The Sustainable Psychology of Interior Design - Dispatch from Sarasota Florida
Interior Designer Brit Chepak
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As a barware, lighting and home accessories design company, at Thomas Fuchs Creative we specialize in handmade goods.
Every week we give you a behind the scenes look at the people, places and things that inspire us. This week we introduce you to Brit Chepak. Brit has used our table top in her design and continues to show us that Sarasota Florida is the place to keep an eye out on.
Sarasota has long been a city of growth, but recent developments have taken that expansion to new heights—literally. Cranes now dot the skyline, and construction hums across the region. According to a recent report by Insurify, Sarasota ranked No. 1 on its Top 10 Home Markets to Watch list, making it a focal point of national attention. The report highlighted a 24 percent increase in new units built in our metro area—encompassing Sarasota and Manatee counties—between June 2022 and June 2023, along with a population surge of nearly 7 percent between 2020 and 2022. By comparison, the national population growth during that same period was a mere 0.6 percent.
The Suite at The Ritz Hotel Sarasota
What makes Sarasota's rise even more impressive is the number of new residential units under construction. With 218.37 units being built for every 100,000 residents, Sarasota leads the country in new residential development. Yet, this rapid growth isn't limited to housing alone.
The past year saw eight new projects approved in downtown Sarasota alone, which will add 573 residential units and nearly 3,700 square feet of financial institution space. And that's just the beginning—14 more projects are already in the pipeline for the downtown area and other major corridors.
This wave of development signals not only Sarasota’s increasing desirability but also its evolving infrastructure and potential for continued economic growth. The city is becoming a hub for both residential living and commercial activity, drawing in new residents, investors, and businesses alike. With more projects on the horizon, Sarasota's transformation shows no signs of slowing down placing Brit at the center of the jewel of the West Coast of Florida.
Brit Chepak: A Journey Through Interior Design Excellence
In 2017, Brit Chepak returned to Sarasota, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and experience from her time in London’s prestigious interior design scene. With a career shaped by working alongside renowned designers such as South Africa's Kelly Hoppen and Mena Interiors' Melanie Rodemaker, Brit has established herself as an expert in niche integration, where she thoughtfully combines color, texture, and atmosphere to create serene and sophisticated spaces.
A Foundation in Neutral Elegance
Brit's time with Kelly Hoppen, famously dubbed the 'Queen of Taupe,' was a turning point in her career. Hoppen’s design philosophy, rooted in balance and harmony inspired by Eastern cultures, profoundly influenced Brit’s approach. Hoppen is known for creating calm, balanced environments, focusing on the interplay of how a space looks and feels. Brit absorbed these principles and learned that the aesthetic appeal of a room is inseparable from the emotional experience it evokes.
Brit honed her ability to use a neutral palette effectively, learning that neutrals are anything but boring. They serve as a canvas for layering textures, materials, and subtle contrasts to make a space feel both luxurious and comfortable. This mastery of neutrals has been a signature in Brit’s work, but her creative flair doesn’t stop there.
The Power of Color and Classic Design
In collaboration with Melanie Rodemaker at Mena Interiors, Brit expanded her ability to introduce bold colors in fresh, sophisticated ways. She was trained to understand how color could be used strategically to reflect the personality and preferences of a client. Whether it’s soft accents or vibrant focal points, Brit believes that color tells a story in any space.
This return to Sarasota has coincided with a trend that Brit describes as a "return to classic design and finishes." She often references the Sarasota School of Architecture, known for its minimalist, mid-century modern aesthetic that combines simplicity with natural elements. For Brit, this represents a revival of thoughtful, timeless design—a shift from dark, heavy spaces toward lighter, more open and breathable environments.
Brit Chepak Interior Design
Rehoming: A Sustainable Approach to Design
One aspect of Brit’s business that has become increasingly prominent is rehoming pieces of furniture and décor. Rather than discarding the old in favor of the new, Brit specializes in giving beloved pieces a second life. This sustainable approach not only respects the history of a home but also offers clients a deeper connection to their space, blending memories with new design elements. In a world of disposable trends, Brit’s focus on rehoming is a nod to both sustainability and craftsmanship.
The Art of Staging: Elevating Perception
Brit’s expertise doesn’t stop at interior design. She has a deep understanding of the art of staging, and her background in set design has given her a unique edge. Staging is more than just rearranging furniture—it’s about creating an experience that engages all five senses. This approach adds value, often increasing the equity of a home by 7% when done effectively.
Brit sees staging as an opportunity to stretch her creativity in ways that are sometimes limited by traditional interior design. Through staging, she can formulate new ideas, playing with textures, lighting, and spatial flow to create an atmosphere that exceeds her clients' expectations. Her mastery of staging has led to rave reviews, with many homeowners remarking that the experience of their newly staged home surpasses what they had imagined.
Renzo Piano picked to design Sarasota's new Performing Arts Center
Sarasota's New Design Vision
Brit Chepak’s return to Sarasota has injected new energy into the local design scene. Her ability to forecast trends and her deep understanding of both the technical and emotional aspects of interior design have made her a sought-after expert in the region.
Today, more people are unafraid to experiment with bold colors, thanks in part to designers like Brit who encourage clients to express themselves fully. Whether it’s integrating neutrals, introducing vivid colors, or blending old and new through rehoming, Brit has a clear vision: to create spaces that are both visually stunning and deeply personal.
Thomas Fuchs Barware Collection
As Brit continues to shape Sarasota’s design landscape, one thing is clear—her influence is here to stay, and her work will continue to inspire for years to come.
Her journey and her dynamic approach to interior design, blending her experiences from working with top designers in London to her flourishing career in Sarasota makes her the ideal candidate to enlist for all projects on the west coast.
Have a great weekend,
Michou
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