Meet the Designer: Heather Hilliard of San Francisco (Part 3 of 3)

Heather Hilliard of Heather Hilliard Design was one of the three top picks of the designer portfolio review How to Catch an Editor's Eye, hosted by The Editor at Large at Studio Baccarat’s Limited Engagement showroom. Heather tells us what her favorite room to design in a home is and a few things we never knew about her.

GDG: What is your favorite room to design in a home?

HH: I love rooms that get a lot of use like living rooms, family rooms, bedrooms, etc. I love to see the mark of the people who live in the spaces. It's a great sign when I stop by a client's house—post install—and see pillows tossed on the floor or slightly askew on the sofa, bunched up throws at the bottom of a sofa, or a dog curled up in a club chair. My clients are always embarrassed for me to see the space a bit messy but it gives me a sense of complete satisfaction when I see that clients feel comfortable in their rooms.

GDG: Can you share a fun fact that most people don't know about you?

HH: My favorite public interior is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial at the Yerba Buena Gardens. The memorial sits behind a huge waterfall that flows over huge chunks of Sierra granite. Visitors are led under the waterfall and along a path where there are tall glass panels set in stone, inscribed with many of Dr. King’s thoughtful quotes.  While on the path, under the waterfall, the sounds of the city fade away and the only sound is that of the loud, crashing sound of the water as it flows over the granite and into the pool. The artist and architect of the memorial use the white noise of the waterfall, together with the wall of water, to create an amazing intimate interior space outside.

Also, my husband and I live in San Francisco and we’re continually exposed to the city’s landscape and views, which help to reinforce my design intent and concepts.  There is so much natural beauty in and surrounding the city.  We live just a few steps away from the Presidio and I’m always refreshed and inspired when I take walks on the paths!

Stay posted to GoDesignGo to meet the duo who make up top-pick FORM Interior Design, from the designer portfolio review, How to Catch an Editor's Eye.

Meet the Designer: Heather Hilliard of San Francisco (Part 2 of 3)

Heather Hilliard of Heather Hilliard Design was one of the three top picks of the designer portfolio review How to Catch an Editor's Eye hosted by The Editor at Large at Studio Baccarat’s Limited Engagement showroom. Heather tells us more about how crazy some of her projects have gotten.

GDG: Have you experienced any odd requests from clients?

HH: Of course! I love meeting new clients in their environment because it gives me a glimpse to their aesthetic and personality—and many of them live fiercely. You would be surprised at the number of seemingly conservative individuals who aren’t afraid to show their ‘personal’ taste, such as dancing poles—all in the name of physical fitness no doubt!

GDG: What is the craziest project you've ever worked on?

HH: The funniest project story was with an 89-year-old client who was a bit obsessed with her closet/dressing room. She insisted I design a dressing room where she could host meetings with fellow art museum trustees, friends, committee members, etc. We had to have several areas for a 3-way mirror so her dressmaker could conduct fittings, all while the client hosted meetings! We designed custom cabinets for her clothes, dresses and collection of over 500 pairs of black shoes as well as a comfortable seating area for her antique chairs, desk, and an elaborate custom sectional sofa and ottoman. Every time I think of her “holding court” in that dressing room, I have to laugh!

GDG: What can you take away from projects like that?

HH: In the end, I help my clients achieve a design that reflects them so they feel extremely comfortable in their home. It’s a collaborative effort where I help draw out their tastes, interests and their vision of the way they want to use the spaces!

Meet the Designer: Heather Hilliard of San Francisco (Part 1 of 3)

At the designer portfolio review hosted by The Editor at Large at Studio Baccarat’s Limited Engagement showroom, three guest editors selected their favorite portfolios to receive a free submission to publications through EditorAtLarge.com.

One of the all-stars selected was Heather Hilliard of Heather Hilliard Design. We decided to learn a bit more about Heather's work and what she's been busy with.

GDG: How did you get started in the interior design world?

HH: I majored in Art History in college and while in school, I worked at the University of Pennsylvania’s Institute of Contemporary Art. After graduating, I worked at the Philadelphia Museum of Art where I experienced incredible access to all curatorial staff, behind the scenes special exhibition planning, day trips to New York galleries, museums and artist studio tours. While walking from my office to other departments, I passed through the American Art gallery and glanced at the amazing silver collection before crossing through another corridor where I always noticed Charles Wilson Peale’s trompe l’oeil of his sons Titian and Ramsey Peale. I walked across the Museum’s great hall, under the enormous Alexander Calder mobile, through the 20th century galleries, passing works by Georges Braques, Brancusi and up the stairs through the European Paintings Gallery right by Cézannes and others from the post impressionist period. The constant exposure to great art on a daily basis continues to seep into my overall design and color sense!

GDG: Can you tell us about a project you're excited about these days?

HH: I’m proud to say that I’ve been selected to participate in my third Decorator Showcase event in the San Francisco Bay Area. This year, I’m designing the library at the San Francisco Decorator Showcase event where my team and I have just finished the library in the gorgeous Italian villa style home!

GDG: Tell us more about it!

HH: I loved designing this library because the moment I walked into the space, it captured a sense of warmth drawn from the rich colors of the nearby Presidio forest. My inspiration was found in the silvery colors on the underside of Eucalyptus leaves on the property; the browns of Japanese maples; the dark ochre of the redwood tree trunks and clay roof tiles. I knew instinctively that this room would come alive with luxurious natural materials of wool, silk velvet, leather, linen, horsehair and rich woods in order to create a soft worn-in look. Special emphasis was placed on comfortable upholstered furniture that is understated, tailored and timeless. One would feel comfortable reading the paper reclining on the sofa with the family dog or hosting guests for cocktails around the fireplace!

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo to hear more about Heather and Heather Hilliard Design. Heather will tell us which room she loves to design and about her crazy project with an 89-year old client.