Name: Sherry Hayslip
Company: Hayslip Design Associates
Position within company: President and Principal Designer
Website: www.hayslipdesign.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I established Hayslip Design Associates in 1974 and have been personally involved in every firm project. My work reflects thorough research for every aspect each design style a client requires. Since receiving my bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University (as well as completing some graduate work in Liberal Arts), I have attended Parsons School of Design in Italy, the National Institute of Design, and the Cooper Hewitt graduate studies program in Italy. I attended the Harvard University Graduate School of Design summer programs, courses at the Bard Graduate Studies in Decorative Arts and numerous other specialized programs in architectures and the decorative arts. My enthusiasm for continual education has inspired me to study, often including my staff, throughout the United States, Great Britain, France, Italy, and Spain.
How would you describe your personal interior design style?
My personal interior design style is a combination of contemporary and classic with a touch of the unexpected.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
As a designer, I’m inspired everywhere I go. Exploring hidden neighborhoods and small towns, traveling to a new city, reading a great book – inspiration is all around!
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2015 and beyond.
- Durability of materials
- Lifestyle of the client
- Awareness of the environment
- Function of design – storage in a home is very important
- New techniques – staying current and fresh
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?
Try not to close people out with too extreme of designs.
How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
The International Design and Architecture Awards are vital in bringing together and recognizing designers from around the world and sharing our passions with one another. It is always amazing to see the creativity and inspiration from designers around the world.
What projects are you currently working on?
- A large-scaled ranch in East Texas
- A historic home in Houston, Texas
- A smaller-scale home on the National Historic Registry in Dallas
- A variety of large-scale residential homes and penthouses in the Dallas area and beyond
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
I am the President of the Dallas Glass Club, the oldest decorative arts club in Dallas – they’re always keeping me on my toes and teaching me new things.
Your most treasured possession?
A silver, gold and moonstone bracelet my husband gave me. He hand drew various places around the world we visited together, commissioned a jeweler to engrave the drawings onto silver and mount onto gold bezel with moonstones in between. On the inside of the bracelet, he had the following engraved, “We’ve seen wonderful places together, but home is best with you.”
Your favourite holiday destination?
Staying at home … or Paris.
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?
Crillon Hotel in Paris, American Bar at the Stafford Hotel in London, Rattlesnake Bar at The Ritz in Dallas.
Your favourite book / film / song?
Anything by Tiger Darrow.
Your favourite food and drink?
Food: Cheese grits with brisket
Drink: Kir Royale
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? (in no more than 25 words)
In a hammock overlooking the ocean with a great book and cold drink in hand.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
A Journalist, so I could explore and write about design and architecture every day.