Area interior designers share their insider knowledge on style and design.
Photos: Left courtesy Deb Corning | Middle Shanna Wolf courtesy Laurie Discroll | Right courtesy Waunakee Furniture
SANDY TAYLOR
Waunakee Furniture ETC
(608) 849-7574 | [email protected] | waunakeefurniture.com
In the heart of downtown Waunakee is Waunakee Furniture ETC, a furniture store that offers a wealth of interior design experience among its team of six, including owner Sandy Taylor. With a combined 125 years of experience working in the furniture industry in the capacities of professional interior designer, furniture store manager, store owner, merchandiser, consultant and home stager, the business has the overall expertise to provide customers with a one-stop furniture shopping experience.
Tell us what design aesthetic is trending now, and what home décor trends are around the corner?
Clean, simple lines and midcentury modern — less is more.
Another big trend is all about relaxation and comfort. After the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a big push to improve all areas of the home. People were not traveling as much, and a lot of that discretionary income was spent at home. As a result, a lot of attention is being paid to sprucing up outdoor gathering spaces. Backyard escapes are big, with patio improvements and fire pits.
Colors that are trending now would be variations of green being the new gray, and using warmer colors. Green has calming qualities and relates to nature. Our go-to paint color has been Agreeable Grey by Sherwin- Williams (which is a warm gray) in many cases — but clients are all different.
Where do you look for inspiration?
I find inspiration by going to furniture and accessory markets in Las Vegas and High Point. I also attend seminars and conferences by key professionals in the industry. Hilary Farr [of HGTV’s “Love It or List It”] is an inspiration, and interior designer Nate Berkus is another.
DEB CORNING
DC Interiors & Renovations
(608) 444-0571 | [email protected] | dcinteriorsllc.com
Deb Corning, interior designer and general contractor with DC Interiors & Renovations, founded the company in April 2001, initially only offering interior design services. Fast-forward a couple of years, and Corning obtained her contractor’s license, which allowed her to add renovations to the company’s menu of services. Three years ago, in September 2019, she expanded her repertoire once again by opening her retail store, Décor, in Fitchburg.The shop features home accessories and accents for “the well- dressed home.”
With more than 21 years of experience within the interior design and renovation industry, Corning understands all facets of what it takes to make a house, a home.
What colors are trending right now, and what colors aren’t as popular?
Warm earth tones are coming back, and cool grays are starting to disappear. I love Benjamin Moore’s colors — their historical [paint] colors in particular — but we also use Sherwin-Williams. A couple of warmer tones we like from Benjamin Moore are Dragon’s Breath and Silver Fox. From Sherwin- Williams’ deck, we like Urbane Bronze and Repose Grey.
What should people keep an eye on for future home trends?
The minimalist look is trending now and will remain in favor for the future, which corresponds well with our aesthetic. We specialize in unique, timeless and elegant items that add modern focal points to your home. Larger statement pieces are in demand, while knickknacks are something of the past.
LAURIE LODHOLZ
Laurie Driscoll Interiors
(608) 277-9767 | [email protected] | ldinteriors.net
Laurie Driscoll and her creative team at Laurie Driscoll Interiors in Fitchburg are visionaries who gather their clients’ ideas and make magic in their homes, utilizing style, pattern, draperies, furnishings and accessories that will work with the architecture of a space. Because of our fast-paced lives, people are looking to their homes and work environments as a source of comfort or rejuvenation — and that’s where an interior designer can help.
Since 1988, Laurie Driscoll Interiors has specialized in partnering with clients through the building and remodeling process — often starting with plan critiques, selection and specification of interior materials and details, and finishing with furniture, window treatments and accessories.
Driscoll looks everywhere for inspiration, including continuing education programs and trade journals, as well as seeing the latest and greatest from sales representatives showcasing the latest in paint colors, furniture styles and overall décor.
What are the key reasons to hire an interior designer?
A good designer will take the thousands of options you have available to you and narrow these down to a few very good options. It is their job to know the industry, the market, keep up with trends and know an array of vendors to help you make the perfect selection, within your budget.
The second reason is that an interior design curriculum emphasizes the elements of design scales, balance, proportion and color theory. Anyone can search the internet for characteristics or details of a certain design style, but a good, trained designer can see how to use those characteristics, with proper scale, balance, proportion, etc., to create a unique and functional space.
