MEET THE DOVER DESIGNERS: Home Design & Renovation with Patti Saracusa

Meet the Designer: Patti Saracusa

In this special blog series, meet Dover Home Remodelers’ talented designers: Enjoy a glimpse at their work, inspirations and beautiful before-and-after remodeling project highlights.

Her career story would make a hip, design-inspired picture book.

Patti Saracusa graduated with a marketing and art history degree from Loyola University on Chicago’s vibrant north side. She moved home to Cleveland to attend Virginia Marti College of Design, where she earned a degree in visual merchandising. Patti spent the next several years working for Urban Outfitters creating floor plans and visual displays.

After helping several friends and family with interior renovations and design, she fell in love with the process of transforming living spaces to match homeowners’ unique tastes and needs. Patti bore her new career path: She started her own design business, working with several contractors over 10 years before joining Dover.

Patti gleans design inspiration from travel. She’s captivated by how people live in various parts of the world and enjoys learning about different architects and architectural styles. It’s that depth and perspective that allow her to adapt to each homeowner’s design style.

Her personal interior design style is laidback and comfortable.

That vibe carries over to her project work. Patti likes to design a home for a family that they can live comfortably without worrying about things being too precious while still looking effortless and beautiful. She adheres to the midcentury design principle that functionality is essential, as form follows function. Her designs gravitate toward uncluttered sleek lines with organic and geometric shapes and a neutral, classic palette. Yet Patti is a chameleon, adapting her design aesthetic to reflect her clients’ unique style and taste.

Most homeowners want to renovate only once. So, Patti advises using materials that will stand the test of time. If you’re going to take a risk, do it with a bolder paint color or a tile backsplash, but go with classic cabinet or countertop selections that won’t feel tired or dated in five years. Here’s a great example of that rule from one of Patti’s award-winning kitchen remodels (view the whole project here):

Patti’s Go-To Design Elements Right Now.

In the kitchen, it’s a deep, single-bowl sink. In addition to their generous size, some Kohler® sinks include built-in cutting boards and drying racks for added functionality. In the bathroom, if the budget allows, Patti loves a heated floor because it adds a luxe, comfortable element to the space. In the shower, she says a handheld spray attachment is an affordable option with big appeal.

Before–and-After Transformation.

The most rewarding aspect of her job as a designer is seeing the quality of people’s lives changed due to a remodel. Patti is wrapping up a whole-house transformation for a family, which has been managed entirely during the pandemic. In this case, the homeowners knew what they wanted but needed help to make their vision a reality.

The homeowners bought this beautiful home that overlooks the golf course at the country club where they love to play. The problem: When you walk in the front door, you look at a wall with no view of the sweeping fairways beyond. Patti helped them reimagine the space, knocking out the wall and creating an open family room with cathedral ceilings, a first-floor master suite, office and laundry room.

With a golf-course home, curb appeal at the back of the home is equally important as it is in the front. Patti added a sunroom off of the kitchen that created a beautiful, private courtyard area in the backyard. The sizeable project has had its challenges due to COVID, but it’s one that Patti delighted in managing as she helped her customers bring their design visions to life. Be sure to watch for an upcoming blog about this project with lots of before-and-after photos.