Trinity Talks: Meet Designer Amber Malloy
Amber Malloy is an avid backpacker and antique shopper who has been an Interior Designer for Trinity Homes for the last three years. We recently sat down with Amber to learn more about her design style and her predictions on what will be the next big trends in interior design.
Q: Where are you from originally?
I’m from Washington Courthouse, Ohio, near the Jeffersonville outlet malls about halfway between Columbus and Cincinnati. I came to Columbus in 1998 to go to Ohio State, where I actually studied to be an elementary school teacher but minored in design. My first job was as an assistant to a designer.
Q: Tell us about your job at Trinity Homes.
I’m the interior designer at Trinity Homes, so I work with new homeowners to help them envision their home and decide on selections for finishes both inside the home and outside. It can be exciting, especially when the customers want to explore outside of the standard options. I also design Trinity’s model homes and the BIA Parade model homes.
Q: What do you like best about working at Trinity?
My favorite part of the job is designing the model homes and the BIA Parade of Homes. I can use my own creativity and pick out all the things I love.
Q: What is one of the biggest perks of building with Trinity?
Trinity allows more customization than any other builder in town. For the most part, pretty much anything the owner wants to do, we can make it happen. Plus, the designers are always in the know on all the latest home trends.
Q: What do you like best about being a designer?
I love being able to think outside the box. I love being able to turn ideas into reality, and seeing things come together.
Q: Did you always want to be a designer?
Yes! For as long as I can remember, I have loved mapping rooms and homes. When I was a little girl, I used to rearrange my room every Monday. I’d draw on a piece of paper how I wanted my room to look and then rearrange everything.
Q: What is your favorite interior design style?
I love mid-century modern furniture and mid-mod style. In my work, I like exploring different styles and bringing them together.
Q: What are three things everyone should know about interior design?
One, don’t be afraid to mix and match textures and patterns! Two, bold colored walls work, and they actually look great. Three, you aren’t obligated to follow a trend. Don’t choose something just because it’s trending—work with what you love!
Q: What are the three biggest interior design “don’ts” you’ve seen?
One, artwork that’s hung too high. The rule of thumb is art should be hung 60 inches off the floor, which falls mid-sightline for most people. Two, don’t mix different carpet colors or too many flooring styles within the house. Three, you don’t have to make everything match. Don’t be afraid to mix things up—you’ll be surprised to see what works really well together.
Q: What do you think will be the next big design trend?
Mid-century modern is going to continue evolving. Designers are beginning to mix mid-century furniture in with other design styles. Next year, you’ll start to see a lot of people mixing colors, fabrics, textures and patterns.
Q: What colors do you think will be trending next year?
Pastels, but not Easter colors. Think neutral pastels. Sherwin-Williams “Touch of Sand” and “Topsail” are very popular right now, and a few of my other favorites are Sherwin-Williams “City Loft” and “Black Fox.”
Q: What’s your favorite project so far?
The Ambassador Homes 2017 model home at the BIA Parade of Homes. I had such a blast creating it! I was given full authority on interior design choices. I loved being able to think outside the box and come up with something that felt different from the norm.
