Port Angeles interior designer nets top prize for makeover
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Pam Schoonover-Russell
Trisa Chomica of Trisa & Co. in Port Angeles took first prize in the 14th annual Northwest Design Awards' “Modest Budget, Big Impact” category.

By Diane Urbani de la Paz
Peninsula Daily News

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.

Last modified: March 10. 2013 1:47AM
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