By: Factfullguys
Amanda Foster is an award-winning accredited international e-Designer and interior designer, who specializes in creating bold, vibrant, and colorful spaces. Known for thinking outside the box and with edgy designs, Amanda works with homeowners to create a space to truly reflect their personalities, as well as mentoring fellow interior designers to help them grow their business and make it profitable. For more information on Amanda, visit: https://www.fosterdecorconsulting.com/
How did you get into the world of interior design-is it something you always wanted to do?
I’ve always had a secret love for interior design, even from a young age. As a child, I would sketch out little floor plans and rearrange the rooms in my house, unknowingly showcasing my natural talent for space planning. Growing up in the vibrant, artisanal community of Napa Valley, my parents encouraged my creative side by enrolling my brother and me in artist camps from a very young age. While my brother was the Picasso-esque artist, able to draw anything, I gravitated more towards the strategic and artistic approach of graphic design, which I discovered in high school.
Throughout my education, interior design and graphic design were my true passions. I was constantly glued to HGTV, absorbing every design tip and trick, and spending hours honing my skills in Photoshop. Unlike my brother’s natural talent for traditional art, my strength lay in my eye for design and decorating, which I was eager to translate into bold, edgy, and whimsical spaces.
As a Latina interior designer, how does your culture play a part in your interior design visions and aesthetics?
Unbeknownst to me, my design aesthetic has been heavily influenced by my Latin heritage. As a big fan of bold colors, large patterns, and vibrant textures, I can trace these preferences back to my childhood summers spent with my Mexican family, where I was surrounded by a rainbow of hues and a palpable sense of energy.
This is a stark contrast to the more muted, “vanilla” color palettes that have traditionally dominated American design. But I’ve never been one to follow the crowd. Instead, I’ve always been drawn to the rich, handmade items and unapologetic vibrancy that I experienced in my Abuelita’s home. These elements bring a level of character and unique flavor that I strive to incorporate into all of my projects.
I get so excited when I connect with clients who share my passion for something a little bolder, a little spicier. I think the key is that they’re not trying to impress anyone or live up to some clichéd standard of what a “perfect” home should be. Instead, they’re showcasing what they truly love, without fear or inhibition.
For me, designing is all about creating beautiful, vibrant spaces that are a true reflection of the individual. When you walk into one of my projects, you’re greeted with a feast for the senses – color, texture, and an undeniable sense of life and character. It’s the antithesis of the hollow, impersonal spaces that so often dominate the design world.
I’m thrilled to see the design landscape shifting towards a more authentic, personalized approach. No more playing it safe – it’s time to embrace the unexpected, the bold, and the unapologetically vibrant. After all, isn’t that what makes a house a true home?
You focus on virtual e-design, how is this different from traditional interior design, and what are its benefits?
I could go on and on about the wonders of virtual e-design, but I’ll try to keep it short and sweet! Traditional interior design can be a bit intimidating for some folks, with the common misconception that it’s only for the rich and famous. But trust me, we interior designers aren’t all overcharging, expensive divas – there’s a whole world of options out there.
The main difference is that full-service interior designers work hands-on with clients, meeting at the actual space, creating floor plans, design boards, and construction documents, and coordinating with contractors and installers. It’s a whole production and can take months, even over a year to complete, especially for larger projects. That’s why the price tag can be so hefty – there’s a lot of work involved!
On the other hand, virtual e-design is more of a DIY-friendly approach. Clients connect with an e-designer online, share photos and measurements of their space, and the designer puts together a personalized mood board, product selections, and a floor plan. The homeowner then takes those instructions and implements the design themselves. It’s a more budget-friendly option, since you’re not paying for all that hands-on labor.
As someone who loves freelance life and traveling the world with my partner, e-design has been an absolute game-changer for me. I’ve been able to partner with different e-design companies and work remotely from all over the globe, connecting with clients back in the States through video calls, text messages, and good old-fashioned email. It’s a fascinating way to stay involved in the interior design industry, while also embracing the digital age.
I’ve found e-design to be a powerful tool, both for homeowners on a budget who still want professional design help, and for designers like myself who crave the flexibility of remote work. It’s a win-win all around! So if you’re feeling intimidated by the idea of traditional interior design, don’t worry – the world of virtual e-design is here to save the day, one mood board at a time.
Color is a big part of your interior design message-you’re stepping away from boring beige! What are your favorite colors to use when decorating? Any color trends we should know about?
As an interior designer, I consider myself a bit of a rebel in the industry. I’m all about pushing the boundaries and embracing the unexpected. While others may play it safe with neutral palettes and conventional layouts, I thrive on creating spaces that are unapologetically vibrant, playful, and full of character. My design philosophy is to inject a sense of fun and personality into every project, whether it’s through the use of bold colors, unexpected textures, or quirky, one-of-a-kind furnishings.
I’m not afraid to challenge the status quo and bring a fresh, unconventional approach to the world of interior design. My goal is to create spaces that inspire and delight, spaces that make people feel like they’re stepping into a whimsical, imaginative world. I’m passionate about pushing the limits of what’s possible and redefining the way people think about interior design.
I’m thrilled that 2024 is all about creating personalized, authentic living spaces. With the pandemic forcing us to spend more time at home, people are finally letting go of the pressure to impress and are boldly embracing their quirky, fun design sensibilities.
Gone are the days of striving for that picture-perfect, cookie-cutter home. My clients are now proudly showcasing their unique collectibles, funky furnishings, and playful accents, without worrying about what anyone else might think.
As an interior designer, this aligns perfectly with my own design philosophy. I’ve always been about injecting a sense of personality and whimsy into every space, whether through bold colors, unexpected textures, or just plain old quirkiness.
I’m so excited to see the design world catching up to my rebellious, unapologetic approach. No more playing it safe – it’s time to let our freak flags fly and create living spaces that truly reflect our individual styles and passions. Bring on the authentic, the delightful, and the delightfully unexpected!
What challenges have you faced in business so far, and what have you learned from them?
Staying organized and learning to multitask – those have been the two biggest challenges I’ve faced as a small business owner. Gone are the days of clocking in and out, with someone else footing the bill. Nope, this is all on me, baby! And let me tell you, it’s no walk in the park.
One of my biggest pet peeves is the misconception that working from home is somehow “lazy.” After the pandemic, I think a lot of people have a newfound appreciation for just how hard it can be to stay focused and productive when your office is also your living room. I’m not just working 5 or 6 hours a day – sometimes it’s more like 10 or 12, especially when it’s your own business on the line.
Sustaining that level of organization and multitasking has been a real challenge. Trying to set boundaries and a schedule that my friends and family can’t just waltz in and disrupt? Whew, that’s been a learning curve. There’s this idea that since I work from home, I’m completely flexible and available 24/7. Uh, no. I have certain hours, I have a weekend – this isn’t all fun and games, folks.
In fact, sometimes I even miss working under someone else, because at least then I’d have more of a life outside of my job. But when you love what you do, you care more, you invest more – time, money, work ethic. It’s been a real learning experience, figuring out how to be a better boss, even when there’s no one above or under me. But hey, I’m leveling up my business one day at a time, and that’s what counts.
So yeah, organization and multitasking – those are the big challenges. But you know what they say, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. And this small business owner is getting buff, baby!
You now work with other interior designers to grow their business. What are the most common problems many in the industry face?
As an industry veteran of over a decade, the biggest problem I see when working with my fellow interior designers is helping them learn to get out of their own way. I get it, when you’re a small business owner, you have to wear a million hats – social media manager, graphic designer, marketer, website wizard. It’s like being an octopus with ten tentacles, all trying to do a million things at once.
But here’s the thing – the truly successful designers are the ones who reach a point where they can let go and invest in the right professionals to take over those tasks. Because let’s be real, most of my clients didn’t get into this business to be social media gurus or graphic design wizards. They just had to do it at some point to keep their businesses afloat.
The problem is, their online presence ends up being a hot mess of Band-Aids and tacky stock images, with a cheap logo they bought off Etsy. There’s no authenticity, no personality – just a desperate attempt to copy what everyone else is doing. And the hardest part is, they know it! They get so excited to work with me, because they know I can swoop in and completely overhaul their website, branding, and social media to make it truly sparkle.
But here’s the catch – they have to be willing to let go and let me do my thing. No more hanging over my shoulder, crying at every little change. Because the reality is, if they can just step back and trust the process, we can elevate their business to a whole new level. It’s about empowering them to be the CEO, the big picture visionary, instead of trying to be the graphic designer, the programmer, the everything.
Just look at Steve Jobs – he wasn’t the one coding away or designing the latest iPhone. He was the one setting the vision, empowering his team, and letting the experts do their thing. And look where that got Apple! So my fellow interior designers, take a page out of Steve’s book. Get out of your own way, let the pros handle the details, and watch your business soar to new heights. Trust me, your sanity (and your bottom line) will thank you.
What’s your biggest piece of advice for anyone wanting to work in the field of interior design?
For those just starting their journey, my advice is simple: embrace your multifaceted interests and skills, and let your inner rebel shine. Don’t be afraid to explore different avenues and acquire diverse knowledge – you never know how these experiences may come together to create unique opportunities down the line. The more you’re willing to learn and grow, the more doors will open for you.
My biggest advice for aspiring interior designers? Embrace the winding path – your journey may not be a straight shot, but trust me, all those twists and turns will come together to create something truly special.
When I started out, I was obsessed with fine art, which led me to graphic design, then blossomed into a passion for interior design. And you know what? That interior design journey even circled back around to marketing and consulting. It felt like I was bouncing from one discipline to the next, but I soon realized that all those diverse skills and experiences formed the “holy trinity” of my consulting business.
My interior architecture background, graphic design expertise, and marketing know-how have all converged to help my interior design business flourish. So don’t be afraid to explore, to try new things, to let your interests guide you. The more diverse your skillset, the more you can bring to the table as a designer.
The key is being open to the journey, embracing the unexpected. The destination may surprise you – in the best possible way. So trust the process, and let your path meander a bit. You never know where it might lead.
Stay curious, my friends, and continuously seek out ways to expand your skill set. Whether it’s through formal education, online courses, or hands-on experience, investing in your personal and professional development will pay off big time. Remember, the path to success is rarely linear, and the skills and knowledge you accumulate along the way can converge in unexpected and rewarding ways. Embrace the journey, trust your diverse expertise, and let your rebel flag fly high!
Finally, what’s your biggest interior design tip for someone who is taking a new decorating project on?
My biggest interior design tip for someone starting a new decorating project? Stay true to who you are, no matter what. In the past, I’ve seen clients get so caught up in trying to chase that “white picket fence” ideal, furnishing their homes to impress their parents, friends, or family, rather than creating a space that truly reflects their own personality and preferences.
It’s so important to do a deep dive and really understand what you love, what makes you excited to come home every day. If you love a certain color, go for it – don’t worry about what others might think. Want to showcase your quirky collection of “embarrassing” items? Do it with style, and create a home that speaks volumes about the real you.
At the end of the day, you’re the one who has to live in this space, so why not make it shine with your authentic vibe? Forget about trying to impress anyone else – this is your haven, your oasis. Embrace the things that make you unique, and let that shine through in your decor.
The result will be a space that you absolutely adore, one that fills you with joy every time you walk through the door. And really, isn’t that what interior design is all about?
Published by: Martin De Juan
