Designer Interview: Laundry Room Combined With Dog Spa Heaven

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Stop and drop what you are doing! This is what we did when we saw these cute dogs living their best life on Instagram. We were compelled to meet the designer who combined one space into a functional laundry room and a five-star dog spa made in heaven.

Photography: Mark Rogers Photography www.markrogersphotography.com

Dina Bandman from Dina Bandman Interiors always knew she wanted to be an interior designer, but her path to design was anything but ordinary. While earning her J.D. degree in New York Dina decided she would rather pursue her passion for interior design and enrolled at the Art Institute to earn her degree in Interior Design, simultaneously! Known for her bold yet traditional aesthetic and exquisite collaborations with de Gournay, Dina’s style embraces all of the influences of the places she’s been lucky to call home — New York Traditional, California Cool, Southern Charm, and Miami Art Deco.

With unparalleled attention to detail, scale, and proportion, she prides herself on her ability to merge disparate styles and create designs with personalities as individual as her clients. Although based in San Francisco, Dina’s projects span the corners of the US with projects in New York, Tampa, and Seattle. The veteran of three Decorator Showcases, her award-winning designs have been featured in numerous publications including Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Traditional Home, Luxe Magazine, California Homes, Modern Luxury Interiors, Gentry Home, Nob Hill Gazette, and Marin Magazine. When not designing (which is rare), Dina enjoys reading New York Times bestsellers on her Kindle and going on walks with her intrepid shmorkie, Gypsy.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – April 27 – Dina Bandman attends SF Decorator Showcase Sponsor Gala 2017 on April 27th, 2017 at Private Residence in San Francisco, CA (Photo – Ian Chin for Drew Altizer Photography)

What inspired you to become an interior designer and what currently inspires you and is influencing your work?

It’s hard to say exactly what inspired me to become an interior designer, but I have known since age 7 that this would be my chosen profession. I think I was partially influenced by my upbringing – my parents emigrated to the US from the Soviet Union where having a beautiful home was not a luxury they had access to. Although they could have afforded to after establishing themselves in the US, it didn’t interest them. All of my “American” friends had well-appointed homes… and that intrigued me. Perhaps it was that longing for something similar that propelled me toward this career.

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is an eclectic mix that falls somewhere between sophisticated bohemian and fresh traditional.

When designing a home, what is your favorite room?

I really love designing children’s rooms, powder rooms, and…libraries! People are willing to explore more with color, pattern, and wallpaper in these rooms and the results tend to be more theatrical, which I love.

Talya Collection / Photography: Christopher Stark www.christopherstark.com

What was the source of inspiration for this project?

My dog Gypsy is a constant source of inspiration. She is one pampered pooch and it’s only fitting that she has a luxurious laundry room for all her grooming needs. You’ve just got to get to know her! #aschmorkienamedgypsy

What were the key aspects for consideration when choosing our beautiful Talya Collection for the floors and the perfect blue tile for the doggie wash station?

I wanted only the best and the most beautiful design for the SF Showcase, I knew I needed flooring that would be a “wow” factor but also works in harmony with all the other design elements. I have always loved your Talya Collection and the selection of patterns and when I decided on the blue and white palette for this Laundry Room, Talya was a natural yes. I love the soft grey and white marble but the tile itself is bold and I was able to achieve just the right mix of both subtle and bold to compliment the room. It was a perfect fit.

The search for the perfect blue tile was exhausting! Especially since the saying “done is better than perfect” does not exist to me. I had a specific blue color that I needed and I would not rest until I found it. Once I saw “Azure” by Sonoma Tile at your Country Floors showroom, I knew I’d found the one – it was perfect in every way. I loved the rich color and the beautiful glaze. It’s just a beautiful tile all the way around. And I thought it is perfect for a laundry room as well!

Talya Collection / Photography: Christopher Stark www.christopherstark.com

How would you describe the end result?

Whimsical Wedgewood. A room that feels exquisitely patterned and thoughtfully layered with unexpected delights.

What are your favorite materials or textures?

Mohair, wool, and marble are some of my favorite materials to design (Calacatta Oro to be specific!)

Photography: Christopher Stark

Is there a design rule that you like to break?

Good design is based on a few fundamental “rules”, I always follow the rules regarding space planning but disregard anything related to the actual design. Innovation does not come from staying within the box!

Is there a design trend that really stood out to you in 2018? What do you think are the design trends for 2019?

I tend to be a classicist and rarely follow when certain designs are “trending”. I take my design inspirations from what’s tried and true – it just feels right to me. That said, I think classic designs can and should have a bit of whimsy to them. But overall, classic beats are “on trend” every time.

Special thanks to:

Interview: Dina Bandman Interiors

Photography: Christopher Stark

 

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