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IN THEIR WORDS MEGAN HUDACKY INTERIOR DESIGNER, CKY DESIGN, DENVER, CO, CKYDESIGNS.COM
“Aluminum farmhouse furniture is one of those things that makes me think, ‘Uh, again?’ I’ve always loved the look, but it’s played out; it’s done. Instead of going for the literal farmhouse look, I’d rather find furniture with more slimming lines that complements barn wood, for example. I’d also like to see people get more creative when it comes to sourcing products; to work with a local craftsman to create a custom design that’s affordable but high quality instead of turning to mass-production pieces or knock-offs from China.”
JENNIFER HOEY SMITH INTERIOR DESIGNER, JENNIFER HOEY INTERIOR DESIGN, KETCHUM, ID, JENNIFERHOEY.COM KYLE WEBB ARCHITECT, K.H. WEBB ARCHITECTS, VAIL, CO, KHWEBB.COM
“I recently sat down with my staff and said, ‘What do you think has to go?’ We all agreed that ‘green’ is just a marketing ploy, and we’d really like to see sustainable design practices become what we all do all the time. We try to teach our clients to associate value with a home that’s energy efficient, uses low-impact building materials and conserves water.”
DESIGN CONFESSIONS
“In traditional settings in the West, you see a lot of heavy, antique reproduction furniture, and I think it has a really contrived, plastic-looking finish. I don’t know how to say that without sounding snobby, but that’s how I feel! People should source real antiques---they have a better story and a patina that can’t be replicated, and they’re often more affordable too.”
CREATIVE PROFESSIONALS DISH ABOUT THE DECORATING AND DESIGN TRENDS THEY THINK JUST HAVE TO GO AND THE LOOKS THEY’D LIKE TO SEE INSTEAD
PALOMA CONTRERAS DESIGN BLOGGER, LA DOLCE VITA, HOUSTON, TX, LADOLCEVITABLOG.COM
“I’m over the whole industrial trend that’s been so huge for a few years now. We’ve seen all of this eclectic, industrial, vintage-inspired décor and I’d like to see a return to polished and pretty.” SETH ANDERSON DESIGNER, LIFDOM, SANTA FE, NM, LIFDOM.COM
“A lot of people replace their windows with clunky frames that close up the space. I think that if you’re going to replace your windows, they should open up the space as much as possible. My favorite way to do that is to use windows with minimal steel or aluminum frames that maximize the expanse of glass and really allow the outdoors to come in.” 80
ML | May / June 2012
EMILY MINTON REDFIELD PHOTOGRAPHER, EMR PHOTOGRAPHY, DENVER, CO, EMRPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
“One of my don’ts is a ‘matchy-matchy’ design approach: the curtains are the same as the bedspread, which is the same as the pillows. I’d like to see more of a mix of fabrics that are different yet harmonious. I’m especially drawn to vintage and handmade textiles, which bring diversity and personality to an interior.”
BARBARA MULLEN INTERIOR DESIGNER, CAROLINE • EDWARDS, ASPEN, CO, CAROLINEEDWARDS.COM
“Ever since flat-screen TVs appeared, people seem to think it’s a brilliant idea to frame them and hang them on the wall. I think that trend is on its way out. A TV should just be a TV; it’s not art. Art lifts are a great idea: You cover the TV with a piece of art that can slide or lift off. I also like to recess TVs architecturally; it helps hide them a little.”○