Pronouns: He/Him/His
Hometown: Galesburg, Illinois
Current city: Nashville
Spouse? Yes. My husband’s name is David E. Plazas
Training: Bachelor’s in Business Degree and 30 years of hands-on experiences in and around building, remodeling and interior design
dlbradfordinteriorsanddesign.com | 239.634.2769
Was there a single moment that told you that interior design was what you wanted to do as a career?
There wasn’t a single moment but a culmination of several experiences. I can say it started with my family; everyone in the family, aunts, cousins, grandmas and even my Mom, called on me to put my eye and instinct on design on their home projects. Like a tree, from there, I have branched out into the world with my skills.
What’s the largest job you ever worked on?
I have worked on projects of several sizes, including assisting on an 18,000 square-foot home in Franklin. When I opened my own business, I received great satisfaction from small, but significant, projects, such as,turning a Murfreesboro homeowner’s 1990s traditional bathroom into a Scandanavian spa retreat.
What was your first design job?
My first paying job as a designer was when I lived in Fort Myers, Florida. It was a home office/studio. From there, word of mouth took hold and small jobs turned into large ones with nice budgets, and I have had larger projects that, due to the budget, were smaller.
What’s the most satisfying job that you worked on?
It is hard for me to pick a most satisfying job as I feel they all are satisfying. Every job had different requirements and challenges. But in the end when my design has come to fruition, that is the most satisfying feeling to know that I have given my clients their dream space.
Do you tend to work more with LGBT clients?
I have had clients from every walk of life and every orientation, LGBT clients included.
What are the current trends in interior design? For example, 10 years ago, I don’t think anyone wanted wallpaper. Now it looks to me like everyone wants wallpaper: 1970s wallpaper, no less. I was a child of the 70s and even then, I thought most interior design was pretty ugly.
Current trends in interior design are earth tone hues, Mid-Century Modern, Contemporary and Minimalism. And yes, wall paper has made a comeback stronger than it ever was before — bold patterns in wallpaper along with an eclectic mix of knick knacks.
What’s your personal favorite design style?
What calms my soul is a blend of designs. However I do appreciate the simple lines of Mid-Century Modern. But I also like a pepper of traditional style as well. As my company slogan goes, “With a nod to the future and a curtsy to the past.” That is good design.
Favorite color palette for home interiors?
It runs the gamut depending on what my clients are wanting.
Favorite color palette for home exteriors?
While I typically don’t do exteriors, it also runs the gamut depending on what my clients are wanting.
What do you feel makes a place go from a house to a ‘Home Sweet Home’?
What makes a place go from a house to a Home Sweet Home is the inclusion of a personal element to the design: that the end design reflects the personality and aspect of the client’s life. That is what makes creating spaces for clients so much fun.
Where in the Nashville area do you feel someone has created a really good sense of place?
You never know where your garden will grow. I have found treasures in Franklin, Murfreesboro, Mt. Juliet and East Nashville.
Can you give us your ‘one thing’ that you wish people knew about decorating their home?
Be real and be your true self A home is simply a reflection of who we are as individuals.
