Robin Daly and Christian Ursino
Robin Daly studied interior design and is a third-generation co-owner of her family business, Daly’s Paint & Decorating. Christian Ursino has more than 25 years experience in all aspects of interior design. Contact Robin at robin@dalyspaint.com and Christian at christian@christianuriso.com
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A great way to learn about design is to follow those who are actively involved in the process. We recently had the opportunity to share some time with interior designer Angelo Surmelis. You might know Surmelis from HGTV, and we were eager to catch up with this stylemaker to find out what makes him tick. Turns out we were lucky to share some time with him, as he has his fingers in multiple pots — the day after we interviewed Surmelis, he was jetting off to New York to film a makeover segment for the “Today Show.” Imagine, two days and only $500 to re-do a family room — that was his challenge. He obviously has skills! But there’s more to Surmelis than filming quick-fixes. He’s currently ready to launch a new furniture line that will be available at Costco!
Robin & Christian: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Angelo Surmelis: I came straight off the boat from Greece at 6 years old. We moved to Chicago at the invitation of an aunt and an uncle, and we worked in the family restaurant. I had a very “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” experience. I went to school in the Midwest, and thought I’d go into architecture. I realized very quickly that architecture wasn’t the right direction, so I moved on to fine art and painting. I always loved the world of design, but I assumed that everyone designed their own homes. I never thought people would pay for design work.
Robin & Christian: How did you get into the world of design?
Angelo Surmelis: I had moved to Los Angeles, thinking I’d be there for 6 months. That was 15 years ago. I was doing design work on a freelance basis for friends, but I could never see how I could make my living at it.
I got very lucky. I learned a lesson from my first paying client, who was a successful businesswoman whom I really didn’t know much about. I had designed her home and then she asked me to stage an event for her. Among the invited guests was the CEO of Playboy Enterprises. Now at this time, I was a one-man operation, freaked out, but decided to go for it because at that point in my career I had everything to gain and little to lose. I nailed it. I was successful, it was an eye-opening experience and I’ve never looked back. I started getting tons of word-of-mouth referrals for design and event planning. Even though this is L.A., it’s still a small town, and one job led to another and another.
Robin & Christian: What about the television experience?
Angelo Surmelis: The TV thing happened by accident. At the time, “Trading Spaces” was really big, and a friend knew a friend who was looking for someone. He kept bugging me and finally threatened to send in my bio on his own if I didn’t go meet the producer. After five days of interviews, I was cast. I learned about the power of television and how I could reach people who normally wouldn’t hire a designer. My goal has always been to be creative, and there should be no gap between those who can afford to buy nice things and those who can’t. Television allows me to get my message out that good design is for everyone.
Robin & Christian: Speaking of design, we see you are launching a line of furniture. How did that come about?
Angelo Surmelis: I had been approached in the past about furniture — where they would slap my name on something — but it never felt right. It was always important to me to make sure I was in control of the design and affordability of the line. From an early age I was interested in furniture. As a kid, I was always dragging pieces back to the house. I could take them apart, stain, sand and reupholster and make it look better. I was very hands-on and learned the nuts and bolts of design. I take this with me now into my new furniture line. When I partnered with the manufacturer, they knew how to package it and create a piece at a specific price point, but I bought the design sense and the vision of the line — we are on the same page.
Robin & Christian: To wrap it up Angelo, what kind of coffee do you drink?
Angelo Surmelis: I cannot live without coffee! I am a huge coffee snob — a double short latte or a long Americano. And of course pastry — a butter croissant would make it all perfect. I am one of those freaks that can drink three shots of espresso and go right to bed.
learn more!
Go to angelohome.com to learn more about this well-rounded, talented designer and see more of his furniture line! It’s style and function at a good price. We don’t think it gets any better than that!
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