ABOUT TORI

Tori Rubinson is a Texas-based designer who’s passionate about classic interiors and homes built to last. She has a reputation for creating layered interiors that seamlessly blend old with new, while creating spaces that are as comfortable as they are beautiful. A lifelong love of interiors — along with a natural eye — led her to start working for one of Fort Worth’s most high-end builders a decade ago. Tori learned the industry quickly, while simultaneously cultivating her own design point of view. Friends and family began to consult her on home projects, and after the requests started to pile up, Tori launched her own interior design business.

Tori has been featured in Luxe Magazine, Southern Living, Southern Home Magazine, was recognized as a 2021 and 2022 D Home Best Designer. Tori has worked on a wide range of projects, from custom, high-end homes to commercial; from large-scale remodels to new construction. She spends most of her time on whole-house design for family homes. Tori and her husband, Adam, live in Fort Worth and have three young children. We so enjoyed sitting down with Tori and talking shop with her, and hope you enjoy!

Describe your style in three words or less:

Fresh, layered, traditional.

What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:

My family, my travels, and fashion.

How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:

I started in the industry by working with a very high-end builder in Fort Worth doing kitchen and bathroom designs for him. One of his clients needed an interior designer to help furnish their home and the builder offered me up. The rest is history! I love creating beautiful spaces, working with talented tradespeople, and seeing our vision come to life!

Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:

I have met with several more seasoned designers along my journey. Cynthia Collins and Andrew Howard were both so kind to offer up great advice as I was building my business.

What does your home say about you:

My personal home says that I love beautiful textiles, a layered aesthetic that mixes old with new. That I love to collect. It is high-end but also very liveable and approachable.

Where do you find inspiration:

I am very inspired by fabrics and wallpapers! I almost always start with a hero fabric or wallcovering for a room. I am also inspired by our travels. I am inspired by other great designers as well. Both current and from the past.

Who are your style icons:

I have learned so much from reading and listening to the wisdom and experience of Bunny Williams. I love her love of collecting, layering, and all the details in design!

What are your key ingredients for entertaining:

Make it easy enough on myself that I can truly enjoy the process of preparation as well as enjoy my company! If I am relaxed and prepared, then everyone feels more relaxed! My biggest focus when entertaining is making sure the table is set for the event. I love having fresh flowers and a good scented candle. Also, a great caterer and great wine!

Do you collect anything:

I love collecting!! Once I fall in love with something, I kind of go overboard! I started collecting blue and white coral for my bookshelves. There is no more room! I have a collection of Architectural Digest that goes back to the 1990s. I have both sets of my grandmother's china, and have bought several other patterns as well! I started to collect blue and white Wedgewood pieces for my master bedroom. I’ll stop there!

Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:

I love Ashley Stark’s page as well as Mark D Sikes and Summer Thornton. All of which are pioneers in my opinion!

What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:

I feel very strongly that if possible, all legs of the furniture should be on the rug. But, so much of design is about instinct. It feels right to you, go for it!

What are you working on right now:

We have many exciting projects right now! We have a mountain home in Vail, Colorado. We have many beautiful residential projects in Dallas and Fort Worth going. We have three investment projects we are starting and are excited to soon be offering ourselves as a full-service Design/Build Firm.

Wardrobe staples:

Jeans, white top, blazer and my Veja’s, gold necklace, great earrings, and a great pair of sunglasses.

Favorite fabric/wallpaper:

There is a Pierre Frey fabric that I have been dying to use; Braquenie’ Tajmahal in Bleuvert. I also love Quadrille’s Climbing Hydrangea Wallcovering in any color!

Best interior advice you ever received:

Trust your instincts and measure three times!

Best career advice you ever received:

Know your value and don’t sell yourself short.

Types of home purchases you invest in and save on:

Invest in window treatments and save on casegoods.

Your greatest extravagance:

Our rugs were an investment. But, with hand-knotted wool, they are easier to clean and will last a lifetime.

Favorite places to shop for home:

I love shopping for it all, to be honest! Every phase of the project is so fun for me. Lighting is up there for sure!

Most prized possession and why:

Anything I have that was handed down to me by my grandmothers holds the most value to me.

Your interiors motto:

Your home should be a reflection of who you are and what you love.

Your life motto:

Self-belief and hard work will always win you success.

Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:

Take notes from your clothing style, entertaining style, travel style, and if you notice consistencies in what you pin or save. Be true to yourself and don’t try to mimic someone else.

Take Ten: My Favorite...

Food: Tex-Mex

Drink: Coffee in the morning, water during the day, and wine or Ranch Water in the evening.

Film: Father of the Bride

Hotel: Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in the South of France is the most breathtaking place I’ve ever stayed.

City: Paris

Bedding: Leontine Linens–true luxury

Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): I am so bad! Coffee with cream and sugar. But, when in France, I’ll take tea all day!

Playlist: I have been loving 90’s country lately.

Weekend Activity: Family time on the weekends. It’s usually filled with kids’ activities and family dinners.

Design Book: I love when Veranda puts out a design book! I love so many though! I am a true design book junky! I am looking forward to Summer Thornton’s new book and I have loved Mark D Sikes's books!