Portland Interior Designers: Aronel Design Studio

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This installment of our Portland Interior Designers segment showcases the work and talents of Lenora Smith, founder of Aronel Design Studio, Inc.

Lenora is the brain behind three collections of environmentally conscious furnishing products:

  • the Dare to Dream collection of textured wall coverings
  • the Break Some Rules collection of light upholstery fabrics made of 100% recycled content
  • the Labor of Love collection of wall coverings printed on pre-pasted pater with a water activated adhesive

Here is what Lenora had to say in response to our questions.

KGC-logo-smallWhat makes you different from other designers?

Although I studied interior design, I am most passionate about pattern/surface design and I have been incredibly fortunate to be able to turn that passion into three collections of sustainable interior furnishing products.”

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What is your idea of what a beautiful home should feel like?

I think a beautiful home should feel like wearing a well-worn glove that fits you perfectly and always feels like a warm embrace.”

KGC-logo-smallWhat is the most rewarding aspect of your work?

The instant gratification of someone falling in love with a product that was once just an idea.”

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What was one of your favorite projects to date, and what made it so special?

I was able to be a co-sponsor of Eco-Bungalow LA.  It was an opportunity for me to give me to a family that had lost everything in a fire.  I was able to work with the homeowner (wife/mother) directly to create a custom wallcovering and she it was particularly rewarding when she called me to say how much she loved it when it was installed.”

KGC-logo-smallWhat’s your approach to interacting with clients?

Because my products are sold through design showrooms, I rarely have the opportunity to interact with the end-customer directly but, when I do, I love the process of finding out who they are and what will make them happy.  The process mostly involves  listening to their likes/dislikes and figuring out how to deliver what they want in a way that is beyond what they could have imagined.”

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How can a homeowner discover their signature style?

Review design magazines and visit new and different interior spaces.  Make a note of colors, textures and products that captivate you and start to develop a sense of the common thread that ties these things together.”

KGC-logo-smallWhen you are not designing, what are you doing?

I have developed a passion for cooking over the past few years so I am usually researching new foods and experimenting with new recipes.”

We invite you to browse some of Lenora’s work below, and to consider Keith Green Construction for your Portland roofing and construction needs.

Portland Interior Designers: Kimberlee Jaynes

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In today’s installment of our Portland Interior Designer segment, we interview Kimberlee Jaynes, the talented owner of Kimberlee Jaynes Interior Designs, Inc.

Although Kimberlee may well have inherited her artistic flair — her mother is fine arts painter Jeanne Graham and her grandfather was renowned photographer, Julian P. Graham —  her natural abilities  are backed by a strong foundation in fashion, art and design.

Kimberlee’s designs are bold in their simplicity, and marry modern and traditional styles in a beautiful and unique way.

KGC-logo-smallWhat makes you different from other designers?

I use an extensive interview system that I have developed over many years. It gives me the insights I need to bring my client what they desire without wasting time and money.”

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What has been your key to success?

Tending to my client.”

KGC-logo-smallWhat is the highest compliment you’ve been paid for your work?

This feels like us.”

KGC-logo-smallHow would you describe your design style?

Bold simplicity.”

KGC-logo-smallWhat inspires your creativity?

Travel.”

KGC-logo-smallWhat excites you about design these days?

New paint, wall coverings and fabrics!”

KGC-logo-smallWhat is the most rewarding aspect of your work?

At the big reveal when the client is thrilled with the outcome.”

KGC-logo-smallWhat are your favorite ways to add color and texture to a space?

Art work and throw pillows are great ways to add color and texture to a space.”

KGC-logo-smallWhat’s your approach to interacting with clients?

I like the process to be a collaboration and welcome my clients input.”

KGC-logo-smallWhat are the most common decorating mistakes made by homeowners?

They paint first instead of last. Purchase artwork and area rugs then furnishings and window coverings then choose a paint color.”

KGC-logo-smallHow can a homeowner discover their signature style?

I wrote an e book called “Design it Yourself a step-by-step work book for interior design” available on Amazon.  It has a whole chapter on discovering your style.”

KGC-logo-smallWhat improvements can a person make to their home without spending a lot of money? You pick the room.

Living room redesign: New lamps, end tables, area rug and throw pillows all add an uplift to a dated living room.”

KGC-logo-smallWhen you are not designing, what are you doing?

I love to cook, read and exercise! And of course travel!!!”

KGC-logo-smallShare something you would like the world to know about you or your ideas?

I love my interior design career because I change peoples lives. When you have a comfortable and inviting home …connecting with others and yourself becomes an everyday occurrence. You have a place that feels just right to you and your relationships change for the better. I hear it time and again from my clients.”

We invite you to browse some of Kimberlee’s work below, and to consider Keith Green Construction for your Portland roofing and construction needs.

Portland Interior Designers: Introspecs

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In today’s Portland Interior Designer profile, we introduce you to Allisen Larsen, the principal designer of Introspecs Interior Architectural & Design Services.

Allisen has worked in interior design for 11 years, and has had a passion for the field since she was only 10 years old.

Allisen prides herself on working collaboratively with clients to create unique spaces that meet their needs.

We asked Allisen to take a little time away from her work (and her wedding planning — she’s getting married in Spain!) to answer a few questions for us. Fortunately for us, she obliged.

KGC-logo-smallHow did your interest in design develop?

I was drawing floor plans of my dream home when I was 10 years old, after looking through a Metropolitan Home magazine. I will never forget the delicious smell of those pages.”

KGC-logo-smallWhat makes you different from other designers??

Skillset-wise, I’m legit with a degree from the University of Oregon in Interior Architecture, Minor in Architecture. Personality-wise, I’m pretty easy-going yet super organized and responsive, I’m a great listener and very open communicator, and I’m highly intuitive which allows me to design intelligently for each client in a unique way.”

KGC-logo-smallWhat has been your key to success?

Slow and steady growth, aligning myself with both clients and strategic partners that share my same business ethics, great team dynamics, open team communication, stability in business organization and continued refining of target projects.”

KGC-logo-smallWhat is the highest compliment you’ve been paid for your work?

This is a tough one, but I think I feel most humbled and appreciated when my clients can feel how much I care for them and our design results being driven by their personal family wants and needs.”

KGC-logo-smallHow would you describe your design style?

Soft modern, buttery, custom cozy, crisp and fresh, warm and welcoming.”

KGC-logo-smallWhat is your idea of what a beautiful home should feel like?

I think a beautiful home has a soul that has been slowly and carefully curated through time, with special pieces that carry meaning and memory for people, and whose design elements communicate fluidly through all spaces but tell slightly different stories.”

KGC-logo-smallWhat inspires your creativity?

An open-minded client, but one with some idea of likes and dislikes as well. I also get super creative when I have chunks of time to get really into the design flow process.”

KGC-logo-smallWhat excites you about design these days?

Custom, locally hand-crafted products that fit within an interior and a client’s environment perfectly.”

KGC-logo-smallWhat is the most rewarding aspect of your work?

Happy clients, no doubt. Of course, it’s always fabulous when my designs are followed to the end, and the creative, fun ideas are realized!”

KGC-logo-smallWhat are some of your favorite finishing touches when designing a room?

Vessels”

KGC-logo-smallHow involved in the day-to-day details of a project do you like a client to be??

Very responsive, but also trusting in the team process.”

KGC-logo-smallWhat advice do you have for homeowners reading this interview who are looking to remodel their home?

When in doubt about paint, a piece of furniture, it’s worth an hour or two of a designer’s time to direct or verify you’re heading in the right direction. And if you’re doing a kitchen, bathroom or larger-scale remodel project, (and you’re not an architect or designer yourself) ABSOLUTELY, without a doubt, hire a designer. The amount of money you’ll be investing in your home (and increasing it’s value) will more than cover those costs and save a lot of heartache in the long run.”

KGC-logo-smallWhen you are not designing, what are you doing?

These days, I’m planning my wedding in Northern Spain! :)”

We invite you to browse some of Allisen’s work below, and to consider Keith Green Construction for your Portland roofing and construction needs.

Portland Interior Designers: Senoj Design

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Welcome to the latest installment of our Portland Interior Designers segment, which profiles talented interior designers working in Portland, Oregon. Today, we profile Hanna Elizabeth Jones, Designer and Owner of SenojDESIGN.

Originally from the Gulf Coast, Hanna moved to Portland in 1994, where she established her career in Interior Design. From full-room design, down to the details of custom pillows, Hanna believes that design should be “fun, innovative, curious, classic and always comfortable”.

KGC-logoHow did your interest in design develop?

I have always been inspired by color, scale and solving puzzles….hence design being the perfect fit!  There is a beautiful balance between finding solutions and expressing creativity though color, textures and pattern, it is the best of both worlds — math/science and art!.”

KGC-logoWhat has been your key to success?

Creativity, flexibility and listening.  You have to have all 3 create success in the design world I truly believe.”

KGC-logoWhat is the highest compliment you’ve been paid for your work?

Being invited back into the spaces that I create on a social level.  I have wonderful relationships with my clients and we become a team working together to achieve the goal of a space perfectly suited to the individual’s taste, needs, and wish list. Creating these lasting relationships really is a fantastic compliment.”

KGC-logoHow would you describe your design style?

Traditional with a splash of eclectic.”

KGC-logoDo you have any rules? If so, do you ever break them?

No rules.  Except maybe don’t settle for your second favorite.  Surround yourself with items and materials you love.”

KGC-logoWhat is your idea of what a beautiful home should feel like?

A beautiful home is not necessarily one that has a specific aesthetic but rather one that honestly reflects the person or people that live there. If you don’t like wearing dresses and you force yourself into one you won’t be comfortable and those around you can sense that. But when you are comfortable with what you’re in, it shows. This creates a beautiful home — having it reflect you.

A great wool rug, linen drapes and grasscloth walls with a splash of a Greek key somewhere doesn’t hurt though!”

KGC-logoHow would you describe your own home’s interiors?

Timeless.  I keep the large items classic and clean.  Found and collected objects add the touch of antiquity and pops of fun are found in my pillows and art.  I like to change items out when my mood dictates it as well as the seasons, keeping the “pop” items small and less expensive allows me to have a new feel when ever I want.”

KGC-logoWhat inspires your creativity?

Lots!  Movies, magazines, books, travel, food, art, you name it and I can find some inspiration!”

KGC-logoWhat is the most rewarding aspect of your work?

Having clients truly love where they live.  Not just like, or enjoy but LOVE.  It is so important.”

KGC-logoWhat is your favorite room to design, and in which style?

I love living rooms. Creating the floor plan of how we use, traverse and enjoy our spaces is really one big jigsaw puzzle with many solutions!

I also really enjoy small spaces where you can add lots of panache — powder rooms, foyers, even hallways. You can be bold and fun in these spaces…it’s not like you live your whole day in them so you rarely get tired of the punch!”

KGC-logoWhat are some of your favorite finishing touches when designing a room?

Details such as tapes on drapes and ottomans, unexpected textures (I cannot get enough hide and mohair!), a splash of acrylic somewhere and a stack of great books goes a long way.”

KGC-logoWhat are your favorite ways to add color and texture to a space?

I love walls for both color and texture — specifically grasscloth and great wallpapers.  I love to mix up my textures and most are with natural materials such as linen, wool, leather and metals. It is all about the balance of timeless meets modern, cold meets warm, bright meets subdued.  Pillows, throws and a great accent chair are fantastic ways to bring texture in without overdoing it.”

KGC-logoWhat’s your approach to interacting with clients?

Ask then listen.  You may have what you think is the best idea ever for a space, but if the client is not going to be comfortable with it and truly love it, it will show and your design will lack the cohesion that makes a space really shine.”

KGC-logoHow involved in the day-to-day details of a project do you like a client to be?

That is entirely up to them. The process is a lot of fun but some people would rather not be involved with every little decision and others love the process.  Each client and space is unique and I allow the client to decide their level of involvement.”

KGC-logoWhat are the most common decorating mistakes made by homeowners?

Settling. Not surrounding yourself with items you love. They don’t have to match in style but when you adore all the items you live with, it shows.

Also one of my biggest pet-peeves: buying sets of furniture. Mix it up, it will look more edited and curated than buying the chair that goes with the sofa or the whole master suite having the exact same look.”

KGC-logoHow can a homeowner discover their signature style?

Look through magazines and tear out the pages.  Then hand them to someone that doesn’t have an attachment to them and see if they can pick out trends (like a designer!).  Do all of them have tufted upholstery?  Do they all have natural elements?  Are the colors cool/warm/neutral? Clean lines? Rustic wood?  Big art?  Adding a few trends together is what a signature style is all about.”

KGC-logoWhat advice do you have for homeowners reading this interview who are looking to remodel their home?

Compile your wish list of aesthetics and function. Images (Pinterest, magazine pages, saved photos, Houzz, dog-eared book pages) will eliminate communication breakdown between you and the designer and/or contractor. Also, things that you do not like are just as important as ones that you do! When starting a project, it is a process of elimination — eliminating styles, color, textures and materials until we are left with the winning selections!
Also, realistically think about your budget. This is a big one and can keep the process from being exasperating and frustrating. Having a well thought out budget allows the designer to save you time by looking at the appropriate vendors, materials and selections.”

KGC-logoWhat improvements can a person make to their home without spending a lot of money? You pick the room?

Clear clutter, create interest in a handful of items — whether that is paring the room down or amping it up, use your current furniture and re-arrange it throughout the house for a quick change up (yes, the pair of x- benches can be the coffee table or the accent chair in the living room as the entry chair, also swapping rugs around makes a huge difference).
Other big improvements for cheap: touch up your trim with fresh paint, wash your windows and screens, flowers, flowers, flowers, use a magic-eraser (what did we do before these!?) on your cabinets and get some new pillows. Bam — new place!”

KGC-logoWhen you are not designing, what are you doing?

Playing!  Playing in my world consists of: cooking, wine tasting, entertaining, paddle-boarding, cycling, being with my animals, being outside, trying to be close to water, looking for an adventure, traveling and spending time with my amazing partner, friends and family.”

KGC-logoShare something you would like the world to know about you or your ideas.

I am half Icelandic, born and raised on the Gulf Coast and always wear gold jewelry. I am 1 of 5 kids and have a weak spot for lamb and cheese. My nickname is Livet.  I grew up riding dressage and stadium jumping and can sail a boat. Billy Joel is my favorite artist and I am terrified of snakes.  I have traveled all over but the Cayman’s and Slovenia have been some of my favorites.”

We invite you to browse some of Hanna’s work below, and to consider Keith Green Construction for your Portland roofing and construction needs.

Portland Interior Designers: Walls Too Windows


Patti-Marvitz

This month, we launch a brand new segment on keithgreenconstruction.com. We’ll be profiling local, talented interior designers, working in Portland, Oregon.

When we came across the work of Patti Marvitz and her interior design company, Walls too Windows, we knew we wanted to showcase it. Fortunately, Patti was happy to answer a few of our questions.

KGC-logoDo you have any rules? If so, do you ever break them?

Rule # one. You are not paying me to tell you what you want to hear. Rule #2. You live here, it is my job to give you want you want to the best of my ability.”

KGC-logoWhat is your idea of what a beautiful home should feel like?

Beauty is defined by the eye of the beholder and everyone’s vision is a bit different.  If it is providing you harmony and balance, then it is beautiful.”

KGC-logoWhat excites you about design these days?

Everything excites me about good design.  I am passionate about what I do.”

KGC-logoWhat is the most rewarding aspect of your work?

I have the best job in the world.  I meet so many wonderful people that invite me in to their most personal spaces.”

KGC-logoWhat was one of your favorite projects to date, and what made it so special?

Two come to mind.  One was a show home, done in a high end Western Theme.  That was sooo much fun.  The second was an Asian influenced design that took top awards (well actually both designs did). That client was amazing and fun to work with.”

KGC-logoWhat’s your approach to interacting with clients?

I really really try to listen to what vision they have and then make that become reality.”

KGC-logoHow involved in the day-to-day details of a project do you like a client to be?

That varies with each client.  Some are excellent at visualizing and are a great asset. Others second guess themselves at every turn.”

KGC-logoWhat are the most common decorating mistakes made by homeowners?

Scale is a big one.  Furniture/accessories/art too big or too small.”

KGC-logoHow can a homeowner discover their signature style?

In my experience, most homes are eclectic and provide a combination of styles.  If done right, this can be very rewarding and interesting.”

KGC-logoWhat advice do you have for homeowners reading this interview who are looking to remodel their home?

PLAN. PLAN. PLAN.”

KGC-logoWhat improvements can a person make to their home without spending a lot of money? You pick the room.

Clean up any clutter, purge unnecessary stuff and paint.”

KGC-logoWhen you are not designing, what are you doing?

Biking, hiking, lifting weights.”

KGC-logoShare something you would like the world to know about you or your ideas.

I love good wine and good friends.”

We invite you to browse some of Patti’s work below, and to consider Keith Green Construction for your Portland roofing and construction needs.