Introducing another wonderful member of the Indoor City family, Samantha is an interior designer that has an eye for modern-chic designs. She loves being able to work with a client to design a project, and to see how the design progresses into a livable space.
Here is a little bit about Samantha, and her take on hardwood!
How did you get into designing? I have been interested in art for as long as I can remember, but I actually began taking interior design classes in high school and fell in love with it there. It was a great way to take my artistic abilities and turn them into something real and useful. From there I studied interior design in college and jumped right in to the design field after graduation.
What is your favorite part about designing?
My favorite part about designing is getting to see a project through to the end. It is always satisfying when you get to see your projects finished and in use by the homeowners.
What do you find inspiration in when you design?
When I am getting started with a project, many times I find myself browsing Pinterest or Houzz for ideas. I also enjoy looking at design and architecture magazines.
Describe hardwood in three words.
Natural, rich, unique.
Dark wood or light?
Light. I prefer to keep the space feeling airy and bright by using lighter hardwood floors.
What is your favorite hardwood project?
One of my favorite hardwood projects that I have worked on is this house photographed below. This warm grey stain color is very popular right now, and the soft color of this floor worked great with the other finishes in this house.
What is your favorite part about working with hardwood?
I like the fact that it is a natural product and has such beautiful variation. I love that every piece is different. It can sometimes make the floor feel like a work of art.
Which hardwood line is your favorite?
My current favorite product is a new hardwood line from Anderson Floors, called Bernina Maple/Hickory. It comes in two wood species, maple and hickory, and uses an interesting new staining technique that makes the edges appear darker, giving the wood a lot of character. The colors within the line include some contemporary greys, but also some natural wood tones as well.
What are some design tips you can give about choosing the right wood?
I think one of the most important factors in choosing the right wood for your space is to determine who is going to be using the space, and how much use it will get. For instance, if you are looking to put hardwood in your entire downstairs and you have a 75 pound dog, I would recommend not selecting a hardwood that has a smooth, glossy finish and instead select something with a textured finish instead.
