WHEN TALENTED PROFESSIONALS TALK, WE LISTEN.
Admit it, you have an inquiring mind, and you want to know about the team building your PARK CITY dream home. We understand the inclination. So we decided to bring you Shop Talk, conversations with the talented pros designing, building, and outfitting your homes.
“Good design is a well thought out space plan that suits the needs but great design reflects a client’s taste as well as use of space.”
–Branda Northrop, Owner/Principal, Elegante´ Interiors & Design
ELEGANTE´
Interiors & Design
Founded in Park City Utah in 1999 by now principal Branda Northrop, Elegante´ Interiors & Design is a full-service interior design studio specializing in residential, commercial, and hospitality design and remodeling.
At Elegante´, they approach every new venture as a creative collaboration between clients, architects, and their team of designers. This method allows them to create one-of-a-kind environments as they strive to realize their clients’ vision, and exceed their expectations.
What services do you offer?
Elegante´ Interiors & Design is a full-service interior design firm. We offer a complete spectrum of design services, including space planning, 3D rendering, wallpaper, and color consultation. We also offer project management for remodels and new construction projects.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We have been serving Park City and the surrounding areas for over 19 years. Throughout that time I have had the opportunity to form relationships with clients throughout the nation. We are always open to the idea of designing globally, but we will wait for those opportunities to
present themselves.
What inspires you?
I’m often inspired by nature and the beauty of bringing the outside in. Most often we look out our windows and love the simplicity of Mother Nature…I think it’s beautiful to have elements that are organic as well as clean lines that do not disturb the balance of nature.
How do you see design changing in the next 5 to 10 years?
I see things really changing more moderately than in the past ten years. Design has come full circle to a simplistic approach that feels more timeless. I believe that most of the changes will be color-driven and as long as people choose a neutral palette for their primary interiors and furniture, they can change the accent colors more easily.
What makes the difference between good design and great design?
In my opinion great design is only achieved by taking client’s opinions, personalities, and uses of space into account. Good design is a well thought out space plan that suits the needs but great design reflects a client’s taste as well
as use of space.
How did you get your start?
I moved to Park City Utah in 1999 to open a third store of the Elegante´ chain. Starting a new store in the mountains opened many doors for redesigns and remodels. Getting my feet wet in a new town was challenging but it proved to be a worth- while venture to get to know local contractors and suppliers in what was a small community then. I am grateful for the early start before the town’s growth exploded. I feel like my roots are firmly planted in this community and I love the design potential here.
What is sure to make you laugh?
Oh, I love to laugh, it keeps me young, or at least young at heart. My team makes me laugh most of all, they are very playful and spirited and often joke while we work. I’m known to laugh about little things but find that it is so uplifting to just let go and smile.
What’s your ideal getaway?
I have dreamed of Bora Bora for years. One day soon I will make the trek and experience all the crystal-blue waters and white sands. Those colors in general inspire me and speak to my soul in a quiet voice.
What do you enjoy most about living and working where you do?
By far the thing I love most about living and working in Park City is the opportunity to meet so many people from
different walks of life. Running a close second is the pure beauty and splendor of these majestic mountains
that surround us.
Favorite season?
Hands-down I love the winter season. There is something about waking up to a clean white layer of snow on the ground that gets me going. I’m not as
bad as most of the Parkites that are dying to get to the mountains to make first tracks but skiing is one of my favorite things and that is only possible during my favorite season.
“In the future, I see motorized and cordless window coverings becoming the standard. With child safety and home automation as the driving forceS, I believe they will soon be more affordable for everyone.”
–Clint Olson, Owner, Park City Blind & Design
Park City Blind & Design
Clint Olson
Park City Blind & Design offers free in-home consultations and installations for custom window treatments. We specialize in motorized window coverings, but we offer an array of other treatments as well including, shutters, draperies, shades, and blinds. We also do custom bedding, pillows, upholstery, exterior shades, and retractable awnings. We have a fabric studio with hundreds of designer fabrics to choose from, along with a Hunter Douglas Gallery showroom that displays many types of the window coverings available.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We serve the Summit, Wasatch, Salt Lake, Utah, and Davis county areas.
Do you have special certifications or specialties?
We are certified in Hunter Douglas, Somfy, Lutron, and Crestron motorization.
How do you see your field changing in the next five to ten years?
In the future, I see motorized and cordless window coverings becoming the standard. With child safety and home automation as the driving forces, I believe they will soon be more affordable for everyone.
How do you work with clients, contractors, designers, and architects?
When we first meet with our clients, we establish their primary purpose for wanting window coverings. Is it privacy, sun control, or aesthetics? Next, we help them choose a product that best fits their needs, style, and budget. We measure each window to ensure a perfect fit, and have our professional installation team install the final product.
What are the challenges you face in your field?
One of our biggest challenges is meeting the expectations and needs of designers and homeowners with their uniquely-sized and uniquely-shaped windows in many of the homes in Park City. Our sales team and installation team work together to come up with innovative solutions to these difficult issues.
What do you enjoy most about your line of work?
The thing I enjoy most about my work is the opportunity to meet so many different people and collaborate with talented designers. I also appreciate being able to see many of the incredible homes built in our area. Park City is a beautiful, unique part of the state and I love
being here.
How did you get your start?
I got started in the window covering business over 27 years ago. I was hired to work at the blind company of a family friend, Tim Luger, who became my mentor. After working with him for many years, Tim retired. In October 2017, I became the owner of Park City Blind & Design.
Do you have a favorite sport or recreational activity, and what do you enjoy about it?
My favorite recreational activities are mountain biking, dirt biking, golf, snowboarding, and softball. I enjoy being outside and love the great state of Utah.
What is sure to make you laugh?
The one thing that always makes me laugh is the antics of my cute two-year-old daughter. She is the youngest of our eight children and she has us all wrapped around her little finger.
What places in the world do you find most inspirational?
I find Italy inspirational because of the amazing architecture, Hawaii because of the slow pace and opportunities to rejuvenate, and any one of Utah’s beautiful national parks because they are so diverse and stunning.
What is your Favorite season?
I love all the seasons because I like the variety and change each has to offer.
What is the Last book you read that you would highly recommend?
I’m a big Dan Brown fan, and recently finished reading Origin. It was full of intense moments and the plot was one that really made you think. I highly recommend it.
