Tips From the Design Star

Our latest Design Star, Peggy Fortuna, has been an award-winning design consultant in our Danbury, Connecticut, Design Center since 2012. Before that, the Baltimore native owned and operated her own design and color consulting business. Peggy and her husband have three grown daughters, one grandchild, and a chocolate lab with his own Instagram account. We caught up with Peggy recently and she shared her thoughts on design.

EA: What is your favorite Ethan Allen project?

PF: I had complete design freedom to decorate a client’s four-bedroom home in New Milford, Connecticut—including a large outdoor space. Every room, completely furnished with Ethan Allen furniture and accessories, is both beautiful and livable.

EA: What Ethan Allen item do you currently covet, and why?

PF: I love all the Dynasty and Ming pieces for all their finish options. I also love the sculptural shape and versatility of the Corbin ottoman. It can be used in both traditional and transitional spaces, and it looks great in all kinds of fabrics!

EA: What is your favorite design tip?
PF: I always say the rule is: There are no rules.

EA: Complete this sentence: Every room needs—

PF: Negative space. Color, light, volume, and pattern are important—but don’t forget the space that surrounds it all.

EA: Is there a color you can’t live without, and why?

PF: I love rooms that are all white, but I design using a varied palette. White is needed to balance the other colors in the room.

EA: If you could do any project, anywhere, on any budget, what would it be, and why?

PF: To me, nothing is more beautiful and serene than the beach—so, selfishly, I’d have to say I’d love to decorate a beach house for my family. It would be awesome. And while I am dreaming, let’s say it would be on Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman!