May 10

Conquering the Fear of Color – A Q&A Interview with Patti

By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, apartments, architecture, artistic expression, bar, bars and restaurants, beauty behold it, blue and white, branding in interior design, breweries, Centerpieces, chairs, color and temperature re: interior design, color forecasting, color of light, color Q&A, Color schemes, color trends, colors, commercial design, commercial interior design, commercial remodel, Contrasting colors, corporate branding, creative process, creativity, custom design interior design, custom furniture, dark colors, design, design and marketing, design challenges, design details, design process, design Q&A, design scenes, design solutions, design theme, design tips, design trends, designing a new home, designs in nature, DIY design, drama of color, eclectic design, eclecticism, element of surprise in design, fabrics, favorite colors, good design, good taste, graphic designs in interiors, hiring an interior designer, home, home decor, home improvements, how to select colors, inspiration, inspiration from nature, interior accents, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, Interior design pro tips, interior design pro-tips, interior design trends, interior enhancements, joy, kitchen, kitchen cabinets, kitchen design, kitchen remodel, kitchen remodeling, lifestyle, living with color, logo development, logos, modern cabinets, modern interiors, paint colors, painted cabinets, painted furniture, personal spaces, personal taste, planning a new home, planning a remodel, Q&A, re-upholstery, remodeling, reupholstery, Santa Fe, New Mexico, selecting colors, Subscribers, Talavera Tile, tile, timeless colors, tips for new home design, trending design, trends, Uncategorized, update design, updating, upholstery, value of good design, white color schemes, white kitchens /

The serenity of neutral color schemes has a significant place in interior design. However, it is more about the fear of color that I approach this article today. Committing to color arrests most people – they want it and admire it but are fearful about selecting and committing to bold colors.

Beautiful neutrals are a color all to themselves. Layers of whites, creams, grays offer sophisticated schemes.

However, that is not all that causes clients to reach out for assistance. Even if they have made a decision about taking the leap, it is how much, where and with what or to what the color is applied or occurs.

A white kitchen receives a patchwork of blue and white Talavera tile as a backdrop adding depth and interest.

In addition, upon closer inspection, we have incorporated a fine detail of an aqua glazed Spanish tile running horizontally and vertically through the patterned tiles.

I remember when architect Antoine Predock’s project for United Blood Services in Albuquerque https://bit.ly/3LBQbDv made a splash – a really RED splash when he stuccoed the entire exterior brazenly brilliant, bold, blood red! It was astonishing – astonishingly effective!!! https://bit.ly/3NNQihd If a picture speaks a thousand words, color is right there in conveying remarkable communications.

From branding to personal style, color is key.

The addition of our tongue and groove walnut wall established the theme for the rest of the furniture in this interior.

With freedom to select colors for this new brand, the signage and interior finishes all contribute to a unified statement using a dark cadet blue, warm gold, and caramel colors throughout the space.

From T-shirts to interior finishes, the brand is reflected and reiterated in colors throughout.

My staff recently investigated information from projects. They posed questions and gathered observations regarding my use of color. Photos, at the end illustrate some specific color decisions and why. The resulting questions and answers are as follows:

Patti Hoech‘s design practice has been and continues to be an exploration and emphasis of the subtleties and strengths of color. It is an integral part of her work. We wanted to know why and when she discovered this specialization in her design sensitivity and how it relates to her approach to effective design decisions. We are asking clients and colleagues to pose questions to get the answers.

Why is color so important?

Patti Says: Color is power and peace. Color is important on so many levels – personal joy (or aversion), perceived temperature, brand identification, seasonal interactions, emphasis, and contrast. Color is everywhere. Understanding and harnessing it for specific purposes is key.

This new backsplash had a specific purpose, which was to acknowledge the existing rust-colored porcelain sink and the intensely green marble stone countertops. By pulling those two colors into the tile selection so strongly and interspersing other colors that complemented the palette, the result was an effectively unifying design detail.

How do you determine the color specifics for your projects?

Patti Says: What color brings you joy? What color tells your story? Interviewing clients about their color preferences – being an important question begins the dialog regarding what colors to incorporate and why. This can be personal preferences or aversions or specific colors relating to branding whether it is new or existing. Also, existing fixed design/architectural elements might also play a significant part in developing an effective color scheme.

This couple wanted turquoise and other blue tones to weave through their interior. By selecting a neutral backdrop in the floors and walls, it allowed the accent color to punctuate the space from several key pieces of fabric and finishes.

Do you believe color affects the lives of your clients in their homes and workplaces?

Patti Says: Absolutely!! Color can insert many subliminal effects that impose on people’s perception of a space or graphic. Color can evoke emotion, instill comfort or agitation, rekindle memories, spur appetite, affect perceived temperature. It can embed recall for commercial brands. Color can be a clever tool.

In this interior for Boba Tea, we played with the colors of the flavors and the multi-colored tiles to correlate to the fun experience of sucking the tapioca pearls.

How do you navigate color trends?

Patti Says: Trends are necessary to keep our market moving. Capitalism is based on consumer activity, and nothing generates purchasing frenzies like stimulating new trends in the market. However, basing design decisions on trends must take into consideration the intended longevity of the design. Much of color trends are based upon pairings and combinations of color. It is those combinations that can “date” a color scheme – not so much a specific color. It is how, where and with what it is used that pegs it.

A classic, well-balanced color combination of blue, white, and yellow is a comfortable warm and cool with a neutral that transcends trends. Fabrics and finishes contribute to how one updates a classic color scheme.

Do you feel you are a forecaster or influencer?

Patti Says: I believe that I have imparted and am still providing thoughtful, challenging color consultation to my commercial and residential clients. Having prospective clients request designs based upon others that we have produced is telling and flattering. It means they have confidence in the decisions regarding long-lasting color schemes – if not timeless, in some cases. However, it must be said that design elements that present the color often determine – in many ways – how well a selected color or color scheme “holds up” over time. Considerations regrading patterns, materials, and elements can and might be either improved or modified over time while maintaining the same color scheme. Forecasting anticipates color trends. I have successfully influenced clients to make selections based upon an anticipation of future color directions in the market or merely go with classic combinations that have been proven over time. . .

Playing off the colors in this corporate logo, the interior design reflects and further strengthens the brand. This company invited us to design various locations in three different states over the course of several years. The interiors have held up against the ravages of changing trends and market directives.

What has influenced your appreciation for and interpretation of color in design?

Patti Says: It started at an early age. Observing the world around me. Nature, architecture, decorative arts (china, textiles, artwork), fashion, logos/brands, trends, regional colors, seasonal colors, cycles of color…Pinks, turquoises, yellows of buildings in the West Indies, bold color statements of Mexico…Color is profoundly important and signature in its application. From fish to birds, flowers to leaves – color captivates me and urges me to find words to express it and continue to have it a primary part of my descriptive vocabulary. As an omnipresent element in the design process, color is unavoidable, but to enjoy it so fully and embrace the limitless range of options is an exciting artist’s pallet of possibilities which stimulates me at every turn.

The magic of color on architectural exteriors can be amazing. Here in Burano, Italy my dear friend captured the colors! Similar to what we see in Guanajuato, Mexico and the sunny islands of the West Indies.

I attribute much of my color awareness to my mother. I remember being greatly influenced by her sense of color and design. Her sensitivity and talent were innate. She selected fabrics that had unusual color and pattern combinations. When orange, avocado, brown, and gold prevailed in the 60s and 70s, she selected the olives with chartreuse and gold for the less formal areas of our lives and leaned into Lily Pulitzer’s dynamic colors and patterns for her clothing and a pastel version of soft pinks and verdant greens for our more formal areas. The master suite was primarily yellow with beautiful bits of blues. Beach scenes always emphasized blues and greens. Nothing in our world was on common trend, but an artful interpretation of color combinations, eclecticism and comfort. Pairings of orange and brown were never her happy place nor was gold and brown. But orange and PINK – YES! Pink and green especially! And browns were recognized in context with stone shades of greys and tans. I believe that sense was greatly influenced by richly organic, textured stone walls of the West Indies – Danish architecture in the tropics where limitless colors of greens and blues punctuated with flowers were all around.

As a result of this of this early introduction to the value of color, my personal spaces reflected similar sensitivities. Beginning with pink in the early years I graduated into blues, turquoise and greens for my teen years. The final scheme, in my room in the home in which I grew up, was a dusty pink, clay, and mocha-rose. No one in my world had that color scheme in the late 70s and it was difficult to assemble. It helped that I worked part time in a design showroom in Georgetown where handling the amazing abundance of fabulous fabrics was a daily inspiration. Throughout my life experiences color has been a constant distraction. Not in a bad way, but rather a noticeable, unavoidable interruption that causes me to pause and take note. Ask anyone who knows me – I stop and remark about color at every turn. For better or worse, I comment on color. It is a deep appreciation that I enjoy sharing. And the most rewarding is discovering color for clients who yearn for it but don’t quite know how to find and use that which would make them feel the joy of color!

A dear friend in Mexico recently took a leap in selecting an accent color for his seaside villa. Once an all white interior, which was lovely and fresh, he wanted a new look that provided contrast and strengthened his color theme. The yellow accents made me smile when he unveiled his new look!

Color plays a major role in discovering and expressing personal style. Fear not – color is your friend. Find your style. Live your style. Love your Style.

Jul 22

Living Room Transformation

By pattisays In ambiance, bar, before and after, blue and white, breakfast rooms, cats, Color schemes, color trends, colors, contrasts for balance in design, creative process, custom design interior design, design, design process, design solutions, design tips, design trends, dining and design, dining rooms, entertaining, family rooms, faux finishes, fireplaces, flooring, furniture finds, good design, hardwood floors, hiring an interior designer, home improvements, inspiration, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, interior design trends, interior enhancements, kitchen, kitchen cabinets, kitchen design, kitchen lighting, kitchen remodeling, lifestyle, lighting, Millenial, modern cabinets, mosaic, mosaic tile, natural stone, open floorplans, paint colors, patterns, personal expression, personal taste, planning a remodel, practical design, re-upholstery, remodeling, sectional sofas, selecting colors, stone, Subscribers, tile, trends, update design, updating, upholstery, value of good design, wall-to-wall carpeting, white kitchens / 1 Comment

As an adjunct to last week’s story about the progressive young couple and their dramatic kitchen remodel, I thought I should finish the subject and tell about the adjacent living room transformation and comfortable family room on the lower level.

When the kitchen grew to become the focal point upon entering and the bar counter expanded into the living area, it reduced that space to now become a comfortable sitting room for guests to gather or the family to relax while activities are brewing in the kitchen.

Looking through to the dining room where a built-in storage bench was added along the window wall, offers additional seating. A new fabric-shade chandelier softens the light levels. All lighting in this remodel are on dimmers.

The former white brick wall had gently rubbed edges to suggest a distressed condition exposing the red brick beneath. The fireplace had an unrelated golden oak mantle and surround with insipid tile inset also used to cover the hearth. The tile was a glazed faux marble with a Victorian design accent feature.

By simply painting the oak white to match the rest of the wood trim throughout the home and also painting the brick a soft taupe/grey tone, the look was instantly transformed. But they still had that awful tile…so here’s a design tip: to buy time either while you decide or until you save-up for the next phase, paint the tile away!!! To accommodate a new TV that is to go over the mantle, the wood surround was shortened. Notice the extra piece of wood trim that was removed to lower the mantle.

The hearth was removed and rebuilt (without the cut-off corners) with brick and painted to match the wall. Lucky for them the hardwood floor went beneath the hearth – so when they modified the size, they didn’t have to patch the floor! Tile was removed and replaced with 2×2 mosaic Carrara marble to coordinate with the herringbone mosaic of the same marble in the new kitchen backsplash/wall (see last week’s blog).

A sofa found, for nearly free, was in good shape and reupholstered beautifully in this plush, durable navy solid.

The classic blue and white motif was punctuated with organic yellow.

The newly refinished original hardwood floors – taken from a golden oak finish to a rich espresso/walnut stain…

…with the blue and white wool hook rug creates a handsome contrast. The rug actually “reads” blue and white, but upon closer inspection has warm khaki tones, soft turquoise detailing and is quite complex.

This revitalized cozy ambiance of this new sitting area/living room is perfect for this growing young family!

And for a more expansive gathering space, the lower level family room received a new sectional sofa in a durable charcoal fabric and a low-pile small diamond patterned wall to wall carpeting to conceal what had been cold tile floors and make a comfortable room for all seasons!

Purrrrrrhaps someday they’ll have a cat to climb that crazy rope-wrapped pole!!!!!

Jul 31

Design Inspirations in the City Different

By pattisays In architecture, art and interior design, artistic expression, bar, bars and restaurants, commercial interior design, context of interior design, creativity, custom design interior design, decorative arts, design, design competition, dining and design, exterior - outdoor design, floral designs, food and interior design, handcraft, inspiration, interior design, interior design trends, Mexico, mosaic tile, nostalgia and design, restaurant restrooms, Santa Fe, New Mexico, summer, travel and design, trends, window dressings /

Do YOU know the way to Santa Fe, to play off of a song by another title? Up the hill and beneath a brilliant blue sky, the thunder clouds scatter with dramatic splendor. Past the cedar dotted landscape with punctuation of piñon the seasonal monsoonal green is blanketing the desert. A thrilling view passing swiftly, outside the window, like a series of paintings capturing surreal scenes – always picturesque.

It’s July in The Land of Enchantment and a weekend getaway, in Santa Fe, promises stimulating design treats and artistic inspiration! Every visit is familiar – yet new. Around every corner, there is detail and color, decoration and un-selfconscious art.

Just when you think the Santa Fe market is saturated with myriad fabulous dining options, Paloma hits the ground running, on Guadalupe Street, to shake things up a bit!

The joy of experiencing the very new restaurant of an amazing friend was exhilarating! Marja Martin, la propietaria of this great new venue Paloma, brings limitless talent, outstanding vision and distinctive creativity to everything she touches.

The quite well-seeded Santa Fe dining scene is recipient of her newest endeavor. Already a well-established and well loved caterer, her artistic sensitivity and smart culinary concepts – that have been her signature – now result in a presentation of stunning unpretentious decor and exceptional flavors. She’s giving patrons bold flavors and creative combinations inspired by true dining experiences, with our many-faceted Mexican neighbor’s to the south. The result is fun and transporting, in its authenticity.

Walking home, to the lovely casita of dear friends, the gates and doorways, patterns and particulars – uniquely New Mexican in their expression of design offer photographic treats. It’s magic. It’s exciting. It should be on everyone’s list to take the time to explore.

It’s as though history and current trends collide to create a patchwork of texture and color all to stimulate the senses. Exotic flavors and international everything all presented in the confines and context of this extraordinary place.

Interior design and exterior design bombarding from every pocket including this provocative little prose to ponder at Sonder. Get out there are feed your senses!

Feb 04

The Excitement of Design Updating and Transformation!

By pattisays In architecture, bar, bars and restaurants, coastal, commercial interior design, commercial remodel, context of interior design, design, dining and design, food and interior design, interior design, lighting, Mexico, remodeling, stone, travel and design, tropical /

For years, Barcelona Tapas has been a creatively successful culinary and social scene on a quiet cobblestone backstreet in the tropical, seaside, destination of Puerto Vallarta. The vertical profile of the sun-bleached white building is distinctive with its open spaces – dining rooms on each ascending level.

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It is a extremely popular, hip and happening, dining venue which has recently had a spectacular face-lift that brings the structure and open-aired/interior environment up to par with the culinary delights.

Upon arrival, the familiar, welcoming doorway opens to softly lit aggregate stairs that sweep up each tier of the towering edifice.

A massive Cantera stone fountain babbles gently amidst tropical plantings and an iron grill-work is indirectly illuminated for a dramatic effect. An expansive patio all with honed stone tile floors begins the layers of available spaces.

Next an intimate open-aired dining area with an adjacent chef’s table and luminous, full-wall wine cooler beckons with an inviting aura. The intense red drama of a bullfight is rendered in a large painting on the rear wall – a suiting backdrop to the Spanish theme.

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Continuing the ascension, the delightful glossy black ironwork railing follows along and up the open-to-the-sky aggregate staircase turning past the last landing. Ahead, the beautiful, warm glow of the new dimensional ceiling treatment accented with wood and indirect lighting draws the eye upward.

Upon arrival on this rooftop dining platform, what was always an exciting view of the city lights, both in the foreground and circling the bay miles around to the north, now expresses the new architectural features and finishes dazzling the eye.

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Effective lighting, recessed ceiling details, a new clear glass railing, and modern ceiling fans dangling like detached white nosecone propellers present a whole new, fresh, modern look. The drama and effectiveness of the lighting paired with the wonderful surround sound, coming from eight Bose wall-mounted speakers and 2 sub-woofers recessed into the ceiling, result in an atmosphere and music that are seductive and sensational.

But wait – there’s more!!! Yes, an additional rooftop dining patio is revealed upon discovering the hidden staircase at the far end of the bar. New furniture and a billowing fabric-draped portico are soon to arrive!

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This new space not only increases the seating capacity, but offers yet another panoramic view and trendy design-themed open venue – expanding the options even more!

The project is Chef/Owner Bill Carballo’s passion.

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He has been at it for years creating deliciously original and traditional Spanish tapas (here his exquisie presentations have been half eaten in the rush to enjoy)

from the immaculate exhibition kitchen at the start of the long bar, with a fine-tuned staff eager to assist and cater to your every need.

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This enchanting transformation has attracted new discriminating, trend-setting clients and welcomed the return of loyal fans to experience this exciting new and stylish interpretation of Barcelona Tapas.

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The doormen Luis and his affable sidekick are there to greet and assist!

Thank you gentlemen and Buenos Noches until next time!!!!

Dec 03

Fun with PERF!

By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, artistic expression, bar, bars and restaurants, before and after, breweries, color and temperature re: interior design, commercial interior design, commercial remodel, custom lighting, design, design tips, design trends, interior design, interior design trends, lighting, painted furniture, perforated steel, remodeling, trends / 2 Comments

Currently finishing a project that has provided a great theme for incorporating metal, it seemed a worthy blog subject for it’s fun and flexibility! Perf is the product – a perforated steel that comes in several percentages of perforation.

We have used this many times for rolling window shades in a flexible coated nylon material. It is great for filtering for sunlight and privacy while allowing a certain amount of “see-through.” It has been used as an architectural screening material for years. You have probably seen it and not realized it on building storefronts and bus wraps – the perforated vinyl coatings are often used for advertisement because they read as though a solid from the one side and are transparent from within.

Here we are playing around with the steel to create cool elements that compliment the theme of this new taproom. The theme is silver and what material does bring to mind? Metallic. So by dressing raw steel with paint – we apply the silver finish and there we have it!

The required outside patio fencing was constructed with very generic square stock. I called it a hamster cage. It was a bland beige when we first arrived and, without notice, the shopping center management had it and the other structural columns lining the canopy/portico painted chocolate brown.

The plan had been to screen it with perforated panels. The darker paint color created a little better contrast and aided in providing a depth of detail to set-off the silver painted perf.

Inside we needed to fill the volume of this most uninteresting dropped ceiling. Already painted black and looking quite voluminous – but not in a good way – the empty space needed some mass. So in one of those restless, middle-of-the-night design sessions of insomnia the idea to create large drums for lighting shades came to mind.

Drums have been in vogue for several years now. Nothing original from the initial use for table lamp shades except their use was broadened to include suspended fixtures and halved for wall sconces. You’ve seen them – hip and happening – and these were quite over-sized and carried the space.

We needed to fill the void of the 12′ high ceilings in this room that had little or no comfort. All hard surfaces, it was a challenge to maintain the silver theme and edginess of a popular taproom while creating comfort. Seemed an oxymoron of a task. But the mass of the perforated drums in three different sizes grouped in the near center of the room did just that.

The addition of multiple warm white lamps inside will be the crowning touch. (photo to be added here in a week or so)

Then a third use of the perforated material came in the idea for a room-divider/hostess station.

We needed a place to create a point of arrival. Whether manned or unmanned, this unit can have a chalkboard or other signage identifying special events or beer tastings, with a podium in front creates a translucent backdrop to partially cordon off the rest of the space until the customers are greeted and it also can divide the space for special events and table groupings. to accomplish all of those various purposes we designed it with heavy duty commercial casters complete with brakes so that it could be moved easily for its grand height and weight and placed where needed for the best advantage.

Stay tuned for the complete un-veiling of this cool new interior in the coming weeks. And meanwhile dream of all the fun you can have with perf!

Jan 22

Creating a Good time is an ART!

By pattisays In architecture, art and interior design, bar, beach, coastal, context of interior design, design, design trends, dining and design, education, environment, exterior - outdoor design, food and interior design, kitchen /

Let’s make guaca 20150120_113147 mole! Creating a good time—is an art. And as is true with most artistic ventures—as in life in general—some people do it better than others. Enthusiasm is infectious and it generates such greatness from its energy that is should be harnessed. It is about this that I write today.

So hearing the charge “Let’s make guacamole!” will be for some a really exciting, if not challenging opportunity, while to others it will suggest a rudimentary task and prompt eye-rolling. Those with a lack of enthusiasm or optimism, that everything can be fun with the right recipe, will be the

eye-rollers thinking—what’s the challenge of making guacamole? Having done that a million times and regarding its mastery as already accomplished, will not look forward to such an opportunity.

It’s like all enthusiasm, the glass half empty or half full…and with that let me share with you a cooking class that was such fun that is warranted this blog. Despite the fact that the setting was in a tropical jungle, there were many options that day for activities that would blow your paradise-seeking mind. And with all those incredible options I was having great difficulty making decisions each of which eliminated one over the other.

Otherwise probably not to keen on the idea, but having been romanced by the paella lesson left to simmer on the open grill, I had half an open mind about the seemingly simple offer of a guacamole class.

So with a small herd of turtles in front of and behind me, we climbed the stone steps that wound through the lush green vegetation. Barefoot and still in my wet-suit from an educational and invigorating morning snorkel, I wondered if I should be returning to the beach or investing the precious time in the seemingly rudimentary guacamole class.

My reward was at the top of the hill…a statuesque chef donning his attenuated white hat graciously greeted us—welcoming us into a beautiful open-air palapa with its bony wooden structure beneath the layered palm thatch ceiling. There before us was a long rustic banquet table beautifully dressed with multiple molcajete vessels of various sizes filled with dark ripe round avocados, blackened/roasted plum tomatoes, grilled onions, blistered serrano chiles, freshly cut limes, red ripe plum tomatoes, fresh serranos, bunches of aromatic cilantro and pristinely peeled white onions.

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At the point of arrival, a bounty of various specimen chiles were presented on a large rust-colored clay barro platter and stacks of little barroware plates were in piles interspersed among the molcajete.

Giant steel stars pierced to allow twinkling light to dance at night painted turquoise for pop in the daytime hung at staggered heights from the center of the grand, voluminous palapa. Surrounded by verdant jungle and colorfully painted concrete walls, the room was expansive yet intimate. The chef in his starched white uniform embroidered with his name and proud logo of the establishment greeted us in his towering hat and welcomed us into this scene that dazzled the eye.

Guacamole I’m thinking…this looks like a bit more fun than merely mashing up some avocados!!! And with that he began his friendly introduction to the fiery cuisine of Mexico’s flavorful salsas! Presenting the platter of chiles he held each up for all to see asking the group if anyone could identify them. The replies came from all around “serrano, jalapeno, chipotle, banana, arbol—cola de rata, poblano, guajillo…” The rapt audience sat encircling the grand buffet on rustic wooden stools engaging in lively conversation as the chef spoke in his open and encouraging manner describing each of the chiles and their many uses.

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Now we were invited to approach the table where spaced evenly along each long side were stacks of white linen—pressed aprons and chef’s hats for each one of us—how fun and what a nice addition to the otherwise casual scene. We donned our outfits with giggles and proceeded to admire each other’s instant transformation into the appearance of proper culinary participants!

The chef alternated each pair across the table from one another assigning guacamole for one pair and salsa molcajete for the next and so one down the line. This too produced camaraderie between strangers who at once bonded in the fun of the festivities. Oh, and did I mention that for those who chose to partake that delightful beverages were served of all manner of tropical delights from straight tequila shots to refreshingly poured on the rocks with lime to jaca, papaya, pineapple juices, and rum? All this as the chef assigned tasks for each around the table resulting in a chatter of conversation and progress reports as each tackled their portion of the process—dicing, mashing, mixing and squeezing. The action continued to unfold as the capable woman behind the counter made fresh corn tortillas and delivered them oozing with molten Oaxaca cheese—quesadillas ready to scoop up the magnificent fresh salsa and guacamole!! Smiles and groans of delight emanated from around the room.

So in summary…the recipe for creating a good time: Presentation, welcoming attitude, disarming graciousness, with the best representations/samples of the product around which the good time is based! Know your theme/subject and make it fun!

Provecho!

Sep 19

Good Design Transcends Trends – Black Kitchens Then and NOW!

By pattisays In art and interior design, bar, color and temperature re: interior design, context of interior design, decorative arts, design, design trends, fireplaces, kitchen, martini / 2 Comments

Black kitchens are sexy – as noted in the recent article “Cook in the Dark” by David A. Keeps, in the Wall Street Journal, last weekend September 13-14, 2014. And in 2008 when we created a dramatic statement using black custom cabinets contrasted against raw-meat colored granite to many it was quite daring, even astonishing – but everyone LOVED it! Yes, it was a man’s kitchen – but as his female friends can attest, it is genderless in its stunningly composed design. This particular interior remodel featured this striking kitchen and we celebrated the black further by painting all the base trim, doors and molding in a semi-gloss black. Contrasting creamy travertine floors and walls are punctuated by the black trim and monolithic two-sided black marble fireplace and flanking cabinets.

On the heels of that project, we found ourselves celebrating a stone fireplace installation from the 70s. Many thought it needed to go – but rather, we found the same slate stone in large format floor tiles and finished all of the floors throughout with this stunning natural material. All of a sudden the fireplace was at home in a new context. A completely new kitchen – enlarged with many added functions – was designed with black cabinets and iridescent mossy green granite counter-tops flecked and riddled with gold and black fissures. The slate stone flooring was mimicked in the backsplash with the same silvery slate along with a black and grey stone madras-like mix.

I was there in that second interior today as the client prepared with great focus and determination for a significant reunion of friends coming from all over the country – some not having been together for 40 years! A new commission of a martini alongside a copy of Flying magazine (the client is a private pilot), by celebrated artist Susan E. Roden – delivered today, sparkles with highlights of silver leaf next to the brushed stainless accoutrements. The bright red pops against the neutrals and black anchors of the dark toned bar and obsidian kitchen.

So it’s been fun to read the Keeps’ article and hear of this new craze in dark kitchens – we always knew they were sexy. Clients love being ahead of the trends. But as is always the case – when the trend takes hold, the industry provides a new array of offerings for designers to incorporate. New materials, new finishes – the challenge is to think a bit off from the norm and create before the palette is presented on the industry’s silver platter. Remember though – that good design always transcends trends!

Living Room Transformation

Design Inspirations in the City Different

The Excitement of Design Updating and Transformation!

Fun with PERF!

Creating a Good time is an ART!

Good Design Transcends Trends – Black Kitchens Then and NOW!

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