Design, Balance, and Lighting:
A Conversation with Emily Del Bello

We're excited to kick off our very first Q+A on the Blueprint Lighting blog! In this series, our CEO, Kelly Aaron, sits down with some of our favorite designers to talk shop—everything from their creative process to the details that make a space shine. And who better to start with than a longtime Blueprint client who's been with us since the very beginning? Kelly first met Emily Del Bello when she was launching her firm—and very pregnant with her first child—while Blueprint Lighting was still operating out of a tiny closet of an office. Now, Emily's running a thriving design business (Emily Del Bello Interiors), raising three little ones, and leading her successful faux-florals brand, Emily by Emily. Read on as Kelly catches up with this longtime friend and collaborator to talk design, balance, and, of course, lighting.

Kelly: You've been a Blueprint client ever since you started your own firm—I remember meeting you when you were VERY pregnant with your first child and I was in a teeny tiny little closet of an office! We go way back. We have the "busy working mom" factor in common, for sure.  What's it like balancing THREE small children and an extremely successful design firm?

Emily: Thank you so much for the kind words! I grew up in a big family with four kids, so life was always busy. I’ve learned that I thrive in the chaos, though balancing everything can be a challenge. Our fast-paced lifestyle keeps us on the move, and while I used to struggle with being a working mom, we’ve found a rhythm that works. It truly takes a village, and once I embraced the help around me, everything started to fall into place.

Kelly: As if you weren't busy enough, in 2023 you introduced Emily by Emily, a line of luxury silk faux-florals. We use them in the Blueprint NYC showroom—they are so gorgeous and utterly realistic! What was the impetus behind launching this brand?

Emily: We've always recognized the need for this in our own projects and for our clients. They love when we set up their spaces and then leave it untouched. When we return a year later, everything is exactly how we left it. It's also much more cost-effective. While the initial investment may be higher, there’s no need for weekly replacements, which ultimately saves money over time.

Kelly: These are crazy times on planet Earth, and it reflects in the way we dress, the music we listen to, and the things we surround ourselves with. What design trends are you leaning toward in 2025? Anything you'd like to leave in the past?

Emily: I always say we avoid chasing trends and what's in or out. Instead, our firm focuses on designing spaces that feel consistent and timeless. Elements with longevity—like natural and clean materials—are becoming more prevalent in interiors, and for good reason. The "more is more" approach can feel overwhelming in today's fast-paced world. With so much constantly buzzing around us, it’s essential to end the day in a space that feels calm, relaxing, and uncluttered.

Kelly: Obviously at some point I was going to swing this conversation over to lighting! What's a lighting trend that you just can't get behind? 

Emily: Bright brass has never been my favorite—it tends to cheapen a fixture and can be tricky to place without looking artificial. The tone often feels too harsh, making it difficult to integrate seamlessly into a space. 

Kelly: Powder rooms and pantries are so prevalent right now–we get requests from clients daily to assist in lighting these small spaces! What do you suggest when faced with the design challenge of a more intimate space?

Emily: Sconces are a game-changer for setting the mood in smaller spaces. The key is determining whether you need uplighting, downward lighting, or light that projects outward—this helps solve the functional aspect while still creating a soft, inviting ambiance.

Kelly: You know I have to ask! What is your favorite Blueprint Lighting fixture, or one you find yourself using over and over again in your projects?

Emily: I may be biased, but I absolutely love the Alla Wall Sconce. Beyond its personal significance to me, it's effortlessly chic—a mood all on its own. The combination of stone and metal chain, topped with a soft globe for ambient light, creates the perfect balance of texture and warmth. It instantly elevates any space with style and character.

Stay tuned for more designer spotlights as Kelly sits down with the creative minds shaping the future of interiors!