Meet the Designers

Ana Donohue

Ana Donohue Interiors
Boston, Massachusetts
(617) 331-2663

YEARS IN DESIGN 8

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN YOUR BUSINESS DURING THE LAST TWO YEARS? Most of my clients have been more focused on projects that relate directly to  family.  I personally have had an increase in children’s rooms and family rooms over the past two years.

WHAT NEW COLOR OR PATTERN IS EMERGING AS A TREND IN DECORATING? The 80’s are back in fashion and now interiors. Think coral, neon and brass!

WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF A SUCCESSFUL INTERIOR? That’s difficult because good design involves so many layers, but I would say proper scale in a great space plan.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL RESOURCE FOR MATERIALS OR ACCESSORIES? The Boston Design Center for fabrics and transitional furnishings, Landry & Arcari and Stark for rugs, Montage, Showroom and Casa for contemporary furnishings.

Click here to see Ana Donohue Interiors' online profile

Eliza Tan

Eliza Tan Interiors
Acton, Massachusetts
(978) 429-8123

YEARS IN DESIGN 20

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN YOUR BUSINESS DURING THE LAST TWO YEARS?  My clients value my design expertise and are less product driven.

WHAT NEW COLOR OR PATTERN IS EMERGING AS A TREND IN DECORATING?  The color coral is very popular at the moment. 

WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF A SUCCESSFUL INTERIOR? A furniture layout that enhances the room and fulfills the program requirements. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL RESOURCE FOR MATERIALS OR ACCESSORIES? I don’t have a favorite. It depends upon the project. 

Ann Henderson

Ann Henderson Interiors
Keene, New Hampshire
(603) 357-7680

YEARS IN DESIGN 21        

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN YOUR BUSINESS DURING THE LAST TWO YEARS?  With a renewed energy and a family that has matured I am now a full-time designer/boutique owner and consultant with a business that has grown steadily in Downtown Keene.

WHAT NEW COLOR OR PATTERN IS EMERGING AS A TREND IN DECORATING?  Neutrals with punches of color, black & white patterns, crisp whites with dark accents, mixed textures, nature inspired blue greens soft and lovely like a morning sky. 

WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF A SUCCESSFUL INTERIOR? Character that is set apart by passion for something unique and beloved. This comes from the collaborative effort of client and designer.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL RESOURCE FOR MATERIALS OR ACCESSORIES? Carlisle Wide Plank Flooring, Trikeenan Tile, Sterling & Knight Fabrics, Holly Alderman garden banners, Judy Dibble & Jane Consadine, AHI for antiques and one of a kind finds like the new Bridges of France AIA prints, Candle in the Night and Peter Papp for Oriental carpets, Concrete Creations and Withington Antiques.

Patricia Fortunato

Patricia E. Fortunato, LLC
Old Orchard Beach, Maine and Hollywood, Florida
(207) 934-2718 

YEARS IN DESIGN 25 

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN YOUR BUSINESS DURING THE LAST TWO YEARS? I recently expanded my business by opening a design studio in Hollywood, FL. Many of my clients have homes in both Maine and Florida, so this allows me to accommodate them year-round. So far, it’s exceeded expectations.

WHAT NEW COLOR OR PATTERN IS EMERGING AS A TREND IN DECORATING? Indigenous colors and patterns borrowed from nature have become the inspiration for today’s decorating.

WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF A SUCCESSFUL INTERIOR? Creating a functional living space is the first step. I always ask clients, how do you see yourself using the room? 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL RESOURCE FOR MATERIALS OR ACCESSORIES? I love Simply Home in Falmouth, ME; I’ve filled up my SUV many times with their fabulous lamps, artwork, throws, and other items.

Click here to see Patricia E. Fortunato's online profile

Mollie S. Johnson

Mollie Johnson Interiors
Old Orchard Beach, Maine and Hollywood, Florida
(207) 934-2718 

YEARS IN DESIGN 18

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN YOUR BUSINESS DURING THE LAST TWO YEARS? I would have to say that more and more my clients are leaning towards a transitional  style of furniture as opposed to the more classic and traditional.

WHAT NEW COLOR OR PATTERN IS EMERGING AS A TREND IN DECORATING? Patterns have become very strong in geometric shapes (a la 70’s)…Leopard is back (again)  I find the emerging colors to be more bold  i.e. orange, purple and limey greens. 

WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF A SUCCESSFUL INTERIOR? The flow of color in the house.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL RESOURCE FOR MATERIALS OR ACCESSORIES? The Boston Design Center.

Susan Shulman

Susan Shulman Interiors
West Newton, Massachusetts
(617) 527-3433 

YEARS IN DESIGN 20 

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN YOUR BUSINESS DURING THE LAST TWO YEARS? Clients are more willing to wait for longer lead times knowing that good design endures.

WHAT NEW COLOR OR PATTERN IS EMERGING AS A TREND IN DECORATING? Earth tones, pale berry and tertiary colors are popular. Geometric patterns are also strong. 

WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF A SUCCESSFUL INTERIOR? Functionality is the ultimate goal, but let me make it beautiful too.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL RESOURCE FOR MATERIALS OR ACCESSORIES? Definitely a select group of showrooms at the Boston Design Center.

Click here to see Susan Shulman Interiors' online profile

Edwina Drummond

Edwina Drummond Interiors
Acton, Massachusetts and Freedom, New Hampshire
(978) 274-2360 

YEARS IN DESIGN 24

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN YOUR BUSINESS DURING THE LAST TWO YEARS?  Technology. Beginning with marketing and social networking, as well as doing research, communicating with clients and colleagues, creating and designing, managing my business and educating myself.

WHAT NEW COLOR OR PATTERN IS EMERGING AS A TREND IN DECORATING?   What’s old is new again. I see burlaps, irregular knits and tea stained linens. Tribal prints, such as Ikats will remain very strong.  

WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF A SUCCESSFUL INTERIOR? Lighting (and I am not a lighting designer). If an interior is not lit appropriately with the three levels of task, ambient and accent lighting, the overall outcome will not be as successful.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL RESOURCE FOR MATERIALS OR ACCESSORIES? I do not have one favorite resource. Every project is so different that I find myself  going to many places. However, I do find myself visiting Nesting On Main in Concord every opportunity I have.

Rose Ann Humphrey

Home Life by Rose Ann Humphrey
Burlington, Vermont
(802) 864-5218

YEARS IN DESIGN 25

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN YOUR BUSINESS DURING THE LAST TWO YEARS?  I believe there is a new reality in our industry making us more conscientious of "less spending," and cautious based on people's concern of the market place.

WHAT NEW COLOR OR PATTERN IS EMERGING AS A TREND IN DECORATING? I believe people are more interested in bright colors. I see manufacturers reaching out for excitement in their products to entice purchasing in these times. 

WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF A SUCCESSFUL INTERIOR? I believe the single most important element in a successful interior is harmony. People need to feel comfortable and at home in their surroundings. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL RESOURCE FOR MATERIALS OR ACCESSORIES? Vermont is blessed with an enormous amount of artisans, all of whom are very talented. Lighting and custom furniture factories are exceptionally high quality.

Blair Hamaty

Setting the Space
Plymouth, Massachusetts
(508) 746-0600

YEARS IN DESIGN 5

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN YOUR BUSINESS DURING THE LAST TWO YEARS?  Being brought out of state, and even internationally, to work. Also, the ability to move into larger headquarters to support our expanding business load.

WHAT NEW COLOR OR PATTERN IS EMERGING AS A TREND IN DECORATING? I think the reclaimed, repatinaed, repurposed, industrial look is still emerging. Not a "green" reclaimed, but a return to old, "chic-because-it's-funky" reclaimed.  

WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF A SUCCESSFUL INTERIOR? Evidence of talent and the wherewithall to back it up! Flow is important within an interior - how items within a scheme relate to one another. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL RESOURCE FOR MATERIALS OR ACCESSORIES? Boston Design Center, Boston Flower Exchange, Setting the Space's 10,000 square foot design center warehouse.

Alina Duckham

Duckham Architecture & Interiors
Brookline, Massachusetts
(617) 422-0952

YEARS IN DESIGN 15

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN YOUR BUSINESS DURING THE LAST TWO YEARS?  The internet has played a much more important role in interior design.

WHAT NEW COLOR OR PATTERN IS EMERGING AS A TREND IN DECORATING? Less high contrast, more soothing color palettes. 

WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF A SUCCESSFUL INTERIOR? The interior furnishings should compliment the architecture.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL RESOURCE FOR MATERIALS OR ACCESSORIES? The Boston Design Center.

Click here to see Duckham Architecture & Interiors' online profile

Wendy Valliere

Seldom Scene Interiors
Nantucket & Boston, Massachusetts and Stowe, Vermont
(508) 325-0577 (ACK)      (802) 253-3770 (VT)

YEARS IN DESIGN 18

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN YOUR BUSINESS DURING THE LAST TWO YEARS?  We've expanded our horizons to include Europe and the UK. We have been working in London and completed a beautiful project in Paris.  

WHAT NEW COLOR OR PATTERN IS EMERGING AS A TREND IN DECORATING? I tend not to follow the “trend”. I would rather embark on my own color journey. White plus one seems to feel soothing right now… very graphic.  

WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF A SUCCESSFUL INTERIOR? SCALE! and FLOW! 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL RESOURCE FOR MATERIALS OR ACCESSORIES? Colony Rug and Dovetail Joint.