This year’s Dream Room Awards Designer of the Year is Donna Smith, a franchise owner in East Walpole, Massachusetts. Going up against 277 other entries in 11 different categories, her beautiful living room design stood out and, ultimately, came out on top.

Our 39th awards ceremony was held during our annual conference in New Orleans, and we were so excited to welcome so many amazing and talented people to the presentation.

“It means everything to me to get the recognition for my work,” Donna said. “I loved doing [this design project], and this client was just amazing. She was just so fun to work with.”

Donna’s client requested her to furnish a multi-functional living room for her and her family in their recently purchased traditional Boston brownstone. The homeowner wished for a more modern styled space to gather and enjoy time with the people closest to her. And, Donna delivered!

Her winning design combined the modern design that the client wanted with a classic look that Donna excels at. Using upholstery in gold, soft green and neutral fabrics along with light wood and metal case goods, she created a warm room that the client adores.

She started with the area rug as the focal point and worked her way from there.

“We just built the room one step at a time,” said Donna. “We kept going room by room. It was probably over a year’s process of designing everything and then an additional year to get everything in.”

But, her years of dedication and hard work paid off.

“My client was so overwhelmed; she was just so happy,” Donna added. “She went from room to room, and she was just in awe.”

Interior decorating isn’t a solo job. Donna worked closely with her client to discover what her dream home looked like and partnered with her each step of the way to ensure she designed the space to meet her client’s needs and wishes.

“We did it together, we really did,” said Donna. “But this was definitely the job of a lifetime — really a dream job. Being able to work with this client and become really good friends was such a gift. She was just amazing to work with, and it shows. We were really collaborating together, and I think it makes the outcome that much better”

The living room was brought together with several beautiful touches. After picking the main area rug, Donna chose a swivel chair in warm neutrals to include versatility to the space and add a comfortable seating option. Nickel-based ottomans were put in place to either be used as extra chairs or for the client to kick her feet up after a long day.

Around a circular dining table were upholstered chairs, creating a beautiful eating space full of natural light. Lamps, artwork and other accessories were placed and hung strategically, completing the space and wrapping a bow around the entire project.

The result was a space that anyone would be proud to have been a part of.

“This is my favorite room I ever designed,” Donna said. “So, to win for that is doubly exciting.”

Want To Have an Award-Winning Space?

It’s not easy to put together a space that’s both jaw-dropping and functional. Lucky for you, Donna Smith and other Decorating Den Interiors designers are always taking on design projects, no matter what challenge the space poses.

Wondering how to get started? All you have to do is reach out to us! We’ll set up an initial consultation that can be done over the phone or in person. This meeting will be a chance for you to share your personal desires for your home and will give our decorators an opportunity to learn more about you. After that, we really take the reins, coming up with a design plan and mood board that you’ll approve. Once we have a plan of attack, it’s pedal to the metal to make your design wishes a reality!

Want to work with Donna? Reach out to her to get started!