The “No Apologies” Approach to Teaching Design with Bilal Rehman

In this episode, I have a fun conversation with Bilal Rehman, a 23 year old designer making waves in the industry. We discussed the importance of creating personalized spaces that reflect a person's unique style and needs. Bilal shared insights on lighting, mixing metals, and incorporating cultural artifacts. And true to form, Bilal didn’t shy away from sharing his honest opinions on what’s going on in design today!
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KEY TAKEAWAYS

At just 24 years old, Bilal Rehman has taken the design world by storm. With a staggering 1 million followers across major platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, Bilal's snappy, witty, and edgy videos have captivated audiences worldwide. His expertise has been recognized by media outlets such as USA Today, Insider.com, Buzzfeed, and The New York Times, establishing him as a leading figure in the new generation of luxury interior designers.

Bilal takes pride in challenging the traditional mindset prevalent in the industry. Bilal believes that many designers before him focused on forcing their decisions onto clients, failing to truly listen and understand their needs and desires. By prioritizing his clients' voices and being approachable, he aims to create spaces that align with their lifestyles and bring out the best in them.

Bilal's design philosophy centers around breaking the rules and embracing individuality. He emphasizes the importance of understanding your own signature style and using it as a guiding light in your design journey. According to Bilal, a signature style is something we all possess, developed through our personal experiences and preferences. By leaning into our unique style, we can create spaces that truly reflect who we are.

One of Bilal's go-to design elements is lighting, which he believes has the power to create different moods and elevate a space. He advocates for the concept of "layers of lighting," incorporating lighting at different levels to achieve the desired ambiance. Whether it's creating an energetic room for studying or a moody, intimate space, the right lighting can transform any environment.

Bilal encourages the mixing of metals within a space, debunking the notion that gold and silver can't coexist. He believes that mixed metals when balanced correctly, create a timeless, curated design that reflects individuality. Similarly, Bilal celebrates the incorporation of different cultures into design. By showcasing elements that represent your heritage or inspirations from travel, you can add depth and meaning to your space.

When designing for clients, Bilal aims to capture their essence by incorporating personal items or stories into their homes. He recalls a project where his clients fell in love with an Italian villa during their travels. Bilal studied their photos of the villa meticulously and created a unique Italian villa-inspired space that evoked the same emotions. By infusing personal touches, he brings life and authenticity to each project.

Bilal Rehman's refreshing approach to design challenges the norms and empowers individuals to create spaces that authentically represent who they are. He reminds us that it's not about following trends or adhering to preconceived rules, but rather about embracing our signature style, listening to our clients, and utilizing design elements that elevate everyday experiences.

In a world where trends come and go, Bilal Rehman's designs stand the test of time. From his emphasis on lighting and mixed metals to his celebration of personal stories and cultural diversity, Bilal offers a new perspective on interior design. So, step away from the trends and embrace the incredible potential of creating a space that truly speaks to your soul. The journey to a personalized, meaningful, and fabulous home begins with you.