The Nuances of Design
HOW A CHARLOTTE-BASED DESIGNER BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO INTERIORS, AND BLENDS “OLD AND NEW” TO CREATE A SENSE OF TIMELESSNESS WITH ONE-OF-A-KIND FINDS.
Dimension is a language Aida Saul owner and principal designer of Aida Interiors— speaks fluently. Infusing bespoke elements into everything she does, Saul seamlessly blends her clients’ style with atypical, three-di- mensional twists to add newness to tired spac- es. Creating rarity is Saul’s specialty.
“To me,” Saul says. “The testament to a well designed home is when you are continuously surprised by a room you’ve seen many times. I gauge the success of my work by whether it’s timeless, beautiful, interesting and surprising.”
Inside her own abode, Saul is surrounded with interesting objects that she’s collected over the years—whether they be flea market finds, or antique shopping discoveries. As a re- sult, the designer’s home is 80 percent vintage.
“My inspiration comes from so many sources,” Saul says. “Outside of all the local art galleries, museums and artistic and creative talent that Charlotte offers, I try to travel to inspiring cities stateside and abroad.” After she’s ticked those boxes, Saul notes that she’s always up for a trip to the flea market.
“It’s so interesting to see what people in oth- er cultures collect and sell,” Saul says. “I don’t think I’ll ever tire of the hunt. I think this desire to explore, see and collect informs my interiors.”
And that diverse portfolio of interiors has made the designer so sought after. A finished product for Saul is never cookie cutter, but rather a merge of aesthetics that result in something entirely of her own creation.
“I don’t aspire to any one particular style,” Saul says. “But rather, I find myself drawn to quality objects, whether artisanal, hand crafted or just plain well made. I love using antique or vintage pieces in all my projects, as it’s a way to add patina and the unexpected, and be a little more sustainable.”
A proclivity towards art is at the core of her design method- ology, so Saul adds that she’ll always guide her clients towards pieces that will serve them twofold—enhance their homes and personal art collections.. However, final purchasing decisions are always left to the clients.
“The relationships I forge with my clients is probably the most endearing and rewarding part of my job,” Saul says. “En-
trusting us to create an environment in which they feel most at home and comfortable and one that reflects their style and personality is why we give blood, sweat and tears to our proj- ects. When we get the call to design their second and then their third property, it’s the ultimate compliment. We never take for granted how personal relationships and good design can impact our clients’ lives.”
As for Saul’s favorite project? It’s always her most recent undertaking.
“When my team and I immerse ourselves in a project,” Saul says. “It takes months to years to complete, and we have worked countless hours on the project thinking about the nuances of each decision. It’s hard not to love the most recent project when it has engulfed your life.”
A DESIGNING DREAM
“My favorite item in interiors is lighting. It is as important as anything. Besides
adding interest and personality, it adds low light, overhead light, mood light—ba- sically all the layers the room needs to highlight the furniture, art and the subject.”
A VISIONARY CHALLENGE
“My most challenging item to place in interiors is high-end, custom rugs. It is
usually very expensive, has a long lead time and requires the clients’ trust and imagination. Even with an actual 2’x3’ rug sample in hand, it’s hard to confirm that your vision is what is in the clients’ “mind's eye.” To fall in love with a sample is a much different experience than seeing a rug in person that you can fall in love with.”
