Sun, Sand and Inspiration at the Santa Monica Business of Interior Design Retreat

I just got back from four days at the Santa Monica Business of Interior Design Retreat at the Fairmont Miramar Bungalows and I am inspired, energized and slightly tanned! This conference has been on my radar for years and I’m so glad I finally went for it.

Connecting with fellow Interior Designers in sunny California was life changing. I feel like there’s no better way to gain knowledge than by sharing experiences with similar-minded people.

Everyone was so open and supportive as we learned how to take our interior design businesses to the next level!

Kimberley Seldon of Cityline TV was the instructor. She is a successful business owner, designer, author and professional speaker. She shared her years of experience and some proven systems to build and grow a better business—and a better life.

There was also plenty of time to explore Santa Monica and Venice Beach, which have so much history and provided us with a great deal of visual inspiration. Santa Monica has a laid back, hippie-chic vibe with white stucco Spanish homes, palm trees, bougainvillea flowers, gorgeous beaches and the world-famous pier.

Us lucky Interior Designers also go to explore eight little neighbourhoods that were full of restaurants and shops. Our group had the opportunity to view two unique homes in the area, including the Rose House, which was built in 1915 and has a sordid past as a speakeasy and a bordello.

Today it is decorated and layered like a magazine with colour, original art, numerous patterns, antiques, birds, a mature garden with a water feature and so much more. The inspiration you get from other peoples’ homes, styles and lives is such an honour.

We visited the famous Getty Museum with its fantastic architectural buildings and gardens. The views from the top looking out over Santa Monica were spectacular. Artists from all over come to this area to paint, sculpt, craft, act and write. Even the back alleys in the area came to life with massive and intricate murals.

If you’re thinking of planning a trip to this area you won’t be disappointed. There is so much to take in, and you’re also very close to Beverly Hills, Malibu and Hollywood.

Working with these Interior Designers and sharing ideas and strategies was well worth the investment. I came away from this experience renewed and inspired to continue doing what I love, with some fresh ideas to help clients create beautiful and functional homes that bring them joy and happiness.