2011 Charlottesville Design House Design Profile: Victoria Pouncey

As the 2011 Charlottesville Design House, which benefits the Shelter for Help in Emergency, gets closer, I hope to share a few more designer profiles with you. Today, I get to introduce you to Victoria Pouncey and share one of her recent projects with you.

I met Victoria through last year's Charlottesville Design House. I was amazed by the bedroom she created out of a second floor laundry room at the house (the house had two laundry rooms, so it made sense to turn one into a more function space). I couldn't forget the paint color she used, either. It was Farrow & Ball's Mouse's Back. It was a beautiful color in a beautiful space.

Today, I get to share a space that Victoria recently completed. This living room used to be one, cavernous space. It was renovated to allow for a second floor library. As you'll see, the space still feels bright and open, but Victoria has given it a bit more warmth and character.

S&C: You worked for Christie's for 17 years before going into design. What prompted the change? What was the transition like?

VP: My husband and I have a five year old daughter so when she was two, we began to think about leaving New York. I have some family members who moved to Charlottesville, and it seemed like a great place for a family. As for the design aspect, I had always loved art and design -- my mom was a decorator -- and with my background at Christie's, it just seemed like a natural transition. I knew I wanted to start my own business and have a flexible schedule while my daughter was young.

S&C: How would you describe your design aesthetic? What would let people know that Victoria Pouncey was behind a room?

VP: I would say that my design aesthetic is a mixture of the antique and the modern with a touch of glamour. I love metallic finishes and mirrors and mirrored furniture. Lots of books and hopefully, a great piece of art.

S&C: What is your favorite design resource in Charlottesville?

VP: I have found some amazing things at The Eternal Attic!

S&C: What is your favorite design resources outside of Charlottesville?

VP: New York. I could spend days in the D & D building. I also absolutely love Archivia Books.

S&C: When you start the design process, what elements have you most excited? Are you a paint person? Love furniture? Art? Fabrics?

VP: Fabric and furniture. I usually find a fabric that inspires me and then I take it from there.

S&C: Your background makes me wonder when art comes into your designs. Do you know what you are looking for even before you see it?

VP: It depends. I don't really decorate around art because an amazing work of art can go anywhere and be beautiful. I love Old Master paintings in very contemporary spaces.

S&C: Who are some of your favorite designers and why do you like their work?

VP: I like Darryl Carter's work because he is so masterful with neutrals. On the other end of the spectrum, I like to study Alessandra Branca's bold use of color, even though I gravitate to a more neutral palette. And I love her shop in Chicago.

S&C: What was the last thing you bought for you home?

VP: A work by the Dutch artist Hendrik Kerstens which I will have in the design house.

S&C: Is there anything you've been hoping to use in a clients home? Maybe a color scheme, a style, pattern, or special piece of furniture or art?

VP: I would love to do a metallic ceiling. I also have a new fascination with art deco light fixtures.

S&C: We've seen your board for the porch at the design house. Any hints about how you're using those elements? I love the fabric you picked!

VP: Thanks. The gray and ivory striped fabric is for window treatments and the embroidered fabric is for a pair of chairs.

Thanks to Victoria for taking the time to answer my questions and to Charlottesville based photographer Chris Scott for these wonderful images!

You can come see a Victoria Pouncey room in person next month at the 2011 Charlottesville Design House in Crozet!