Home For The Holidays With Eye For Pretty's Nicole Salceda

Rip & Tan: What inspired you to leave your job as a teacher and launch Eye For Pretty?

Nicole Salceda: I’m lucky enough to have been able to follow two of my passions in life: education and design. After twelve years as a teacher and designing “on the side,” I was ready to make the jump and pursue design as a career and not just as a hobby.

I’m forever grateful to my clients in the early days who took a chance on me and supported my dream. One project turned into two, two into four, and the rest is history.

Rip & Tan: Who are what you currently the most inspired by in the world of interior design?

Nicole Salceda: I’m constantly inspired by designers who are doing good in the world. Giving back, mentorship, and sustainable design are all things I highly admire and seek to do more of.

Rip & Tan: What are some design tricks you rely on to create depth in a room that uses primarily lighter neutrals?

Nicole Salceda: We love to use vintage rugs because they add character, as well as cozy textiles and lots of layers for warmth.

A perfect example is on windows where we might layer a woven roman shade with linen drapery panels.

When we make the bed, we will use linens that are a neutral color in different tones. Those kinds of things keep a primarily neutral space from feeling flat or boring.

Rip & Tan: You create beautiful spaces that are both elevated and functional. How do you ensure that your designs achieve both?

Nicole Salceda: Many of our clients have young families and want a beautiful, light space but don’t understand how they can achieve it without sacrificing function. By bringing in durable fabrics and strong craftsmanship in the items we source, the space becomes not only beautiful but stands the test of time as well.

Rip & Tan: From consignment pieces to custom elements, what’s your approach to mixing new and old (and high and low) within a space?

Nicole Salceda: Everything new could easily walk the line of being impersonal. We love to incorporate our clients’ sentimental items into the design as well as vintage pieces that bring a lot of character into the space. We find our favorite rooms are those that have a collected-over-time look.

Rip & Tan: You’re quite the expert when it comes to renovating. What tips do you have for first-timers eager to breathe new life into their space? Anything you wish you knew before renovating your own home?

Nicole Salceda: This is a topic I could talk about for ages, but my best piece of advice is to enjoy the journey.

Things may take longer than you expected or the budget could run away from you, but the project will always come to an end eventually.

There is nothing more satisfying to me than having a vision for what could be and then bringing that vision to life.

One last thing: if you are a serial renovator (like me) marry a spouse that is in it for the long haul with you!

Rip & Tan: What does living well mean to you?

Nicole Salceda: To me, living well means creating and cultivating a life you love with people who support you and have your back no matter what.

It’s a balance of being content yet always striving for more. At the end of the day, it’s a check-in of “did I do my best today?” Most days the answer is no and then it’s the willingness to do better tomorrow.

A life well-lived is one that makes a difference in other people’s lives and changes our world for the better. It’s what I am inspired to do every day!

 

 

 

Images: Stephanie Russo