We are pleased and honored to have Dolly Howarth of Howarth Designs, based in Arlington, VA, participating in our Design Minds series.
Please scroll down to read an interview with Dolly Howarth about interior design and how she uses an uncluttered, intermix of styles when designing for her clients.
How and when did you become interested in design?
As a young teenager, I became conscious that my creativity and concepts I embraced were rooted in design. Dance was a passion and I gravitated toward choreography, which is the art of conceptualizing movement and then realizing that vision – very similar to the interior design process.
How do you describe your signature style?
An edited, uncluttered intermix of styles, colors, shapes and vintages that is balanced in an intuitive way. Every element has a purpose and/or meaning.
Do you have a main goal to achieve in your design and/ or rules that apply to your projects? What is your creative process for your projects?
My goal is always to give my client meaningful and harmonious spaces that meet their needs in an unexpected way. Clients realize they have what they need, where they need it and are happy in their surroundings. All projects begin with many questions for my clients. A kernel of inspiration from their lives informs my design concept. From there my decisions are all made based on that concept.
What inspires you and is currently on your design mind?
Many of my design inspirations can be found on my website – www.howarthdesigns.com. What is on my mind is something much more important and concerns the well-being of everyone. A well-designed home is cozy and safe by nature. Simply put, a house with a gun is not a home.
What advice can you share for those starting out in your industry?
My formal education and career in Economics, world travel and interest in historic international art and design are just a few of the influences that have led me down this path. Follow your own trail with high hopes and no expectations.
Here is an example below of just one of Dolly’s most current client projects. She describes that, “transforming their kitchen was such a pleasure. They are avid cooks with twin boys so the kitchen is truly the heart of their home. I improved the functionality of the kitchen and the end result reflects my style perfectly even though it was inspired by them.“
Sources from her top 5 current inspirations:
1) ABC Home, 888 Broadway, New York, NY and ABC Kitchen – some of the best places on earth – just go.
2) Pink anywhere in the home – it’s here to stay (from ABC Carpet & Home)
3) Room and Board media storage cabinet – Spalted Sugarberry Wood!
4) Doris Leslie Blau Vintage European Deco Rugs
Be sure to check out more of Howarth Designs on Dolly’swebsite and see her beautiful, uncluttered, interior transformation that is featured on DC by Design.
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