Nationally recognized interior designer Erin Paige Pitts has offices in Annapolis, Maryland and Delray Beach, Florida. A specialist in the design of coastal homes for families, Erin is also known for her intelligent integration of architecture and interior design.
We had a chance to sit down with Erin to learn more about her design philosophy which features a sophisticated use of natural materials, a refined palette, and strong design elements.
1. You are known for your intelligent integration of architecture and interior design. What’s one of your favorite projects where the structure of the home drove the design?
There have been several that would fall into this category- I would say for sure the Todorov residence and the Sakkos residence. The architecture of both of these homes and the interiors are in total sync.
2. How do client requests differ (or maybe not) in different coastal regions of the country?
I would say the requests are fairly consistent. My typical client wants light, bright interiors but out of durable fabrics and finishes. They typically entertain a lot of family and/or friends and want the house to not be too precious. I won’t sacrifice aesthetics for durability but I really don’t have to these days as there are so many fabulous durable options in fabrics and finishes.
3. How has living and working in Annapolis influenced your work?
Prior to living in Annapolis, I lived on Gibson Island which is only about 30 minutes away. Both areas are very similar in that they are waterfront communities. I have always lived near or on the water during my adult life. My work is highly influenced by water of all kinds (bay, ocean, river) For me, it is always about the view. The interiors should compliment the exterior view but not compete. They should be seamless in their transition.
4. Tell us how you approach designing for a family vacation home? What special touches do you like to include for growing kids and pets?
Most of my work is second homes for families (and pets) so I am very comfortable in this space. Like I said earlier, my clients want beautiful but durable homes. I work hard to create the aesthetic they desire but with fabrics and finishes that are durable and will put up with the vigorous lives they lead.
5. What’s the biggest mistake you save your clients from making?
Think of the whole picture, not individual spaces or items. Good design should be developed comprehensively and cohesively. By working from a bird’s eye view and then moving in closer and closer with the details, projects are the most successful.
6. What are the top three requests your clients most often make?
- Durable fabrics on upholstery
Durable countertops
Bed that are easy to make
7. What element in a room do you usually start with?
I always start with a color palette and start pulling in all the elements that work well together.
8. What’s one of your must-have accessories?
A tray. They are not only functional, they help organize spaces like coffee table or book shelves
9. What’s the most rewarding phase of the design process?
A client who truly understands and embraces the design process. This is where the best projects come from. They do not necessarily come from the biggest house or biggest budget… but from clients who trust the professionals they have hired to lead them through the process to an outcome that exceeds their expectations.
10. We love your Bishopville, Maryland home (featured in Annapolis Home Magazine). What was it like changing locations midway through the project?
It was not a problem at all because the design concept did not really change, it just was moved from one property to another. Of course we had to make changes and adjustments based on the new property but we had already established the design “bones” of the project and they were good. I am actually meeting with them in a little over a week to discuss a new project! Stay tuned!
