Short Fuse

Fusion’s Grand Opening is this week our design team has been working feverishly to ensure all the model homes are embellished with the right comforts and stylish details. The task of designing the interiors of the five models was undertaken by Julie Ann Stark and Jeff Cooley of CDC. You can view their work while taking the Fusion model tour.

There are however two remaining homes that were not initially included in the model tour, but made for a wonderful opportunity to try something new. These two homes are used to showcase merchandise available for potential homebuyers to purchase and are viewable upon request.

Lisa Staprans, of Staprans Designs , headed up the interior design of the two merchandised homes. Lisa is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in fine art. Lisa went on to study at the School of Visual Arts and Parson’s School of Design in New York City. Lisa says, “I entered college intent on becoming a fine artist. By graduation I’d become captivated by the idea of using interior design to make a palpable difference in people’s everyday lives. The best part is I get to collaborate with interesting, creative and inspiring people every day. Sometimes it’s a team of architects, contractors, artisans, craftspeople and, of course, homeowners. Other times it’s a small group, just me, my project manager and the owners. Whatever the size of the team, it’s a wonderful feeling when we unite behind a vision to create a beautiful home.” Her work has been featured in homes in Virginia, New York, Utah, Colorado, Florida, Idaho and California.

4 questions for interior designer Lisa Staprans:

1. What inspired or presented a creative opportunity for you with the interior design of the merchandised models?

Lisa: The inspiration was set for us by the Fusion team before we started. This project allowed us to take their vision and bring it to life through the placement of the furniture and accessories. For example, there is one townhome that has a very neutral interior color palette on finishes such as the tile, paint and carpet. This presents a great opportunity to demonstrate all the possibilities of accent colors and textures to help homebuyers realize all the potential options for the interior design.

2. What is the most exciting aspect of the Fusion project?

Lisa: One of the most exciting aspects of the Fusion project for me is working with the three design students from West Valley College. I am very excited about mentoring the students and having them participate in a project from the start (construction) to the finish (move-in of the furnishings and designing the spaces down to the last soap dish and pillow). The students have been very enthusiastic and eager to take care of things as they come up. Another exciting aspect of the two units I worked on with the students is that we offer items for sale right from the models. I have been working with local work rooms and suppliers so that there are cost-effective and beautiful furnishings on display that buyers can purchase immediately.

3. How long did it take you from start to finish to completely design the interior of the two merchandised homes at Fusion?

Lisa: I was brought in a few months ago. The Fusion team thought it would be great to have a local designer and interior design students work on two of the units. From start to finish we had approximately four months.

4. What are a few of the unique features that are incorporated into Fusion’s interior design?

Lisa: One of my objectives was to introduce “living design” to the units. I work with great designers around the world who create beautiful design with integrity. For example “Waterworks” (an amazing bathroom and plumbing line) worked with me on the bathroom accessories to bring beauty and a pulled together look for each of the bathrooms. They have an affordable “studio line” that brings great and affordable design to a space. Also, Plan 1 and Plan 4 have products that clients can buy and order from the model directly. We didn’t just stage the homes; we’ve furnished them with things residents can buy like soft furnishings, window treatments, pillows and accessories. I also worked with local and global artisans and work shops that created affordable and beautiful elements and furnishings for the homes.

Stay tuned! We’ll get together with Lisa again to get her final thoughts on the project. We’ll also see what the student designers had to say about this unique experience.

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