SEATTLE — In the “Modest Budget, Big Impact” category of the 14th annual Northwest Design Awards, Port Angeles interior designer Trisa Chomica has walked away with first prize.
“’Modest Budget, Big Impact’ — isn’t that what everybody wants?” Chomica said Friday after the gala at the Seattle Design Center on Thursday night.
Her prize-winning makeover of a Port Angeles family’s kitchen and dining room included laminate wood flooring where there had been carpet, a new kitchen island and other changes to make the rooms feel bigger.
Chomica, whose business, Trisa & Co., is in downtown Port Angeles, specializes in taking what a client already has and revamping it.
Her award-winning design, which used high curtain rods, darker-colored lower cabinets and lighter-hued upper cabinets to create a more spacious effect, also was seen at February’s KONP Home Show at Port Angeles High School.
‘Best award’
People in Port Angeles are especially enthusiastic about spending relatively little for a lot of impact, Chomica said. So for her, the “Modest Budget” prize was “the best award you could get.”
The award brings prestige and a trophy but no prize money, Chomica said, adding that this recognition in the Northwest design community means a lot to her.
The competition’s top designs — including Chomica’s — can be seen at www.SeattleDesignCenter.com.
In her acceptance speech, Chomica emphasized her collaborators.
“To fulfill your vision, you need a team,” she told the gala’s assembly of 300.
Chomica’s team included Trisa & Co.’s Denice Musick, Andrew Thomas of Pantry & Latch, Brent Jones and Jeff Owen of Jones Custom Contracting, Mae Graves of McCrorie Carpet One and photographer-graphic designer Pam Schoonover-Russell.
This week, Chomica is headed for Wenatchee with her husband, Kevin Tracy.
“It’s a busman’s holiday,” she said.
Tracy’s brother has a new house there, so Chomica will be helping to pick out paint colors.
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Features Editor Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5062, or at diane.urbani@peninsuladailynews.com.
