innovative Living Spaces of Adam Cassino Design

This month, we sat down with Adam Cassino of Adam Cassino Design for an engaging conversation about how his range of knowledge in the fields of engineering, architecture, and product design are the foundation for his innovative and masterfully-curated designs. Get ready to be inspired as Adam shares the importance of building strong client relationships and how his love for travel has allowed  him to cultivate a collection of architectural techniques that grace some of his most notable projects.   

Your expansive knowledge and technical skills in engineering, architecture, product design, and real estate are impressive. In what ways do you apply these fields when working with your clients?

I think that my technical background is a huge part of the success of my projects. Having a deep understanding of engineering, architecture, and product design allows me to easily communicate with architects and builders on my projects. Since I have a thorough understanding of product design—and as a construction guy—I’m able to come up with innovative and creative solutions while still understanding what is physically possible and what limitations we have with certain materials and products.  The architects and contractors on my jobs are always thankful for my understanding of these limitations—and also for creativity—with pushing the limits of what is possible.

Your dedication to bringing global inspiration to your clients is amazing! Do you have a favorite country that inspired you? If so, what elements of design appealed to you, and how have you used them in your projects?

I don’t have favorites. I really take inspiration from everywhere I go. I don’t think any one single region can take the claim of being a favorite or being best at something, but I do believe that certain regions really know how to do specific things beautifully, and I think that it is important to bring a collection of all of the best things you’ve seen—from construction techniques to design to patterns—all back home with you and incorporate them into your projects where they fit.  Every client is different and has different tastes, and I just keep a big bank of ideas in my mind from all of the inspiration that I have seen through my travels and apply it where necessary.  Something that really stands out to me is construction techniques in other countries. For instance, using plaster or clay and creating curved surfaces and arches in many European and Middle Eastern countries is so second nature, whereas in the United States, it really requires a skilled craftsman to go beyond your typical sheetrock wall.

Every room in a client’s house must be fun to design, but do you have a favorite?

Every room is fun to design. However, I really enjoy spaces where you can let your creativity flow, and those spaces tend to be recreational spaces—such as children’s  rooms or play areas, spa rooms, and lounge spaces.

Your use of patterns in area rugs, flooring—and even backsplashes—is stunning. What inspires you to choose these patterns, and how do you decide as to which rooms they would have the most impact?

I think patterns are very personal and very client specific. Patterns—even more so than color—can remind people of things and can evoke very strong, personal feelings. My clients and their personalities are what inspire me to select the patterns that represent and match them best. Patterns can remind you of places you’ve been, pay homage to an ethnic background, or remind you of people in your current life or from the past. Pattern is so closely linked to personality. It can be structured and tailored, whimsical and playful, classic and timeless, and anything in between. It is the person and personality of the person who is inhabiting the room that will impact my pattern choice.

The attention you give to detail shines in your designs. How do you translate your clients’ vision into these tailored living spaces?

I always say so much of design is psychology as well. You really have to get to know your client, their personality, their family, and the personalities of their family. You are designing the environment in which all of these people will live their lives and spend a majority of their time in. The details and little touches are the things that people appreciate the most. You can pick up on something that someone has an affinity towards and keep it in your mind—and when it comes down to the little details—you make sure that there’s something in the room that you know that they will love and appreciate. It can be something as small as knowing that your client likes cars or fashion—and you include a coffee table book on cars or fashion. Small touches like that. do not go unnoticed when the client is living in the space and really appreciates the personal touches that you have done. I have to say that it is equally important to know what things your clients have aversions to as much as what they have a liking to.  You want to be sure that there is nothing in these very personal living spaces that makes them feel any sort of negative energy.

What are your top three design tips for someone who is thinking about a home refresh? 

1. Evaluate your home and the spaces in it. What makes you happy? What does not? Your home should be your safe space and a haven. Remove anything that does not make you feel good and bring in things that lift your spirit. Your home should represent you, so pay attention to colors, textures, and patterns that make you feel good.
2. Don’t overthink things too much. Sometimes people cripple themselves with indecisiveness. Follow your gut and purchase what makes you happy. I see far too many people become crippled with indecisiveness, and their homes will remain empty and unfinished for years because of this. Empty, unfinished spaces not only do not look good, but are not good for your mental health!
3. Feel comfortable with and trust the people who are helping you in your project. It is your home, and you need to be working with people that understand you and your family’s needs and can help interpret your personalities into your home.

We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Adam Cassino. Whether it inspires you to create a new “happy place” in your home or  finish a project you’ve put off for too long, Country Carpet is here to help you design the room of your dreams. We invite you to visit our showroom to explore the design possibilities to make these dreams come true. You can schedule an appointment with us at your convenience. And walk-ins are always welcome. We look forward to seeing you!

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