One of the biggest perks about shopping in a boutique is the personal attention you receive as a shopper. It’s like having a personal stylist to help you through your fear of buying new boyfriend jeans or to talk you out of purchasing a boring black dress and into buying something unique and special - something you would have never chosen, but feel like a million bucks wearing.
This idea rings especially true in the refreshing home design boutique,
Spruce Eco Studio - a New Orleans Interior Design studio that specializes in modern design and sustainable interior design. For those of you like me, shopping for your home can be completely overwhelming and more anxiety inducing than trying on bathing suits! This has nothing to do with my soaring physical self confidence, rather, it's because I always seem to end up spending a fortune on home design and end up with an interior that looks thoughtless and lacking cohesion. (Perhaps it’s my affection for the
Chinese Maneki Neko good luck cat, but that’s another topic!)
Step into
Spruce on Magazine Street in the Lower Garden District of New Orleans and you are instantly enveloped in the shop’s effortless style. The design studio and retail store are not stuffy and overly planned, but look chic and seamlessly pulled together. The shop is exactly how I want my house to look and shopping with
Spruce’s owner, Nomita Joshi Gupta, is like shopping with your own interior designer and long time best friend. An architect by trade, Nomita (who is adorably petite and quite hilarious) understands modern-simple design with flare.
Below are her industry tips and tricks for how you can freshen up your living space in a jiffy and on a budget!
How would you describe your design style?
Many years ago I coined this phrase ‘Island Modern’ which describes my style and my vibe - beach, casual, modern, and international.
How has your aesthetic changed over the years?
My aesthetic hasn't changed over the years, but now I have more knowledge of resources that have opened the doors to express myself - especially in the world of textiles and wallpaper!
Who inspires you as a designer?
What is the essential element of a well-designed room?
Every room should be a reflection of your personality through the eyes of a designer. It should never be the other way around!
What are your three must-haves when decorating a room?
Invest in a well-made piece of furniture, an important piece of art, and gorgeous lighting. These are things you will always cherish and take with you to every home.
How has the economy affected the way you design?
My clients have reacted to the economy just like everyone else. We are finding new ways to instill quality over quantity in these times. I suggest to invest in art or a statement piece of furniture that will gain value over time. In my projects we have removed the extra fluff in a room. Once you make a budget, this will help you to determine what pieces to invest your money.
Where are some of your favorite New Orlean spots for great savings and big design?
My favorite place to find outstanding design pieces is the
Salvations Fundraiser by the Green Project - an auction whereby local furniture designers create innovative pieces using salvaged material. I have bought some of my favorite pieces at this event. I also have a few of these artists showing regularly at Spruce. You can peruse the artists' work at my store or even commission a custom piece. The Green Project also has some great salvaged materials that you can use for your floors and cabinets.
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