Twenty years ago, I started Taste Design because I knew I was uniquely qualified to help clients create happy homes. I had spent years focused on creative marketing and business development at GTECH and Firebrand LLC, where I honed my project management skills and became fluent in the language busy decision makers understand and appreciate the most. I traveled extensively, experiencing the many different ways people create beauty all around the world. As I transitioned into the design phase of my career, those corporate experiences proved hugely valuable, first in my role with The Procaccianti Group, a hotel development corporation, and now, with Taste, working with individual families to create comfortable, beautiful homes. What’s great about Taste – and what I love most about doing what we do and the way we do it – is the fact that it draws on every part of my professional skill set to deliver comfortable luxury in a way that makes sense in the real world. With hundreds of projects now in Taste’s portfolio, I feel incredibly grateful for the support of my clients and collaborators and for the joy that comes from my work each and every day.
A Conversation with Patti Watson
@tastedesigninc
Patti is the visionary founder of Taste Design Inc., a celebrated interior design firm known for creating comfortable, beautiful homes. With a rich background in creative marketing and business development, Patti has honed her skills in project management and client relations, making her uniquely qualified to deliver luxurious yet practical design solutions. Her extensive travels and diverse professional experiences inform her innovative approach to design, ensuring every project is a true reflection of her clients’ aspirations.
Devon McWilliams Photography
How did you get started in design?
Our design style is deeply influenced by our clients' individual journeys. We believe that a home is more than just a living space; it's a reflection of where our clients are in their lives and a support system for their next chapter.
How do you approach the creative process and problem-solving in design?
Collaboration is paramount when approaching the creative process and problem-solving in design. No one person can design a home; our internal team of designers and project managers works closely with clients and external collaborators, such as architects and contractors, to ensure a holistic and innovative design solution. We start by understanding the client’s needs and conducting a thorough analysis of the project’s requirements and constraints. By fostering an environment of creative thinking and iterative development, we refine concepts based on feedback and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring every element contributes to the overall vision. Flexibility and adaptability are key, allowing us to navigate unforeseen challenges and deliver designs that are both beautiful and functional.
What aspects of Palmer products complement your brand style?
Palmer products perfectly complement our brand style through their use of classic materials like polished brass and nickel, which are highly appropriate for our clients’ homes. They resonate with the historic vernacular that we love to incorporate, while also offering an updated, sometimes modernized aesthetic. The designs of the shelving systems and vanities are not only refined and tasteful, they are also highly functional – these heirloom-quality pieces are made to last.
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How do you ensure the design meets the clients' expectations?
To ensure that the design meets with our clients’ expectations, we prioritize open communication and regular interactions throughout the entire process. Unlike what you may see on reality design shows, we don’t have a final reveal or “Ta-da!” moment. We maintain frequent contact with clients, seeking feedback and insights at every stage. Typically, Taste is brought on early in the renovation or new build process – prior to groundbreaking. This approach allows us to address any concerns or adjustments early on, ensuring that the final outcome aligns closely with the client’s vision. By fostering this continuous dialogue, we cultivate a collaborative environment where decisions are made collectively, leading to a shared sense of satisfaction and accomplishment by the project’s completion.
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A home is more than just a living space
Our design style is deeply inspired and influenced by our clients’ individual journeys and aspirations. We believe that a home is more than just a living space; it’s a reflection of where our clients are in their lives and a support system for their next chapter.
Every client comes with a unique story, set of needs, and future goals. We take the time to understand these elements, ensuring that our designs not only meet their aesthetic desires but also enhance their daily living experience. Whether it’s a growing family needing more functional space, a retired couple at long last rewarding themselves for a life well lived, or individuals seeking a personal retreat from a busy lifestyle, our designs are tailored to support their specific life stages and transitions.
By focusing on our clients’ aspirations, we create homes that are both beautiful and functional, spaces that foster growth, comfort, and joy as they move forward into their next phase of life. This client-centered approach keeps our work fresh, relevant, and deeply personal, ensuring that every project is a true reflection of the people who live in it.
“What I love most about Palmer is their ability to custom design their products, crafting one-of-a-kind pieces that become an integral part of the interior architecture of a home. The metalwork becomes an artistic feature – almost like a sculpture – enhancing the way our clients experience functionality in their homes with beautiful, timeless design.”