Photo by: Shternie Shemtov
How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
Two! My son is 5 and my daughter is 3.
What do you love about living in Stamford?
I absolutely love the low-key community. No one cares if you sometimes have to run errands in last night’s pajamas (guilty) – and this tired mom SO appreciates that! I also love the feeling of being far from the hustle and bustle, yet the big apple and other neighboring cities are just a quick drive or train ride away.
What’s your favorite restaurant and/or place to shop in Stamford?
I visit Humbled Cofffeehouse on a daily basis. I’m not sure whether I should be embarrassed or proud of the fact that they know my order and usually have my drink waiting for me on the counter. Regardless, it’s nice to get my morning caffeine with a side of what feels like family.
Tell us about Lindsay Simone Interiors.
Lindsay Simone Interiors is a boutique interior design studio based here in Stamford. We specialize in what I like to call “Colonial Cool” and really strive to strike a balance between Connecticut’s classic architectural roots and today’s contemporary clean lines. Whether it’s one room, your entire home, or new construction, we work to fuse modern and traditional elements to create a carefully curated living space that feels intentional, personal, and most importantly layered without being overdone. As a mom, I also completely get that life (especially with kids) is messy so we always keep the concept of pretty but practical in mind. Performance fabrics, wipeable kitchen seating, scrubbable paint… it’s the only way we design!
How did you get into interior design?
My mom is an interior designer, so I grew up surrounded by everything furniture, fabrics and fixtures. I learned how to draft when I was 11 and often accompanied my mom on her trips to various vendors and the design center. I had no idea as a child that most people don’t walk into a room and mentally rearrange the furniture. To me, that was normal because my mom did it, too. So I clearly missed all of the signs that were screaming GO INTO DESIGN, and instead went on to pursue a career as a national news producer. I absolutely loved producing, but the 18-hour work days were not exactly family friendly so, when I got pregnant with my son, I decided it was time to pivot. It took me some time to figure out what I was pivoting to, but after a quick house hunting trip here in Stamford, I was propelled right back to my design days with mom. After that, various members of the community and our realtor in particular (Jonathan Makovsky) picked up on my industry know-how, design aesthetic and eye for space planning and LSI was born.
What’s your favorite thing about your job?
Good interior design is not just about aesthetics, it’s about function! The location of electrical outlets, the use of certain fabrics and/or soft materials, the decision to add sconces when there’s already recessed lighting… All of these design decisions can help make a space beautiful, but it’s when a client finally understands that something so small has such a huge impact on how they move and use their new space that makes the whole, sometimes year(s)-long process worth it! Also, seeing a client’s eyes widen when you first show them your design concept never gets old. It’s the absolute best feeling!
What is your advice to moms when it comes to designing a home that is both beautiful and kid friendly?
Spend your money wisely. Invest in child friendly finishes for the big ticket items you plan to keep long term (think Crypton or other performance fabrics on sofas, or a solid wood dining table versus one made using wood veneers). Lighting fixtures are another place to go crazy since they make a big impact in an area children can’t usually reach. And, when in doubt, go with a distressed wool rug… they hide EVERYTHING!
How do you juggle work and mommyhood?
There’s a reason juggle rhymes with struggle – and the struggle is real! I’m so lucky to have my own business because that means I get to set my own hours. My team and I work in the office together while my kids are at school/camp but, once they’re home, I’m home too, and in full on mom mode. Once they’re asleep though, the dishes and laundry are pushed aside while I dive back into all things LSI. Because that’s the thing about juggling… when one ball is up, the others must be down. And that’s okay! No one can do it all, all the time.
Photo by: Shternie Shemtov
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another mom?
Your kid will hit the big milestones when he/she is ready, not when you want them to be ready. So give them time. Otherwise you’ll both end up frustrated.