Designer Spotlight: Ariel Okin of Ariel Okin Interiors

We’re thrilled to introduce Ariel Okin, founder of Ariel Okin Interiors, as our latest featured designer! We’ve been admirers of Ariel’s work for years.  Her classic look compliments the Cailíní Coastal style with loads of blue and white, woven natural materials, and timeless, elegant appeal!

 We sat down with Ariel to hear more about her eponymous design firm, her style, and even some tips on how you can achieve the designer look sans designer!   

Credit: Seth Caplan 

CC: How did you get your start as a designer?

AO:  I started designing for friends as a hobby, but quickly realized it was my passion. After two and a half years building my design business on the side while working at my day job in an unrelated field, I finally left to start my own firm back in 2016. Five years later, we now are an eight person team, and I could not be more grateful that I get to design for clients every day. 

CC: In one line, what is your signature design style?

AO: Traditional with a twist.

CC: What are your favorite types of design projects?

AO: Ones where the client fully trusts us to execute our vision!

Credit: Seth Caplan 

CC: How can our customers achieve the designer look at home themselves?

AO: I think the most crucial elements of a well-executed space are scale and layering. Measure, measure, measure, to ensure you’re scaling the furniture properly in a space – and make sure you’re layering bits and bobs from all different places (antique shops, retail, vintage finds, family heirlooms, bargain finds, etc.!) to get the layered, collected, authentic feel of something that is totally and utterly you. It’s the mix that makes design interesting!

CC: What is one of the most consistent design mistakes you see your clients making?

AO: Under-scaling.

Credit: Seth Caplan 

CC: How do you like to incorporate home accents in your design projects?

AO:  I love creating little vignettes with décor items, whether on bookshelves, on top of an antique commode, or even a pretty little nightstand scene. Those décor items are part of what make a house a home. 

CC: What types of home accents do you find to be most transformational to a room?

AO: For me, it’s always books. They add so much warmth, dimension and personality to a space.

Credit: Seth Caplan

CC:  What are your favorite Cailíní Coastal finds and how would you style them?

HANALEI SHELL WALL MIRROR

I absolutely adore shell mirrors – they are so happy, and remind me of Palm Beach, my most favorite place on earth. This mirror's unique shape is absolutely stunning, and the handmade quality is so apparent. This is an immediate jewel accent to any space. 

SHOP NOW Credit: Cailíní Coastal

LOTUS FISH TEMPLE JAR

I collect blue and white chinoiserie jars, and this large hand painted jar is at the top of my wish list. I love the unique greek key detailing at the top.

SHOP NOW

Credit: Cailíní Coastal

ISLAND SCALLOP TRAY IN NATURAL

I love the scallops on this tray, and the warm honey color of the rattan is so beautiful. Perfect for a little cheese display, breakfast in bed, or even just sitting on your coffee table.

SHOP NOW

Credit: Cailíní Coastal

For more information on Ariel and her design firm visit www.arielokin.com and follow @ArielOkin on Instagram.