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RICHARD READ, 37

Owner, Richard Read Interiors

A few years ago, Richard Read opened an eponymous design studio in Palm Desert. “I spent every penny I had, and it stressed me out!” he concedes.

But his patrons opened many more doors by hiring him to design their own spaces. Richard grew up a “loner introvert” who focused on creative pursuits, and now he’s passionate about giving back to the area’s youth through the arts.

“Old Town Artisan Studios in La Quinta is an art campus where kids [and adults] can have an outlet,” he says. That’s especially important at a time when schools have fewer funds for arts education.

VIDEO: Richard Read says his favorite project has been opening his own showroom.

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Designer Richard Read celebrated the opening of his interior design showroom with a catered affair for clients, friends and business associates. Guests were invited to tour the salon which is located in the heart of Palm Desert’s El Paseo shopping district and showcases Read’s own designed furniture as well as unique lines new to the Palm Desert area.

Read was born and raised in Sacramento — a fourth generation member of a family working in construction and architecture. He grew up on construction sites and had a drafting table at 11 years old. He spent many of his teenage years studying floor plans and drawing his own designs. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design graduating in 2007 from CSU-Sacramento. In his college years he discovered his passion for the desert when his family bought a vacation home in La Quinta. Following his first visit in 2004 he spent every break possible in the desert.

“I remember the first time I went to the Palm Springs Art Museum,” recalls Read. “There was an exhibit on architect Steven Erlich. He served as a major inspiration for the rest of my college education along with other local well known architects/designers.”  During college Read worked on various projects in Carmel, Lafayette, and Lake Tahoe. And while his college peers were working on semester assignments, his college professors allowed him to use his actual clients as his school projects.

Upon graduation in early 2008, he packed his car and drove straight to the desert. Ever since, he has worked on various projects in Southern California including Laguna Beach, Hollywood Hills, and Bel Air. Throughout the past three years, Read’s business has taken off in the desert with major jobs completed in Palm Springs Movie Colony and Old Las Palmas, and Indian Canyon Country Club, and in the East Valley’s Thunderbird Heights and Indian Ridge Country Club.

Richard Read Interiors
45120 San Pablo Ave., Suite 2G, Palm Desert, CA 92260
760-773-6611
www.richardreadinteriors.com

Photography by Loretta Vlach

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Palm Springs Life

Working at Home

Interior designer and showroom owner Richard Read shares three concepts he pulled off in his own spaces.

COLOR CUE

“Whether it’s a pillow, fabric, or artwork, find something that inspires your palette. This room (top right) was designed using the antique French poster as an inspiration for color selection. I chose charcoal blue for the sofas, a beige rug for contrast, and pops of orange, yellow, and gold to create a consistent color theme throughout.”

DRESS IN LAYERS

“Don’t be afraid to experiment with materials and textures. I used wood paneling behind the bar (opposite), then added a layer of black-and-white framed photos to create contrast and a more inviting atmosphere. The seats on the barstools added softness to the hard edges, while the chrome frames finished off the masculine look.”

GET FOCUSED

“When creating a space, I always choose a focal point. The fireplace, a piece of art, or an amazing view can all serve as inspiration for the room’s design. In this case (right), the photos series Gray Malin at the Parker inspired me to add pops of color and create a getaway spot that’s whimsical yet sophisticated.”

Thank you Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Susan Marie Weber for the ribbon cutting ceremony and welcoming us into the community!