2020 Customer Spotlight
Brittany Hutt, winner of the 2020 Design Inspiration Awards in the Elmira Stove Works category, is a small-town girl from Ontario, Canada, who moved to Florida to be alongside family and continue her education. She attended the International Academy of Design & Technology in 2009 to study for her Bachelor of Fine Arts in interior design.
While attending design school, Brittany interned for a local interior design firm and started working in the cabinet design industry with a part-time job. She began to attend seminars and local classes to start learning cabinetry basics.
After a few years of kitchen design, she started in-home consultations for kitchen and bath remodels and became a part of the installation and production process. After gaining knowledge in the field, she was able to quickly start managing her own project timelines and working one-on-one with clients on-site from start to finish.
Since then, Brittany has been building her portfolio by not shying away from any client’s design style. She has even expanded her reach over the last year working at Cabinets.com with the newfound ability to work with clients throughout the country.
By having this online presence, she is able to design with regional trends based on a client’s location, which allows her creativity and design talents to grow in numerous ways. “Thanks to 2020 Design,” says Brittany, “I can show a variety of styles daily and I can rely heavily on this software as my main tool for success.”
Brittany will continue to attend seminars and tradeshows involving the design industry to further expand her knowledge of new and trending products into the foreseeable future. She will even be attending the 2019 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas and is excited to see the latest design trends that are projected for the upcoming year.
Question & Answer Session
About the Designer
Brittany Hutt
Cabinets.com
Favorite paint color:
Watery, Sherwin Williams SW6478
Favorite industry site/blog:
Becki Owens’ Blog, Tami Faulkner Design
Favorite design style:
Transitional, coastal, farmhouse
Favorite Designer:
Becki Owens, Rafterhouse
Quote that inspires you:
“Keep your face always towards the sunshine and the shadows will fall behind you.”— Walt Whitman
When did you start using 2020 Design and what were some of your reasons for choosing that software?
I started using 2020 in 2011 with the first company I designed for. At that time, the software didn’t have as many features as it does now, but the basis of laying out cabinetry was unmatchable. The software is similar to the programs I used in college, so it was a great experience for me as I was able to pick it up quite easily.
What are some of the most helpful features you use in 2020 Design and why?
I absolutely love the design “wheel” in the Placement box – I couldn’t design as fast as I can without it! Placing and/or moving items exactly where I want them makes designing the space easier.
What has been your experience working with 2020?
Over the past few years, I have had a couple of glitches here and there. I am extremely impressed with the tech side of the company and the way the 2020 support team can remotely fix any issues I may have. On the training side of the company, I have watched countless videos going over simple design tips and tricks such as textures, lighting, and rendering settings. These have been extremely helpful. If I have a question, there’s most likely a video on the topic available.
What was the inspiration behind the design you submitted for the 2020 contest?
For my design for the Elmira Stove Works category in the 2020 Inspiration contest, I wanted to create a kitchen that incorporated the view from the large windows as well as the fireplace that was now part of the kitchen. We removed the wall between the two original rooms and created one large open-concept kitchen which helped create the warm and inviting space we see now. I added exposed trusses in a nice rustic wood that is seen throughout the space, giving the design a rustic and cozy feel. My goal was to create a kitchen that has plenty of storage, countertop space, and a design style that enhanced the charm of the Elmira Stove Works appliances.
Describe your creative process. What questions do you ask your clients? Where do you get your inspirations from?
When starting a new design, I like to get an idea of my client’s style and goals, whether the remodel or build is for a client that enjoys cooking, entertaining, or has a busy family. This allows me to know if they need a large prep space, specific appliances, or even a place for kids to do homework. I love using Houzz, Instagram, and Pinterest for design inspiration!
Do you design spaces other than kitchens and bathrooms?
Anywhere that there are cabinets, in addition to kitchens and baths. I like doing built-ins, offices, bars, entertainment centers, etc.
Do you use any 2020 Decorative Cloud items?
I use many of the cooking items as well as the chairs/barstools.
What are some of your favorite catalogs to use in your design projects?
I love the Elmira Stove Works and the Kohler catalogs, and I like adding retro Smeg appliances to my designs when the design is fitting.
What guidance would you provide to any designer who is considering 3D CAD tools for interior design?
I would express that using any 3D tool is going to take your skills and sales to the next level. By having a 3D software, you can create realistic renderings using multiple textures that allow the client to fully visualize their future space. As well, you can create detailed design plans that can be used by the installer for easy reference.
Tell us something unusual that has happened in your career.
One of my most memorable projects is an outdoor kitchen I designed for a family friend. This challenged me on a design level as well as being one of the few designs that I have been able to personally enjoy.
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