Kellie McCormick, ASID
Bast/Wright Interiors, Inc.
bast-wright.com
(619) 299.5591
Professional Member ASID, Current ASID Board of Directors: Communications Director NCIDQ Certified, Bachelors in Applied Arts and Sciences with an emphasis in Interior Design, San Diego State University

What is your personal favorite color combination?
Green, gray and white mixed with a neutral beige or yellow – oh, and with a drop of blue.

Do you collect something? What? How did you get started?
Chairs, Classic Chairs. It was an accident and I (really “we” because my husband has the same problem!) had to stop because there was no place to put them!

Do you have a “lucky” local establishment where you always find the perfect piece? Where? What was your best find?
There is not one place that I go, and I usually find them when I least expect to. My best find was not from a store, but from a storage room at my father’s business. While he was cleaning it out, he found an Eames side chair with its original fabric. A couple years ago they re-introduced that fabric back into the market and I thought about re-upholstering it, but then I decided to keep its old charm! But if I am shopping around (for me or a client), I like to go to design/one in Hillcrest. They always have many unique furniture and accessory pieces.

Do you have a signature technique or piece that one would recognize in your work?
I think my color combinations and their complexity would be my signature. I like to combine colors in an unexpected and interesting way. I also like to mix materials in interesting ways to create unique design features.

Going Green is all the rage — how do you incorporate environmentally friendly practices into your work?
The first step in going green is educating ones self on the products and methods out there. There are many products that claim to be green, but how do you really know? It is our job as designers in this industry to ask questions and raise these issues to our vendors so they know what we expect and we know what we are getting and promoting to our clients. One example would be recyclability: They say it is completely recyclable – but in reality, it requires a special facility out of state that can accommodate this special product. If I just threw it in the recycle bin at home, it would end up in the trash. It seems like a minor detail, but that minor detail can make or break the deal of it really being green; and to get it out of state, I will need to package it up, and ship it on a truck that uses fossil fuels. What makes it green again? I am very supportive of green products and practicing green design, I just don’t believe that because it says it’s green, makes it green. ALL green products require research and we must be informed. And all green decisions must be based on weighing the pros and the cons, because I am not sure I know of any product that has no cons.

Do you have a tip for hiding multi-media & technology so it doesn’t undermine your design?
With the advancement in technology TV’s look pretty good these days, so I am fine with seeing the TV if that’s what the client wants. Also with the advancement of multi media products, you never see the equipment anymore because they are in closets and storage spaces!

Describe your dream job? Dream client?
Being able to design a home from start to finish and working hand and hand with the client using my professional experience and their personal goals is my dream job. It is very rewarding knowing that your work created a families dream home. Dream Client? That is tough because it is my job as and interior designer to put my personal taste aside and really listen to what the client wants and what will make them the most comfortable and happy in their home. But it always extremely exciting when your personal taste and visions are that of the client as well. However, no matter what the style, whether contemporary or traditional, I always enjoy the process and seek out the best selections to achieve the desired look, we all know that there are so many options out there and how overwhelming it can be for people who don’t do this every day!

When it is time to relax, what is your favorite room in your home?
My living room is my favorite place to relax after a long day. My sofa is very comfortable and guess what? The room is designed in green, gray and white mixed with a neutral beige and yellow. Oh, and with a drop of blue. It is also home to some of my favorite classic chairs!

What is your opinion of TV shows like Bravo’s Top Design?
Don’t watch it. Not sure how I feel about designers and decorators designing fake rooms that will be there for 10 hours? How green is that?