QUALITY OF DESIGN

November 29, 2011 Capella Kincheloe

Over a year ago on ACL, I did a series on Michael Smith Alums. Fellow MS graduates that had spun off and started their own businesses. The talent pool is ridiculous. Joe & Parrish from Harbinger featured in November's House Beautiful, Brian with his own fabric line Ferrick Mason, Oliver who is impossible to miss, because he is everywhere. Which brings us to Katie and Jason of Maine Design- right after the post went live they found out that their project would be featured in House Beautiful and now, over a year later (shows you how long you may have to wait to be published in a national magazine), they are in the Dec/Jan 2012 issue. Normally, I avoid posting commentary on magazine spreads, but I can't pass up showing off my talented friends. Get the full story in the December / January 2012 House Beautiful.

I think people have forgotten in the rush for "the look for less" and budget cutting that you can never achieve this quality of design on a small budget. The patina of quality antiques and the luster of handpainted wallpaper will never be matched by Restoration Hardware and a gallon of paint. Fabrics that are $20/yard are not equal to fabrics that are $200/yard. Not everyone can afford this quality of design and great design can be done on a limited budget, if you are open to spending money on things that make an impact.