Spring has spring and everyone is shaking off the winter months desperate for a breath of spring air. One of the places people turn for renewed 
energy and inspiration is their own home. When they aren’t sure which direction to go, its not uncommon to reach out to an experienced and savvy interior designer for insight, tips, even a whole new direction! Interior Design is very much a thriving and necessary business. As women become more successful, whether as executives, professionals , decision makers or business owners – often decorating their own home is something left lower down on the “to do” list.
With that in mind, we caught up with one of the Annapolis region’s design stars – Katalin Farnady of Farnady Interiors for her best tips for giving a new vibe to your digs or to spruce up your home environment quickly (see at the end of the article below). We took the opportunity to find out a little bit more about her own entrepreneurial journey and learn her secrets for business and decorating results. Here’s what the vibrant, savvy and successful working mother of three shared with us…
What is “Interior Design” and what drew you to that as a business?
I have to use one of my favorite quotes from Coco Chanel which is – ”Interior is the projection of the soul” – meaning that interior design is an art and a process of designing a home which should be the reflection of the style and taste of the home owner.
I believe I was born and destined to be designer. Even as a child I was constantly rearranging my room and gave tips to anybody who took it as far as what to do with their decor. It was simply meant to be.
When did you get the idea to found Farnady Interiors and what motivated you to do so?
I always wanted to be able to be in charge of my professional life and not feel restrictions that come with working for other companies. This allows me to express myself fully and present designs with my very own vision.
Did you anticipate business ownership to be as it has?
Yes and no! Being a business owner is very tempting in a sense that you have no boss and have flexibility. But when it comes to be on your own, it is only you who takes care of everything and the person who everybody relies on. However with all that said I do enjoy all the challenges.
What do you enjoy most about being a business owner?
Probably the fact that I don’t have to explain anything to anybody about what I’m doing and why. This way the most and the only important persons through the process are my clients. And that I am not tied down to one type of look that a company might have created for themselves as a signature.
What if you knew THEN what you know NOW – would you (if anything) do differently?
I always worked with a word of mouth clientele, however if you need to expand your business you do need to rely on some of the advertising tools. Perhaps I should have started sooner with that.
What do you believe, are the biggest challenges continuing to face women in business today?
In my situation, I am a mother of three and my kids need me. So you are trying to be two persons in one.
What is the best business advice you’ve ever been given and why?
Never become a partner with a friend because once things don’t work out you not only loose a business partner but a friend too.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
CREATING! Design is like art. Always developing,different and never gets boring.
Has your business been affected by the economy? If yes, what have you done to counter act that?
Not too much. Maybe in the past years I had more commercial projects then residential but it has been quite steady.
Do you ever get discouraged? If so, what do you do to stay enthused about what you do and stay motivated?
I never get discouraged! But to stay motivated and focused, I take continuing education classes to keep up with the new trends and technology.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Traveling is my very favorite. I love to see other countries and their architecture, browse around art galleries, and watch their style of living.
What are some of the best resources, tools, organizations you’ve found that have helped you grow your business?
…Interviews like this one, being featured in magazines, marketing and being a member of ASID.
What are your top tips for someone contemplating redecorating this spring if they are on a budget?
- Painting an accent wall .
- Adding some new colors in a form of pillows, curtain, small accessories.
- Investing in just one piece of furniture can really make a different and change the whole look of the room.
Or…they can also call me for a new floor plan to take that even further.
About Katalin Farnady
Born and raised in Budapest, Hungary, Katalin Farnady developed her interest for style, design and architecture in her early age and they remain her life’s passion. After graduating from business school in Hungary, Katalin moved to the United States and has been designing residential and commercial interiors for the last 10 years.
Katalin graduated with honors from AACC and Marymount University in Arlington and became a member of the American Society of Interior Designers in 2002. Katalin is listed in the Who is Who as well as in the National Dean’s List. Attending various lectures on design development in the United States and outside of the country helps her monitor the continual evolution of the design world.
Katalin’s ability to create luxurious, functional designs reflecting such eclecticism rewards her clients and herself. Life in her office is never boring. Life in one of her completed projects is always thrilling. This vibrant entrepreneur’s passion is design but her love is her husband and daughters. She also enjoys traveling extensively around the world where she can soak in more design ideas for creative inspiration. For more information about Katalin and Farnady Interiors click here.