Designer Oasis: The interiors of Nancy Robbins

Experience and exposure are the basis of expertise, and designer Nancy Robbins has had access to both throughout her entire life. Beginning at a very young age, Robbins, a native of New Orleans, traveled extensively with her father, a petroleum engineer and self taught artist, to explore examples of art and architecture from around the world. As a result, Robbins developed an unsurpassed appreciation for design and committed herself to its pursuit. “I was never fearful of following a creative path as my career,” she recalls. “I always felt I had a unique ability to imagine, and that talent has been invaluable to me in my profession.”

From pre construction design services and renovations to lighting and furniture floor plans, Nancy Robbins Interiors is equipped to handle a variety of projects both large and small. Selected to appear on an episode of the popular television series, This Old House, Robbins transformed a single shotgun home in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward into a usable and inspirational retreat for the artist resident. “I had to actually redesign the kitchen from the architectural plans that had been developed already for the project,” she notes. “As soon as I entered the home, I immediately saw how I could improve upon the overall flow and maximize more usable space which is especially crucial in such a small area.”

In contrast, Robbins recently tackled a much larger lakefront home (11,000 square-feet) with the same vigor and vision. In the end her overall mission for each project is to invent an oasis where the homeowner can feel at peace. “I want the home to be a destination rather than a place you have to escape from every so often,” Robbins says. “Your home is the vacation destination.” This requires thinking about each project from the inside out. Robbins considers carefully the view from each window, arranging cozy interior areas that capitalize on views of the landscaping and natural outdoor elements while simultaneously addressing the exterior views from strategic points around the outside living areas, especially the façade of the home.

“The key to success as a designer is being able to visualize and bring to life everything the client imagines for their home plus some,” Robbins explains. Asking questions about how the clients live, how they use their space, how many kids they have, how they entertain, and how they relax in their home are all hugely important considerations when developing an effective plan. Rather than approach each client and each project as a job, Robbins prefers to develop friendships and establish trust. “You have to be attune to your client at all times to deliver to them a livable, comfortable, and beautiful home that not only accommodates their requests but that also surpasses even their greatest expectations,” she notes. Her tendency to exceed and excel within each project, whether residential or commercial, coupled with her masterful approach to space planning has afforded her sustained success for over three decades. ✦

Nancy Robbins Interiors
1291 N Causeway Blvd

Mandeville, LA 70471

(985) 727-4565

nancyrobbinsinteriors.com