Talk Shop: Tiffanni Reidy // Reidy Creative
ABOUT TIFFANNI
Baltimore native Tiffanni Reidy is the founder and principal of her interior architecture and design firm, Reidy Creative. An interior architect and designer by trade, Reidy’s work includes creative direction and collaborative projects, with an emphasis on renovation design. She enjoys working with both homeowners and businesses; whether designing a personal, public, or community-focused space, Reidy Creative infuses its signature mix of color, clean lines, and historic elements into every project.
Tiffanni has always loved interior spaces. She received her Masters in Interior Architecture from The George Washington University (AO’s alma mater!) and has an undergraduate degree in graphics and photography, both of which influenced her affinity for bold color and attention to light and shadow.
Prior to launching Reidy Creative in 2018, Tiffanni worked as an interior designer and served as the Founder and Creative Director of DomiCile Magazine. She was inspired by the notion that the connectedness felt by those in a neighborhood or region could be amplified by learning about locally handmade and homegrown products from small businesses. Driven by her passion for localism, Tiffanni's favorite spaces to design are those where families and communities live and gather in celebration of each other.
In her free time, Tiffanni enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, and tending to her organic vegetable garden. We sat down with her to chat all things design – check it out below!
Describe your style in three words or less:
Colorful, modern, vintage.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
My grandmother because she was a maximalist and really got me into collecting things.
My friend Debra who I lived with during undergrad. We both loved designing our personal spaces, which were always way over the top for college rooms. She always encouraged me to push my ideas further.
My daughter, who will soon be five—the idea of having kids toys everywhere was really unappealing to me. The stress of that idea forced me into the decision of keeping my own stuff to a minimum in our personal gathering spaces, as well as making sure that everything has a place to be put away, (or an entire room to hide her toys in).
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I figured out that I loved interior design while continuously decorating my rooms in college, and knew I wanted to go into interior design before completing my undergraduate degree in graphics. I ended up working toward my masters in interiors a few years later and felt like there wasn’t anyone doing the style of residential work I was interested in. I also loved cafe design but wasn’t sure how to get into that. I knew I would need to start my own company to be able to do things in my own style, and kept that in the back of my mind while I worked with clients through a boutique furniture store. When the store closed I decided to try things on my own, which worked well until the recession hit.
During that time I did computer programming work and started the first small business focused lifestyle magazine in the DMV area. When we started looking for a home in Baltimore I knew I wanted to get back to interiors so I worked for a while at a furniture dealership which I quickly found out was the opposite of what I wanted to be doing. I started my own business again in 2018 to get back to what I loved about design—working with clients! I love collaborating with my clients, and with local small businesses and craftspeople to create custom elements for projects. My absolute favorite part of my job is seeing my clients and others enjoy the spaces I helped create.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
No, I wish I did. I think obtaining a mentor is difficult in this industry if you didn’t work at a larger firm or work under someone else when you started. For anyone who went into their own business right out of school, we really mentor each other and learn from other entrepreneurs and of course, the internet.
What does your home say about you:
My home highlights my love of color, my family, and my affinity for mid-century furniture.
Where do you find inspiration:
I take a lot of inspiration from nature, and in my garden. I find light and shadow in everyday life to be so powerful and beautiful.
Who are your style icons:
While I used to really love fashion, I feel like I’ve kind of come into my own style at this point and don’t pay as much attention to what other people are wearing. I’ve always admired those who wore what made them feel good, and didn’t look completely uncomfortable in their clothing. I also used to love GQ Magazine because I love menswear. When I think about fashion icons, Janelle Monae, Elliot Page, Issa Rae, and Zendaya come to mind. I think my style is more “construction chic” than anything else, a mix of colorful male prep school attire, business casual menswear and feminine fashion accessories. Similarly to interiors, I really adore anything that’s clean lined, relaxed and playful.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
On my table you’ll always find large serving bowls, beautiful flatware and a runner of objects and plants. When I’m setting a table I try to think about what I’d like to see from my seat, and make sure that everyone has something beautiful and interesting to look at while they wait for the food.
Do you collect anything:
Handmade Ceramic Mugs, Teapots, Vintage Tins, Old Cameras,Tableware, Colorful Vessels, Mid-Century Furniture, and Earrings
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
I have so many! A few are:
@sgardenerstyle, @limonatacreative, @xnstudio_, @studioatelier, @katemarkerinteriors, @bannerdayinteriors, @rohecreative, @tricklecreekyyc, @thedesignfiles.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
Follow: I’m all about clean lines and tend not to stray far from that kind of architecture.
Break: I always mix metals and love bold dark paint.
What are you working on right now:
I’m finishing up two residential renovations, an event space, and a juice bar. Plus I’m working on another residential renovation, a restaurant and a mixed-use space that houses a bookstore, wine shop and bar.
Wardrobe staples:
Jumpsuits, Colorful Khakis, Men’s Dress Shirts, Cole Haan Zerogrand Shoes and Boots, Saucony Jazz Originals, and Modern Earrings
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
Anything black or navy with metallic accents
Best interior advice you ever received:
It’s just paint, it’s not forever.
Best career advice you ever received:
Charge what you’re worth.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
I invest in furniture and my garden, and save on everything else.
Your greatest extravagance:
I spend a lot of money on food, whether it’s eating at my favorite local restaurants or buying organic at the grocery store.
Favorite places to shop for home:
Vintage shops, Etsy, Target, IKEA, West Elm, Crate and Barrel
Most prized possession and why:
Personal - A cross and a charm with my initials that were given to me by my great aunt and grandmother respectively who have both passed away.
Business - My Breville tea maker because I have 2-5 cups of tea a day.
Your interiors motto:
It must have color, balance, and light
Your life motto:
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed or sad, but always be thankful for what you’ve been blessed with.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Figure out what you love, then design around that
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: A loaded fresh garden salad
Drink: Tea
Film: The Marvel Franchise
Hotel: The Ramble Hotel, Denver, CO
City: Baltimore
Bedding: Pinzon 300 Thread Count Ultra Soft Cotton Sheets
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Tea with Honey
Playlist: Daft Punk - Discovery
Weekend Activity: Snuggling with my daughter in bed and gardening
Design Book: Collected, Living With The Things You Love