By Marion Lachoff
Image Gallery following article.
Within the last decade, the Pacific Northwest has accounted for the largest increase in population in the U.S. The abundance of natural beauty, access to year-round outdoor activities, and a progressive political climate contribute to the area's enviable lifestyle. An infusion of money from newly minted successful entrepreneurs has fueled aggressive real-estate development, and created a new generation of savvy residents with sophisticated design demands.
The following three prominent designers share their secrets and resources for creating comfortable residences amid the splendor of the country's most spectacular landscapes. Whether they live and work in the urban centers of Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR, or the small-town resorts of Big Sky, MT, and Sun Valley, ID, each is challenged to combine the bold strokes of their exterior surroundings with equally enticing interiors.
Seattle, Washington
Often cited as one of the most livable cities in the United States, Seattle is home to Microsoft and Starbucks and has been forever etched into the American consciousness as the setting for the popular romantic comedy Sleepless in Seattle and the hit television show Frasier. This destination is a hot real-estate commodity, which continues to sizzle despite the rainy climate. One of the major draws, in addition to unparalleled scenic wonders, is the range of housing options. From sprawling, traditional-suburban homes to hip-downtown condos and floating houseboats, the choices are limitless.
Steven Hensel, one of Seattle's premier designers, creates diverse interiors for his high-profile CEOs and celebrity roster of clients. "The Pacific Northwest is all about nature," says Hensel. "There is a soft quality of light, which is compatible with a natural color palette and organic materials." Hensel acknowledges that the city is a magnet for glass artisans who come to study at Seattle's Pilchuck School. Founded in the early 1970s by renowned glass master Dale Chihuly, it is the largest comprehensive educational center in the world for glass artists.
For his own projects, Hensel utilizes the resources of Glassworks, a workshop capable of transforming ordinary glass slabs into unusual partitions, windows, counter and tabletops. Hensel's interiors integrate the talents of numerous local artisans, including metalwork from Karl Mayer and Mary Gioia, painted murals from European-trained decorative artist Melissa Koch, and custom woodworking from Joel Shepard. Sara Johnson, a former apparel designer, provides custom upholstery through SMJ Studios. Johnson, whose credits include custom-designed bedding for the Pope, oversees the number-one workroom in the city.
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