What are the trends going to be in 2019?
I think the farmhouse look is still quite popular, but with a cleaner look to it, less gray and more white and black finishes.
What’s the most enjoyable aspect of your profession?
I love meeting and working with different people; learning their stories; what makes them tick and then try to incorporate that into their house. I also love the finished product; seeing a remodel or new home complete and looking back on the before photos still astounds me sometimes.
Where do you like to use reclaimed wood in a home or commercial space?
I love using natural elements in a home to warm up a space. My favorite is live edged anything!
What was your favorite project in 2018?We remodeled a home that once belonged to a very dear childhood friend of mine. The family had to move their mom to Chicago and they had no family in town, so I helped them figure out what to do with all of her "stuff" Then I helped find the new buyer, who was a daughter of a family friend of ours. After that I completely renovated and updated the home for this young family. It was so fun to see this old home that I had spent a lot of time as a child transform and now this young family will enjoy it for many years to come.
What is your favorite public building in Springfield?
The restored Governor's Mansion; I've been on the tour twice already. The molding and attention to detail is amazing.
You can find Paula Ryan Designs and Ryan Homes and Development at 3149 Hedley Rd, Springfield, Illinois 62704 and she can be contacted at (217) 341-4501.