You might not have heard of Miami-based interior designer, Eilyn Jimenez yet, but there’s a pretty good chance you will when she makes her television debut in Designing Miami on Netflix later this month. The incredibly talented designer is the founder and creative director of Sire Design, which is known for both its residential and well as commercial work. With an analytical approach to interior design, while remaining open to innovation, Jimenez’s sense of style is deeply rooted in the modernist principles of design and architecture.
I recently spoke with Jimenez to learn about her road to becoming an interior designer, her design process as well as her new show.
Jimenez is known for her clearn, minimalist aesthetic that often works in balance with her husband Ray’s maximalist approach. (Kris Tamburello | Sire Design)
Can you tell me about Designing Miami on Netflix?
The show follows me and my husband, Ray Jimenez, as we are two of Miami’s competing designers. On September 21, the world will be able to follow us and make South Florida chicer, one house at a time. I am more of a minimalist with a clean aesthetic, and he prefers a maximalist approach. You will see how we work together as two separate design houses and a glimpse into how we juggle our clients, staff of young designers, our close-knit families, and relationships.
How were you cast?
I had done some television work in the past and stayed in contact with an executive producer through Instagram. He saw that I was married to my competitor and was interested in pitching a show about our day-to-day lives. Long story short, a reel was created and pitched to Netflix, and here we are!
When did you realize you wanted to become an interior designer?
I grew up with a father in development so architecture and design have always been a part of my life, but it wasn’t until after I graduated high school that I realized interior design was my path. I was studying business at the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica when I discovered the architecture department in my second year. I fell in love with the program’s offerings and switched my study focus.
Whatever the style, Jimenez often looks to find the simplicity in the design. (Kris Tamburello | Sire Design)
Talk about how you got your start.
After college, I was hired by a developer overseas and began working on private homes, offices, hotels, and restaurants. After gaining this hands-on experience, I began working at a showroom in Miami assisting in the furnishing process for celebrity clients and their homes. Eventually, I wanted to focus on the design process more exclusively and was inspired to open my own studio, Sire Design.
How would you describe your style?
The Sire Design team and I naturally gravitate towards a minimalist aesthetic but love to play with touches of maximalism like color, fun pieces, and unique elements every now and then. At the same time, we like to embrace simplicity in design—no matter the style. I would have to say that we don’t tend to design with just one style. On the contrary, we can appreciate and design in any style!
Mixed materials, textures and patterns combine for a delightfully subdued living room setting. (Kris Tamburello | Sire Design)
What’s the recipe for your secret design sauce?
- 1 cup of client connection
- 1 cup of passion
- 1 tablespoon of inspiration
- 1/2 a teaspoon of risk
- 1 cup conversation starter
- Mix together and serve
How do you handle a new client?
We schedule a kickoff meeting with our clients to get to know them, see how they live, and understand what they’re looking to achieve in the project. We take this time to dive into their lives to ensure our design is a reflection of them and how they wish to bring their space to life.
Combining new and old pieces is one way to achieve a minimalist design that incorporates mid-century modern notes. (Kris Tamburello | Sire Design)
What interior design trends or aesthetics are your favorites?
I gravitate toward mid-century modern and minimalist design styles and like to utilize color and mixed materials in my work. The best way to do this is by blending old and new pieces.
What trends or looks are your least favorite?
Spaces that are trend-led rather than impactful.
What have been your biggest design challenges?
We’ve been designing for more than 10 years so we’ve faced many challenges from obscurely shaped homes and supply chain issues to delayed contractors or clients having a change of heart. Not to mention, a designer’s worst nightmare: designer’s block.
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