Pacific Northwest designers reflect on the simple luxuries of home and designing for the moment.
Brian Paquette
“I invested in my dream office chair: the Eames Aluminum Group Chair from Design Within Reach. It’s a buy-once, cry-once purchase and I’ve felt a big difference in my posture.”
James Fung
“I find rich, earthy tones calming yet dynamic, such as Sherwin-Williams Moroccan Brown and Jade Dragon, and Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter.”
Andy Beers
“We feel better in spaces that make room for creature comforts. For us, that means lots of books from Peter Miller Books, linens, candles and tabletop items from Hedgerow, and one-of-a-kind finds from vintage dealers like Tom Gorz Collection.”
Jennifer Leonard
“My art collection provides comfort, be it a porcelain bowl by ceramicist Alyssa Black or a still life by the amazing Sally Haley. I love the energy in April Coppini’s work—I don’t think she’s captured an animal in her charcoal creations that I haven’t pined for.”
Kylee Shintaffer
“This last year has reinforced my mantra of creating a space that works for your family first. If you get that right, you will have a home that you love and that is also welcoming to guests.”
Heidi Caillier
“We love 1stdibs for vintage lighting. It can provide a great deal of impact and make even a brand-new space feel layered.”
Leann Baker
“My creativity is spurred by water, which is particularly good living in Seattle!The scenery here shows off year- round: the greenery in spring and summer, the fabulous colors of the fall, and way more than 50 shades of gray in the winter months.”
Joelle Nesen
“Nothing replaces heated floors. They’re a great, relatively inexpensive investment and completely change your mood, especially in the cooler air of the Pacific Northwest.”
Jenny Guggenheim
“A luxuriously soft wool blanket from Loro Piana, a Vitruvi diffuser with sandalwood, and the warm light from an O&G Studio turned- wood lamp will give you all the hygge you need to get through the winter.”
Charlie Hellstern
“The ultimate luxury is access to outdoor space and fresh air. Even a Juliet balcony to step out onto can nurture your soul.”
Susan Marinello
“COVID has validated my use of light neutrals. When the palette is bright, your heart rate lowers and wellness can wash over. Save the color for art, flowers, accessories and fashion!”
Tiffany Thompson
“A good cozy couch, a coffee table book or art that inspires you, and fragrant, toxin- free candles will activate your senses. That’s the best way to feel inspired and at peace in your home.”
Michelle Dirkse
“I love when a piece stops me in my tracks at one of my favorite stores, like Susan Wheeler, Tom Gorz or Epic Antique. The perfect piece can set the tone of the room.”
Alissa Pulcrano
“The perfect juxtaposition of textures—a white linen floor-to-ceiling curtain in an old concrete building with light streaming in—gets me every time.”
Holly Freres
“Whether the design is modern or traditional, having a central feature like a fireplace gives any space a sense of high style and great taste. We love fireplaces by Chesney’s or custom designs with natural stone slabs.”
