Designer Spotlight: The Visionary Designs of Keli Tawil Rifkin Interiors

This month, we sat down with Keli Tawil Rifkin of Keli Tawil Rifkin Interiors for a candid conversation about the fundamentals of designing the perfect space. Get ready to be inspired as she shares how collaborating with her clients is the steppingstone to applying her years of experience for bringing a design’s vision to life.

Q & A with Keli Tawil Rifkin Interiors

Q: We love the cozy vibe of your designs. What elements do you choose to create this welcoming look?
A: I find that when the overall design follows a formula, it helps the eye travel through the space and makes it feel uniform. It sets the mind at ease.
I also love incorporating materials that have warmth and texture. And nothing makes a room feel more welcoming than making sure it’s complete – with accessories on the shelves, window treatments, and art!

Q: Your use of patterns and textures is a real showstopper. What are the best tips you can offer someone who tends to shy away from these eclectic patterns?
A: I think restraint is so important and always the biggest challenge. When collaborating with my clients, we come up with so many incredible ideas and moments – but they don’t work if they’re competing. My advice here would be to experiment small – but in an impactful way. Incorporate the ‘wow’ into your focal point, and if it’s too scary to go for pattern or texture in your floor covering, then commit to a pillow!

Q: The flooring you ultimately select is a true standout feature in your designs. What factors do you consider in the choice and creation of achieving an impressive look for floors?
A: I definitely design from the ground up. Sometimes the flooring is the ‘wow’ moment and sometimes it’s just the background supporting the rest of the design. But either way, flooring is key because it sets the stage and it’s a large percentage of the surface area of the room. The architecture of the home is usually a big consideration when selecting flooring. The function of the room is another important factor. Size of the rooms in the home and how they flow is also crucial.

Q: The use of window treatments truly complements the space. How do you decide which window covering works best for a room?
A: Window treatments really do finish off a room and are so important in making a room feel cozy. I tend to do a lot of Roman shades – especially in bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and family rooms. They give great coverage and really dress a window in a simple but chic way. I like to hang my shades as high as possible to pull the eye up and lift the ceiling. I like to play around with valances and trims, depending on if a project is casual or more luxe. For more formal spaces, I like to do sheers and/or draperies. The right window hardware can feel like a beautiful piece of jewelry.

Q: Your selection of carpeting lends a beautiful balance to your designs. What are the qualities you consider when deciding which kind to choose?
A: Shopping for carpeting is one of my favorite activities when it comes to designing. I have been working with Robin Segal for over 10 years, and we’re at the point that we can read each other’s minds! I always like to start by looking at what is new. There is always something new to see at Country Carpet, which is one of the many reasons it’s my go-to for carpeting and rugs. Different rooms yield different considerations when it comes to carpeting. I think about things like durability, function, color, content, softness, thickness of the pile, etc.

Q: The clean lines in your designs are soothing to the eye. Is there a signature touch that you bring to create such elegant and serene spaces?
A: I don’t really know if I have a signature touch because I approach each job with a blank slate. I don’t like to repeat things from job-to-job because every home has its own personality, as does every client! But a home is a sanctuary. It’s a place for individuals, couples or families to feel safe and build memories. My goal is to create a beautiful backdrop that they feel comfortable in, while they live out their lives!

Q: Every room in the house must be fun to design. Do you have a favorite room to unleash your creativity?
A: I love designing family rooms and kitchens because those tend to be the rooms that people live in 90% of their time while at home. I like to picture my clients eating dinner around their kitchen table or having a movie night while lounging on their family room sectional. Picturing them making those memories really fuels my creativity because making people happy is the biggest rush for me!

But I get equally as excited for a primary bathroom, a nursery, an office, or a living room bar. Every room has its highlight. Any time I can use my creativity to help make someone’s home a little more functional and a little more beautiful, I get excited.

Q: With the holidays upon us, what are your top three design tips for someone who wants to do a quick refresh to get their home “holiday ready?”
A:

1. Clear away unnecessary clutter! Don’t wait for Spring!
2. Add some holiday-appropriate accessories and decorations. Etsy is a great place to shop for holiday décor that won’t break the bank!
3. Seasonal florals and plants can add so much to make a home feel ready for the holidays!

We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Keli Tawil Rifkin. Whether it inspires you to elevate your carpeting and flooring or experiment with patterns and textures, Country Carpet Flooring & Interiors is here to help you design the room – or space – of your dreams. We invite you to visit our newly expanded state-of-the-art 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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