Designer Profiles
The rush of Summer has gone and left your home in a frenzy where the hidden Popsicle stain has been discovered on the sofa or the drippings of s’mores left on your rug less than desirable. There is a designer here at Exotic Home who will be best paired for you to fix that category five Summer disaster into a category fabulous home! Below is a brief profile on each of our designers based on a questionnaire they all completed:
Where do you find inspiration?
I am old fashioned, I still get a ton of magazine subscriptions each month (House Beautiful, Elle Decor, Coastal Living, HGTV, Real Simple and Architectural Digest).
Who is your favorite designer?
Bria Hammel Interiors- I have been following her on instagram for almost 4 years now and I just adore her style and her pops of details are so pragmatic
When working on a design project what do you usually start with?
I start with getting to know my client and who is going to be the ones in the space- knowing my clients’ dislikes helps me the most. I usually start with the larger items in the home which is usually the Great Room
What do you do when you’re not working?
I try to spend every minute with my two year old son Harper Beau. We do what he wants to do which is: go to the beach, pool, waterpark and ride his Nana’s golf cart.
What is your favorite room in your home?
My favorite is my bedroom, with a house full of boys this is the one room where I can get away with some feminine touches here and there.
Erica Maddox (Virginia Beach Showroom)
Where do you find inspiration?
I always felt like everything you surround yourself with should serve a purpose or make you feel a strong emotion, so usually inspiration comes from a funky find or a special piece of art.
Who is your favorite designer?
I don’t have a specific favorite designer, but at the moment, I’m swooning over this eclectic stairway done by Peter Ippolito and his partner Stefan Gabel.
When working on a design project what do you usually start with?
I start my projects with pinpointing the client’s needs and personal style, then space planning is the next crucial element.
What do you do when you’re not working?
Home-improvement projects have recently taken over my free time, but otherwise, I enjoy going to local restaurants with friends, spending a day at the beach or an antique mall, or just being downright lazy on the couch with my boyfriend Fernando.
What is your favorite room in your home?
Right now, my favorite room is our kitchen. There’s always sunlight dancing around through the trees outside the window, and all my plants are currently there…but I’m pretty sure I’ll be spending a lot of time in the moody living room once we get the renovation done!
Angel Morrison (Virginia Beach Showroom)
Where do you find inspiration?
I listen very closely to what the customer is asking for and I make sure I provide just that! For some folks, this process can be overwhelming which allows me the opportunity to use my expertise in design and furnishings to deliver. My inspiration comes from my customer.
Who is your favorite designer?
I can’t say that I have a favorite.
When working on a design project what do you usually start with?
Based on the information gathered regarding the manner in which the room(s) are going to be used, I start with the design layout of the furniture in the room
What do you do when you’re not working?
I enjoy time with my family, watching basketball, reading, computer games, eating out, and loving on my two puppies.
What is your favorite room in your home?
My Sitting Area. It’s very neutral, quiet and peaceful. My tall bookcases house my favorite memories from family photos to items brought back from my travels. Additionally, my favorite antique bookcase with intricate carving allows me to enjoy the beauty of furniture of earlier days.
Katie Lewis (Kill Devil Hills Showroom)
Where do you find inspiration?
In my personal design taste, I enjoy all things antique, with a splash of bohemian or taste of old Hollywood. Elaborate Victorian woodwork and fabrics, or simplicity of an old farmhouse are where I feel at home, but with a sprinkle of sparkle of course! I like to think of myself as eclectic and my design style reflects that.
Who is your favorite designer?
My eclectic tastes limit my ability to only choose one! I love Michelle Nussbaumer’s use of bold colors and patterns, and adore the whimsical stylings from Madcap cottage using traditional patterns.
When working on a design project what do you usually start with?
I usually find inspiration from one piece, and build upon that whether it be a pop of color with a pillow, or the perfect rug. I don’t start with one specific item type, but rather begin with the thing that speaks to me most and then work it into my clients’ space in a way that encompasses their lifestyle
What do you do when you’re not working?
Living in a coastal community, I enjoy the beach of course! But I also appreciate a good book outside or perhaps picking up a paint brush for some art therapy, or even coloring.
What is your favorite room in your home?
My living room is my favorite. It’s where I have procured and collected my best pieces and where everyone gathers when visiting. This space not only houses my favorite furniture pieces, but also all my greatest memories!
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration from cultural history and how people lived in the past.
Who is your favorite designer?
Eric Ross, we both love a good skirted table and a flair for color.
When working on a design project what do you usually start with?
Usually, I like starting with color and a great way to begin the colorstory is with the rug.
What do you do when you’re not working?
I spend a lot of my free time with my pets and partner and we are also working on our home. Aside from that I enjoy restoring antiques and if it’s a nice day out opening the garage doors and doing some woodworking.
What is your favorite room in your home?
The kitchen! It’s a fun and funky place where my partner and I tend to congregate because we love to try different recipes and concoctions (and the pets love the pieces we toss them).
Allison Howell (Kill Devil Hills Showroom)
Where do you find inspiration?
I typically find inspiration in my travels. It’s so refreshing to see other cultures, their textiles and materials, plus the different methods of construction and architecture so opposite from our own area.
Who is your favorite designer?
I’ve been following Tali Roth for a while. I love her Australian meets bohemian mix and unexpected pattern and texture play. Her fashion background definitely shines through.
When working on a design project what do you usually start with?
I like to start with the main large pieces in a room. I find the materials and design style set the tone for the finishing touches like lamps, rugs and artwork.
What do you do when you’re not working?
I love to cook and traveling is my great passion. I enjoy playing in a garden and spending time on the water with my husband and two Boykin Spaniels.
What is your favorite room in your home?
Definitely my bedroom, when building I kept it large and spacious. I love the paint color, Farrow & Ball’s “Pidgeon” It’s moody and relaxing.