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Maryline Damour x Mitzi Q&A

Maryline Damour on Connecting & Collaborating in the Hudson Valley

February 11, 2022

Maryline Damour is an Interior Designer and Founder of the Kingston Design Connection. Nestled in the heart of upstate New York, Kingston is a thriving community with a rich cultural history and vibrant design scene. Each year, Maryline spearheads the Kingston Design Showhouse, an annual event spotlighting designers and makers in the Hudson Valley. Armed with a background in Marketing, Business Development and PR, Maryline knew that collaboration and storytelling would benefit local creatives. The Kingston Design Showhouse, pictured below, is a testament to her vision.

 

Sphere No.3 Pendant | 2021 Kingston Design Showhouse. Design: Jesika Farkas. Photography: Phil Mansfield.

What inspired you to create the Kingston Design Connection?

I moved to the Hudson Valley in 2018 and was looking to establish a network for myself of makers, vendors, and others in the interior design space. At that time, I met many individuals who expressed a need for opportunities to collaborate with other designers and creatives. I felt that with my skill sets in communications and business consulting, I might be able to help cultivate a network to facilitate connections in the Hudson Valley region.

What was it about Interior Design that made you decide to make the switch from Marketing and PR?

While working in corporate America, I bought a house in the Hudson Valley where I had the opportunity to design a space however I wanted for the first time. This began a real obsession with interior design. I eventually sold that house to fund my interior design degree from Parsons School of Design.

Fallon Pendant |  2021 Kingston Design Showhouse. Design: Jesika Farkas. Photography: Phil Mansfield.

At what point in the design process do you begin to think about lighting? And do you have any tips for how to pick out the right fixture for a space?

Lighting is important both for function and as decoration. When designing a space, say a kitchen or living room renovation, it’s critical to develop lighting plans at the beginning of the process. In terms of picking out the right fixture, I notice that people often tend to choose lighting that is too small. When in doubt, go bigger!

Chisel Wall Sconce | 2021 Kingston Design Showhouse. Design: Jesika Farkas. Photography: Phil Mansfield.

 

How would you advise designers or interior design lovers to think about lighting and its effect in a space? 

Lighting needs to be considered in layers to be truly effective. This includes adequate task lighting for cooking, reading, etc.; ambient lighting, like chandeliers, that changes the overall illumination of the room; and accent lighting, such as wall sconces and picture lights.

Kiara Flush Mount | 2021 Kingston Design Showhouse. Design: Haleh Atabeigi. Photography: Phil Mansfield.

If you could, what advice would you share with your younger self, just starting out in the industry? 

This is a competitive industry, and the key to success is finding your story. It took me a few years to find my niche and be able to articulate the contribution I wanted to make, both for clients and the industry.

For designers who don't have a support network like KDC, how can they start one?

I wasn't planning on developing an organization (we are now incorporated and applying for nonprofit status). The need has to exist. If people have a real need to come together, you will find them, and they will find you.

Sphere No.3 Pendant | 2021 Kingston Design Showhouse. Design: Jesika Farkas. Photography: Phil Mansfield.

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