Forest & Bluff: What is your favorite type of project?
Doreen Avila: My favorite types of projects are ones in which the client has an idea to start with but may not know where to begin to make it happen. I love reusing existing pieces where we can through re-upholstery and painting furniture. For most of my work, people have been in their homes for a while, and they’re looking to freshen things up.
What are the interior design trends you have seen lately?
Today, people want more restful spaces with open space and a main focal point, not just rooms filled to the brim with decorative items. I see painted furniture in every room these days—like bright teal or orange coffee tables used in rooms where the upholstery is more subdued in natural linen colors and textures.
Tell us about your Highwood studio.
My studio is cozy, but packed with great resources! I carry designer fabrics (Thibaut, Cowtan and Tout, Zoffany, and Jane Churchill, to name a few), custom furniture, window shades and blinds, and now Chalk Paint®—decorative paint by Annie Sloan.
How did you first stumble upon Chalk Paint?
I was looking for ways to revamp furniture for my clients, and I found pictures of furniture painted with Chalk Paint on Pinterest and Google. The advantage of Chalk Paint is that you don’t have to strip the furniture before painting—it paints over almost anything, even laminate. I’m all about instant gratification, and Chalk Paint allows you to finish a project in less than a weekend. It also allows you to achieve everything from a smooth, modern look to a rustic, farmhouse look. I teach painting workshops monthly to clients wanting to try their hand at painting furniture (and you can learn more about those workshops on my website).
What sets you apart from other designers?
I have a very hands-on approach to design and give my clients a lot of personal attention. When working with a client, I try to cover not only the details that they do like, but I also try to uncover the details that they do not like—so we can avoid them. I truly see myself as your partner in designing your home for how you live. Together, we work hard to create interiors that reflect who you are and that you will be happy with for many years.
Design Partners is located at 243B Waukegan Avenue in Highwood. For more information, or to learn about Chalk Paint workshops, call 847-780-4922, or visit dphomedesign.com.
-Jenna Schubert // Photography by Jim Prisching
