Author Archives: Desiré Greene

Our interior design preferences can be influenced by so many things, not just websites and shelter magazines but also more personal experiences—a childhood home, sentimental objects, the places we go, and even the foods we eat. In fact, smell and taste play a key role in experiential memory, which is why a favorite food or dining experience can elicit such emotion. Does a hot bowl of French onion soup evoke happy thoughts of your trip to the French countryside? It may be a great starting point for your next kitchen design!

The Inspiration: Classic French Onion Soup

It may seem strange, but food inspiration and kitchen design can go hand in hand. Why not create an environment in the same spirit as the very foods that bring such pleasure? For example, take the warm and comfy feelings induced by a steaming bowl of French Onion soup (Get the recipe). Aside from onions, it’s rife with classic ingredients—good wine, meat, bread, and cheese. What could be more French?! Similarly, a few classic design elements can translate that mood in a great kitchen.

The Design: A French Country Kitchen

This Savannah, Georgia kitchen is the perfect example of how to mix the charm of the French countryside with modern amenities to create a high-functioning-yet-cozy space. Designed by Mary Jo Bochner, it features French antiques, second-hand finds, new accessories, and killer appliances. An old farmhouse-table-turned-island and open shelves also lend to the kitchen’s Old World flair.

Another statement piece is the solid Carrera marble sink. Its color complements the kitchen’s various countertops, which include honed Belgian bluestone and aged butcher block. The nearby antique étagères were the starting point of the design and provide additional storage. Overall, the space is open, airy, and très French!

Is there a particular food encounter that gives you happy feelings all over? Put it in your design! What would your favorite dish look like?

The phrase “Scandinavian design” may conjure thoughts of lightly colored wood (pine, perhaps), cozy textiles, and the occasional accessory with a handmade ere, colorful pop, or traditional print. While all of these elements can be found in Scandinavian design, this kitchen renovation by House 2 Home Design & Build (H2H) proves that inspiration doesn’t necessarily mean literal translation.

Let me explain. With its clean lines and neutral colors, the space undoubtedly incorporates principles of Scandinavian design. However, it’s tempered by transitional and contemporary details to create a high-end style kitchen with modern appeal. Titled “Modern Envy,” here are some of the projects most notable features:

Two-Tone, Slab-Door Cabinetry

H2H thought outside of the design box with their use of, not one, but two cabinet finishes—the uppers revealing their natural wood grain in opposition to the lower cabinets’ solid finish. The cabinetry also incorporates the slab door fronts of Scandinavian design… simple yet functional.

High-Contrast Countertops

For work surfaces, H2H selected Caesarstone’s Linen, its natural and finely textured appearance offers a warm and organic look. The lightly-colored countertops provide a high-contrast element to the kitchen’s rich cabinetry (H2H’s favorite aspect of the design) and helps reflect light throughout the space.

Non-Traditional Tile Work

Another unique feature of the kitchen is the tile work—large tiles with multi-colored glass accents run vertically from counters to ceiling. The layout is consistent with the clean, geometric lines of Scandinavian design but with a modern twist. The tile accents also provide a bit of color while maintaining the room’s neutral palette.

If you’re looking to incorporate a design style without matching it one-for-one, look to its basic principles for inspiration. Would H2H’s interpretation of Scandinavian design work in your kitchen?

With Fashion Week just around the corner (It begins on February 6th), now may be the perfect time to reflect on runway trends that seamlessly translate into interior design. When it comes to colors, the Pantone Fashion Color Report provides a palette of popular hues from last year’s runway. Its selection of pastels, neutrals, and brights offers fashionable inspiration for your next decorating project.

Placid Blue and Violet Tulip

Image: David Collins via Sukio

This room by David Collins shows the sophisticated possibilities of pairing Placid Blue and Violet Tulip. With their color report, Pantone invites us to reimagine blue as a versatile neutral—perfect for a wall color or a large upholstered piece. Meanwhile, Violet Tulip offers a happy, “nostalgic” accent.

Freesia and Paloma

Freesia and Paloma may be one of my favorite combinations. After all, you can never go wrong with gray, and a bright “blazing yellow” like Freesia will give a room impact. Decorator Matthew Sudock used a similar color as both artwork and headboard in this modern bedroom.

Celosia and Sand

Pantone refers to Celosia as a “sophisticated orange” because it’s bright and optimistic without looking like a popsicle. Designer Sheila Bridges tempered a similar hue, Orange Blossom by Benjamin Moore, with Sand-y accents in her apartment’s front hall.

Hemlock

Like Placid Blue, Pantone recommends using Hemlock, a “summery ornamental green,” as either a background or accent color. Here, it provides a chic canvas for statement pieces like a custom brass staircase.

Radiant Orchid and the Rest

Of course, I must mention 2014’s Color of the Year, Radiant Orchid. It’s much deeper than I previously thought, more similar to this painting of Shakespeare than the settee beneath. Other colors in Pantone’s spring palette include Cayenne Red and Dazzling Blue, which, along with Radiant Orchid, rate as the three favorites in Pantone’s online survey.

From tranquil to spicy to scintillating to carefree, there’s an option for every mood and personality. Which color from Pantone’s report would work in your home?

Lately, I’ve been seeing green—not in money, but as a beautiful spectrum of paint colors ranging from deep jewel-tones to those with hints of blue. Perhaps, this is mere nostalgia for 2013’s Color of the Year. I do so love Emerald Green and its many glamorous applications. But it is a future trend, not a past forecast, that is piquing my curiosity. Greens and teals are popping up on dining room walls as a luxe alternative to red. Long considered the perfect shade for dining, it may be time for red to make way for the latest ‘it’ color.

My Case for Greens and Teals as the Perfect Dining Room Color

It all started with my trip to the 2013 Kips Bay Show House on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. There among 5,640 square feet of design magic, I became enamored by the second-floor dining room, a mix of traditional architecture, decadence, and the avant-garde. Aside from the room’s perfect perch overlooking a glass-enclosed atrium (which filled both spaces with the most beautiful sunlight), the wall color, and its application, were absolutely flawless. High-gloss lacquered teal covered both walls and trim with a mirror-like finish. “This,” I thought, “is the perfect dining color.”

Months later, I stumbled upon a Greenwich, Connecticut home whose dining space reminded me of that space at Kips Bay. This time, teal had been replaced by a deep green. Though a slightly different shade, the overall vibe felt the same and the high-gloss was just as spectacular.

Here are two more traditional applications. Again, lacquered teal walls provide a dramatic backdrop for dining. Isn’t the color fantastic?

Rethink Red and Get the Look

If you love the look as much as I, grab a brush, but don’t forget these design tips. First, stick with less saturated tones to add impact that doesn’t overwhelm. Next, high gloss undoubtedly brings more drama and interest to a space. For the best outcome, a professional painter is highly recommended. Finally, paint over everything—walls AND trim—to create a modern backdrop that accommodates any style.

Which dining room color do you prefer? Traditional red or these modern alternatives?