Bio: Ashley Bakos
Ashley Bakos, Design Associate
Background
My decision to pursue a career in interior design came from a culmination of experiences and passions that seemed to align perfectly. I have always been fascinated by fashion. I have memories of teachers commenting on my bold outfits in school as young as 9 years old. Fashion is something I have studied over the years, and it has brought a unique perspective to my design style. Interior design came into the picture when I was in my early 20s. I had never experienced stepping into a home that was thoughtfully curated, but I remember vividly the moment when I finally did. The home evoked such a peaceful and welcoming feeling. I knew I wanted to recreate that moment and that feeling for others.
Education
The last 3 years I have been focused on making a career in interior design my reality. I completed an interior design program through New York Institute of Art & Design and then jumped headfirst into work. I worked on a few local projects before I spent a year focused on all things tile. These experiences brought me to Saltwater Home in March 2023.
Inspiration
I draw inspiration from a few different areas of my life. Sometimes the best place for me to be is out in nature so I can quiet my mind. A hike with my husband rebalances me in a lot of ways. Other times I find being in the city reignites all things creative for me. The feeling of being a part of a small moment in time in a large city, surrounded by fashion, design, and culture, can help to loosen inhibitions and creative blocks.
On working with clients
My favorite aspect of working with clients is the fun and joy we get to bring into their lives. I am a true believer that your environment directly affects your mood and overall well-being. Helping people wake up happier each day is a very rewarding career path.
Coastal Living
Living on the seacoast has come to mean a lot more to me as I’ve gotten older. The more I’ve traveled, the greater my appreciation for home has become.
Seeds of Inspiration:
Growing up, my dad was a builder, a craftsman, and an engineer. He built the log cabin that I grew up in, and that’s always something that I’ve been extremely proud of. Without realizing it at the time, my mind and perspective were being shaped around design from a very young age. I was always watching him in his woodshop, playing with his carpenter pencils, and begging him to let me help build something!
