When interior designer Ross Landers takes on a re-design project, his first goal is to preserve and feature his clients’ individuality by incorporating their collected treasures into an updated space customized to fit their personal style. He first requests that clients define for him which objects they cannot live with out, those they enjoy but might not miss and finally the things to which they feel no close bond. From this list, Ross develops an understanding of who his client is, and from there it is a matter of mingling personality with function. The end result is a home with updated design elements combined with pieces that still echo the personality of the owner throughout the living space.
Ross grew up in Hereford, Texas, just outside of Amarillo, and later attended Oklahoma State University where he received a degree in Fine Arts with an emphasis in color and design. His art background indirectly influenced his design career. “You are creating an illusion of three dimensions on canvas, bringing in space, light and movement,” Ross explains. “You do the same thing in a room-the utilization of space, color, texture and design decides how the eye will move across the room.”
From Oklahoma, Ross came to El Paso and accepted a job teaching art in the El Paso school system for six years. He was later employed by the Popular Department Store and worked in the display department. He moonlighted for Amen Wardy, Tres Mariposas and Gaebo’s for additional money, and then worked for Karotkin’s furniture store. His overwhelming urge to become his own boss made him pay particular attention to his inclination toward interior design. He decided to go it alone, left his job and brought along three clients who are still with him today.
For those who are inspired by beautiful things, walking through Ross’s office and retail space evokes the excitement that a child feels in a candy shop. Extensive travels in Asia and Europe have been components in the ongoing education of this nationwide designer. “Any time you are exposed to a new culture or country, the look and feel of it are stored away in your memory,” Ross notes. “While those memories can play a part in design, I am much more involved in combining function with form.”
The client plays the most important role for Ross, because regardless of personal opinion, it is his client who will be living in the space. Ross is a firm believer in this approach to a design scheme. “You are building an environment that fits your client to the best of your ability-it should fit them, not you.”
When a client has an extensive collection or distinct style, Ross always designs around it because he wants the personality of the client to shine through his designs. The stamp of personality, although influenced greatly by Ross, appears to be that of the client always.
When incorporating favored pieces from a person’s collection with a new design, Ross attempts to ease his clients into looking at new approach rather than slipping into the familiar. This often leads to mixing very different styles, textures and colors, a sometimes difficult concept for those who aren’t design-inclined. “I have no problem with the eclectic look of mixing,” says Ross. “Sometimes combining something that is cold, straight and angular with pieces that show the wear of time can really improve the integrity of the style.” A deeply textured rug in combination with Chinese antiques features the linear quality of the antiques while softening the look with the texture of the rug.
Space, color and symmetry are design elements that often lead people straight into the arms of a professional when working on a new design. Ross lives well with color. “I like there to be a ‘sandwiching’ between floor, furniture and walls to create a color scheme that can be lived in everyday.” Many clients lean toward more symmetrical design, but Ross can find balance within asymmetry where mass is balanced by movement and motion through the placement of objects. Regarding the question of symmetry versus asymmetry, Ross says, with utter calm and confidence, “Yes.”
Moving into a home with small and angular spaces is challenging for homeowners seeking a cohesive yet unique interior design. Ross achieves this by creating a design layout that moves the eye throughout the room, but separates different areas with moldings, furniture and décor placement. Artwork in an area where people don’t sit is more appealing to view at eye level, and lowering artwork in rooms where people do sit creates a fluid transition from space to space. “Make it look like something you desired,” Ross advises, “Not something you inherited.”
Clients moving into smaller spaces are also faced with the issue of having large pieces of furniture and a collection of items that seem too large for their new space. Built-in bookshelves are efficient and appealing because they feature décor and can be used for storage. Ross doesn’t shy away from using larger pieces of furniture or artwork in smaller spaces because that concept can double as focal points and storage.
Having been exposed to Ross’s work over the years and observing first hand his considered, professional, sensitive approach to design and client interest, it is no wonder that Ross lays claim to one of the most respected reputations in design in and outside of the El Paso area. Being equipped with a gifted sense of perspective and sense of humor as well, all lend to his unique, engaging and flourishing career. Not one to toot his own horn, his influence throughout the area from one project to another, grand or not so grand, has been subtlely felt by our neighboring communities for many years now. Repeat clients lend credence to the fact that he is continually doing something very right.
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