Photo: Laure Joliet

San Francisco based interior designer Nicole Hollis cut her design teeth in Manhattan in the early 90s – studying interior design at FIT and working for James D’Auria Associates where she assisted in the design of showrooms for the likes of Armani and Valentino. By the late 90s, the burgeoning talent relocated to San Francisco, where after gaining invaluable experience working for Backen, Gillam & Kroeger Architects and W Design Group (of W Hotel fame), she opened her own eponymous practice in 2002. Today, Nicole and her dynamic team of over 30 design professionals are making a name for themselves as they turn out rich, contemporary designs with an emphasis on tapping local talent and flavor.

Drawn in by her beautifully varied portfolio and business acumen, we invited Nicole to share some of her most valuable design tips, tricks and resources. There were no set questions, and the only rule was that she dig deep and be generous. Here’s what she had to share…

Larkspur Hilltop residence, California. Photo: Mariko Reed.

DESIGN INSPIRATION… I try to look outside the design field for my inspiration and I’m often drawn to fashion and the visual arts. I love the rocker looks by Hedi Slimane, layers and texture by Dries Van Noten, the fearlessness of Rei Kawakubo, and modern cuts of Phoebe Philo. I also love jewelry by Solange Azagury-Partridge. Larkspur Hilltop residence. Photo: Laure Joliet.

The Palladian Hotel, Seattle. Photo: Laure Joliet.

ART… In terms of visual arts, we use a lot of California art in our projects. It introduces an “of-a-place” sensibility to both residential and hospitality work. I’m currently enjoying the work of California artists who incorporate text, such as Cliff Hengst, Dashiell Manley and Ed Ruscha. I am also having a Frida Kahlo moment.  Frida is currently my five year old daughter’s favorite artist so we are deep into exploring her work and planning a trip to Mexico City to visit Frida’s home and studio. Her art addresses personal, social, political and feminist issues and she has influenced so many female artists of this century. Cairdean Estate culinary village. Photo: Laure Joliet.

Pacific Heights Prewar. Photo: Laure Joliet.

GO TO SHADES OF PAINT… So many it’s hard to choose. I love rich colors and high contrasts…Benjamin Moore’s Bavarian Forest, Dragon’s Breath, and Wrought Iron. [Also,] Farrow & Ball’s Pointing [shown here]. Pacific Heights Prewar. Photo: Laure Joliet.

Kona Coast residence, Hawaii. Photo: Laure Joliet.

WORDS TO LIVE BY… “Dont live for a style, live for yourself.” – Alexander Girard. Kona Coast residence. Photo: Laure Joliet.

THANK YOU FOR SHARING, NICOLE!