How lovely to get a note out of the blue that gives nice news. I've reprinted the article here for you, and that's where you'll find a poll to vote for your favorite.

Ciao! Anne

28 April

The 15 Best Interior Designers of Raleigh

Written by Amanda Miller

Who is the best designer in Raleigh, NC? Here are 15 contenders. Vote for your favorite and suggest others that we’ve missed in the comments section.

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Raleigh is part of the Research Triangle, where notable universities and development centers have contributed to a thriving, diverse locale. This fast growing and family friendly city has a healthy housing market and booming economy. All of this is happy news for the interior designers of the “City of Oaks,” who proudly support Raleigh’s art and design communities.

In every community, there are leaders that stand out from the pack. Raleigh is no exception, and we’ve gathered the top 15 interior designers who have made their mark on the city. They are listed below in no particular order. Vote for your favorite in the poll below, and if you know a designer who should have been mentioned, let us know in the comment section.

Judy Pickett

Since founding Design Lines in 1979, Judy has completed hundreds of projects and received numerous awards. She is a consummate professional who loves to share her knowledge and mentor up-and-coming designers. In 2005, Judy received the American Society of Interior Designers’ highest honor, induction into the College of Fellows. Her inspiration comes from nature.

Beverly TaylorA former elementary school teacher, Beverly returned to college when her children were in high school. Having earned a degree in interior design, she established bT2 Internet Interiors. Her online interior design company caters to DIY-oriented homeowners. Beverly encourages her clients to be true to their lifestyle, and believes that comfort is the essential element of a successful interior.

Elizabeth O’NealElizabeth received a BS in interior design from Meredith College, where she was a member of a national honor society. While participating in the 2008 ASID showhouse, she met Angela Crittenden, whom she partnered with to found Teal Interior Design. The duo create sophisticated interiors fused with a youthful flair. Elizabeth is the company’s lead interior designer for the Raleigh area.

Anne DeCocco

With over 25 years in the industry, Anne possesses a wealth of expertise. She has a passion for beautiful spaces that are easy to live in. Anne’s studies in interior design and art provide her with a solid understanding of design principles, and enable her to face the technical challenges that sometimes arise. Her favorite escape is at the beach, where she enjoys sitting out on a screened porch with a book in hand.

Amy LoweAmy studied at the Art Institute, and completed her bachelor’s degree at Meredith College. Her love of tactile materials drew her to a career in interior design. In addition to operating her own design firm, Amy Lowe Interiors, she is working on a fine furnishings collection. Her items can be viewed in person at the home decor purveyor Hunt & Gather.

Sally WilliamsA multi-cultural heritage and years abroad are reflected in Sally’s creative interiors. With an accounting degree and a background in corporate management, she is equipped to expertly coordinate project details and stay on budget. Comfortable in both modern and traditional spaces, her design aesthetic is timeless and free of stylistic premises. Sally volunteers her time and talents to non-profit organizations like the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Jaimie MaloneCommitted and passionate, Jaimie connects on a personal basis with her clients. So it’s no surprise that her client list includes Kieran Shanahan, Secretary of Department of Public Safety, and team members of the Carolina Hurricanes. With more than 11 years of experience, Jaimie has a network of architects, builders, and other industry professionals who assist in bringing her designs to life. Her work has been published in the Social magazine, Midtown Magazine and Walter Magazine.

Alison Crawford RoaneFor as long as she can remember, Alison has daydreamed up imaginary additions to her bedroom and ways to make a space more comfortable and inviting. Alison has also always been interested in helping others, and uses her eight years of experience and degree in interior design from Meredith College to do just that. She considers herself an interior designer for the budget-minded. Her style icon is Audrey Hepburn; her design icon is Candace Olsen.

Kristen McGhee & Margo FroehlichKristen Brook McGhee and Margo “Birdie” Froehlich are the energetic partners of Brook and Birdie Interior Design. Kristen holds a bachelor’s degree in interior design from Meredith College, and specializes in renovations. Margo has been a design professional for 20 years, and uses her experience to provide clients with beautiful, yet functional interiors. The firm’s goal is to use the client’s own style as inspiration, and create a comfortable space that never feels “too done.”

Donna BlaserIn 1996, Donna established db designs in Randolph, New Jersey. When her family relocated to Raleigh, so did the business. The move to a warmer climate provided Donna with an opportunity to specialize in beautiful outdoor living spaces. She continues to provide timeless and exquisite interiors, and services for all aspects of design.

Carole MarcotteThe serial renovator had many requests for home “interventions” from family and friends, so she developed Form & Function. Her goal is to help happily-functioning and beautiful dwellings that can be called home. The company offers full service interior design, redesign, and a retail store specializing in vintage, repurposed, and American-made home decor. In addition to her design hat, Carole is also a wife, mother, actress, and community activist.

Heather GarrettHeather attended the Parsons School of Design in New York, and studied under the famous French designer Robert Couturier. In 2001, she moved to Raleigh and opened her own firm. Her accessible signature style combines practicality (think kids, pets, and red wine) with sophisticated texture and extraordinary lighting. Heather’s work has been featured in national publications and she was named one of Traditional Home’s “New Trad Designers” in 2013.

Laura CovingtonLaura developed an appreciation for design early on, while visiting fabric houses, antique stores, and seamstress studios with her mother. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and earned a second bachelor’s degree in interior design from the Art Institute of Charlotte. Before founding her own firm, Laura worked with several reputable design studios. Along with her husband, children, and labradoodle, she is a resident of Chapel Hill.

Paige DickPaige began her journey at the New York School of Interior Design. She worked for a prominent design firm in NYC and Greenwich, CT, before founding Paige Designs LLC. Her work on a transitional-style home was recently featured in The News & Observer. Paige is committed to providing great design for her clients.

Lisa StewartLisa grew up in Middle America, where she was raised to appreciate a strong work ethic, the finer things in life, and adventure. She has lived in France, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Although her global travels do influence her design aesthetic, her true inspirations come from her clients. Lisa’s internationally inspired interiors accommodate the budget and lifestyle of her clients.

Image courtesy of Flickr user Bill Dickinson