Crystal, being born and raised in Texas, how have your roots influenced your approach to interior design and the unique style you bring to your projects? 

Good question. I think, in general, at least at the time, Texas was behind on trends. Not that I'm into trends right now; however, it really made me seek elsewhere for inspiration. I was constantly at the bookstore (this was long before Instagram and Pinterest), purchasing magazines, especially ones from Europe. I think this opened my eyes to what's out there and what's all possible. There are some incredible spaces out there, and it showed me that anything is possible—it just takes imagining. 

How do you balance your passion for painting with your busy design career? Do you find ways to integrate your personal artwork into your design projects, or do you prefer to keep this creative outlet separate from your professional work? How do I find balance between work and painting? 

I just don't paint anymore. I hope to find some time in the future to pick up painting again, but for now, especially with a little one (who's six), I just don't have the time. I occasionally pick up a brush to paint with my daughter, but I would need to really focus on it to become better at it again. It seems like Crystal Sinclair Designs has experienced significant growth since its launch in 2019. 

What do you attribute this success to, and what have been some of the most rewarding moments for you over the past five years? 

We have definitely seen a lot of growth—it blows my mind! Things really took off after I wrapped up the Morningside Heights project, which is one of the first projects I was able to design freely as the client and I were really on the same page. It didn't hurt that the project's budget was also leaps and bounds above previous ones I had wrapped up. When the space was published, we experienced inquiries unlike anything I had imagined—seriously, one or two a day. It was flattering but really time-consuming at the same time getting back to each one. That project, in general, was very rewarding. Another rewarding moment was when Ben, my husband, joined me in design. He really helped streamline things and took the roles of speaking/working with the contractors and CAD drawing, which really freed up my time (I look back and am amazed I was handling all aspects of the business myself). Our 393 West End Ave project was another highlight. We were asked to stage an entire apartment—I designed the space with myself in mind. In sourcing for it, I found myself more and more discovering vintage items—this is the project that changed the way I source for all projects. I'm a sucker for vintage finds and usually prefer vintage over new (usually, not always). One more highlight was our Hoboken project. This was a project of my dreams—I got to really explore colors and textures. The client and I were really in tune, and pretty much everything I shared with her she loved, down to the custom chrome/mohair sofa! I love every project we design, but this one really let me explore possibilities and the smaller details. 

What unique joys do you find in working on residential projects that you don't typically experience in hospitality projects, and vice versa?

I get very into and excited about each project; I'm very passionate about what I do. I absolutely love when the clients get excited too! It feeds you, and you just want to do more and more. You don't have that personal connection with commercial projects. It's more business. 

Do you have a favorite step in the design process that excites you the most?

I love when we're handed a new project—I’ll sit down and comb the floor plan thinking of all the possibilities. When sourcing images for their mood board, I usually come across some small concepts that get incorporated one way or another.

What is a typical day like for you at Crystal Sinclair Designs?

Coffee. I always start the day with a good cup of coffee! I’ll sit at my desk and spend an hour or two responding to emails. Some emails take me down a road and into concepts which can last the day. If not, I have a running to-do list that I'll refer to, to see what's next. Every project's CAD drawing is open all day, every day, as I refer to them constantly. When coming up with a concept is on my list for the day, I turn the music up, put my phone on silent, and change off the email tab so I can just sit and focus. If working on a concept for a kitchen or bathroom, I start with materials. If I'm working on sourcing a room, like a living room, I'll start with a larger piece, like a sofa (not always a sofa, it varies, but it's usually a sofa). I'll hit my favorite sites and just comb through finding pieces that I feel respond to the space itself. I'll go through literally hundreds of pages to find something. I usually have a feel or vibe in mind when sourcing—I usually don't have an exact piece in mind—I prefer to go in with an open mind. 

Are there any specific colors, textures, or fabrics that you're particularly drawn to at the moment? 

I'm a sucker for a muted slate blue. It's so beautiful! I'm always drawn to velvets, mohairs—anything with a lot of texture. And then I like to pair it with something completely opposite like chrome or leather. 

Can you share a memorable client experience that had a lasting impact on you, either professionally or personally? 

I can't think of an exact experience, but I can say each project/client changes how you design, if ever so slightly. Each client's needs are so different that you learn a space through a lot of different perspectives—which I feel helps you become a better designer. 

What's your dream vacation destination? And do you have any favorite weekend getaway spots that you visit for a quick and revitalizing break? 

My family loves Iceland—we've been twice and can't wait to go again! We aim to travel somewhere overseas at least once a year for pleasure. We want to explore so many places, but with work and Mira's school, it's difficult to take that much time off. For a quick getaway, we'll head to Hudson, NY, which is about a 90-minute drive for us. We chill, and there are many vintage shops to visit! Another favorite local getaway is the city (NYC) itself. We live about 40 minutes from the city, so it's a quick drive. There are so many sites to see, whether it's for Mira, for work, for food, or for simple leisure.