SHOWCASE

Distance FROM A

BY TERRI FERRAGUT PHOTOGRAPHY BY KINSEY WALLACE

Interior designers thrive on creativity, knowledge and innovation. Clear and constant communication with the client is of paramount importance. Regular conversations, consultations and updates are crucial to interior designers’ ability to create and deliver their finest and most detailed work for their clients.

Forging relationships with trusted collaborators, both at home and away, are an invaluable asset. Reliable project managers, tradesmen and suppliers are crucial to the successful completion of the project, allowing designers to bring their interior design vision to life to deliver the high-quality finishes and materials that clients desire.

COVID changed the course of how many companies transacted business remotely and efficiently. For many, the work model proved not only successful, but also highly effective and appreciated.

Meet Linda Birmingham, owner and designer of designingwomen2 with offices in Fargo and Detroit Lakes. “Working long

With a smile of satisfaction with her completed design project, Linda Birmingham, owner, and designer of designingwomen2 stands in the kitchen of the home she planned remotely while her clients lived in Florida. Touches of subtle shimmer from gold fixtures, high-gloss tile, warm oak, and Cambria countertops create this luxurious look. The textured woven stools are practical indoor/outdoor seating. “It’s not just children who have occasional spills,” adds Linda.

distance with clients began with the COVID epidemic,” she says. “I think many businesses learned to maneuver working remotely, and we did just that.” Becoming accustomed to that business model, Birmingham learned to adapt her design expertise.

This is the third home Birmingham has worked on for the homeowners and each design project was uniquely different because of its geological location. This past winter, while her clients were wintering in Florida, Birmingham helped them with their local summer home build. Deciding on surfaces, furniture, lighting, flooring and more all from afar proved to be a positive experience. “I’m just so grateful they put

A stunning feature in Birmingham’s design plans was to incorporate the oak wood range hood seen here. Warm elements of design came together perfectly as she planned to create sophisticated elegance in the kitchen.

Spectacular lighting frames this intimate gathering space with an added favorite feature of the homeowners– the “board and batten” wall design. “Board and batten” have been used since early settlers built their first homes,” adds Birmingham. “They would nail a small wood strip a couple of inches wide, called a ‘batten’ over cracks to make it more airtight.”

OPPOSITE PAGE, LEFT: Warm elegance continues to the dining area with the clean, contemporary look of the gold-based dining table. Wing-back captain’s chairs, which are also indoor/outdoor seating selections, complete the look.

Here, the open barn doors create a beautiful sightline directly through the room. Neutrals, shiny metallic, and bold textures meld perfectly, playing off each other to create an earthy elegance. their full trust in me to create their beautiful home from a distance,” she says.

The retired couple’s new home here will be primarily their summer home and accommodating family and friends was an important consideration during the planning stage. The parlor off the dining area is the perfect intimate space to share a little wine and conversation with friends. There also had to be a one-on-one quiet, cozy space

Warm wood beams in the foyer welcome guests with their rich contrasting tones. Shimmer and shine create interesting design elements as seen in the pillow and side table.

This area off the master bedroom is a cozy nook, perfect for quiet time or reading a favorite book. The family’s cat also prefers the solitude and comfort the room provides.

perfect for reading or watching TV, which became a special area off the master bedroom.

Birmingham quickly notes, “Heritage Homes did an awesome job with the layout plan keeping the retired couple in mind. It would also be a perfect layout for someone single.” Birmingham appreciates the fact that each area in the home’s space plan could

A comforting, contemporary farmhouse atmosphere is plain to see in this sunny and colorful bedroom. The homeowner, who appreciates color picked the vibrant whimsical duvet, artwork, and beaded light fixture.

The master bath continues the home’s sophisticated look by incorporating soft and shimmering champagne gold in mirror frames, tile, and rich coppery-gold fixtures. Sophisticated elegance is the result.

COVID changed the course of how many companies transacted business remotely and efficiently. For many, the work model proved not only successful but also highly effective and appreciated.

This warm and inviting entrance to the home says, “you are welcome here.” Large windows for natural light, wood pillars, and a front patio area create a friendly “hello” as guests arrive.

be used entirely differently for different needs.

It’s all in the details, such as lighting fixtures and furniture, and Birmingham loves them. “I loved picking out the lighting and furniture the most,” she says. “I like to use the analogy that lighting in a home is like jewelry to an outfit. Finding the right mix is so important. Finding quality, comfortable and lovely furniture is most important. Scale, fabric and style all have to meld. Also, knowing how a family lives — who gathers at what times of the day, the age of the homeowner and their frequent guests.”

Understanding scale is crucial when it comes to purchasing furniture. Birmingham adds, “I feel bad when a client comes to us and says that they bought furniture that was too big or too small. It’s the Goldilocks challenge — it has to be ‘just right.’ I’m just incredibly happy and satisfied when my clients love their new spaces and feel totally at home. It’s so heartwarming and satisfying.”

And, although this is not exactly a fairy tale, this story has a very happy ending for all, according to the homeowners.

“This is the third home that we have partnered with Linda. My husband and I are extremely impressed with her talent and hard work on this project while we were in Florida. Sending us fabric samples and pictures of art, furniture and lighting — it can be done from miles apart! It was definitely less stressful having someone in North Dakota looking out for us. We love Linda’s energy and creativity. She captured our vision for our home and made the process fun. We love our home!”

CONTRIBUTORS

DESIGN/BUILD:

Tyrone Leslie, President/Owner, Heritage Homes

INTERIOR DESIGN:

Linda Birmingham, Owner, designingwomen2

» Home & Hearth: Fireplace » Mill Creek Custom Cabinets:

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LINDA BIRMINGHAM

Owner, designingwomen2

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