So far you have met two of our design contest winners, so today we want to introduce Sandy Hankins, SH Designs, Inc., Greenville, SC, also a contest winner. Sandy is an authorized Maitland-Smith designer and her winning design is a chest of drawers with penshell and matching tortoise finish with black lacquer.
The original shown below, orignally has a dark tone wood finish with multi-shell inlay.
Sandy impressed the judges as she transformed the chest of drawers using our ONE, Singularly Crafted for You online program.
As a child growing up in Dothan, AL, Sandy was always moving her mom's furniture around or repainting walls. Her mom was a great seamstress and taught her how to sew making tiny Barbie clothes, saying, "if you get that fine detail, then you can sew anything." Her mom was a great artist and she gave Sandy appreciation of art. As you can imagine, Sandy's interest in interior design was the result of her mother's influence growing up -- plus she obviously had inherited her mother's talent.
After she decorated her first home, the word spread and several years later, SH Designs, Inc. was born (and that was over 30 years ago.)
Sandy's design philosophy is all about artistry and creativity -- interiors that are not carbon copies of what other designers create over and over. She wants to turn living spaces into warm, comfortable areas with special elements that are not seen everywhere. Here is an example of her work, which is definitely warm and inviting. A cup of cocoa and a good book are all that are needed for a perfect afternoon.
Careful to listen to her clients and give attention to detail, Sandy wants to ensure that her clients are completely satisfied with the home of their dreams and will recommend her work to their friends.
Working with clients all over the US Sandy's full service design firm specializes in residential and commercial interiors.
"Creating a beautiful home or commerical space is to me like painting a picture," Sandy says. "You start with a blank canvas and little by little, the picture or room starts to take life...you stand there, then turn, and walk away with a smile."
Sandy and some of her staff joined us at our cocktail gala in April where she received recognition of her win. A gifted and talented designer, she represents one of our many loyal Maitland-Smith authorized dealers/designers who know they can come to Maitland-Smith/La Barge to find just the perfect, unique pieces for their clients in creating the homes of their dreams.
To see our complete line, visit our website, www.maitland-smith.com today.
I can see her amazing talent. Such beautiful spaces! Well done!
Posted by: Hannah Easter | 06/05/2010 at 03:09 AM
GREAT talent - job well done!
Posted by: Cindy Easter | 06/07/2010 at 09:55 PM