Robert Shields’ background as a fine arts painter, furniture craftsman and classical musician has provided him an invaluable foundation for what has evolved into his own unique method of designing interiors. He envisions every room as if it was a fine painting and orchestrates an interior as if he were composing a symphony.

Only after extensive dialogue with and careful consideration for the client to determine who they are, their lifestyle, their entertainment needs and how they want the space to function does Robert embark on the design process.

From a painter’s perspective, Robert is extremely knowledgeable about the subtle transformative qualities of light and artwork and how they can dramatically affect a space. He preserves the crucial importance of these often overlooked elements and incorporates a solid lighting plan and a strong presence of good art into the foundation of every RSI design.

Robert then considers the overall structure of the space, focusing on the more advanced orchestration of its larger elements without losing sight of the smallest, most extreme details. He believes that only when boldness and subtly—the large and the small—are harmoniously balanced, a dynamic vitality, unique to each space, is achieved.

“I am deeply concerned with the intimate experience between people and the space that surrounds them. Of course, as a designer, I believe your first impression of an interior should be of absolute beauty and awe, but the primary reaction should be followed by secondary points of more specific interest. Once in the room, the relationship between you and your immediate space should engulf you. You should feel enveloped by the beauty surrounding you. The detail on an adjacent table, the smaller collections of art within your new perspective, all must be as arresting as when you first walked in the room. In essence, you become a part of the painting.”

Although different clients sometimes share repetitive design dilemmas that through his experience, Robert has developed sound solutions to, he maintains a completely different and distinct approach for every client and no two spaces are ever alike.

Robert maintains that comfort is of the utmost importance in every interior he designs, from elaborate and lavish formal dining rooms to sleek and clean-lined contemporary living rooms. He is constantly challenged by the juxtaposition of the anticipated with the unexpected. Robert is skilled at creatively and subtly incorporating modern technology into traditional environments and infusing warmth into sleek, minimal designs.

Overall, RSI is dedicated to moving clients forward into a design domain that they might not have otherwise been able to achieve on their own by creating beautiful, comfortable interiors without sacrificing that which makes a space personal and familiar to each individual client.

Find out how Robert Shields Interiors can reflect who you are.