In this first episode of FD Conversationswith Florida Design, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Editorial Director Daffhne Nicolopoulos to talk about how interior design is evolving in a rapidly changing world.
As highlighted by Florida Design, recent global changes have influenced not only our industry but also the way we live, work, and experience our surroundings. We discussed how design firms have adapted in meaningful ways, from implementing new safety protocols to embracing virtual presentations and Zoom consultations. These adjustments have reshaped the creative process and strengthened collaboration, allowing designers and clients to remain connected while navigating new realities.
What I continue to see firsthand is a clear and intentional shift in what clients value most. There is a growing desire for homes that feel grounded, livable, and emotionally supportive. Beauty alone is no longer enough. Spaces must function effortlessly, offer comfort, and provide a sense of calm. As our conversation for Florida Design emphasized, design today carries a deeper responsibility. The home has become a place of restoration, connection, and reflection in ways that feel more significant than ever before.
Thoughtful design has always mattered, but its impact is now more personal and more immediate. When architecture, materials, and proportion are considered with care, the result is not simply a beautiful space, but an environment that truly enhances daily life.
I recently kicked off summer in the best possible way – alongside colleagues who have become my great friends. On June 9, Florida Design and the Inside Out showroom hosted me for a presentation to discuss the “Ins & Outs of Developing a Product Line.” I love developing luxury interior design products, so it was pure fun to share my tips, tricks, and slight mishaps along the way – it is all part of the journey!
Founder of Inside Out, Joy Eber, and Florida Design magazine have both been a part of my own journey. I’ve known Joy for nearly 25 years. She has always been very supportive of my interior design career, and we have a special connection that I value. When I released my first furniture and lighting collection with Century Furniture in Chicago, she congratulated me and sent me flowers to the show. She is a star, and she surrounds herself with a team that matches her enthusiasm and can-do attitude.
Florida Design magazine has celebrated key moments and milestones with us. When Zita Rudd was promoted to partner, who better to sponsor the event? That was where we had the pleasure of meeting Florida Design’s editor-in-chief, Luis Rigual, who introduced me to the Inside Out design community. Just like creating a collection, it all comes full circle!
Thank you to everyone who joined us, to Inside Out showroom, to Florida Design magazine, and of course – to my wonderful product collaborators in interior design: Perennials,Fine Art, EJ Victor, and Century! To learn more about my interior design collections and the creative process behind each interior design project, click the link HERE.
2013 is off to a great start at Allison Paladino Interior Design. Allison continues to create award-winning interiors and furniture and has recently been recognized for her unique and eye-catching designs.
Paladino Shines at DCOTA Awards Ceremony
Allison Paladino was named one of the 2013 Stars on the Rise at the 2013 Stars of Design and Stars on the Rise Awards Ceremony in January. The event, held at the Design Center of the Americas during their Winter Market, spotlighted the best in the various fields of design, including interior design, architecture, art, photography, graphic design, landscape design, and a special award for lifetime achievement. Paladino and five other interior designers were honored for their significant achievements and contributions to their profession and within the Florida community, with a special recognition of their talents, ideas, creativity, and business savvy.
The list of this year’s honorees reads like a veritable Who’s Who in design, including Jonathan Adler, Stanley Matz, Eric Cohler, Bernardo Fort-Brescia for architecture, Jorge Blanco for art, and Seth Browarnik for photography. Emilia Karram received the well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award, and Allison joined Laura Kirar, Gage Hartung, Alfred Karram, Jr., Matthew MacDonald, and Sabrina Vela in the 2013 Stars on the Rise category, honoring five young designers who have already made a significant mark on the design world. In the picture above, Allison is with Zita, who is ready to pop. She and her husband, Parker, are expecting their new bundle of Joy any day now!
In her acceptance speech, Allison mentioned the two key figures in the design industry that have influenced her career greatly; her mother, Elizabeth Paladino, pictured to the right of Allison (a designer of 35 years)! The other mentor is Thomas Pheasant, not only for his design philosophy but also his keen business sense, which she still practices today! Pictured to the left is the crew from Donghia, including Linda Rector of AP’s Rector Bed! For a link to a short video of her acceptance speech, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxONrI3Yjks.
Allison is also among the 16 nationally recognized interior and landscape designers who are showcasing their interpretations of “Tropical Island Living” as part of the prestigious American Red Cross Palm Beaches-Treasure Coast Region Designers’ Show House opening this week. The West Palm Beach Show House benefits a great cause, and we hope you will support it.
It’s open from January 24 to February 23, 2013.
Allison offers a sneak peek of a few pieces that she will be introducing at the International Home Furnishing Show this spring as part of her furniture collection with EJ Victor. Building off of the Billy cocktail table in mahogany and an Art Deco relief top, the Billy Screen and mirror are an exciting addition to her collection. The figured walnut Sooz Console in the center is a part of Allison’s line. She has also included a custom bench from Dicembrino Upholstery, covered in Rogers & Goffigon fabric designed specifically for the Show House space. It’s a play on neoclassical design with tapered, modern lines. Also included is part of her art line for Tro.
Paladino Honored at ASID Awards
Allison was also recently honored for excellence in product and hospitality design by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) South Florida Chapter. Her Ming Coffee Table for EJ Victor, a contemporary design combining beautiful woods and practical elements, received top honors in product design.
In the Hospitality Design- Restaurant category, Allison was honored for Trevini Ristorante, an extensive commercial design project that broadened the Palm Beach restaurant’s appeal to the growing numbers of affluent young professionals gravitating to the area, while retaining the upscale Italian bistro’s cadre of old-guard patrons.
The Grand Opening party was a huge success! Also on Allison’s blog this month, you’ll find word that Allison has a new gallery for her furniture collection at Décor House Furniture located in Coral Gables, Florida. She is thrilled to have a new venue for everyone to see her furniture and art, particularly in such a fabulous store. Whether you’re in the business or just love great design, Décor House is well worth a visit, and we think owner Pepe Rodriguez is a terrific partner. Décor House, located at 4119 Ponce de Leon Blvd. in Coral Gables, features Baker, Ralph Lauren, Bernhardt, Hickory Chair, EJ Victor, Century, Vanguard, and many more! Call 305-448-6200 for more information
(Left to right): Jr. partner Zita Rudd, with API, John Hunter, with E.J. Victor, Pepe Rodriguez, Owner of Décor House, Allison and Madeline Rodriguez, Sales Representative for Décor House
Allison’s furniture collection for E.J. Victor has also gone international with Addison House in Panama and Rubayait in Saudi Arabia. Both are high-style home furnishings showrooms. She had an opportunity to travel to Panama for the Grand Opening of the gallery, and it was a great experience to interact personally with the store’s executive team and to introduce their customers to her designs. They represent more than 100 of the finest furniture manufacturers in the world. From the Addison House opening, see picture from left, owners: Natali Naor, Sulamita Ganeden, Bette and Allison Paladino, Mishel Eskeriazi, and Sherry Bejles. If you are interested in setting up an Allison Paladino Gallery, she would be happy to help with furniture plans, elevations, furniture, and fabric selections as well as signage, art, accessories, and carpets! All she needs are measurements of your space!
Finally, mark your calendars now for the Spring Market in High Point. In addition to introducing many new products at E.J. Victor, Allison has just signed on to speak at the High Point Market, Monday, April 22nd, at 3:30 in the Antique & Design Center at Market Square. She’ll be presenting her one-hour CEU-accredited course, “Why the Bad Economy Has Been the Best Thing for My Business.” Please contact Lori Parkins at API,lori@apinteriors.com, to register.
For a planning guide to the Spring Market, go to the High Point home page at:http://www.highpointmarket.org and click on Spring 2013 Planning Guide.
We hope to see you there!!
Pictured left to right: Wendy Hanson, Zita Rudd and Lori Parkins
In closing, I would like to introduce and welcome three new employees to my company. Lori is our Office Manager and also helps with Design Administration. She is in the office full-time and will be bridging the gap while Zita is on maternity leave.
Wendy Hanson, who has worked with my company in the past, has now taken the role of my personal assistant. She will also be with me on most client meetings during Zita’s maternity leave.
Lastly, we welcome Steve Avitable, formerly with Ralph Lauren Home. He will be assisting Allison with press ads and editorials, as well as her future licensed lines and her existing lines: AP Furniture Collection with EJ Victor, Foot Prints from Around the Globe with Trowbridge, and the AP Custom Carpet Collection with Stark.
Pictured left to right: Bette Paladino, Princess Devine (Client), and Steve Avitable
Stay in Touch with Us!
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Good news to report! While signs of a newly percolating economy and revitalized housing market remain elusive for many, our South Florida interior design firm, Allison Paladino Interior Design, continues to grow. We’re expanding our executive team and have added a new design position to meet the increasing demand for our Palm Beach–area interior design services.
Here’s the scoop: Zita Rudd who has served as senior designer for the past five years has been promoted to the position of Junior Partner of Allison Paladino Interior Design.
As many of you know, Zita—who emigrated to the U.S. from her native Holland as a teenager—is something of an American success story. She was born and raised in Amsterdam and relocated here at the age of 14, literally knowing how to say two words in English: hello and goodbye. A hard worker, she joined my firm following graduation from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, and her perseverance and drive were apparent early on.
“I’m a multi-tasker, and there are so many working parts to a successful project that there’s always something new and exciting to deal with,” Ziti says. “There’s never a dull moment around here, and I take great pride in working for this company. Allison challenges me every day, and she’s given me a great opportunity. She’s taught me what it means to make clients’ dreams come true.”
(O.k., I’m blushing).
Seriously, I’m incredibly excited about Zita’s more senior role moving forward. Over the past five years, she has grown into an integral and invaluable member of our team. Talented, efficient, and personable, she has proven herself capable of assuming increased responsibilities, and she’s earned this new title.
Our client roster continues to grow, with multiple projects underway throughout Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, and the greater South Florida luxury interior design market, as well as in New York. The Allison Paladino team is rising to the challenge, and we look forward to bringing elevated, timeless design to homes across the region.
