FR Review:
A young designer with an impressive traditional pedigree, Brian Del Toro crafts elegant spaces that are as livable as they are admirable. Working with classic furniture, warm lighting, and a tasteful application of primary colors, he creates a look that feels both personal to the client and timeless. Del Toro, a former assistant at the famed Parish Hadley firm, has a traditionalist's sense of propriety: interior design, like any other discipline, has principles that create order. Furniture should be arranged to create conversation, fabric should be appropriate, and so on. Of course, propriety doesn't exclude playfulness, and clients report that working with Del Toro is like having a "co-conspirator, and a genuine friend."
After Del Toro left Parish Hadley, he had stints under next generation stars like David Kleinberg and Bunny Williams. In 2010, he finally opened the doors of his own firm, working on projects mostly in the city, with occasional excursions where projects demand. Although most of his projects are decorating, not gut renovations, he is more than capable of space planning and executing architectural details. Del Toro runs a tight ship, he handles the design work himself, with a bookkeeper taking care of accounts. Del Toro rarely charges hourly rates, instead preferring an upfront design fee and a markup on product based on retail. Clients often hire the firm to re-imagine a space to accommodate life changes. For his skill at this, and for his personable, professional manner, they praise Del Toro and recommend him for repeat projects.
Representative Client Comments:
"Brian is smart, funny, personable, down to earth, and at the same time very professional." "It didn't matter if Brian had worked on a more traditional project or a contemporary project, all the details, colors, and textures were in place." "The only thing I would do differently the next time we work together (I definitely plan to work with Brian on a home outside of the city) is to plan for a larger budget so that I can do the home from top to bottom Del Toro style." "He was also creative in helping to create a kid friendly home by coming up with fabulous alternatives." "He made everything very easy for us (just the right amount of choice, the right amount of advice and great supervision) and we are thrilled with the outcome." "The room is eclectic and pulled together at the same time. It's everyone's favorite place to curl up with a book." "At night, the room glows in lots of soft light, and each night as I go to bed, I am reminded of how pleased I am with the finished product!"
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