Making her Designer Diaries debut, one of our FF&E designers, Paulette Sarmiento, gives us the inside scoop on some of her favorite things!
1) What is your favorite BHD project (either that you have worked on or not)?
Ventana Big Sur is one of my favorite BHD projects. It’s such a beautiful hotel not only because of the location and the unbelievable views, but also, I just love how the interior architecture, rustic materiality and different textures blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. You will always be connected to the outdoors even when you are inside.
2) What is your favorite design product?
I have been obsessed with the ceramic work from artist Eric Roinestead. His ability to create unique, functional, sculptural pieces is very inspiring. This geometric chair represents the kind of art that I am drawn to: minimal and natural, but with a strong presence.
3) What (or who) inspired you to be a designer?
I’ve been a creative person since I was a little girl, and I always enjoyed the classes that required me to draw or paint. I also remember when my mom renovated our 3-bedroom apartment that we used to live back in Colombia. The apartment building was old, but my mom saw great potential. She ended up converting the 3- bed apartment into a 5-bed apartment after she opened a few walls and redesigned the floor plan; just seeing the outcome of that renovation was something that inspiring to love interior design.
Although I spent a few years working in the tech industry as an Account Executive, it was not until my mid-twenties when I decided to pursue my passion for Interior Design and Architecture. So far, it has been the most enjoyable ride that I’ve ever taken, and I feel like I’m exactly where I am supposed to be.
4) If you could have dinner with any 3 people dead or alive who would they be?
Cristina Celestino, Lewis Hamilton and Bobby Flay (in a perfect world, Bobby Flay cooking dinner).
5) What is your favorite hotel or restaurant?
My favorite restaurant in the Bay Area is Sol Food. The flavors and ingredients are similar to Colombian food. If you want to get a taste of delicious, comfort, Latin American food, this is the place to try.
6) What is your most used emoji?
😊
7) What is your favorite snack food?
Apple with almond butter and cinnamon.
8) What is something that your co-workers don’t know about you?
I have five siblings.
9) If you could teleport somewhere right now, where would go?
Parque Tayrona in Santa Marta, Colombia. A beautiful national park, secluded, with a few sandy beaches tucked into the jungle. There is no Internet connectivity out there, so it feels like the perfect place to relax.