Home > Find A Designer > Showing All Designers > Cindy Aplanalp, ASID Allied

Cindy Aplanalp, ASID Allied

School: Kingwood College
Company: By Design Interiors, Inc.
5629 FM 1960 Rd. West
Suite 113
Houston, TX Houston, TX 77069 map
Phone: 832-797-8106
Email: Cindy@ByDesignInteriors.com
Website: cindyaplanalp.com

Designer Profile

Cindy, a designer at By Design Interiors, has amassed an impressive body of work with her portfolio ranging from new construction to remodel projects that encompasses work in all facets of residential and commercial interior design. She focuses on creating highly functioning, eclectic, detailed and sophisticated interiors for residential and commercial clients. For more information see other http://www.bydesigninteriors.com.

Cindy Aplanalp's rare combination of university degrees in interior design and business management give her a powerful competitive advantage in the design industry. Her lifelong passion for exotic travel continues to influence her work and subtly elegant traces of her travels in Europe, Asia, India and Central America are exhibited in her designs.

While influenced by such designers as Suzanne Kasler, Jan Showers and Larry Laslo, Cindy synthesizes her own fusion of an elaborate collection of styles and expertise to create beautiful, balanced and exceptionally functional environments for her clients. Her signature style is a crisp and elegant mix of sophisticated eclectic, with touches of the traditional and a savvy use of materials, textures and technology. Designing from the premise of intention, Cindy places great significance on the inspiration and guidance gained from the idea that each element must offer a personal connection for the user.

Services Offered

Cindy Aplanalp's design services range from conception through installation and include:
-Space planning and technical drawings
-Materials, finishes and furnishings selections
-Custom cabinetry and furniture designs
-Accessory placement and staging

Awards & Publications

Winner of 2010 GHBA Houston's Best: "Best Interior Design: Living Room," "Best Interior Design: Dining Room," "Best Interior Design: Bedroom."

"An Exercise in Restraint" written by Jack Frink featuring a recent kitchen design was written in the Sept/Oct. 2010 edition of Texas Home and Living.

Cindy Aplanalp was featured on HGTV's blog, Design Happens as a feature designer on August 3, 2010.

"Plan Could be Green Element in Remodel" written by Cindy Aplanalp and Erika Barczak was published in the Houston Chronicle on July 23, 2010.

Winner of 2009 GHBA Houston's Best: "Best Remodeled Bath under $50,000"

A collaborative design by myself and Peggy Fuller was featured in the Sept/Oct 2009 edition of Houston Home and Living.

A By Design Interiors article, "The Secret Language of Interior Design" by Larissa Caramanidis was featured in the 2009 edition of Houston Design Resources.

An area oil and gas company recently wanted to update their new office space into something a little more contemporary. Space planning, material selections and design, furniture selections and placement all had to be completed within two weeks! My team and the contractor's team worked quickly and tirelessly to create a design that is powerful yet welcoming, and comfortable yet stylish.

The main reception area, break rooms, hallways and bathrooms of the office space were updated with new flooring, wall material, upholstery, rug and accessories which completely changed the look of this space.

Honerable Mention Winner of 2011 ASID Design Award for Commerical under 7,000 square feet. A local Houston natural energy business wanted a powerful yet comfortable workspace for their newly formed company and driven employees. After working with them for several months, the end design was both visually stimulating and breathtakingly beautiful.

Each office was individually designed to suit its employee's needs while collaborative rooms were devised with function in mind. Each employee participated in the design process from helping to select materials and furniture to aiding in the design of custom cabinetry. The calming colors of the walls and furniture were offset with powerful artwork of various mediums. Custom created greeneries add a touch of succulant nature to each space.

The highlight of the entire space is the exposed conference room. The stone walls and custom wood cabinetry combined with the techy glass conference table remind us that nature and technology go hand-in-hand.

This custom reception desk was designed specifically for the needs of this client incorporating a transaction top, plenty of storage, rich materials and a focal stone wall perfect for art and accessories.

This is a winner for Houston's Best Interior Design Award for master bedroom. This light and vivid space underwent quite a transformation from its previous dark and heavy character. The client has an incredibly sophisticated style and wanted her home to remind her of a Parisian salon. The neutral color palette is soothing as the variety of textures in the upholstery, art and accessories create visual interest.

This elegant and glamorous living room really speaks to the homeowner's sense of style. She is a modern sophisticated woman who has a very well developed sense of style cultivated from living on both coasts and traveling the world. Her home is very traditional and she has traditional values- a great sense of family, there is always some yummy smell wafting from the kitchen. Very often she’s running her two darling daughters around to their various activities or getting her hands dirty working in her extensive garden. And yet, she longs for a sense of glamour, elegance and to be surrounded by beauty. I think this room really tells her story well. It is completely glamorous, sophisticated, eclectic, comforting, unique, timeless, ageless and beautiful. See this home in Houston Design Resource-July 2011 (the study is on the cover!)

This formal dining room absolutely sparkles with its crystal accented chandelier, gilded dining table and mirrored accessories. The space appears smaller than it actually is because of its lowered floor level than the rest of the home. To counteract the darkness of the space, the existing wall mirrors were left intact to make the room feel larger and more open. Custom fabrics, upholstery and draperies add to the lushness of textural elements of the room.

Framed by a domed gallery entry, the spectacular Mother of Pearl focal wall and surrounding marble listello mosaic adds a touch of shimmer and an earthy, sensuous sophistication. This provides a feeling reminiscent of a stay at a luxury hotel. The artful variety of tile materials and layout, Montecarlo marble vanities, the topnotch craftsmanship and attention to detail are evident in the stunning tile design and execution. The rich, soothing hand-finished color palette from floor to ceiling comforts the senses.

Winner of Houston's Best Kitchen Remodel. This beach house on the gulf coast went through a dramatic transformation from a bright teal eye-sore to a sophisticated beach house. Inspired by vacations to places around the world, this couple wanted to create a home both comfortable, chic, unique and great for entertaining.

The kitchen kept its same footprint while the cabinets; new granite counter top material, a dazzling glass back splash, and interesting lighting gave this space a much needed update.

By enlarging the island, more seating and storage were added to the otherwise small kitchen.

What could have been a sterile and cold break room is vibrant and colorful. The dark porcelain tiled floors are easy to maintain while the cabinetry provides adequate storage for kitchen supplies. The tone-on-tone geometric print on the wall and the green grass florals add a subtle but fun element to the space.

Remodel of master bath from uninspiring to tranquil and serene. The only instruction given was to design something that will ‘make my wife smile’. Taking a hint from the Thailand destination wedding photos of the couple, I seized the opportunity to craft a warm, earthy, sensuous space for soothing the senses.

Luxe materials, of stone, glass, and chrome, applied in an uncomplicated way, beckon the soul to a place of peacefulness and create a sanctuary for reconnecting. The wonder of water is experienced with 12 body tiles, 2 rain heads and a significantly increased H2o supply for a lasting experience.

An unused small home office was transformed into haven in a suburban Texas home.

For this space, function came first and the aesthetics were layered in. If a project does not meet its intended purpose, it is not successful. Incorporating the couples love of Argentina, bottle count, display appeal, case storage, and the ability to maintain a 55-degree environment were all design considerations. Specialized craftsman were hired to help with cooling, insulation, placement of the condenser, etc. An expert carpenter contributed his expert skills and knack for creating storage solutions.

A fun and hip teen bathroom combines traditional elements with contemporary ones by contrasting classic black and white tiles, a claw foot tub and pedestal sinks with bright and intense colors. Custom cabinetry built next to pedestal sinks provides adequate storage, plenty of counter space and hides electrical outlets.

The guesthouse and outdoor living areas were designed, and constructed, years after the main house was built. The engagement of their daughter prompted this addition as they wanted to host her wedding reception at their country home. An absolute must with this project was to seamlessly coordinate the new addition with the main structure. The new structure was to include an outdoor kitchen, ample seating for a large number of guests, a 2BR/3BA guesthouse, an indoor kitchen and large great room. To complete this country oasis, a pool, hot-tub, and water feature, were part of the overall landscaping plan that equaled the beautiful natural surroundings of the home.

Clever space-planning which included incorporating the hall closet into the master closet gave us the much needed space to expand. The furniture-quality cabinetry offers ample storage for all bathroom essentials such as towels, laundry, cosmetics, and more. The concealed electrical outlets allow the things that need to remain plugged in hidden neatly within the cabinetry. All of these features work together to maintain a clutter-free space and create the essence of luxury.

A powder or pool bath is the perfect place to add a little va-voom to a home. This little pool bathroom makes a huge statement with its blue crackle tile and coordinating deco pieces. With access from both the pool area outside and inside the home, this small space will be used by several family members and lots of guests.

No detail was left unfinished: an antique mirror was hung above the specially selected wall mounted vanity. American clay finishes the walls above the tile and a tiny close-able window was inserted in the door.

The contemporary office was so creative and fun to work on; the client's love of Aftican art added a colorful element to what could have been a neutral space. The unique display of awards really draws your attention while the soft conference area provides a comfortable and friendly spot for meetings.

This fun game room is the perfect spot for a party. Vibrant blues and oranges play off the warm wood tones of the furniture and existing paneling. Unique accessories finish the space with eye-catching details.

This cozy reading area is the perfect place to take a break and get lost in a book. The soft textural materials and a warm color palette add to the cozy ambiance.

Rich materials seen through the glass doors and walls give this reception space a wonderful 'wow' factor. Juxtaposing sleek materials with rough or soft ones creates incredible visual interest.

Mom's need a space of their own to do what mom's do! This niche is the perfect spot for giftwrapping, scrapbooking, blogging or catching up on personal note writting. It was a hit at the recent Southern Living Showcase home.

A mood-altering, stess free bath is the order in this space. The tiled barrel vaulted ceiling, custome wood looking cabinetry, hidden electrical outlets and so much more make this bath a real treat. In fact- it was a guest favorite at the Southern Living Showcase home Fall of 2011. The home sold prior to the show! Thanks to Morningstar Builders for doing such a terrific job!

Dine and Wine! This dining space offers a unique approach to wine storage- and although this is new construction-it would be a great remodeling idea!

Open, warm and welcoming-is this full loaded kitchen. The hand finished walnut bar is a favorite gathering place. Not shown is an attached 'morning room' that is well used for the day's first cup of Joe!

Quaint, charming and loaded are all good words to describe this pool-house remodeled, which originally had a flat roof and absolutely NO redeeming qualities! The only reason it was not a tear down was that the homeowners association would not approve a new structure! See my website for a peek inside- its darling! Complete with antique tile surrounding the fireplace, an antique door and other amities that make a space a home.

I recently worked on a project where loss had occurred- the loss of my client’s sweet mother and their much-loved family Bassett hound both passed within a very short time of each other. All this emotional heaviness caused the family to desire a lighter- fresher living space- to lift the mood of their mostly ‘brown and black’ master suite and add a sense of peace and calm.

The dark tan walls and ceiling received a wonderfully luxurious faux treatment called ‘luster stone’ in a blissful blue-green tone. Keeping all their existing furnishings; only a larger bedside tables graced with updated frames for family pictures, a palette-extending rug under foot, simple window treatments, and new lamps were added. I refinished and upholstering their previously big, brown and black bed-to a more comfortable and dreamy-looking bed with a padded head and footboard. The changes were relatively minor with but added a total freshness and elegance to the space.

The master bath was a complete make over with a crowing jewel – the lovely chandelier which had hung over my client’s mother’s dining table now graces that space and serves to remind that mom is still lighting the way.

These changes helped to create a relaxing-retreat for this couple and one that soothes the senses.

Teen retreat! See full artical in Houston Design Resource mag July 2011 for the whole home!

what girl would not love this bathroom/closet suite! No matter what her age!