Known for her ability to mix high & low (and for her unflinching use of color!), Maggie Dillon, a North Carolina-based designer who was recently named to House Beautiful’s Next Wave list, sees design as joyful personal expression. We were lucky enough to sit down with Maggie to find out what inspires her optimistic approach to design and learn how she trims with style.

Samuel & Sons: What value does introducing trim add to your projects?
Maggie Dillon: Adding trim provides a pop of color and contrast to which the eye is immediately drawn. It's a layer that's certainly not necessary but always appreciated and noticed, and gives a further custom feel in any application.

S&S: You use trim in a fresh way, what is your design philosophy?
MD: As obvious as it sounds, listening to your gut is the best thing to do. Whether this is pertaining to a client, a design direction or decision, or another challenge you've come across, your gut is almost always going to tell you the right next step. Do what feels right and good to you and the rest will fall into place.

S&S: How did you get started in design?
MD: My first job out of college was with Circa Interiors & Antiques as a personal assistant to one of the owners/ designers there. It was great exposure to the industry and helped me realize my desire to learn more about design, which prompted me to go back to school at the Art Institute in Charlotte. At that point, I also started working with Charlotte Lucas who helped me uncover my love for color and pattern.

S&S: What informs your aesthetic, where do you find inspiration?
MD: Finding inspiration knows no bounds! Travel, design books, social media to name a few.

S&S: What advice do you have for young designer looking to elevate their project or who may be scared of using trim?
MD: Try it out on a low-risk piece of furniture or decorative item like a foot stool or pair of pillows. You'll be surprised at how much impact a small piece of trim can have and will without a doubt become hooked. There are a million ways to use and apply trim and it's really fun discovering new possibilities.

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