DESIGNER OF THE MONTH – APRIL 2010
Nancy Olender - Spaces Unlimited
Question: Even though, I’m sure you deal in many aspects regarding interior design, what is your specialty? Where do your real passions lie?
Nancy: My specialty is outstanding service which results in repeat clients and referrals. My passion lies in creating beautiful living spaces that exceed my client’s expectations and reflect their own personal style.
Q: In the world of hardwood flooring, where do you see flooring colors going?
N: This depends on the project. I select the wood flooring that is appropriate for the style of home I am working on. I am aware of the current design colors and trends however I don't design by trends. I like to consider my design work as timeless.
Q: What has been your experience regarding the "Old World" look in hardwood flooring? Is it something you see gaining a spot on the list of enduring design styles? Do you like it?
N: I have used hand scraped, pillowed flooring on many projects over the years. I am sure this style of flooring will be around for a while. It is very forgiving for an active family or a family with pets. As far as my personal taste, I think it has saturated the market-you see it everywhere, even the laminate flooring manufacturers have created that "look". It has been a good 1 1/2 years since I have used this type of flooring on a project. But never say never!
Q: What are you seeing as the majority consumer choice when it comes to wood floor sheen?
a) Satin
b) Semi-Gloss
c) Glossy
N: I prefer a Satin finish to wood flooring so that is what I show my clients. I feel the Satin finish doesn't show scratches as easily and gives a much richer look to the wood.
Q: There has been a big push for "green" building practices and materials. How much has the availability of eco-friendly flooring impacted your decisions on what products to specify for your clients’ projects? Is there a growing demand for them in your practice?
N: Green materials and building practices are growing in popularity. You see Green products in all design categories now from fabrics to flooring. If my client requests eco-friendly materials I do my best to find the product that is suitable for the project. I don't let the availability of eco-friendly flooring impact the selection decision for my projects. I select the product I feel is right for the design and style of my client’s home. If the material I select is eco-friendly that is a plus but that does not drive my decision on what product I use.
Q: In what order would you rank the following three flooring styles in order of client preference and why?
Eco-friendly flooring
"Old World" motif
Traditional Flooring patina (smooth, non-textured)
N: My clients look for my lead in selecting the appropriate wood flooring for their homes. Based on the homes I have worked on in the past few years my selections have been Cumaru, Quarter-Sawn Rift-Cut White Oak, Jatoba and Hickory.
Q: If you could only share one valuable design strategy with a client, what would it be?
N: Hire a professional designer. A good designer will save you time and money in the long run. A professional will know how to flow color from room to room. It is also important to have proper scale and proportion of furnishings. A successful designer knows how to work within your budget without sacrificing great design.