I love it when I read a magazine that is so jam packed with interesting information, particularly from designers who give their insights on designing. The August issue of Home & Design, is such a find. You should be able to still locate it because I don’t want to give all their secrets away.
Five designers are featured in the “Hot Talent” article and 18 are interviewed for the “Meet the Designers” section along with other articles showcasing individual interior design projects. There are too many to mention thoroughly here but all are worthwhile reading and learning more about for their design process and philosophy.
It is exactly this, the creative process that I’m most fascinated by. Like the artist, I want to know, what makes them tick, their design so exceptional, what do they look for and how do they accomplish their end result? So, I’ve chosen a few pull quotes and highlighted a few projects that I thought were enlightening and inspiring to share. Many of these seem to be aligned with Casart coverings‘ design philosophy.
Elizabeth Reich, one of the “Hot Five’s,” design work involves:
a fresh perspective, with an emphasis on comfortable, unfussy furnishings and a novel use of materials and finishes…She explains, ” I want my clients to be happy with the end result and feel that their home is a reflection of them that they didn’t even know existed until I presented it to them.”
She uses a painted faux-silk, decorative wall treatment that “creates an elegant look.”
I really enjoy this simple, yet rich and sophisticated look and know it can be easily achieved with Casart’s faux Raw Silk removable wallcovering. We even have the printed seam to authentically replicate real raw silk.
The interview questions gave the most insightful information. These profiled designers’ philosophy, where noted, is mentioned in gray by their first quote:
1) Common design mistake homeowners make?
• Paint. Most homeowners do not understand that paint can make or break a room….paint should be selected after all the fabrics have been approved. — Lucas Trunnell, Great Falls Distinctive Interiors
• Matching everything perfectly. Good interior design is layered for richness and depth but not perfectly matched. — Susan Gulick, Susan Gulick Interiors (Has a passion for color, art and confident clean lines)
• ...design is personal and what their friends and family like may not be right for them. Other common mistakes include buying something because it’s on sale and not because it’s the perfect piece for the room. — Barbara Hawthorn, Barbara Hawthorn Interiors (Her designs mix modern, comfortable furnishings with fine art, antiques and innovative lighting)
• Draperies can make an interior, and too often, homeowners tend to buy pre-made drapes from retail stores. — Dahlia, Dahlia Design (Design is a process that nourishes all the senses)
2) Most exciting color palette you’ve used recently?
• …orange, lime green, primary blue and indigo. This is not a palette that I would have proposed and I was surprised at how cohesive the room looks…– Kristin Peake, Kristin Peake Interior Design (Calm collected spaces that accommodate clients’ day-today lives)
Neither would we but it works!
3) Currently you’re inspired by…?
• …inspired by commercial design — luxury hotels and restaurants in particular [We are too!]. The hospitality industry is adopting some residential techniques… — Kristin Peake, Kristin Peake Interior Design
• My clients. They are enthusiastic partners in creating environments that value quality and reflect their personal style. I love clients who are not afraid to take a leap of faith and consider something new or original. — Barbara Hawthorn, Barbara Hawthorn Interiors
• Fashion design tends to trigger new trends for interiors — Dahlia, Daliah Design
• I am always inspired by art and lately, by fashion — applying layers and textures to a room works in the same manner as today’s fashions. — Arlene Critzos & Andrea Blamphin, Interior Concepts, Inc. (Creates a broad spectrum of designs from well appointed family homes. Goal is to exceed the clients’ expectations)
• I find art — especially watercolor — inspirational. I’m currently learning to paint with watercolors and the endless variations of color, tone, intensity and technique amaze me. The applicability to painted finishes is obvious. — Justine Sancho, Justine Sancho Interior Design (Classic, sophisticated and elegant…Architectural and furniture detailing come alive in her designs and comfort is never compromised. Philosophy is simple: Communication, patience, attention to detail and quality are the standards of her work.)
We love watercolor too!
6) Design trend you dislike?
• Good design should be timeless — Barbara Hawthorn, Barbara Hawthorn Interiors
• The television over the fireplace…but I just love the way a fantastic piece of art presents itself over the fireplace. — Paula Grace Halweski, Paula Grace Designs (Helps busy professionals achieve a design for their home that suits their multifaceted needs)
7) Signature of a well designed home?
• It welcomes you home and recharges your batteries instantly. It is sort of like that friend you can never spend too much time with. — Skip Sroka, Sroka Design (Investment design, creating spaces that stand the test of time while being perfectly comfortable for every lifestyle)
8) Project you’re most proud of and why?
• It is not the money that makes the design, but the freedom of creativity and the excitement of possibility that comes with it. — Dahlia, Dahlia Design
9) Celebrity design crush?
• Barry Dixon. He’s not only extraordinarily talented, he’s a true Southern gentleman. [We agree! One of our faves]– Kristin Peake, Kristin Peake Interior Design
10) Greatest myth about interior designers?
• That they just want to spend their clients’ money. We at GFDI take great pride in value-engineering every project we take on.— Lucas Trunnell, Great Falls Distinctive Interiors
• That it is a glamorous profession. It can be hard work both mentally and physically. And designers must understand a bit of psychology. — Arlene Critzos & Andrea Blamphin, Interior Concepts, Inc.
• We cost too much money…the cost of working with a professional is offset by the cost of replacing something that the client bought on sale, which does not fit or is the wrong size or has a number of other problems…The retail market is cutthroat, with everyone vying for the same business. It takes a professional to know what is and what is not a bargain….. — Mary Mitchell, Mitchell Designs (Present the best options to our clients with the clients’ personal taste and needs that the forefront. Designing any space should include a cooperative working relationship with the client.)
• That we charge too much and are all about the fluff. We not only save clients money by helping them avoid costly mistakes, but we are able to come up with functional and aesthetic design solutions that make spaces beautiful. — Melissa Broffman, Melissa Broffman Interior Design (Creates spaces that answer her clients’ needs and speak to what they find beautiful. Inspired by the narrative of how they live.)
Not only was I excited to read all these thought-provoking concepts but I was delighted to see the beautiful sea-fan, framed pieces from one of our own design partners, the Karen Robertson Collection, displayed in interior designer Erin Paige Pitts’ own Gibson Island home for the Coastal Refuge article. Her style is laid-back and chic but never shabby…..Lovely indeed!
— Ashley
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