- Interior Design Studio | Design and Lifestyle Blog

This month’s Hue of the Month is Feng Shui expert and Green Designer, Sherry B. Ways. Sherry is a twin, wife, and artist who enjoys making cloth dolls in her spare time. She has a wholistic approach to design and lives by Don Miguel Ruiz Four Agreements: 1) Be impeccable with your word 2) Don’t take anything personally 3) Don’t make assumptions, and 4) Always do your best.

Name: Sherry B. Ways

Current City: Washington, DC

Business Name: Kreative Ways & Solutions, LLC

Design Specialty: Green Design/Wholistic Design/Feng Shui

Professional Associations and/or Certifications: International Feng Shui Guild, National Kitchen & Bath Association, Certified Interior Environment Coach, and Certified Feng Shui Specialist

Tell us about your design background. How did you get started in interior design and how long have you worked in the industry?

I fell into interior design through decorating several of my own homes in the late 90’s early 2000’s. I studied a lot of decorating books and tried to emulate what I saw into my home. My passion led me to go back to school at Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, Maryland and subsequently studied interior design. I have been working in the design industry for 8 years.

How do you define your personal style? What era in history has influenced your design style?

My personal design style is contemporary and zen. I love furnishings that have clean lines and a sophisticated feel. I like the mid-century design era which I feel has influenced my design style the best.

You’re a multi-talented designer with a diverse background. You specialize in both feng shui and green design. How important is it to have a widely diverse range of skills in this industry?

I feel that specializing in one or two areas of design is best. Having a niche in design instead of being “the everything to everybody designer” keeps you focused on providing quality work in one area. You become the “go to” designer for a particular niche market. I am always open to learning new skills and technology to keep my work fresh, relevant and competitive.

What inspired you to transition into green design?

I always loved green design! I became more interested in it as I began to focus on making homes healing spaces instead of just aesthetically pleasing showplaces. I think green design is a natural fit for the work I do as a Certified Interior Environment Coach and Feng Shui Specialist. Through my company Kreative Ways & Solutions, LLC, I am committed to creating environmentally conscious homes and offices. I feel it is important to integrate ways to make your home healthier and more eco-friendly.

Do you think green design is a “trend” that will eventually lose popularity or is “green” here to stay?

No, I do not think green design is a trend. It is gaining more relevancy as we learn more about the environment in which we live and how it impacts us. I think green will be mainstreamed into the way we do business in about two years.

What are some of the latest trends in green design?

Some of the latest trends I am seeing are more low-voc or no-voc paint products on the market from independent brands like Divine Paint or Yolocolorhouse to Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams. I am seeing some great lines of wallcoverings from famous designers like Angela Adams and wonderful countertops and bedding.

What tips do you have for homeowners who want to create a green living environment?

First, if you are considering a kitchen remodel, consider a re-purposed surface material for your countertop. There are so many varieties and styles out there and it would help you create the healthy, aesthetically pleasing, non-toxic environment that you have been looking for! Secondly, choose pillows and bedding made from natural fibers which allow our skin to breathe, and not give off toxic fumes during the night. Choose natural colored sheets which have not been treated with bleach, as the residue and odor often aggravates allergic reactions.

What’s your favorite website, magazine, or store for eco-friendly home décor and design inspiration?

I love the website http://www.consciouslivingtv.com and my favorite eco-friendly home store is www.eco-greenliving.com a local eco-friendly store in Washington, DC.

If you could select one famous designer as your “design soulmate” because they share your design style, passion, goals, or your vision who would that person be and why?

New York designer extraordinaire Clodagh is my soulmate. She has remained steadfast: to remain true to herself and to produce quality, inspirational and life-enhancing design. She passionately believes that good design can support well-being, and her pioneering use of Feng Shui, Chromotheraphy, Biophilia, and sustainable materials has enriched her projects with an unmistakable look, structure and flow that appeals to all the human senses.

What advice do you have for aspiring African-American interior designers reading this interview?

Do not allow anything to stop you from pursuing your dreams. There will be many obstacles in your way, break down the barriers and do not be afraid to carve out a niche for yourself. Lastly, do not let anyone play you small.

Where do you see yourself as a designer 10 years from now?

I see myself as an author and widely known speaker and workshop leader on conscious interior design.