In our new designer spotlight series presented by the Dallas Design Center, you’ll get an inside look into the projects and lifestyles of some of DFW’s best interior designers. Nominated by Design Center showrooms, each month LowerOakLawn.com will choose a designer to feature here on the blog.
What better way to kick off the series than with Tiffany McKinzie? Tiffany started her design business almost seven years ago and says she finds her passion for design in the details. “I look at the big picture, but it’s the details that captivate and inspire me. I love the small details, not just of a home, but of most everything. I think this is why I naturally gravitate towards design.”
An allied ASID member, Tiffany spends most of her time on residential projects (largely new construction) but she has also worked on several commercial projects and multifamily housing as well.
Tiffany is known by her clients for her obsession with wallpaper. “If a client tells me they hate wallpaper, it is a challenge for me to convince them otherwise.” And she usually does!
Keep reading for a revealing Q&A with this inspiring Dallas designer!
How would you describe your personal design style?
Traditional but with an eclectic node. I try not to be too stiff on the parameters on any design style. I prefer an “acquired” look and enjoy integrating in antiques, especially ones that are imperfect. I like things that showcase their history and age. Where my traditional sensibilities really come into play is my preference for symmetry and balance.
What is your go-to design accessory?
Art. I love doing large collections of art or art wall collages. I like to group things. And of course fresh flowers and candles.
Which of the projects you’re currently working on or have recently completed are you most excited about? Tell us a little about the project and why.
I am excited about every job I currently have, which covers a wide range of styles from soft contemporary to Italian Renaissance. One project, which I have been working on for the past two years, is a soft contemporary style home. The color palette, fabrics and art are very current to where the market trend seems to be at the moment.
What makes this house stand out for me is the outdoor and indoor entertainment areas. This home will feature a very large outdoor living room, dining room and bar that feed off an indoor game and media room, which also has its own mini kitchen/bar.
In addition to the large outdoor entertaining areas will be a gazebo with a fire pit and large pool with diving platform and hot tub. The indoor game room will feature padded leather walls, a poker table and a billiards table.
That is just the first floor game room. There is also a Teens Lounge area which will have a shuffleboard table, video arcade games and ping pong table. Oh and of course there will be a totally tricked out media room too. This house is an entertainer’s paradise for both young and old!
What are your favorite Design District shopping stops?
Oh my, I have so many. That’s almost like naming your favorite child! LOL. A few of my favorites are: E.C. Dicken, Hickory Chair, Brendan Bass, Culp & Associates, George Cameron Nash, and McGannon’s, but I could keep on listing…..
For fabrics, I usually go first to Schumacher, Kravet, Donghia and George Cameron Nash.
Tell us something about yourself that we don’t know!
I am involved in multiple charities and have a bit of a problem over contributing. I’m a big softie when it comes to people in need. I have nine children that I sponsor through Compassion International, which is an absolutely wonderful organization. I also am involved with Timmy Foundation, Heifer International and Women for Women, which provide micro-loans and medical services to impoverished countries; plus many local charities and organizations.
So where can you find Tiffany? “I work out of my car!” she jokes. “And my home.” Check out more photos of projects Tiffany has completed on the Dallas Design Center website.
Tiffany McKinzie
(214) 883-5473
www.tiffanymckinzie.com
Photos courtesy of amwz photography
See more: Brendan Bass, Culp & Associates, Designer Spotlight, Donghia, E.C. Dicken, George Cameron Nash, Hickory Chair, Kravet, McGannon, Schumacher
