Kristy Cameron Interior Decorator/Owner of Kristy Cameron Design, LLC.
Design trends for 2019/2020?
While there are many new design concepts to consider in 2019 and heading into 2020, I wanted to highlight my favorite, which is focused on "less is more" and bringing nature's beautiful backdrop into our homes. With today's baby boomers no longer needing a large number of bedrooms, coupled with a renewed emphasis on earth preservation, home design trends are lending themselves toward smaller more divine spaces highlighted with warmer tones.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of your profession?
As much as I love decorating, I love people. Interior decorating is a very personal business so I am always honored when someone invites me in to tour his or her home. My job as an Interior Decorator is to help their home be that soft place to land, that place where they can truly let their guard down ... their happy place and I am grateful to help bring that to life for my clients.
Where do you like to use reclaimed barn wood in a home?
Upon moving from Chicago a couple of years ago, I quickly found myself immersed in a large new build, supported by Springfield's finest contractors, Sangamon Reclaimed being one of them. I have since had the pleasure of working with Sangamon Reclaimed on quite a few homes here in the greater Springfield area. We are often found collaborating on jobs large and small, with some of my favorites being a custom 20' wrap around mantle, a custom chevron feature wall and of course the amazing barn doors for which they are known. I must say however that the front-runner for me was a wow factor 16' bar featuring a reclaimed front with wrapped columns mixed with an exotic black knight granite - simply divine. Considering the many advantages of reclaimed wood: beauty, history, stability and durability, it's obvious the advantages that it has over new wood. Character and I are big friends so I'm often mixing old and new in design presentations for my clients as it brings a beautiful juxtaposition to the project. There's nothing quite like two opposing elements working together in perfect harmony. Lastly, I am very excited to propose Sangamon Reclaimed’s new wallboard options in some upcoming client presentations. I have admittedly been working with similar products for years, but now having a local trusted resource that values the history and story of the wood is a dream come true.
What was your favorite project of 2018?
2018 was an exciting year for me with regard to design in Springfield. I find that every project brings its own uniqueness and flair, so while it's somewhat difficult to name a favorite for 2018, I must say that my very first project here being completed, after having spanned almost two years, takes the cake. We spent the first half of the year on the details and furnishing the many outdoor living spaces. Working with this special family was an incredible journey, to say the least. Not only did I end up feeling like family, but also the sheer scale of this project afforded me the opportunity to continue to learn and grow in my field throughout the length of the project.
What is your favorite public building in Springfield?
Living in a historic century-old home myself, I immediately fell in love with one of the oldest homes in Springfield, Edwards Place. What great significance it brings to Springfield, as the Lincoln's were frequent guests there. Not only do I appreciate the extensive restoration done to highlight its original integrity, but their attention to detail including the displayed artifacts and period style dressed volunteers truly takes a visitor back in time. Make sure not to miss the annual Fine Art Fair in the fall.