OCTOBER 2010


S M O K E S I G N A L S A D V E R T I S I N G S U P P L E M E N T Interior design … is it an art or a science?


rigorous academic study? Brenda Regan of Brenda H.


I


Regan Interiors is one of the few designers who actually received a graduate degree in interior design. Her master of arts degree is from Brenau University in Gainesville where her residential design course professor happened to be Jerry Poole, a Big Canoe resident. The interior design curriculum


she studied there went far beyond simple interior decoration. “The areas we covered included lighting and electrical plans, all aspects of construction documents, as well as universal design, historic preservation and sustainability. I can design everything from simple updates to major structural changes,” Brenda said. For the past eight-years, Brenda


has applied her talents to a number of jobs in Gainesville where the gentrification of Bradford St. is a great source of local pride. Horseshoe Bend in Roswell, Marina Bay in Gainesville, The Polo Fields in Cumming and Bethany Green in Alpharetta are other areas that have seen her work. “What I enjoy most about my job is working with people and helping them create a


Creating outdoor rooms such as this comfortable pavilion adjacent to a swimming pool is part of a growing national trend toward a more active, outdoor lifestyle.


s interior design an art, a craft, a science – or all three? Is it a profession in which talented amateurs can thrive or is it a discipline that requires


I N T E R I O R D E S I G N


BRENDA H REGAN INTERIORS 404-580-6558


E-mail: design@brendahreganinteriors.com • Web site: www.brendahreganinteriors.com


central role in how Brenda approaches her job. The kernel of her interior design plan often begins with a single item to which a client has a strong personal attachment. That item might be an heirloom piece of furniture or a favored collection such as pottery or crystal. “I like to see them choose


something that has some personal history,” she said. “Knowing its background gives it a meaning they can’t duplicate with something new. If it’s an old sofa that they love, I suggest that they have it reupholstered instead of buying a new one. “While the current economic


situation and volatile real estate market have had a chilling effect on the interior design industry, Brenda says there are some benefits. “People are much more willing to renovate (a house) they have rather than try to sell,” she said. “That way they can better control the investment they have in their home.” As a result, she said she is


seeing a renewed interest in homeowners finishing basements,


space that they love and watching as they see the transformation take place,” Brenda said. Like all good designers she says she tries to be a good listener. Instead of getting out


in front of her clients, she prefers to see where their ideas take her. The emotional component of changing one’s surroundings is quite strong and plays a


GEORGE HLAVENKA AIA


10302 Big Canoe, Jasper, GA 30143 • 706-579-0454 • 770-287-4115 cell E-mail: GRHlavenka@gmail.com • Web site: www.GRHLArchitect.com


Introducing architect George Hlavenka


A R C H I T E C T A


re you one of the lucky ones? The type that from a very young age know what your passion is in life, then go about happily making a living using that very passion? Licensed architect George Hlavenka is one of these people. With over 30 years of


experience with residential, commercial and institutional projects, George has parlayed a creative artistic ability into actual brick and mortar. Perhaps you’ve driven by the Community Bank on Cove Road or visited Babyland General


in White County? Both are George’s designs. His current project is a $5 million state-of-the- art classroom building at Tallulah Falls School. George and wife Lucille are relatively new to Big Canoe, but already recognize the


uniqueness of our community. Its understated beauty is “a wonderful place to pursue one’s personal sanctuary,” stated George. A trend among retirees he says, is the downsizing of homes, yet with elegance and


high-tech features of a larger property. Energy efficiency is also important to today’s clients. Whether you are designing a fire station or a second home, going green starts at the drafting table. In George’s own words, “I hope to be able to help clients realize their dreams, and also serve the needs of Big Canoe by designing places for them to shop, work, worship and live.”


creates unique environments for today’s lifestyles. Vicci Barrett, an interior designer for over 15 years, designs model home interiors for large national homebuilders, residential clients, and clubhouses. Her style ranges from mountain casual, transitional, and French Country to Hollywood glamour. In the Big Canoe area, Vicci finds many homeowners want an upscale country look, complete with dark woods and an old world feel, but with a modern twist. Vicci designs unique window treatments, bedding and upholstery to achieve a custom


C A client’s home reflects the unique design touch of Vicci Barrett.


look for your home. By using her professional workroom staff, Vicci’s clients benefit from knowing each design is original and expresses their individual home and style. “I spend a lot of time listening to my clients, helping them to express what they want in


their home,” says Vicci. “We discuss color preferences, likes and dislikes. I tour their home, including closets, which ultimately gives me details about their family and how they live in and enjoy their home.” Think you can’t afford to hire an interior designer? Not so, says Vicci. “Sometimes all it


Jennys Cove Road elevation is a good example of architect George Hlavenka’s work.


takes is a consultation with my clients to guide them in decisions about paint color, furniture placement, accessories, and art rearrangement.” Your home is the heartbeat of your family. Whether you are looking at remodeling your bathroom or kitchen, Creative Designs by Vicci can help make your dreams become a reality.


reative Designs by Vicci


adding outdoor spaces and building room additions. “Locally, we’re seeing a lot of renovations.” she said. “Outdoor living spaces such as screened porches, outdoor kitchens and fireplaces are particularly popular. ” Big Canoe has always been of special interest to Brenda because of the design


sensibility of the residents and their affection for traditional and classic interior design. “I have found that many Big Canoe residents are ready for a change,” she said, “but whatever they do, they want to retain the hallmarks of the lifestyle they’ve enjoyed over the years.”


CREATIVE DESIGNS BY VICCI


260 Bent Ridge Drive N., Dawsonville GA 30534 • 404-542-2434 E-mail: viccibb@bellsouth.net • Web site: www.interiorsbyvicci.com


Creative Designs by Vicci offers model home results


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