Interior Design
Courtesy of Martha O'Hara Interiors
(page 4 of 4)
When you walk into a room, you notice the little touches that give it a certain feeling and particular style: the furniture, the flooring, the lighting, the artwork, even the window treatments. Together, these elements give a room personality. Rooms, obviously, don’t start out with character. They start out as four boring bare walls. That’s where interior designers come in. Interior designers meet with homeowners, listen to how they live and how they want to live, then approach a room armed with an in-depth understanding of color, sound, light, patterns, furniture, fabrics, paint, fixtures, and art. The result is an otherwise uninspired space transformed into a functional work of art, a space that expresses who the client is, a space with character and personality.
mint
About mint:
Maureen Grace Haggerty, owner of mint—a full-service interior design firm—approaches interior design with a fresh and positive outlook, and has done so for more than 25 years. Her career began as a representative for a notable textiles showroom located at International Market Square. She proceeded to work for two other prestigious showrooms, which led her to her years as an interior design professional at several award-winning firms in the Twin Cities. Maureen launched her own company, mint, in 2007.
A collaborative process:
Maureen uses a collaborative process that centers on thoughtful design. “My clients’ homes shouldn’t be a reflection of me,” she comments. “Their homes should mirror their tastes, lifestyles, and priorities. I simply guide them through the design process. I believe the journey should be both rewarding and fun.”
Finding inspiration:
Maureen finds inspiration in everything from classical architecture to current cultural and industry trends. She actively researches new products (especially textiles) and design philosophies and takes pride in her ability to marry these influences in ways that speak to her clients’ individual needs and tastes.
Giving back:
Maureen strongly believes in giving back to the community. She contributes her time, energy, and talent to several nonprofit organizations and charities, including the Minnesota Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). In her view, the efforts spent in helping others grow stronger, in turn, helps you grow stronger.
Minneapolis, MN
651-332-9609
www.mint-design.biz
PURE Design Environments
About us:
Combining architecture and design, Jaque Bethke of Pure Design Environments creates unique atmospheres while leaving an undeniable imprint on each client. Our company vision to make any space livable through the use of well-placed, unconventional objects sets us apart from other traditional design firms.
In the past decade, what—in your opinion—was the greatest innovation in the field of design?
At Pure Design Environments, 3D modeling and rendering programs have revolutionized the way we do business. Without these tools— from state-of-the-art computer controlled CNC machines, to 3D printing, to the amazing multifaceted and undulating surfaces they allow us to create—we could not design intricate pattern work. The digital world has helped form a new and unexpected aesthetic, which—in turn—is moving design to a new level of hyper-perfection and ingenuity.
Every space should be…
interesting. I don’t care if you’re in an airport hotel or the Plaza’s Oak Room in New York’s Central Park; there needs to be something wonderful about the place. “Intriguing,” “indigenous,” and “independent,” are just a few of the buzzwords that make our spaces relevant from a design perspective. We develop exciting one-of-a-kind-environments.
What advice do you have for up-and-coming designers?
It is worth the risk to do what makes you happy. Stay true to yourself and respect the process. It is an increasingly virtual world, but through the idea of transformation we can demonstrate that there are still infinite creative possibilities in tangible, physical spaces and objects.
What is your current obsession?
I am obsessed with anything that has to do with skulls, crossbones, intricate floral patterns, crystals, and washed velvets, all new but old. In one word juxtaposition.
What is your idea of a perfect space?
A perfect space will surprise you while fitting your needs, even as your needs change; a perfect space will stay with you. And to achieve a timeless look and feel, these spaces have to start with timely: You must know what resonates with each client. A great space starts with perspective and is accomplished through open communication with talented collaborators, who then execute the design with precision and care.
Eden Prairie, MN
952-224-1231
www.jaquebethke.com
Twist Interior Design
About us:
At Twist Interior Design, we help clients create a living environment that takes them beyond what they know or could achieve on their own. Our job isn’t to impose a design vision on our clients, it’s to understand who they are and how they want to live, and then use our creativity, knowledge, and resources to translate those desires. Our design is grounded in the needs of our clients, not the need for a design statement.
What we offer over the competition:
We honor our clients’ individuality by asking questions, actively listening, and accurately translating their stories, ideas, and needs into tangible solutions and meaningful spaces. We also believe design is a voyage of discovery, and the journey should be fun.
How do you avoid going over budget?
Understanding the client’s budget from the outset is a critical step. We can strategically do design work and make selections if we understand what the end game is, both aesthetically and economically. During the process, notifying the client of potential budget hazards is vital.
What, in your opinion, is never a “wasted investment” when it comes to the home?
Master planning is never a wasted investment. Thinking through every project in the home—whether or not these projects can be carried out simultaneously—is the best way to clarify goals, understand logical starting and stopping points, and allocate resources effectively.
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6 ISSUES (1 YEAR)
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