TERRA INNOVATIONS DESIGNERS
Meet Our Design Gurus
At Terra Innovations, our interior designers are the driving force behind the transformation of spaces into exquisite homes and havens. In this Q & A series, we delve into the creative minds of our talented designers, showcasing their expertise and the remarkable outcomes of their workcraft.
Erin Fry
DESIGN MANAGER
Erin Fry, our cabinetry design expert, brings her mastery from her own firm, Cre8 Cabinetry Designs, to Terra. She selects appliances, lighting, fixtures, and more for our homes, ensuring a balance between function and aesthetics. Erin is not only the cabinetry maestro for Terra’s projects but also the founder of Cre8 Cabinetry, known for her exquisite designs at Sunkissed Cottages on Crystal Lake, Benzonia, Michigan.
Sunkissed Cottages
BENZONIA, MICHIGAN
THE INSPIRATION
What was your inspiration for the design for Sunkissed and how did you evoke that Northern Michigan sense of place into the cabinetry designs?
My inspiration for Sunkissed emanates from the allure of modern trends leveraging neutral natural tones. The goal was to create a cabinetry design that serves as a clean canvas, harmonizing seamlessly with the surrounding landscape and breathtaking views of Crystal Lake.
MATERIAL SELECTION
Can you share insights into your choice of materials for the cabinetry and how they contribute to the overall aesthetic of the space?
I used all-plywood cabinetry and mixed metal fixtures and hardware to match any decor. These stand up to heavy use, but also have a clean and classic aesthetic.
DESIGN CHALLENGES
What were some design challenges you were faced with?
As with any kitchen, there are various layout options. My focus was on optimizing functionality, ensuring the best use of space, and creating an aesthetically pleasing environment for both cooking and entertaining, all while ensuring the views remain uninterrupted.
PERSONAL TOUCH
How did you incorporate your personal touch while ensuring they align with the overall theme of the property?
“I think of a home like I think of a wardrobe. The cabinetry is timeless like “the little black dress” so I try to keep the cabinetry clean, simple and classic.” High-end hardware, plumbing, and lighting fixtures act as accessories, allowing for customization and elevating each space. Each home, meticulously curated, exudes classic charm adaptable to any decorative style, spanning from modern to traditional and everything in between.
FUNCTIONALITY MEETS STYLE
Balancing functionality and aesthetics is crucial in cabinetry design. How did you achieve this equilibrium in Sunkissed?
Timelessly classic neutral tones, styles, and materials coupled with a functional layout is how I achieve the delicate equilibrium between functionality and aesthetics.
CABINETRY AND SURROUNDING ELEMENTS
How did you ensure that the cabinetry seamlessly integrates with other design elements in Sun Kissed, creating a harmonious living space?
In every home, there should be a common thread across rooms, tailored to each space. My emphasis lies in coordinating plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures, tiles, hardware, and cabinetry, ensuring a unique touch for each home. I carefully blended brass, black, and nickel tones across finishes to avoid overwhelming any single element. This curated mix of metals and materials creates a versatile and harmonious living space.
TIMELESS APPEAL
How do you balance current trends with creating a design that will stand the test of time?
“A white kitchen has stood the test of time!” The cabinets feature predominantly white tones with subtle accents of grays and blues, which I consider equally timeless. The door styles, characterized by classic simplicity, also stand the test of time in terms of style!
FAVORITE DESIGN ELEMENT
Of all the cabinetry elements you designed for Sunkissed, do you have a personal favorite, and what makes it special to you?
I have a personal preference for placing the sink under the window rather than on the island. This design choice ensures a clean and uninterrupted island countertop, perfect for buffet or appetizer-style entertaining, and keeps the clutter of dishes away from the primary countertop. Additionally, I adore the custom decorative wood hoods, thoughtfully chosen to complement each kitchen door style.
Ginny Becker
DIRECTOR OF DESIGN
Ginny Becker, the visionary designer behind nautical elegance on the luxurious yacht, Il Capo, leads Terra’s holistic design. She balances sophistication and style with a keen eye for the relationship between form and function. With a master’s in art history and a bachelor’s in art, Ginny seamlessly blends classic art foundations with modern family living. Co-founder and Director of Design for Terra Innovations, she identifies project sites, ensuring a cohesive collaboration between home and landscape. As a mother of four, Ginny prioritizes highly usable spaces, combining comfort with aesthetics.
Il Capo
THE BAHAMAS
NAUTICAL ELEGANCE
How did you infuse nautical elegance into the interior design of Il Capo?
Working with a classic boat structure, I didn’t have the luxury of time to modernize it. Instead, I embraced classic nautical elegance with blues, sands, and browns—creating a soothing palette. The star of the show is the mesmerizing view, so I opted for a lighter atmosphere by replacing dark blinds with energy-efficient cream roller shades. This not only opened up the space but also maximized the breathtaking view. My approach was to keep things simple and avoid any distractions.
SPACE OPTIMIZATION
How did you optimize the available space while ensuring a luxurious and comfortable experience for the occupants?
Space presented a significant challenge, requiring every element to serve a purpose, with many items needing to be securely bolted down due to the limitations of moving furniture on the yacht. Selecting a modular sofa allowed for easier movement, considering the size constraints unique to a yacht. Given the absence of a specific dining room, I opted for an oval dining table to facilitate easy movement around it. Careful consideration went into the size and bulk of the selected chairs, ensuring they complement the space. The coffee table had to be proportionate, emphasizing the importance of scale, and comfort remained a top priority throughout the design process.
SEAMLESS TRANSITIONS
How did you ensure a seamless transition between spaces, considering the diverse functionalities of each area?
The salon serves as the focal point, encompassing the indoor dining area, television, sofa, and a versatile gathering space. To achieve cohesion, I chose a large wool rug with navy stripes, extending the theme with matching runners. The expansive rug allows for flexible furniture arrangements, creating a unified and inviting atmosphere within the multipurpose room.
INNOVATIVE DESIGN ELEMENTS
Can you share any unique features you incorporated into the design of Il Capo?
We gave the kitchen a complete facelift, replacing the outdated black countertops with fresh white ones and installing marine-safe appliances to cater to the unique marine environment. When selecting dining chairs for the space, I had to strike a balance. The chairs have a nautical aesthetic resembling deck chairs, yet exude luxury with white leather and polished nickel elements. It was about seamlessly marrying the yachty feel with a touch of luxury.
AESTHETIC COHESION
How did you ensure that the interior design of Il Capo flows seamlessly?
All staterooms follow a consistent color scheme of white with subtle hints of blue. On the aft deck, you’ll find white chairs adorned with blue throw pillows, maintaining a cohesive color palette throughout.
LUXURY AND COMFORT
Can you share specific design choices you made to create a luxurious atmosphere without compromising on comfort?
We opted for Sunbrella fabric for the banquet, combining beauty with functionality. This fabric exudes luxury while offering everyday comfort. The beds feature new linens and crisp, white, and soft linen duvet covers, steering away from the previous formal and fussy bedding to achieve a luxurious yet comfortable feel.
ADAPTABILITY IN DESIGN
How did you ensure the design of Il Capo is adaptable to different settings and atmospheres?
Furnishing yachts comes with challenges like sea and sun exposure, requiring marine-safe materials. I updated lighting and tableware for a contemporary, comfortable, and coordinated look. The chosen Juliska plates, featuring a whimsical Country Estate pattern by Deborah Sears, add a versatile touch for both formal and casual occasions. Chargers made of magnolia leaves enhance the beachy and whimsical theme.
MEMORABLE DESIGN CHALLENGE
Can you share a memorable challenge you faced during the design process?
The major hurdle was time, aiming to prepare the yacht for Thanksgiving and Christmas within a tight schedule. Custom orders were ruled out due to time constraints, so readily available items were chosen. Remote coordination added complexity, ensuring timely deliveries to the marina. Considering flooring replacement took too long, so an area rug was chosen. Diligent research and last-minute problem-solving ensured a successful, timely project completion, with only a minor setback involving roller shades quickly resolved by finding an alternative vendor.
At Terra Innovations, our designers don’t just create spaces; they craft experiences. Each project is a testament to their creativity, expertise, and commitment to turning visions into reality.
