If you do not yet know interior designer Quintece Hill-Mattauszek, the founder and principal designer at Studio Q Designs, then you absolutely must! I am so excited that I got to talk to her for the Designer Spotlight series, get to know her a little bit and find out what makes her design mind tick. She creates interiors of luxury, in ways that are both elegant and accessible. Also, her work is just plain cool.

Based in Alexandria, VA, Quintece has worked for some of the most influential designers and builders in the Washington D.C. area. She started her own firm, Studio Q Designs, in 2012.

Q. Can you start by telling us a little bit about yourself? Where are you from, where did you grow up? What did you dream of being when you were a kid?

A. I grew up in the Pocono Mountains in PA, so I am a nature girl and love the outdoors and animals. When I was younger, I thought I was going to be a veterinarian, but as I got older I took note of my love for creating and designing from my parents. My mother was a fabricator and made custom slipcovers, soft goods, and window treatments. My father loved art, music and landscaping.

Q. How did you get started in interior design and when did you know you’d hit upon the right career for you?

A. We didn’t have a lot of money growing up, so if we needed something, we made it! Clothing, fancy meals, home décor, construction, repairs etc. I gained so many skill sets from my parents that have led me to my career choice in the design industry. I didn’t find out that interior design was a career option until I made my way to college and that’s when TLC started the TV show “Trading Spaces” and I said, “I can do that, and better!” At that time, I was studying engineering at the University of Maryland and decided I wanted to change my career choice.

Q. How would you define your design style and how did you land on that style?

A. Modern luxury with a casual ease. My style developed over time by attending to my clients’ design goals. I found that my clientele was searching for luxury modern aesthetics that were functional for their lifestyle. I started to notice my clients were bachelors who wanted dope spaces with low maintenance materials, young families that wanted beautiful interiors with lasting durability, busy professionals that wanted casual elegance for entertaining, and remodeling clients that wanted designs with staying power.

Q. From where do you draw inspiration?

A. All of my design work is influenced by my clients’ design goals. I take pride in my ability to interpret a client’s design desires to create beautiful, modern, and functional spaces that reflect their taste and lifestyle. This includes an emphasis on the ability to listen to what’s being said and to recognize the unspoken.

Q. What are the steps you take in pulling together a room?

A. Regardless of how the project concept develops, I ALWAYS start with a floor plan, then follow that with form found in the furnishings, mill work, and lighting. I depend on my reps and showrooms to help source unique products to fit the needs of my clients and deliver unique interiors. After I have my core design structure and pieces selected, I apply the Studio Q touch with finishes that tell a story or create moments. I make sure to add a combination of elements in each project of a metal finish, a leather, visual texture, a reflective or translucent piece, tactile texture, and a minimum of four colors.

Q. You work in and around Alexandria, VA, which is quite a historic town. Does that history inform your design in any way and, if so, how?

A. Since my design philosophy is client-focused, the inspiration of the home’s history may or may not play a part in the design concept. I do try to keep in mind the existing architecture and gracefully integrate that into the design concept.

Q. Your work is stunning. Clearly, the spaces are luxurious, but there is a sense of attainability to the looks you create. What are your tricks for pulling it all together?

A. I like to make sure my design feels livable. I remember my grandmother had a beautiful white sofa….with plastic covers on them. I always thought, “I don’t get it, now you can’t see or feel the beautiful fabric.” So, I like to source pieces and materials that are functional and fit my clients’ needs, then enhance the look with other elements in the space. I also look for ways to incorporate unconventional ideas and materials in ways that can be unique and budget friendly.

Q. You have a way of working with neutrals that is so exciting. Whether it’s wood paneling or patterned tile, plush materials – they are in neutral colors and done so well. What are your best tips for working with neutrals?

A. I guide clients towards the use of neutrals for large ticket items to keep a space balanced, gender neutral and budget focused. If your larger big-budget items are in neutrals, then they can work with lots of colors and you will have the flexibly to refresh your space over time by simply changing out small items or new paint colors. Neutrals are a great concept foundation and can be mixed up, layered, and added to just about any color palette. You can also toss in as many neutrals as you want and it will still give a pleasant vibe. This is useful for those who want a lux layered look, but are timid to commit to color.

Q. What trends are you happy are gone or going away? And what would you like to see more of in interiors?

A. The Boho chic fringe moment can go away now! I would love to see a resurgence of vintage pieces mixed in with all genres, creating unique interiors with a story.

Q. How do you think people should approach designing their own homes?

A. Don’t worry about the trends, stop trying to mimic what’s out there, and really pay attention to what it is you need first. Most successes in life are built over time and with a plan. It’s okay to take your time and develop your design with a well thought-out approach.

Q. What are the biggest mistakes you see people making when designing a space?

A. People tend to try and mimic WHAT they see in a magazine or social media without understanding the WHY! Why did they choose that size rug, why did they use a lighter color, why did they make the window treatments that length. Understanding the WHY in interior design is very important to composing a well-designed space.

Q. I absolutely loved this corner here. How important is finding the right lighting for a space and do you have any tips for the average homeowner on how to find the right lighting?

A. Lighting is everything! Lighting is not just used to complete a task but it also plays a part in how we see color or how it changes colors. It can highlight an item, it can make us feel safe and secure, or change our mood entirely. The point is, think outside the box when it comes to lighting and its uses. Table lamps and chandeliers are not your only options, try the unexpected. Some items can be converted to a one-of-a-kind light fixture!!!!

Q. What is some of the best advice you’ve received in your career?

A. Don’t take it personal!  If your client isn’t in love with your idea, save it for the next project!