Vicki Pickle Colin Miller/Stauss Peyton

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How do you achieve elegance and comfort in the homes you decorate?
I listen to the client. It is important to determine what is comfortable for them and the level of elegance they can live with. I use warm wall colors and select furniture and fabrics that have texture, combined with patterns that complement each other. The finishing touch is usually a window covering style that is designed to enhance not only the windows but the overall design.

What is your favorite part about changing a space?
One thing I enjoy most is to make a space seem larger. This could be anything: raising headers, widening doorways, selecting appropriately sized furniture, decluttering. I like to take something ordinary and make it extraordinary.

How has your design style evolved throughout your career?
Interior design is a fashion-driven industry. My design style evolves with my clients’ preferences and I feel comfortable designing to their style. I enjoy doing everything from sleek contemporary to very formal with lots of trims and embellishments.

What is your favorite type of room to design?
A room that needs to be multi-functional with large windows is the most challenging and ultimately the most rewarding.

How do your commercial design techniques translate into residential design?
My first question for any client is, “What would you like to be able to do in this space?” If it does not function, it really doesn’t matter how great it looks.

Designer Sketch

Hometown:  I was among the fifth generation of our family to grow up in the Victorian farmhouse in Cantrall, Illinois, but for many years I called Litchfield home. Now Edwardsville is home.

Love:  My greatest love is my family. However, I have a great appreciation of beautiful things from luscious fabrics to fine china.

Inspiration:  After 28 years in business, I still get inspired when bouncing ideas off of the other designers I work with in our shop, whether it is for my client or theirs. Sharing design ideas is contagious and really sparks the imagination as well as making work fun.

Trends:  One of my personal favorites, patterned wall covering, is becoming very popular again.

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