BENTON PARKER DESIGN

By Marla Caligaris | Photos By R.Caligaris

The goal of Interior Designers Leslie Wolfe and Brittany Harris is to create rooms that exude comfort and livability, and creating atmospheres which make people happy. Their projects represent the interests and tastes of clients. Therefore part of Benton Parker Design's work consists of discovering who their clients are and showing them how their visions can be became a reality.

The most important quality of a livable home is that the owners see it as a true “home.” It should reflect them, their ideas, and their interests in the most beautiful and functional way possible. Leslie Wolfe and Brittany Harris, partners at Benton Parker Design, are experts on putting a home all together in a beautiful and engaging way. They spoke to SVM about how they got started in the design field, what they enjoy most about interior decorating, and their favorite space they love to decorate.

How did you get started in the design field? Was there a moment you knew you wanted to pursue a career in interior design? I went to UGA and was a teacher for 5 years before becoming a stay at home mom of three kids. I've always loved interiors, but it wasn’t till my kids became older that I actually had time to pursue a job doing it. Once I met Leslie it was super easy to decide! She is more than my boss; she has become a dear friend. She truly is one of the kindest people and wants her clients to be happy with the projects she completes! I love being a part of the process! -Brittany

When I was a little girl, I loved seeing historic homes, which led me to major in Interior Design at Auburn. I started my business almost 20 years ago and have been going non stop since I graduated. A few years ago, a dear friend introduced me to Brittany. She needed some finishing touches at her home and I realized that she did not need a Designer...she needed resources. Brittany and I quickly became friends and I love having her opinion on everything from lamps to children. I was in the process of restructuring my business and the timing was perfect to add Brittany to my team. I feel like we balance each other perfectly and she has given me the renewed energy that I needed!- Leslie

What do you enjoy most about interior decorating? All the beautiful fabrics and wallpapers. Oh, big lights and lamps are my favorite! -Brittany

I really love the construction process. Walking through a newly framed home is one of my favorite days on the project. It is so satisfying to begin a project with drawings and see it all the way through to the decorative pillows. -Leslie

How would you describe your design style? It's a mix of traditional with elements of modern colors and textures. We buy things we love and know that they will find the perfect home in one of our projects.

We always love learning interior designers’ latest sources of inspiration. What has been inspiring you the most these days? For us the best sources are Instagram and beautiful coffee table books.

Do you have any inexpensive tricks for updating a room? We believe lamp shades can really update a space without breaking the budget.

When the budget is limited, what are the priorities to make a house feel like a home? We like to use pieces they love or have meaning and designing the beautiful room around things that are important to their family. Not everything has to be new.

I also think you have to prioritize; it can take years to get your home looking like you want. We just want to help you create a place that is beautiful and comfortable to raise a family, entertain friends, or just a peaceful place to unwind- Leslie

Do you have a favorite space or type of room you love to decorate? We love powder baths because we love to use wallpaper, and people are usually open to letting us be more adventurous in this space.

We also love kitchens. It is such a great room to allow different materials and textures. Island lights are a great place to add some personality as well.

What advice do you have for homeowners who are considering hiring an interior designer? Have a budget in mind and realistic expectations for what things cost. Pick a designer you trust and then allow them to create a space you will love. SVM