Chateau’s team of knowledgeable and talented executive staff and interior design professionals are committed to providing outstanding service to all of our clients. Our goal is to help you embrace and enjoy the wonderful and exciting world of interior design and home enhancement. Our designers take great pride in helping your create your personal living space—one that reflects you and brings joy and contentment to your life. We thought you might like to take a few moments to get to know our team. Meet our Las Vegas Team!

Tiffany Antheaume
Design Consultant
Chateau Interiors & Design
tiffanya@chateauinteriors.net
702-396-2922

Tiffany graduated from The Art Institute of Las Vegas with a BA in Art of Interior Design. She started her career designing the interiors of custom homes as well as luxury high-rises and high-end hotels in Las Vegas. She is a member of NEWH (The Hospitality Industry Network) and enjoys volunteering with the organization to raise money for scholarships. Aside from design, traveling is Tiffany’s passion as she enjoys experiencing different places and cultures with her young daughter and husband.

Tiffany believes that living in Las Vegas offers a great way to see what is at the forefront of design in that the city is all about being “out with the old, in with the new.” She regularly attends many of the design conferences held annually to keep current with new products.

Her greatest joy is helping her clients turn what they envision their homes to be into a reality. She believes that designing a home is about designing a relationship.

Susana Estrada
Design Consultant
Chateau Interiors & Design
susanae@chateauinteriors.net
Phone 702.396.2922

Susanna obtained her AA in Interior Design in March 2003 from The Art Institute of Las Vegas and began her career working in high-end residential remodels. From there, she then moved on to work with custom homes, lofts, high end contemporary, and a multitude of builder sponsored homes in the Las Vegas area.

Always having a flair for different types of design prior to working with builders as an interior designer, her first foray into the creative field was as a small business owner. As principle of Designs and Creations by Susana, her company offered event planning, floral design, decorations, and gift baskets. Though she still dabbles in event planning from time to time, today, her primary passion is interior design.

As a proud parent of two teenage boys, and an animal lover, Susana considers her pets to be an extension of the family. Her ‘extended family’ consists of one cat, five dogs, a turtle, and a ferret.

She recognizes that as Vegas is a melting part of sorts for all design and architecture. Always working closely with her vendors, she stays up-to-date with new design trends and products. She is a deep believer that the home is an extension of one’s self and strives to make every client love their home, so they too feel proud of that extension.

Stay tuned for our last post in this series where you can meet our independent consultants.

Chateau’s team of knowledgeable and talented executive staff and interior design professionals are committed to providing outstanding service to all of our clients. Our goal is to help you embrace and enjoy the wonderful and exciting world of interior design and home enhancement. Our designers take great pride in helping your create your personal living space—one that reflects you and brings joy and contentment to your life. We thought you might like to take a few moments to get to know our team. Meet our Independent Consultants!

Deborah Foster
Design Consultant
Deborah@chateauinteriors.net
949.679.3191

Deborah began her design career in 1992 after earning her Bachelor’s degree in design from San Diego State University. She honed her design skills working on Luxury Homes in Coto de Caza, Shady Canyon and Newport Coast as well as specifying community recreation centers and managing model merchandising for builders. Good communication skills, listening to her clients needs and helping them create beautiful environments with a budget are just a few of her strengths. She prides herself on attention to detail keeping in mind beauty and function.

Rhonda Dunlevie
Rhonda@interiorconsultants.net
949.338.4625
www.InteriorConsultants.net

As founding director of Interior Consultants, Rhonda has had the opportunity to fulfill her passion for interior esthetics, function and form. Rhonda inspires those that work around her on a daily basis and draws from a tremendous resource of knowledge in the construction, and interior design field. In addition to a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Environmental Design and Interior Design from California State University Chico, Rhonda brings with her many years of experience in Southern California homebuilding industry holding Design Studio and Options Management positions with several major homebuilders. This expertise in all phases of construction as it relates to interior design combined with her integrity, attention to detail and vision for creative expression makes her the ultimate resource on any client’s project, whether it be a one room remodel or complete design specification for new construction to furnishing the entire home. These skills, and her ability to understand a client’s needs and desires then translate those concepts into a cohesive, serene interior, have led her to great success with her many personal clients.

Cheryl Frink
design.scapes@cox.net
949-495-4300

Cheryl graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts – Interior Design degree from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and a minor in Psychology. Thirty years of experience in the design field have given her many opportunities to build upon her education with real life experience and knowledge. Her work history spans from furniture showroom management to model home designer, space planning specialists, showroom design, and builder showroom manager.

In 1996 Cheryl began her own firm – Design Scapes. As an independent designer, she has combined her knowledge of color, scale, and products to offer a wide range of services. Her goal is to help you create a special place to come home to. Whether you are looking for a small color facelift or a complete home makeover, she will help you focus your desires and fine tune your dreams into a reality. Color consultations, kitchen remodels, and custom home designs have all been a part of her work portfolio. She has also been involved in exterior design projects to insure a cohesive flow from the inside to the outside spaces.

Cheryl believes that color and design have the ability to transform a house into a home. Creating a home that is both a retreat and a haven to welcome in family and friends has become her greatest measure of success as a designer.

As a member of Color Marketing Group, Cheryl stays current with all the latest color and marketing trends.

Chateau’s team of knowledgeable and talented executive staff and interior design professionals are committed to providing outstanding service to all of our clients. Our goal is to help you embrace and enjoy the wonderful and exciting world of interior design and home enhancement. Our designers take great pride in helping your create your personal living space—one that reflects you and brings joy and contentment to your life. We thought you might like to take a few moments to get to know our team. Meet our Northern California Team!

Steven Farmer
Chateau Interiors & Design Consultant
stevef@chateauinteriors.net
800.464.1626

As a Design Consultant for Chateau Interiors & Design since 2004, Steven has been providing the “Finished Home Experience” with new home buyers in Northern California for more than five years.

Steven boasts 11 years of contract and retail furniture sales, and space planning experience, which he acquired working for America’s largest Steelcase, Kimball, and Baker dealership; and more than 20 years of customer service experience.

Steven was honored in 2006, with the “Highest Overall Eliant Survey Results” award for customer satisfaction, with a 92.65% rating.

As a well-traveled California native, Steven embraces all types of California architecture, from “wine country Tuscan” to “Eichler mid-century modern” and everything in between. And while his personal style can be described as “contemporary/transitional,” he never loses sight of his client’s vision and the Ever-important “resale” aspect of design, which is something not to be overlooked in an ever changing marketplace.

His attention to detail and focus on buyers’ needs ensure a rewarding experience and a “Finished Home” that suits their lifestyle, and protects their investment.

Gwinnette Ashe
Chateau Interiors & Design Consultant
gwina@chateauinteriors.net
800.464.1626

Gwinnette Ashe was inspired by art at an early age. From the moment she won a painting competition and was exhibited at the Pittsburgh Museum of Art, she knew she would pursue a career that incorporated the beauty of art and design. Gwinnette holds a Bachelors of Art degree in both art and business.

She is proud of her distinguished career as a design consultant for some of California’s premier homebuilders. She came to Chateau Interiors & Design in January of 2000 and has since earned high ratings in customer satisfaction from Eliant Surveys in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Gwinnette’s many years of experience, paired with her attention to detail and ability to communicate with her clients, has made her one of Chateau Interiors & Design’s most esteemed designers.

Drawing from both classic and modern design, she prefers an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary styling in neutral, muted palates and has a penchant for French inspired influences and European old-world charm. She is confident in her personal style and takes pleasure in sharing her vision with her clients.

Ultimately, Gwinnette’s personal design aesthetic and extensive product knowledge provide her the opportunity to help create a house that her clients can call home.

One of Gwinnette’s passions is landscape design and helping her clients to create a beautiful and serene outdoor environment to compliment their home’s overall design.

Next week, meet our Las Vegas team as well as our Independent Consultants!

Chateau’s team of knowledgeable and talented executive staff and interior design professionals are committed to providing outstanding service to all of our clients. Our goal is to help you embrace and enjoy the wonderful and exciting world of interior design and home enhancement. Our designers take great pride in helping your create your personal living space—one that reflects you and brings joy and contentment to your life. We thought you might like to take a few moments to get to know our team. Meet our Southern California Team!

Brenda Sanchez Chateau Interiors & Design Consultant brendas@chateauinteriors.net (949) 679-3175 Brenda Sanchez graduated with an Interior Design Degree from FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles in 1990. Brenda was fortunate to have had the opportunity to work 2 consecutive years on Pasadena Showcase house, which started her journey in the furniture industry importing furniture from Brazil, China, and South Africa. Charged with designing all of their showrooms, she traveled from High Point, No. Carolina to San Francisco to Memphis and back to Los Angeles. She soon realized her passion was specializing in residential interior design. Today, she boasts more than 15 years experience in both high-end residential and commercial design. She specializes in working closely on each project with each individual client to obtain the best design concept and layout that represents their lifestyle and taste. Encompassing knowledge of a variety of design styles from traditional to contemporary, she is comfortable in all realms. Although Brenda’s personal style preference is described as Transitional, her objective is to always translate her clients’ vision into reality. Her attention to detail and taking her clients’ request into careful consideration is what sets her apart from the rest and her passion for innovation allow her to bring a fresh approach to each project. For inspiration, Brenda frequents all major Interior Design exhibitions and galleries. She also is a proud member of NKBA the National Kitchen and Bath Association and is NKBA Kitchen Certified. Jan Gaudutis Chateau Interiors & Design Consultant Jang@chateauinteriors.net 949.679.3192 Jan hails from the land of 10,000 Lakes and has traveled from the east coast to west coast and points in between. She has been married for 33 years and has two grown sons. After attending the University of Minnesota and University of New Mexico, Jan began her career in 1981. She has been an NCID certified California designer since 1994, and a member of NKBA since 2009. She has been designing and creating beautiful homes with Chateau Interiors & Design for more than 10 years. Her background includes model home design and extensive custom drapery experience with talents that encompass refined contemporary design, as well as Tuscan, and traditional applications for both home and office. When appropriate Jan enjoys incorporating Feng Shui elements for clients to allow for harmony and balanced interiors. Her main focus is to imprint the client’s personality on their home while at the same time maintaining a warm and inviting environment. Jan continues to expand her design knowledge by attending seminars and staying current with design trends. She loves Hawaii and the southwest, and enjoys traveling and living in the sunshine states. Kristi Smith Chateau Interiors & Design Consultant kristis@chateauinteriors.net (949) 679-3187 Kristi has been a professional interior designer for the past 20 years. She began her career at Chateau Interiors & Design in 2002 and specializes in new home design and finishes. Kristi is a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (“NKBA”) and is NKBA Kitchen Certified. Kristi is able to create certified, cabinet renderings, room scenes, space planning using Auto CAD. Her previous work experience includes managing the design showroom for Newport Design Center 1998-2002, where she specialized in high-end new home residential – Newport Coast, Dana Point, Rancho Palos Verdes and Mulholland Park. She also managed and facilitated interior design selections for the St. Regis Hotel in Monarch Beach, California. Kristi’s personal style preferences are warm and rustic with Spanish and Tuscan influences. She loves Mission style walls, tumbled stone, antiqued pavers, distressed wood, and a comfortable, inviting look. Kristi is as equally comfortable with urban and contemporary styling as well. She has designed some chic loft homes for her clients in Playa Vista, California. Her urban designs are clean and minimalist, versus ultra modern. Kristi is comfortable with all furnishings and really likes Baker Furniture, especially Barbara Barry and is a big fan of Barclay Butera designs. Kristi loves the mixture of traditional with glamorous, and his easy beach, casual styles. Because there are now so many fabulous reclaimed, recycled and earth friendly products to consider while working on design, Kristi maintains a strong interest in working with “green” products. Her passion for these products provides her with a breadth of knowledge of the newest, most innovative products, and she is well versed on current design trends and upcoming styles. Kristi’s mission is to create beautiful homes for her clients, considering their family and lifestyle. She enjoys designing custom kitchens and baths. She is driven to work diligently, and accurately, with strong attention to detail. Recently, Kristi worked on the interior design of a model home at Concerto Lofts in Playa Vista that earned recognition for ‘Best Interior Merchandising of a Model’ in a People’s Choice Award sponsored by the Building Industry Association. Valerie Ribeiro Independent Design Consultant Serendipite valerie@chateauinteriors.net VRibeiro@Serendipitedesigns.com Valerie has an inherent talent for design and is best known for her enchanting take on reinventing each room in a unique way. She continuously exceeds her client’s expectations and has shaped an impressive record demonstrating this during her tenure with three of Southern California’s top homebuilders. While at K. Hovnanian Homes, Shea Homes and Greystone Homes, she constantly ranked as a top Design Consultant in customer satisfaction. Her professionalism and creativity have impressed many luxury lifestyle homebuyers while she’s fashioned their homes as true showplaces. Valerie has designed the interiors of several homes throughout many high-end enclaves in Orange County and Los Angeles County including the award-winning gated community of Covenant Hills in Ladera Ranch: Skye Isle and Capistrano by K. Hovnanian Homes. With a passion for discovering each individual client’s design needs, budget and lifestyle preferences, Valerie creates harmonious living environments in which her clients can love, live and flourish. Her areas of specialty include kitchens, baths and floors. The creative fun and impressive designs you will experience first-hand in working with Valerie will be unmatched by any other designer. Valerie received her interior design degree from Brooks College and currently resides in Irvine, California. She loves to cook, entertain, design jewelry, practice yoga and travel anywhere and everywhere. Next, you will meet our Northern California Team!

There are rooms and then there are rooms. But once in a while you come across a few rooms which completely blow you away with their design and styling, with the way they are planned and with the way they look. Look at the picture provided.  There are reasons why this room works, why it stands out and appeals to you as a whole.

Decorated and designed in the traditional style, this room epitomizes what we’d term “classic.” The dark wooden furniture complements the lighter carpet. The antique wooden piano embodies the timelessness of this traditional design style. The cushioned sofa, piano seat and the carpeted floor add a look of warmth and the greenery brings a sense of life to the room.

An impression of height is given by the ceiling to floor doors and curtains. The green curtains complement the greenery in the room and also bring in a dash of color. The French doors bring in just the right amount of light while retaining the feel of warm coziness inherent to the room.

If you look carefully, you’ll notice that this room has been very smartly planned. For instance, the mirror is placed between the two doors, therefore no light falls on it. This prevents unwanted reflection and glare. The sofa faces the doors, allowing for an unobstructed view of the scenery outside. The piano is placed at just the right angle to provide proper lighting for a player.

They are all parts that contribute to the whole, design elements that by themselves would have remained unnoticeable, but once brought together, make you go “WOW”… creating a beautiful traditional room.

Have you considered enforcing a “shoes off” policy in your home? This will certainly keep your carpets cleaner, and also reduces allergens brought into the home. In Japan, this is common practice but it is still rare here. If you decide to give this approach a try, a few steps on your part will make the tradition more acceptable for your guests and easier for you.

First – make sure your guests know about this policy before coming. This ensures no embarrassment due to scruffy socks or other concerns. It also allows people to bring their own slippers if they prefer.

Let people know that you have a wide selection of comfortable clean slippers available in every size. Often you can find slippers at discount stores for very reasonable prices. Make sure they are machine washable, so you can launder them between uses. You may even want to label a few pair for regular visitors as well as family members.

Provide a comfortable bench or chair for people to make the change from shoes to socks or slippers. Shoe cubbies give guests a nice option for storing their footwear. Have the slippers on shelves sorted by size, and also locate a basket in the area for discarding the worn slippers for future laundering.

Be sure your family also follows these rules. It would be unfair and inconsiderate to your guests if family members are exempt from the policy, no matter how much the shoes are cleaned.

Thank your guests for following your request. It is a bit of a nuisance to take your shoes off and on, and it’s important for you to acknowledge their consideration.

What can you do from a design standpoint to make a simple dinner buffet stand out? Let’s take a look at this photo and consider what works and what else could have been done to make this buffet special from a design and functional standpoint.

To start, the colors of the serving plates, napkins and even the food all complement each other. The denim napkin pulls from the blue of two of the serving dishes, and the greens, maroons and golds are echoed in the furniture and other elements on the table. With a rustic table like this one, a tablecloth would be a crime. Why cover that amazing wood surface? However, the denim napkin in the front adds just the right amount of fabric while protecting the serving pieces from the table and vice versa. Notice that there are just the right number and type of serving pieces for the food. Believe it or not, getting this wrong is fairly common, so be sure to count to ensure a match.

The only errors are in the placement of napkins and silverware. Every guest will have to pull their plates from under these items – an extra nuisance that was unnecessary. Silverware could be placed vertically in a glass or pitcher, and napkins placed to the side on the table.

The candles add a nice touch while providing some height to the tablescape. Make sure that if you use candles, they are either lit or have tips that have been slightly burned. It’s considered bad luck to display unused candles on a table. Why take a chance?