Shaista is an interior designer and the founder of Diamond Interiors. She turned her passion for home design into a thriving career, using Coohom’s powerful tools to create stunning spaces. As a mom and designer, she overcomes challenges and brings clients’ visions to life with ease.
Who are you? Can you tell me a little about yourself?
My name is Shaista, and my journey with interior design started ten years ago when I was building my own house. I was passionate about it and loved every moment.
Only when it was complete and I saw the awe on my friends' and family's faces did I realize I had a good eye for design. They all wanted me to design their homes next.
Everyone wants to live beautifully, but not everyone knows how to create those spaces.
So, I enrolled in an interior design institute while being a full-time mom to three kids and pregnant. Online learning was the only option, and I thoroughly enjoyed the course. I earned my diploma and opened Diamond Interiors five years ago with my sister, who specializes in furniture and window treatments.
What are the difficulties to work as a designer? AND How is Coohom helping your design work?
Although I was very pregnant when I enrolled in the design institute, my passion for design kept me going. They say when you love something, it’s no longer work, and for me, it was like that. Of course, there are challenges—problematic clients and frustrations—but I always push through to get results.
The biggest challenge I face is selling my ideas. It's tough to sell something that doesn't physically exist, like a room’s feel through just pictures and floor plans. Clients need to understand and appreciate your vision, and sometimes one try isn’t enough—they want options, and fast. But Coohom has made that process much easier.
How and when did you start to use Coohom to design instead of other software？
I was using floor planner at first which was an easy-to-use program but the renderings were not satisfying and I was considering SketchUp when I came across coohom through a friend on a design group on Facebook it was a dream come true everything I needed & more !!
Since then I have done countless projects with very satisfying results thanks to this lovely program.
What is your favorite feature in Coohom?
My favorite feature is the rendering and the customized lighting it just brings it all to life. Videos also leave a deep impression on clients.
What is your typical workflow with Coohom?
At Diamond Interiors, the first step is to meet with potential clients to understand their requirements and create a design brief summarizing everything needed for the space. After providing a quote and receiving approval, we begin the design process.
Step 1: We take measurements and ask for inspirational photos of the client's style.
Step 2: We work on the floor plan and create a layout for the space, which we send to the client in wireframe mode on Coohom for approval.
Once the layout is approved and we have a clearer understanding of the client's requirements, we start the design process.
Step 3: For example, if it's a bedroom, and the layout places the bed along a long wall, we plan for a dressing table next to it, making it the focal point of the room. I search for images of dressing tables beside a bed on Pinterest to inspire the design. From there, I plan the ceiling layout to avoid heavy lighting directly over the bed, incorporating hanging bedside lights and possibly some mood lighting in the ceiling design. If the client requests a TV, I’ll position it opposite the bed, and place other furniture accordingly.
Finally, I render the images, ensuring the natural lighting, finishes, and color palette are perfect. Once satisfied, I download the images and videos and share them with the client in a presentation made in PowerPoint or Canva.
Can you share with us some of your experiences on how to improve your skills with Coohom?
Every project presents a unique challenge that requires different skills. Recently, I designed a living room wall with custom paneling and lighting, using the wall editor and webinars for guidance.
In another project, I worked on a kitchen design, starting with a public library model but adding more cabinets using the kitchen and bath tool, which was new to me but I managed successfully.
The construction tool helped me with bathroom niche designs before the wall editor was introduced, and I’m eager to try it again. I also created a custom headboard with integrated lighting for a client.
Through these experiences, I’ve created beautiful custom pieces on Coohom, adapting to client requirements. The platform has improved my skills, and I’m excited to learn more. Lighting really brings projects to life, and I’ve been able to create both day and night renders to showcase the ambiance and mood of spaces.
Coohom has all these tools that have made designing so much easier.
Amazing woman! Coohom has made designing easier.