PRESS
Naples Illustrated
The Magazine of Gracious Living
September, 2006  

Thinking outside the box and not following the rules are two philosophies New Zealander Judith Liegeois designs by. She believes in second chances and gives new life to old or used furniture and accessories. Liegeois discusses the importance of recycling and conservation in current design trends and individual style.

NI: What is the concept of your store?
LIEGEOIS: Exceptional items with personality and character that are not typical. You need to create more individual style, blending what the client already has, incorporating [his or her] personality and then go outside the box and find odds and ends to put together something unique, creating a one-of-a-kind treasure. It could cost $50 or $500, but still [be] a unique item that no other house or designer has.

NI: Are organic items becoming a design trend?
LIEGEOIS: I think most people are more environmentally aware, and even though we are making items out of products that are being recycled, such as old pipes or other materials, I don’ think it’s a trend. I think it’s necessary. We all need to think about saving our planet. Even these chairs; I found these at an estate sale. This piece is from a junkyard that we powder-coated. This piece of marble [tabletop] was a leftover from a place we call the "graveyard of marble.” We are saving all of these items from being tossed and discarded and making them into something fun.

NI: How can individuals help maintain the environmental balance?
LIEGEOIS: Go into your attics and into junk stores and find these pieces and have them refurbished; you just have to make sure the pieces are soundly made. My partner, Bette Foster, is really a sleuth when it comes to that aspect.

NI: What are your strengths?
LIEGEOIS: We have always loved to actually design furniture and lighting pieces. It is more involved and interesting than just placing existing pieces. We are able to create new looks with items a client has on hand and give them a new life by adding bits and pieces or painting or reframing. There are no rules, except to [achieve] balance, and that’s just good design.

NI: Your accent indicates you are not from here. Where were you born?
LIEGEOIS: I was born in New Zealand, attended both lower schools and fine art school before heading off to Australia and the U.S.

NI: How has your background influenced your design?
LIEGEOIS: Growing up in New Zealand had a huge influence on my desire to become a designer. As a young child, I would play on the rocks on the beach outside our house and pretend that it was my house. I would collect shells and driftwood and place them decoratively so as to create my setting. I would play there for hours. Eventually, the tide would come in and wash it all away and I would start all over again the next day. It was somewhat frustrating but, I had a chance to perfect my house on the rocks. Those childhood experiences, extensive international travel, a vast knowledge of art history and a real love for textiles, color and nature developed a strong desire to pursue design in all forms.

NI: If you could pick another career, what would it be?
LIEGEOIS: I would probably work with animals: save them, rehab them, clean them up and give them a good life.

Judith Liegeois Designs, Inc.
851 Fourth Avenue South
Naples, Florida 34102
ONE BLOCK NORTH OF 5TH AVE. SO.

HOURS: Mon.-Fri.: 10:00am–5:00pm
Sat.: Occasionally

PHONE: 239.430.6811
FAX: 239.430.6812

EMAIL: info@judithliegeoisdesigns.com

Judith Liegeois, along with her team, is known for her unique sense of color, style and placement in the realm of design. Her travel abroad and throughout the states has influenced and inspired her creative abilities. She possesses a keen eye for detail, which enhances each stage of every design project.

Each new project has its own unique energy and is addressed with fresh enthusiasm. We encourage our clients to be involved in all aspects of the design process to ensure the results of their vision. This round-table approach connects us to an exciting arena of creative ideas, unrestricted by rules and addressed with open-mindedness. Our goal is to create an environment that is truly personal and comfortable for each client.

Our new showroom/studio is located one street north of Fifth Avenue South in Old Naples. There you will see a wonderful, evolving collection of home furnishings, artistic and creative lighting, and unusual accent pieces. This eclectic style reflects a beautiful mix of traditional, classic modern, and vintage finds combined in an appealing manner.

We also offer consulting on an hourly basis, floor planning, styling of rooms with the client’s existing possessions, and color study for interior and exterior spaces. We enjoy the challenge of renovating and transforming your home into a special place for you and your family.