Trends

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

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 

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