Meet Ethan Allen Design Star Chris Nguyen
Our designers are among the best in the business—and we’re always on the lookout for the best among them. When we discover a gifted designer—like Chris Nguyen—who represents the essence of Ethan Allen, we know we’ve found our latest Design Star! Meet Chris in this exclusive interior designer interview. He has been with our Rockville, Maryland Design Center for three years. Find out what inspires him, what projects are his favorites, and what he brings to the design table. Take a peek into the life of an interior designer who truly loves his work—and makes beautiful homes happen every day.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in Frederick, Maryland—my mother is Salvadoran and my father is Vietnamese—and moved to the Rockville area after high school. I studied studio art at the University of Maryland. I live with my fiancé, son, and pet Lacie. I like to paint in my free time, and other than my passion for art and design, I love dancing! I used to be a competitive ballroom dancer, and I still try to dance at least once a month.
What’s the one thing you’d like our readers to know about you, the designer?
It means a lot when clients put their trust in me and allow me to bring new life to their homes. I love seeing the smiles on their faces when they’re happy with the result.
What is your favorite design tip?
Be bold! No matter how small or seemingly unimportant, a room should always make a statement!
What Ethan Allen piece is your favorite?
I love the Parker chair. It has character—and clean, sharp lines that can really steal the show.
Complete this sentence: Every room needs …
An opportunity to become an enchanting space that evokes passion and creativity!
If you could do any project, anywhere, on any budget, what would it be?
After my own home, I would want to design a grand place that all the world would see and appreciate—something like Buckingham Palace or the Palace of Versailles!
Tell us about your favorite Ethan Allen project.
It was a project I worked on from the ground up. My client was downsizing and wanted a fresh start, so she allowed me to completely reinvent her space. We designed the entire home with Ethan Allen, and she was very pleased. In fact, we became great friends.
Find more of Chris’s work on Instagram ( chris_nguyen_designs ) and Houzz (https://www.houzz.com/pro/cnguyenea/chris-nguyen-of-ethan-allen-rockville). To see more beautiful rooms by designers like Chris, subscribe to The Art of Making Home.
