Interior designer Elizabeth Holmes in a client's Roslyn home. Holmes...

Interior designer Elizabeth Holmes in a client's Roslyn home. Holmes enjoys when clients "go outside their comfort zone." Credit: Randee Daddona

After visiting an endless number of designer show houses and poring over portfolios, Newsday has pulled together 11 designers, including one husband-and-wife team, who bring beauty and drama to Long Island’s homes. We’ve taken a peek at what they’ve been up to recently and learned a little more about what makes each of them stand out from the pack.

This week, we chat with Elizabeth Holmes of Elizabeth Holmes Design, which is based in Baldwin.

How would you sum up your design style?

Sophisticated edge with a touch of urban cool.

What’s your biggest design influence?

Fashion and architecture.

What is the first question you ask a client?

Why do you want to work with a designer and, more specifically, why do you want to work with me?

What is your favorite DIY tip?

Create inspiration boards.

What design trend are you so over?

Chalkboard walls and chevron prints.

What is the cheapest find that you have furnished your house with?

Two tattered club chairs left curbside after a yard sale for $0. I had them refinished and reupholstered.

What is one piece in your own home that you couldn’t live without?

My Marcel Breuer Wassily chair. An iconic piece of furniture is worth the investment and never goes out of style.

What is the most unusual space you’ve ever designed?

An adult playroom.

Which project are you most proud of?

The family room I helped to design after my client’s divorce.

Is there a restaurant or other commercial space that you love the look of?

Crosby Street Hotel.

What do you usually start with when planning a space?

I try to figure out what design story my client wants to convey and then I take inspiration from art, photos and even clothing that is evocative or personal to them.

Which is your favorite room to decorate in a show house?

Great room.

Name a book that would absolutely have to be in your library.

“Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell.

What is your favorite song or music to decorate to?

“Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys.

What makes a great client?

Someone who is willing to go outside their comfort zone. They don’t want design that is ubiquitous, but rather something that is unique and unconventional.

Which other designers do you admire?

I greatly admire the work of Abi Wright, Naomi Paul and Tucker Robbins.

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