“A comfortable home is well appointed. A happy home can be empty but full of love.” —Elaine Williamson

Designer Elaine Williamson takes us to her newest project and provides tips on managing contractors (and managing yourself to stay out of the way!).

GN: How did you come to develop your style?

Elaine: My clients define my style at the end of our initial meeting. I consider it a magical journey to take a space with no definition, style or personality, and create a space that very much speaks of the current homeowner yet takes the space to a place the homeowner never dreamed of. What I have noticed over the years is that through each project we do, there is a sense of elegance that runs through every design. This includes adult and children’s rooms.

GN: Tell us about one of your recent projects.

Elaine: The project that stands out for me is our project in Austin, Texas. It was a large, 8,000-square-foot home situated high above the Colorado River. What I loved most about it was the view. From the center of the home you can see both angles, left and right, of the river and of the beautiful lush treetops in the distance. Breathtaking. The biggest challenge of this project was all of the custom pieces involved and the overall time frame. We are getting this home ready for resale as soon as possible.



GN: What advice would you have for homeowners in hiring and managing contractors, whether it be for paint, flooring, handymen or big remodels like custom-made closets?

Elaine: If you aren’t working through a designer whose subs are involved, it’s very important to ask for references and follow through with a phone call to previous customers. When you do make your decision, please be sure to lay out your expectations and check on the project every day. However, it’s important to not get in the way of the work by asking too many questions throughout the workday. Give him/her the respect of doing their job. Then, at the end of the day or once each week, make it a point to speak about any concerns or questions.

GN: In your opinion, what accounts for a comfortable home?

Elaine: A comfortable home is well appointed. A happy home can be empty but full of love.

GN: What's your philosophy on creating meaning in the home?

Elaine: Meaning in a home can be easily created by incorporating items that are loved by the homeowner. This can be done using family photos throughout; artwork created by children through the years or simply by a particular artist they collect; scenes of places visited and fondly remembered; or items handed down from loved ones. Overall, beautiful living is created and/or achieved through balance—in your soul and in your home surroundings. In my home, besides the love of my husband and two children, my three dogs bring a ton of balance to me at the end of each day. You can be having your worst day, and the minute you walk through that door, those little guys are there to take your mind off anything that’s got ya bugged!

[Images: ElaineWilliamsonDesigns.com]