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Eggersmann Interview with Kathy Anderson

Posted on by Jana Humpherys

 

Originally Published On eggersmannusa.com  https://eggersmannusa.com/interview-with-eklektik-interiors/

We had the pleasure to work with Eklektik on a project in Tomball, a suburb of Houston with sprawling views. This was a unique home, so we were eager to learn about Kathy and her team’s process in designing the beautiful space.

eggersmann: We love the architecture and industrial feel to this home. Was this a factor when planning the kitchen layout? What are some of the unique features you brought into this design? 

Kathy:  This was a fun project for me on a personal level. In the beginning stages of planning the home, we were struggling a bit with finding the right architect for this project. The homeowners knew what they wanted but were struggling to find the right architect to help them translate their vision. I suggested for them to talk to a few architects and I threw my nephew’s name in the mix. His firm is out of Salt Lake City, Utah, and he and I have always wanted to do a project together. They interviewed him and it was a fantastic ‘fit’.

It was a very collaborative effort among designer, architect, and homeowner, which I personally think makes for a much more successful project. When designer and architect can collaborate freely, there is nothing that can’t be accomplished!

Architecturally, the iron beams run throughout the main area of the home and the sprawling patio on the back of the home. It did give the home a bit of an industrial feel which was softened by the cedar ceilings that run throughout the main living area and the beautiful walnut that encases the kitchen cabinetry and also the built-ins on either side of the board-formed concrete walls and the bar in the lounge.

The client owns a commercial concrete company and a metal fabrication company. We really wanted to incorporate some of those elements into this home while still keeping it fresh, inviting, warm, yet with a livable feel and cool vibe.

Architect: Blackbox Design Studios  |  Photographer: Alan Blakeley

eggersmann: There are a variety of finishes and textures in the kitchen area, but they all work together harmoniously. How did you make your selections?

Kathy:  We had looked at multiple options for cabinetry in this home and we knew that we wanted something unique, clean, but not cold. Eggersmann totally fit the bill. Once my clients saw their quality and functionality, they were sold.

We loved the textured finish of the wood cabinets on the islands. With the smooth finish of the cabinets on the back wall, we could use a fabulous slab in the area above the ‘dirty sink’.  Adding floating walnut shelves helped to tie in the walnut frame that encases the entire back wall.

I love organic materials working with hard/cold items like iron/steel. I think the juxtaposition of the two are interesting and bring out the best of both.

eggersmann: Not every project we work on has three separate islands.  Was this a client request or did the design develop organically? Can you tell us the thought behind this design decision?

Kathy: I do a lot of double islands in kitchens. Here in Texas, we have pretty good sized kitchens. I like double islands, when the space allows, because I get a workstation in one and a serving station in the other. Sometimes that works better than one enormous island.

We went with three islands here because the back wall was so long and the ‘work island’ would have been a long walk to the ‘serving/eating’ island. The work island has a 6’ Galley Workstation in it along with an induction cook top right beside it. It works great for the cook to prep and cook without having to move back and forth a lot. I love that set up.

We made a walk-through so the homeowner wouldn’t have to walk all the way around the prep/cook island to serve. It made for an easier transition, plus  the added bonus of having the smaller island lends another location for  food at  parties and social events, still leaving the eating island for its designated purpose.

I love the wood top on the serving/eating island. It just really tied in the wood on the back wall making the space more cohesive. The family uses the wood top table for all of  their meals and loves that they can all gather at that space  for conversation and connecting. We all connect in the kitchen more than any other place in the home. This kitchen certainly delivers.

eggersmann: Aside from this home, we know that you do many residential projects across the state of Texas and we would love to hear how your process and concepts have changed since the events of the last year in the wake of the pandemic?

Kathy: Our biggest problem has been just getting product. Seems as if the supply chain is completely broken and just makes it really difficult. I get tired of saying ‘due to COVID’. Hopefully, that will get better as time goes on.

We have projects going in California and St. Kitts right now as well and that presents its own set of issues. Shipping is a problem too, however, we trudge through and do the best we can.

THIS TOO SHALL PASS. 😊

Contact Kathy and her incredible team!

Kathy@eklektikinteriors.com
832.804.6300
eklektikinteriors.com

Infusing Your Family Culture Into Your Home

Posted on by Jana Humpherys

Tradition and culture contribute to our sense of comfort, belonging, and unique social identity. Finding ways to infuse your combined family culture into your home décor will ensure your home is a true reflection of everyone that lives under your roof and a safe, wonderful place you long to be.  Recognizing what is most important to you and emphasizing that throughout your home will put your passions on display and represent your unique life.  It is possible to merge different styles to create an eclectic, culturally rich home design that is cohesive and enhances those feelings of comfort and belonging for your family.

There are many ways that you can showcase your culture in your home to honor your family’s past, while also celebrating your current combined culture, which defines your family’s values, beliefs, and personal interests. When carefully and intentionally selected, the colors and finishes, textures and patterns, and lighting and accessories you choose, will all speak to your unique family culture and truly make your house a home.

COLOR CONNECTION:

Like an old song that instantly transports you back to the past or an aroma that you associate with a cherished memory, color can evoke an intimate connection to the senses. In design we often use a simple understanding of color’s warmth or coolness to add or subtract attention to a space, either enhancing or reducing an emotional reaction.  Infusing your surroundings with the colors that you naturally gravitate toward will create emotional and cultural connections in your space. There are so many ways to add color to a space through paint, wallpaper, accessories, fabrics, and art, to name a few. If your preferred color palette is monochromatic, you can also create similar emotional connections through texture and patterns.

CULTURAL COLLECTIONS:

Collections tell a story; a walk through time and experiences. When design is approached from the perspective of storytelling, it gives life to the static objects that together create a collection that highlights your personal narrative.  Which space you choose to highlight a collection depends on the type of collection, but grouping the collection in a single space gives it impact and keeps the storyline cohesive. Hallways and stairwells can work great because you have ample wall space to work with. The backdrop, wall color, and finishes chosen to display any collection is essential to keeping the attention on the collection. You want a backdrop that is additive to the experience; not one that competes with it.

LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE:

One of my favorite ways to add a unique and personalized factor to a room is lighting. I am a sucker for exquisite lighting. That doesn’t mean it has to be expensive, but it should be unique and another way to add deeper meaning to your decor. I would rather have no lighting than boring lighting or lighting that everyone has. Lighting adds feeling and ambiance to any space.  The finish and shape of a fixture and the way it illuminates your space can all add to the way your family exhibits their values and beliefs.

MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS:

We’ve all heard the phrase, ‘if these walls could talk;’ well, you can let your walls speak about who you are by what you hang on them.  A beautiful piece of art can be a meaningful expression of your heritage and culture.  Whether it is a painting from your native country, photographs from places you’ve traveled, or something you discovered that showcases colors and ideas that are important to you, displaying meaningful artwork is a way to add beauty and significance to every space in your home.

My favorite part of my job is getting to know my clients and what their personal narrative and culture is and finding creative solutions to display that in their home.  I enjoy taking the time to peel back the layers of who they are and how they live to help translate their ideas into a functional lived reality that feels true to them and their story.

Home Bar Design: Adding An At-Home Beverage Center

Posted on by Jana Humpherys
Photo Description: This pass-through working bar is an artistic and dramatic focal point

 

By Stephanie Vaughan, Eklektik Interiors Designer

When remodeling, more homeowners are wanting to incorporate a bar area into their home. With the trend of entertaining at home becoming more commonplace, along with the recent “stay at home” mandates around the globe, specialty spaces in the home set aside for entertaining have been utilized more than ever. Whether that is a wine storage space, a bar or beverage serving area, or a full-on lounge, the typical homeowner is looking to have that special place in their home to “belly up to the bar!”

Interior designers love this trend in home design because it offers an opportunity to utilize significant spaces for practical needs, while also offering the chance to create an unexpected and exciting focal point. A beverage serving area can add beauty and function to your home and can be utilized not only for intimate personal or family time but for entertaining clients or friends.

What this space looks like is different for every homeowner, but incorporating a designer’s eye and input on different areas in your home that could be transformed into a bar space or wine storage can save you a lot of time and money and give you a working plan to move forward. Most homes have hidden nooks, which often go unnoticed by the homeowner, that would make perfect points of interest. An empty wall in a dining room, a cabinet section in your kitchen, or the space under your stairs can become something new and exciting like a wine display or full-service bar.

Asking the right questions before you begin a renovation project will ensure that your space is designed according to your needs and lifestyle. Here are a few questions to ask to begin the design process. How do I want to use this space and how can this add to my home’s function? Think about how you are going to use it and how to get the best bang for the buck. If you don’t really drink wine, why spend money and space on wine storage. Make it a liquor bar instead. If you don’t drink liquor, then concentrate on wine and all the bells and whistles you can fit into the space. Also consider, if I make this a focal point, who will see it the most? Will it be visible enough to really create a visually interesting space? For instance, if it’s going inside the pantry it should be designed for utility, but if it’s going in the living area or along an entry wall, it definitely should make a statement.

Important elements to consider in your design that add to the function but also the fabulous:

• COUNTERTOPS: Selecting durable countertops for preparing glasses of your favorite elixir, such as quartz or porcelain, add beauty and won’t stain from citrus acids or wine spills.

• LIGHTING: Lighting is very important and can create drama and effect in your new focal point.

• LAYOUT and STORAGE: A flashy or exotic backsplash is usually a good place to start in adding some interest. Storage can be hidden or used as display to add to the feel of the space. Shelves that hold liquor or beautiful wine racks add to the decor, while below the counter cabinets can hide various bar tools and appliances to keep the area uncluttered. Storing glasses is best when in a closed cabinet and even better if that door has glass and lighting on the inside for drama.

• APPLIANCES: A wine chiller with dual temp settings that will keep your reds at the perfect 65 degrees and your whites at 45-50. Depending on the space available, this could be under the counter or a tall unit for maximum storage. An ice maker and a sink are great additions if space and budget allow. You may also consider a drawer dishwasher that is great for washing glasses. One of the newest appliances that is a wine enthusiast ‘must-have’ is a wine saver/dispenser. It holds 4-6 bottles of open wine, keeping it fresh for days after opening and dispenses it into your glass when you push the button.

Originally published in the Houston Chronicle on July 4, 2020  https://www.chron.com/news/article/GHBA-Remodelers-Council-Home-bar-design-15382216.php 

Personalize a Favorite Look

Posted on by Kathy Anderson

Your home is your sanctuary- your safe place in which you can be completely and totally you. So shouldn’t you infuse your surroundings with things that are a true reflection of you and your lifestyle? Maybe you have a favorite look or style that you love, such as white kitchens and a monochromatic color scheme.

HOWEVER, that is NOT the only look out there. Frankly, I have to caution people sometimes that you don’t want to look like everyone else…do you? You can take that look to the next level by just popping it with one major splash of color or something completely different … your signature, on a room. A monochromatic look is lovely but if everyone gets that look, it can be a bit monotonous and sometimes even boring. If you aren’t careful, you will look like everyone else…let’s face it, you AREN’T everyone else! And why would you want to be?

How do you take a look that you love and make it your own? Well, color and accessories are a beginning. To keep the look fresh and not too jumbled, pick one color to pop—orange, turquoise, lime green, and yellow are all the rage right now. This strong color contrast will set you apart from others and will allow your personality to shine through. Pillows, large color vases, and amazing art are just a few other ways to make your room your own. Don’t be afraid, but be careful not to overdo if you still want a more monochromatic space—just a few areas will do the trick.

If you don’t want color, add texture. Texture adds another depth and layer to the space. When doing a monochromatic space, remember to add different values of the color you are working with. Light color to dark add contrast and interest.

One of my favorite ways to add a unique and personalized factor to a room is lighting. I am a sucker for exquisite lighting. That doesn’t mean it has to be expensive but unique. I would rather have no lighting than boring lighting or lighting that everyone has. Save your monies for fabulous! Plus, fabulous lighting can always go with you when you sell your home. It doesn’t have to stay. Just make sure you remove it before you put your home on the market. Otherwise, it can become a bargaining element when selling the house. Everyone loves fabulous lighting.

Hire a professional even if it is just for a couple of hours. It is worth the money. A second set of eyes can put a whole new perspective on your project. It will help you see other options and give you ideas you haven’t even thought of.

Originaly Published 12:00 am CST, Sunday, January 6, 2019 on chron.com

How Italy Taught Me to Refute Throw Away Culture

Posted on by Kelly Wesson

Before my last year of college, I had the opportunity to spend my summer studying abroad in Florence, Italy. I was more than excited to spend the summer in my dream locale, but little did I know I would be experiencing a culture that would help shape my style as a designer. I had studied most of the famously historic architecture that the country had to offer, but being able to see the structures in person, walk through them, be surrounded by them, and touch their walls, brought a whole new sense of meaning to my thoughts on design. It wasn’t just the famous buildings, like the Duomo and Palazzos, that changed my perspective, but the buildings I saw everyday as I walked through the narrow city streets. The centuries old buildings that are now being used as apartments, restaurants, schools, and shops were what really opened my eyes to a different way of living.

Shops and restaurants
Shops and restaurants are found below apartments with original architecture.

In America we currently exist in a “throw away” culture, meaning most things we use everyday are not meant to last. We are so accustomed to throwing something away when it has served its purpose or when the next new shiny thing on the market has come along. It’s not just iPhones and material objects that we upgrade every few years but also things that are meant to last, like cars, houses, and buildings. The reason for this is partially due to the lack of quality in the initial construction of these things, but it is also because of our mindset of wanting everything to be new and representative of the current year. This “throw away” culture has allowed for many buildings and homes to be torn down, only to be replaced by new and modern designs. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for modern design and function, but I don’t appreciate how our society views older things as useless and ugly. In the design industry we should be striving to create things that will not only be functional, but will also stand strong to stand the test of time.

The Duomo
The Duomo was undergoing construction during my time in Florence. It undergoes regular maintenance to keep the exterior looking as it originally did the 1400s.

When talking about “throw away” culture, Italians couldn’t be any more opposite. They built with a purpose of creating lasting architecture and they’ve clearly succeeded. Construction on the Florence Cathedral and Duomo began in 1296 and wasn’t completed until 1436. The architects and workers took plenty of time to have the structure completed in a way that would last centuries, which it has. The building that my school resided in was converted from a centuries old apartment style home. Even the basement apartment that I lived in was from the early 1900’s and had been recently updated. Despite the updates being made on these types of apartment buildings, the original architecture and style is still able to shine through. Italians celebrate their history and the architecture that goes along with it. They are constantly surrounded by their heritage through the buildings they work, dine, and live in. This is the type of culture that inspires me when I look at designing for our clients, specifically with remodels.

We do a lot of remodels here at Eklektik, and we get clients who either want to totally gut the space and start new or ones who want to keep existing elements of the home. More often than not though, they are on the side of totally gutting the space. I would like to inspire our clients to think about what aspects of their home originally drew them towards purchasing it—which elements they fell in love with. Then it’s our job to figure out how to incorporate those existing elements into the new design. Even if it’s something as simple as the existing molding or built in shelving, these elements can maintain the original charm that the home has to offer.

Historic architecture and charm
A beautiful example of a modern apartment home with historic architecture and charm.

We also do plenty of new construction at Eklektik, where we work with builders and/or a client from the ground up. In these instances we can utilize this same idea of refuting throw away culture, by building with a purpose to last. This means we need to design with the future in mind. What current trends will still work in the years to come? What materials will last for years without needing to be replaced or upgraded? These are the questions we consider when designing new builds.

This idea of refuting throw away culture won’t be accepted by everyone, but we can progress the movement by encouraging homeowners to preserve some of the initial design brought to life by the original architects and by designing and building quality, lasting structures. I’m thankful for my experience in Italy and how it opened my eyes to a new culture with new ways of thinking and living. Specifically how it taught me to appreciate the care and detail that goes into creating beautiful lasting architecture. One day I hope to own a home that has been thoughtfully designed, with unique characteristics of the time in which it was built, but that allows me to meld in my own style seamlessly.

High Point Market: Top Five Trends

Posted on by Cristine Navarrete

Designers Cristine Navarrete and Emily Stinemetz Share Their Perspective as First Time Market Goers


Twice a year the small town of High Point, North Carolina goes from ghost town to mecca for interior designers as 75,000 visitors flock to the largest home furnishings trade show in the world.  High Point Market is the energetic center of new and exciting design trends as designers connect with vendors in their furniture and décor showrooms.

You, our fabulous clients, are the reason Eklektik Interiors sends designers to market every year. We go to discover the new products and trends in interior design, so we can incorporate them into our designs and offer them in our showroom.

As a designer, going to market was not only exciting, it was beneficial to see and touch the furniture pieces and products that we specify in our projects. We were able to experience the quality first hand and visualize how a furniture piece would work into a certain project.  Each vendor showroom is styled so nicely with interesting design elements, which gave us new ideas and inspiration. We also truly got a feel for the branding and style of each vendor and what they are trying to convey.

One of the most exciting parts of going to Market is being a part of the new product introductions that vendors unveil in their showrooms.  Let us share what we discovered as we explored High Point Market this fall!

Top 5 Trends at Market:

  1. Rounded/Curved Sofas and Chairs
  2. Floating Flowers on Water – A very zen element that is easy to incorporate as décor around your home
  3. Indoor Wicker Furniture – Almost looks like outdoor furniture, but with a twist
  4. Mixed Materials – Mixing of different materials, such as different fabrics or metals with leather, to create a unique look
  5. Conversation Pieces – Chairs that are formed in a way that it helps people hold a conversation