Erin Benedict, cofounder and lead designer of Benedict August Design, tells GN about her most uncommon client, an eight-year-old in Westchester County, N.Y., who brought to the firm Erin’s favorite project to date....

GN: First of all, how did you come to develop your style?

Erin: I began my design career working on model homes in Southern California. My experience with these projects taught me to communicate through design, the story of the families “living” in these homes. Today, I continue to do this by working with my clients to tell their stories, in ways that ultimately allow them to achieve better living.

GN: Tell us about your latest project.

Erin: The last project that I worked on was the living room of a Spanish-style bungalow built in 1924, located in a historic district of Orange County, California. My favorite design element of this project was using a high-gloss lacquer on the walls balanced with a soft, flat Navajo white on the ceiling. The lacquer not only brightens and opens up the space, but also adds a modern touch to the room. The challenge I faced with this project was to preserve the original moldings, but still provide an updated look to the space. I achieved this by using custom-built panels that were applied directly to the walls, allowing the original moldings to remain untouched.

[photo credit: Rhone Studios]

My favorite project I have worked on came from an uncommon client by the name of Abby. She was eight years old and asked for a custom tree house to be built on her parents’ estate in Westchester County, New York. The design I created was inspired by the main house on the property, an 1800s Victorian. An exterior ladder leads you to a back porch with working porch lights. Access to the main living space, featuring nine working windows, is through a dutch door with porcelain knobs. An interior sleeping loft for slumber parties is accessed by a rope ladder. The front porch features a drop-down bucket for hauling goodies up to the tree house. Other exterior elements include four dormers, custom shutters and copper ridge caps.

[photo credit: Dan Benedict]

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?

Erin: Contractors have a skill set, but may not necessarily have a designer’s eye. Rather than look to them for design ideas, come to them with your own or those of a designer you’re working with. Bring along photographs, magazine clippings or sketches of looks that you like, and from there begin a dialogue. Be very specific about what you’re looking for and what you want the finished product to be. Communication is key!

GN: What elements account for a comfortable home?

Erin: To me, a comfortable home is a place where my friends and family can gather and feel at ease. One way I achieve this in my own home is by the materials I select. The materials used in your home set a tone for how your guests conduct themselves. A highly polished wood table may indicate that it is precious and should not be used, whereas something slightly distressed can create a more casual environment, allowing guests to relax.

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

Erin: I like to create meaning in the home by designing a space that reflects the client and their lifestyle. What you love, love to do and who you are should be the inspiration for your home. For instance, one client of mine collects antique tin wind-up trains, and I was able to use part of the collection in his home office [see main image]. This collection forms an art piece and creates impact. When you’re thinking of your design, you could ask yourself, “What is this telling people about me?”

Erin Benedict is cofounder and lead designer of Benedict August Design. With more than ten years of experience, Benedict August has developed a reputation as one of the top design build firms in both California and New York. Having completed projects ranging from intricate dollhouse renovations to fashion-forward boutiques, top-of-the-line tree houses and grand estate restorations, Benedict August continues to be known for its attention to detail, refined sophistication and exceptional style. Contact Erin at erin@benedictaugust.com.

[main image photo credit: Rhone Studios]