We had the privilege of speaking with two Portland, OR-based interior designers who are at different points in their careers. Kinsey Bagwell is working towards her third year, while Donna DuFresne owns a respected and well-established practice. Both provided keen insight into the field of design and how the rug industry can better serve the profession.
KINSEY BAGWELL
What attracted you to interior design?
My mom was an interior designer and my dad’s an artist and a teacher, so I grew up in a creative household. It’s kind of in my genes. Growing up, I’d always re-organize my bedroom. I’d make little nooks and crannies in the closet, places to hang out. That’s where it started.I went back to school for interior design. I’d heard about Heritage, which is an awesome school here in Portland, OR.
How did school differ from working in the field?
Going through the Heritage program over the last two years, while also working at Dailey Design, I thought I'd know it all! But there’s so much that goes into everything, from window coverings to rugs.
I feel like interior design is the most humbling career because you will never know everything. There’s always something new to learn.
When you started, what was the hardest part of the job?
At first it was all the terminology. There were so many words that I hadn’t heard of like wainscoting.
What’s the most enjoyable aspect of your job?
Every day is different. I am constantly inspired and in awe of everyone’s trade and how passionate everyone in this career is.
You’re transitioning from Dailey Design Studio to the design firm Teal and Scott. How did you discover that opportunity?
I became a bit of a fan girl because they have this amazing bond between the two of them. I started following their Instagram and then followed them on Linkedin. I thought they’d be really fun to work for. They posted a job. I immediately hopped on it and got a call back.
Teal and Scott make great use of social media. It lets clients know their vibe, style, and energy. In your experience, is social media important in the design world?
I do think social media plays a big part, that’s how I found my job.
What rugs are you familiar with thus far?
Dailey Design did more traditional, hand-knotted, wool and silk rugs. One they used all the time was Oushaks. That’s their go-to. It’s tried and true and amazing.
When sourcing a rug, do you prefer off the rack, or do you like to be able to order custom?
Ordering custom is ideal. We got to do a project for a client in Palm Desert. Bright green, blue, and orange rugs, really funky designs. It’s so cool to be able to base a whole room off of a rug. I have a whole new appreciation for rugs since starting this career.
Teal and Scott featured interiors: THE TREEHOUSE, PORTLAND, OR (top) | LAKE OSWEGO MODERN (bottom) PHOTOGRAPHY BY: CHRIS DIBBLE
Well, we don’t mind hearing that! How do you further educate yourself about rugs and products?
We like letting vendors come to us to do presentations because we want to see what’s current and where the industry is headed. It’s about making connections and face-to-face interactions.
What’s your favorite swag that you’ve gotten from a vendor?
A nice pen goes a long way because you’re constantly taking notes in this industry.
DONNA DuFRESNE
How did your journey in design begin?
I’ve kind of always lived my life backwards. I started by buying properties and redoing them. Come to find out that it’s a lot cheaper to make mistakes on paper. Then I went to design school for a year and a half and got offered a job at a design firm in Beverly Hills. I learned a lot and still use those early impressions and lessons today.
What are some of the biggest changes in design that you’ve witnessed?
Artificial intelligence. I don’t really dabble in it that much. I’m a big fan of authenticity.
What were some of the rug styles that were popular when you started out?
I don’t follow fads, or what’s hot for the moment. I don’t think I’m doing my clients justice if I get too trendy because I don’t think that’s a wise investment. If you have good, solid things like a beautiful Heriz rug, that’s something that’s not disposable.
If you use the best quality that you can do, it’s better than filling up a room with a bunch of trendy junk.
A Heriz may come in and out of fashion, but if you like it, then you love it!
Absolutely. So many people today look at Instagram and Pinterest and see so much of the same thing, and they think that’s what’s good. As a designer you have to find out the personality of that person and try to introduce them to things so they can understand and love them.
A lot of your work that’s been photographed feels like a painting. There’s a signature richness to your work that has a glow.
I think of myself as a painter. I would say 99 percent of my clients come from referrals. I would assume that something about my work attracts them to it.
Do you often begin with the rug, or do you wait until other pieces are in place?
I think rugs are a very important part of the picture. It’s one of the key players. I don’t necessarily start with the rug, but it’s definitely in the top five.
Do you feel comfortable with purchasing for clients online?
I like 1stDibs. It’s not always the right pairing for certain clients, but it inspires me just to go there and I’d rather look though that than scroll through Instagram. I like working with local artisans. 90-percent of the furniture that I place is custom, or antique reupholstered pieces.
Do you like it when reps come to you with things that are new?
I do. Showrooms in Seattle come down every quarter, or when a new line comes out. They keep me current.
When you’re presenting ideas to clients, how do you communicate? Do you use digital, flatlays, or a mixture?
A mixture. I like to develop boards to leave with clients, so they can sit with it after the presentation. We create a nice little gift box and inside the gift box are all the little samples and memos that are part of the presentation.
So it’s important that vendors and reps give you samples.
It’s absolutely necessary. Before you’re going to make a major commitment, you need at least a weekend to sit with it and touch it. It’s important to leave clients with something that they can feel.
If you were to give advice to someone who’s starting in interior design, what would be helpful to share with them?
Ask questions. As a design community, we should support the next generation. Find a person that you feel comfortable with. Mentorship. Seek that out.
If you were going to choose a rug for yourself, what would you choose?
A Heriz!
Would it be an antique?
Yes! Then it has a soul.
Donna DuFresne featured interiors: GARTHWICK (top) 2021 GRAY Awards Finalist | Residential Interior Design SW DONNER, Portland, OR (bottom) PHOTOGRAPHY BY: CHRIS DIBBLE
