Designer John Anderson of Coppermine Terrace Interiors
Compiled by Patricia L. Harman & Jessica Shea-Choksey
John Andersson
Coppermine Terrace Interiors, LLC, Baltimore, Maryland
John Andersson started Coppermine Terrace Interiors with Virginia Burns six years ago. He describes it as a “service-oriented firm, dedicated to helping clients create an interior tailored specifically for them. The process begins with listening to the client and working within their budget —whether large or small.”
The foyer of this historic home was uninviting before Mr. Andersson, sympathetic to an earlier designer’s work on either side, nudged the client to consider handpainted scenic murals. Working as a consultant, he was able to guide the client and inform the artists where specific items should be placed. Using elements important to the family; the foyer serves as the perfect bridge between the parlor and dining room.
“Our commitment to design excellence, rooted in the disciplines of our profession, enables us to bring a fresh approach to each project,” says Andersson. “Our desire is to provide clients with the expertise needed to create interiors that not only exceed their expectations, but are uniquely their own.” Andersson works in all types of periods and styles, but is careful to use only those with which a client would be the most comfortable hen it comes to addressing space, lighting, color, texture and pattern. If a client is unsure about what he or she might want, Andersson may undertake a small project such as freshening up a single room or developing a color scheme for one floor of the house.
This narrow high ceiling foyer was decorated to provide an informal yet elegant introduction to a small country house. The striped wallcovering provides a formal background to the original 19th century French posters. New lighting provides a welcoming atmosphere, while the black baseboards ground the room and hide the baseboard heat.
For new construction, he will assist a client in the selection of finishes and fixtures, create a lighting plan or even redo the basement. “As clients progress through a project, we make our design resources available in the areas of furniture, fabrics and wallcoverings,” says Andersson. “We will also scout antiques, accessories and art as they are wanted or needed. If clients are thinking about a renovation of their interiors, we can assist in drawing up plans to facilitate the contractor’s bids.”
Timing is also important, and Andersson will work over an extended timeframe or on a tight turnaround, depending on what a client’s schedule and budget will allow. He is an allied member of ASID and his designs have received both regional and national recognition.
Photos courtesy of Coppermine Terrace Interiors, LLC. Photography by Anne Gummerson
Ron becker
Becker Interiors, Inc. Vienna, Virginia
The walls, chair and ottoman are all covered in a neutral linen. The light colors play against the dark chocolate velvet and chocolate carpet, and work well with the contemporary lines in the console from Brueton. Accessories from Designer Elements, Vienna, VA.
A blend of traditional and contemporary furnishings creates a British West Indies look for the 21st century. Furnishings from Schumacher and Brueton. Accessories from Designer Elements, Vienna, VA.
Becker Interiors, Inc., is a full-service design firm. “We strive to ensure that function, beauty and elegance blend with our clients’ personalities and needs,” explains Ron Becker. “We focus on creating interiors that best reflect the individual desires and needs of the client. We interpret our clients’ good taste based on their dreams, needs and lifestyle, while maintaining attention to the technical appropriateness of materials and details.”
Textures are used effectively in this room. Walls are covered in cork. The stained glass windows are backlit for evenings. A custom area rug adds interest.
Many of Becker’s clients hire him while they are still in the developmental stages of a project. This is just as important for a new home as it is when remodeling an existing one. “We recommend wall, window and floor treatments, as well as recommendations for furnishings, lighting and accessories,” says Becker. “We also assist in overseeing the completion of remodeling and have a full-time construction manager. Our interiors range from contemporary to traditional, and all have a simple, elegant feeling.”
The challenges inherent in his job normally center on the importance of maintaining relationships with good contractors and suppliers who are reliable and perform quality work. Given the amount of business available in this area, it is sometimes difficult to keep contractors on schedule and find individuals who consistently provide quality work.
Becker is an NCIDQ-certified (National Certified Interior Design Qualification) interior designer, and is a member of both the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the International Furniture Design Association (IFDA).
Photos courtesy of Becker Interiors. Photography by Gordon Beall.
Jay Dillinger
Louis Mazor Interiors, Inc. Baltimore, Maryland
With a large separate sitting room, and high-pitched ceilings this bedroom was not very inviting. However, using warm colors, fabrics, materials and details like trim, plush carpet and carefully selected lighting, the designer brought an intimate look to the room.
Louis Mazor is a family-owned business with an impressive 100 years in the design industry. The longevity of the company is no doubt a reflection of their efforts to always bring the very best to their clientele. President Arnold Glassner and senior designer, James Dillinger are very much a part of this successful team, adding two Maryland Home Builders awards for new construction to the company’s already noteworthy portfolio.
As senior designer for Louis Mazor, James Dillinger, ASID, CID, is fforded vast in-house resources to offer clients an extensive range of products to complete any project down to the very last detail. Dillinger tends to a multitude of projects including newly constructed sites, renovations, space planning, design and decoration. Working in a variety of styles, something that emerged from simply listening to each of his client’s needs and concerns, has become what he refers to as his “personal hallmark.”
Creating a view on the inside that equaled the wonderful harbor view was the challenge with this Canton home. Incorporating rich, berry-colored walls, lush fabrics, rose marble flooring and a blush oriental, the space is dressy but very inviting while the mirrored walls echo the indoor and outdoor view.
This home office is directly off a dramatic entry hall, so the designer opted to use a high impact and high-style design for this space with carefully selected furnishings and details to keep the look spare. The monochromatic color creates a masculine feel, and the interesting Italian horse head sculpture reflects the client’s interest in his racehorse.
Though he finds the most demanding challenge in his field is keeping up with the new and constantly changing technologies available for the home, his design philosophy is to interpret his clients’ dreams and goals, and to present them with a result that exceeds their expectations—no matter what challenge he may face or what technology can throw in his path.
Designing is a tough gig. It is an industry where some people perceive egotism as a prerequisite, however, Dillinger defends the profession and contends that it truly is and should always be “all about the client!” It is an industry that’s purpose is to please others who have entrusted someone with their most personal place—their homes. It is more than curtains and carpets, more than faux finishing and furniture, it is like tailoring the perfect suit to fit the homeowners like a glove.
It is inevitable, in this field, that a challenge will present itself. Every client and every space deserves equal consideration and the attention of someone, like Dillinger, who applies consistent design principles to every individual project. “I strive to establish long-term relationships with clients, through service (lots of it), attention to detail, collaboration and, of course, a spectacular finished result,” says Dillinger.
Photography courtesy of Louis Mazor Interiors, Inc.
