Designer Spotlight

Allison Butera

Long Island, New York

Questions and Answers

Tell us why you chose Atlas Homewares for your kitchen design.
We chose Atlas Homewares because we were hunting for hardware with both a traditional and industrial feel. The Bradbury collection was perfect!
Describe the basement and how you fulfilled your plans for the space.
This project was a total gut renovation in the basement of a 100-year-old home. This basement renovation needed to serve a LOT of functions ¬for work, sleep, entertaining, fishing, laundry, bathroom, storage and play! Before demo, the existing basement was very segregated with doors and walls galore. It was dreary and dark, and it was important for me to open up the space and let light shine in from all the egress windows. We were able to create a space that doesn’t feel like a typical “basement” but more of an extension of useful living.
Did you run into any challenges with this specific project?
The challenges in renovating an old home are vast. Other than a pandemic, there was a lot of electrical and plumbing work, we needed to address the uneven foundation to accommodate new flooring and there were low ceilings that were very uneven. In order to make them as level as possible, we had to add fur downs, which created an even tighter headroom. Although we were not happy with losing height, the space still feels spacious and intentional.
Tell us about yourself. What is your design style, passion, and/or inspiration?
Being artistic runs in my family. In fact, my great-grandmother was very fond of interior design, my grandmother had a strong love for art and painting and my mother was a floral designer. My design style has always been inspired by our love for nature and coastal spaces. My studio’s approach helps to create a clean aesthetic that is stylish and curated for daily living.
Where do you go to get new ideas and inspiration?
I’m always resourcing and perusing the internet for interiors, furnishings, and design ideas. I also gain a lot of my inspiration from travel and the outdoors.
What interior design trends are you seeing today?
I would say that people are honed into more simple and less fussy interiors that are timeless. One trend is the use of natural materials. People love textures like rattan and wicker; it can take them back to their favorite places in nature and the outdoors.
What hardware trends are you seeing today?
I’m seeing a lot of gold accents and mixing finishes. Don’t be afraid to MIX IT UP!
Do you have any tips about how to choose the best hardware for your space, lifestyle and/or style preferences?
Determining the overall feel and aesthetic of the space helps guide the style and selection of hardware. Then you’ll have to figure out just how much attention you want to create with hardware. It’s amazing how much hardware can elevate any space; it’s the jewelry that finishes it off!
What’s the best interior design lesson you have learned?
Listening to your inner voice is the greatest advice! Whether something is trending, timeless, or way off the style grid, staying true to yourself is what matters most. If you LOVE IT and it brings you lasting happiness, that’s all you need to live beautifully and authentically.
View More of Allison's work here