“There is no other place like home.”
by Linda Hughes, Owner, SugarPine & Lantana Design Studio
Prescott LIVING: What got you into this profession?
Linda Hughes: I actually have a varied profession that would include home designer, partner with my custom homebuilder husband, owner of a design studio for our new homebuilding clients and a home furnishings boutique owner. I’ve also been a Realtor on and off for the last 37 years. My father, uncle and grandfather were all custom homebuilders. I loved growing up on the jobsite, being outdoors in beautiful locales and watching the different trades do their magic.
Prescott LIVING: What are the most difficult and gratifying parts of your job?
Linda Hughes: The most difficult aspect of building and designing custom homes is getting it all started. From working with banks, engineers, architectural review boards, creating all the layers for the plans and obtaining permits from local entities. You know, the tedious part. The most satisfying aspect of building custom homes is knowing the dwelling will be here long after we’re gone. The knowledge that many joyous celebrations and homecomings will take place in our client’s homes. That it becomes a respite from the world we live in, a sanctuary that soothes the soul. There is no other place like home.
Prescott LIVING: What are your clients asking for most from you right now?
Linda Hughes: Our clients first and foremost want us to listen to them. Their wants, needs and specific details to what’s most important to them. Today that means creating a home with the most efficient systems and creative design while staying within their budget. What works for their specific living patterns, i.e: casitas for extended family, aging parents or boomerang children, separate offices, hobby rooms, gyms, ensuites, loads of outdoor living, kitchens for multiple chefs. In the Prescott area, the modern mountain ranch style is what is being requested. Natural materials such as authentic stone, reclaimed lumber and loads of view-framing windows. The colors of nature are finding their way into new homes with warmer tones and varied textures.
Prescott LIVING: What are some of your most trend-proof design options?
Linda Hughes: My advice is always, keep it classic. Time-proven design and styles will never let you down. Neutral colors are easy to update with rotating art, pillows, florals and home accessories. Adding color in this way is simple and relatively inexpensive. If the client wants to express themselves, I suggest the powder room. It’s exciting to develop a little jewel box of unique lighting, tile, plumbing fixtures, mirrors and wall coverings.
Prescott LIVING: How do you know when a project you’ve been working on is finished?
Linda Hughes: Creating a unique home for our clients does eventually come to an end once it’s ready to move into. What happens after is the individual layering of detail that humans bring with them from their lives. I would say that it’s never finished. Not only does life change, but new friends, grandbabies, communities and neighbors have their part in continuing the evolution of your home.
