Home » Q&A With Sabrina Soto for Steampunk’d

Q&A With Sabrina Soto for Steampunk’d

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Have you heard of the new show, Steampunk’d? Tonight’s episode has one of my favorite style guru’s as a judge – Sabrina Soto! Sabrina not only designs for magazines like People, Elle, InStyle and others, but she also has a book, and a product line at Target. You can see her all over TV – HGTV, Good Morning  America and The Rachael Ray Show just to name a few. What I love about her is she’s funny, creative and very upbeat without looking phony. She’s the real deal!

I was so excited, I scored a Q&A with her about the show and about all things fall and design in general!

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“Inspired by 19th century industrial steam-powered machinery, “Steampunk” is a retro-futuristic design movement seen in everything from fashion, to technology, to pop culture. In STEAMPUNK’D, the contestants (also known as “Makers”) work in teams and compete in a series of pressure-filled challenges designed to test their unique abilities to transform ordinary objects and fashion into creative masterpieces. Each week, one of the 10 Makers will be eliminated and the last one standing will take home the $100,000 grand prize.”

Pretty cool, right? Sabrina episode airs TONIGHT, and in the meantime, here is the interview! I hope it brings you some inspiration!

KATHY CANO-MURILLO: How was your experience on the show, what were the challenges of being a guest judge?

SABRINA SOTO: Everyone was absolutely terrific to work with!!! I think the biggest challenge for me was not knowing everything about the SteamPunk aesthetic. Though, the other judges were super knowledgable and held my hand the whole time.

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KCM: What are some new design ideas/motifs to get excited about for this season?

SS: I definitely think that more modern motifs are going to be coming into play. Right now you see a lot of geometric prints and patterns and I think that’s going to continue. Also a little bit more organic materials, introducing natural materials like raw wood with industrial and reclaimed pieces.

KCM: Pumpkin spice always steals the spotlight, what is another theme/flavor/scent we should give some love to?

SS: S’mores are definitely underrated, the smell of toasted marshmallows are amazing and I love it when I can find candles that smell like campfires! when Starbucks came out with their s’mores Frapuccino, I thought I was cloud nine!

KCM: What are your design go-tos that are universal?

SS: Doing things in threes, for example one candlestick on top of one side of the mantle and  two on the other side with varied heights. Less can always be more. You don’t want more than three types of wood in one space. And definitely bring in different elements, for example wood, stone, and some form of plant life into every room.

KCM: How do you balance the challenges of being a designer of products for retail shelves (so many guidelines, people to please, sell-through numbers, etc), but still infusing your own personality and enjoying the process. 

SS: Every project is definitely different, but I like to get to know the people that I am working with and how they live their lives and how they are planning on using the space for the product. Being able to put myself in their shoes always help and not push my style onto them, but truly embrace what their needs and wants are.

KCM: Can you share a recent craft or cooking fail? We all have them, right? 

SS: Ha! Absolutely and I think that is something every craft person experiences! One of my first projects I worked on for HGTV, I tried to save money and cut corners by painting the countertops, and for obvious reasons that was not a good idea!

KCM: Next big goals! You’ve accomplished so much already, what else would you like to add to your resume? Dream gig!

SS: There are so many projects that I would love to get my hands on! Helping design themed-hotels would be great, and I would love to write another book. I’d also love to start my own television show!

KCM: What type of glitter person are you – Glitter pour it on thick, or glitter sprinkle a bit at a time? 

SS: When I was younger, I was definitely a huge glitter person. I put glitter on everything! However, now that I’m older I definitely know how messy projects can get when it comes to this crafting staple. So sprinkle gently.

Check out Sabrina’s web site, Casa & Company, she brings her Cuban style in a fresh and tasteful way!

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