New Jersey designer Tonisha Ramona is known to her clientele as the “Interior Stylist”. I know she thinks “out of the box” because I understand she once designed a dog hotel and spa! I was curious. I had questions and Tonisha had the answers.
Tonisha, first, how would you define interior stylist?
An Interior Stylist is someone who styles spaces based with specific detail to the style with specific attention to how the space will be used and those who are living there. This is a little something I created to help people understand who I am and what I do.
What’s your unique approach to creating living spaces?
My approach to creating living spaces is to change the way my clients live through changing their home. I create spaces based on who they are, who they want to be and how they want to live. More than the average interior designer, I go deeper with my projects by being hands-on with the design process, and more importantly, by being a friend that my clients can trust.
Have you always been interested in design and if not what other vocations did you consider?
I always wanted to be a veterinarian, dancer and an artist. I am two out of three. I have been a professional dancer for years while also running and managing Plush Interior Design. I still love animals I just want to spend time with them while they are healthy. Not sick. I would be crying all day long if I worked in a veterinarian practice. lol
I see geometrics everywhere right now. In fact, we have just launched the Libby Langdon Collection of four bold geometrics and scroll-like patterns in classic lines with an updated twist.
There are geometrics in some of the designs in your portfolio. Do you tend to favor any particular style, shapes or colors?
I am very big on the use of colors. Colors are the basis and foundation for feeling and emotion in a room. Using colors in a strategic way can help to not only define a room but provide a certain type of character and personality.
Have you ever had a “difficult” client? If so, how did you resolve that?
Yes, clients can be difficult in many ways. The common problem with some clients is that they do not understand the design process and my specific way of working. Problems come about when clients think that the design hiccups is a cookie cutter process that everything goes smoothly without any hick-ups and bumps in the road. At that moment I have to explain to them it is a process and the main focus is the end result. A design sometimes changes and delays occur in order to achieve a design you will truly enjoy.
All right, you had to anticipate this one was coming. How did the dog hotel and spa come about and what were the challenges involved?
That client actually contacted me for guidance with her designer and subsequently hired me. It was a 7,000 sq/ft Dog Hotel & Spa, with many different areas, which I had 10 days to do with about 5 days’ notice. I didn’t exactly know how I was going to do it within that time frame, but I got it done! There was a grooming salon, retail center, veterinarian office, bakery café, large and small dog run not to mention a retail/boutique area. It was like 5 commercial spaces in one area. It tested my ability to deliver under any circumstance without compromising creativity – reasons why my clients hire me. My client was extremely happy and that was definitely a proud moment for me.
I couldn’t help but notice the colorful background art in this picture. Is it your own or were you on holiday in some exotic country?
This picture was actually taken in Highland Park New Jersey. Nice little suburb in the Central Jersey area. I chose this location for my 2013 photo shoot because it’s a good representation of me as a person, artist and woman. Not to mention it reflects one of the main components I give my clients: the ability to be whoever you want to be by styling your home.
Speaking of traveling, is there any one country you would most like to travel to for inspiration?
Wow, this is such a hard question. I don’t know if there is one country I would like to visit I think there are regions I love and I am very inspired by. Mid-century furniture is inspired by Scandinavian culture. Visiting Sweden, Norway and Finland would be fun and exciting. I am also very inspired by the infrastructure in Morocco. I love the use of color, the rich jewel tones, geometric shapes/patterns in fabrics, rugs & tiles, the gold, and the integrity in the wood furnishings. I would love to experience accessory shopping in Casablanca or Marrakesh.
Finally, I sense that you are always looking to broaden your horizons. Tell us about your immediate plans.
Yes, expansion is something that I am constantly thinking about and working on with Plush Interior Design. We just launched Tonisha Ramona TV on YouTube which features videos of me giving direct design tips & ideas on how to style your life starting with your home. The show is great for those who want to enhance their lives and get more fulfillment from their home. It’s my own informative ~ reality show. The show will highlight the behind the scenes footage of me working on projects, and viewers will get an opportunity to experience my personality and creative process.
Thank you, Tonisha, for taking the time to answer my questions with your insightful answers.
– Lorre Lei
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