Advice

Eggersmann Interview with Kathy Anderson

Posted on by dhopkins

 

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 dhopkins

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 dhopkins
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 

Harvey Recovery One Year Later

Posted on by dhopkins

One year ago Houston changed forever as 60 inches of rain flooded our highways and homes. None of us will ever forget driving into neighborhoods seeing piles of belonging and memories out on the curb to be hauled away as trash. Still a year after Hurricane Harvey hit, many homeowners are still in the process of rebuilding. Homeowners were faced with many decisions as the water receded. Should they renovate, tear down and rebuild, raise the foundation of their existing home, or move away from their home and community?

As we look back on this year, two of our flood victim clients started the rebuilding process right away. As we met with these clients soon after Harvey, we had to discuss the possibility of moving or completely demolishing their home and trying again. These very emotional conversations resulted in one client in Bellaire deciding to raise their home foundation and then do a complete renovation, while another client in Champions opted to leave the foundation as it was and renovate. Both of these homes took on enough water that the drywall had to be removed up to four feet. Although the homeowners knew there was a possibility that they would flood again, they both loved their home and location and community, and they didn’t want to give that up.

Champions Remodel

This home was only a year old when Harvey hit, so it was never an option to tear down and start again. The homeowners were able to move in with family as their year-long renovation took place. Some of the original finishes in the new home were poor quality, so the remodel has helped restore this home into something better than what they lost. Changes in the floorplan to enhance the flow of the home were small, but significant. The improvements included the creation of an opening from the dining room into the kitchen and the reconfiguration of the master bath . With these minor changes, as well as major upgrades in the finishes, this family couldn’t be happier to be back in their beautiful home.

Drywall removal and a large fan drying out this home were a common sight in flood victims’ homes. Check out the amazing transformation as this kitchen went from devastation to dreamy!

Bellaire Remodel

This home is still in the remodel process a year later because the clients opted to have the foundation raised before any interior renovation took place. The home was lifted four and a half feet through a process of digging and lifting, inches at a time, to ensure that floodwaters wouldn’t destroy their home again. This home renovation is a complete design and remodel including finishes and furnishings. The process has been emotional for the clients as they went from enjoying their beautiful home to living in a small apartment. The homeowners are very much anticipating the completion and move in date in October.

Homeowners opted to raise the foundation, which also meant the addition of a beautiful stone exterior finish.

Harvey was such an unprecedented event with so much loss that none of us knew how long it would take to rebuild or what challenges would come. Many businesses and storefronts and roads were back up and running quickly, but restoring homes has taken time. Floodwaters left so many Houstonians in need of rebuilding that the demand for materials and contractors skyrocketed. Even through the challenges, it has truly been a pleasure working with victims of Harvey and helping them restore their homes and their lives, as we have shared in the design and rebuilding process with them.

5 Tips to Achieving Timeless Design

Posted on by dhopkins

Striving for timeless design is most homeowners ultimate goal because it allows for years of adaptability. Timeless design also protects your investment, ensuring your home maintains a great look despite the change in season, style, or years. Follow these five tips, and you will be on your way to a well designed home with enduring appeal.

1. Good Bones

Make sure your floorplan is solid. Invest time envisioning yourself in the space and making the correct accommodations to your specific needs.  If you have a layout that flows nicely from one space to another and is well thought out – you won’t ever feel the need to move walls down the road.

2. Quality Flooring

Invest in high quality flooring that isn’t trendy especially in your main living spaces. You can always have some fun in smaller spaces such as powder or laundry rooms.

3. Staple Furniture Pieces

We always encourage our clients to splurge on the main sofa/sectional. Usually they hesitate due to cost, but we know that if they invest in a good, well-made piece, it will last them years and they will be pleased with their purchase. Quality is something that should never be compromised in high use items.

4. Know the Difference: Timeless vs. Trendy

Usually, it’s easy to spot whether something is trendy or not. If you see it in every magazine and all over Pinterest, chances of a style being trendy are high. You may love the farmhouse look of white subway tile and shiplap right now, but will you like it in five years? If you want something that is the current fashion, choose to use it in a space that is easy and affordable to update.

5. Keep Design Fresh

  • Paint: Simple, affordable updates like paint go a long way. If you feel like you are stuck and just need to freshen up – then painting your space is the answer! Wanting a more open feel? Pick a light color. Wanting a more bold change? Go dark. Maybe start with an accent wall and see how you like it.
  • Accessorize: Use and rotate your staple pieces like memorabilia from travels or generational passed down décor and mix them with new pieces. Don’t be afraid to use what you already have and add in new, fun pieces. Those are the best combinations.
  • Pillows: You can always make your sofa look more up to date by switching your pillows and throws—a very easy fix that won’t leave you broke.
  • Wallpaper: Wallpaper options have definitely outgrown our grandma’s homes. If you feel like going the extra mile when changing up a wall, definitely look into adding some fun wallpaper. It will make everyone who walks into your space do all the ooohs and ahhhs.

Combining Livability and Luxury

Posted on by dhopkins

When you think about your home, its purpose goes beyond providing shelter for you and your loved ones. It is not just a place to eat and sleep. Your home should be your refuge, your safe place—a place to be completely you. At Eklektik Interiors we love to help you make your home livable AND luxurious, a true reflection of you. My favorite part of the design process is getting to know my clients personally in order to provide them with a space that is not only beautiful, but also functional for their lifestyle.

Functional Spaces

When designing a client’s home, I start the process by going into each room and asking the client how they would like to use the space. I’ll ask, “Do you entertain here? Do you and your kids hang out here? Do you watch TV and lounge here? Is this space for conversation and drinks?” Once I know how the space will be used, I can make it functional. If the room is for entertaining, we need a lot of seating. If it’s a space for young children to play, we use easy-to-clean fabrics and wipeable surfaces. When each room is designed with purpose, usability and ease of living increases.

Adding in Luxury

My motto is to live luxuriously, not based on a budget, but based on things that put a smile on your face. It’s all about how a space makes you feel that adds the luxury. When you walk into your living room, does your sofa make you want to stay there for hours? That’s luxury. On any budget you can find unique accessories, sculptures, and art that make a statement and add a luxurious feel to a room. Other elements that add luxury are added conveniences like heated floors, LED-lit closets, shoes carousels, and built in jewelry displays.

Space Planning

To make your home the ultimate combination of livable and luxurious, the floor plan is key. I love space planning, which is when I design the flow of the home based on how the client will use each room. For example, if a client comes to us with a blank slate, we get to design where all the rooms are located and how to transition from one room to another. Starting the design process from conception allows us to maximize each room’s function with the right amount of luxurious details that will bring a smile to your face for years to come.

Therapist or Designer?

Posted on by dhopkins

On an average work day, I often act as a mediator, a marriage counselor, and a therapist.  What am I?  Your first guess is probably not “Interior Designer.” If you’ve never partnered with an interior designer on a project, then you might not know that these valuable skills are included with your design package. 

Maya Angelou said, “People will tell you who they are if you will just listen.”  I’ve definitely seen this in my work as a designer.  When meeting with a new client, a lot of intuition comes into play. I want to understand you and what your recent experiences are.  I listen very intently so I can know why you are hiring a designer.  I read your body language and emotion to really get to know you.  As I see how you respond to different things we talk about, I get to know your style and who you are.

Home construction and renovations are well known for the amount of stress and conflict they can cause.  With the availability and accessibility of so many home design elements on the internet, home owners are inundated with options, and they can drive themselves crazy trying to keep up with the best new thing. 

As a designer, I use my trained vision and expertise to help you focus and find the best products to meet your needs and make you happy.  Losing that focus by changing one simple element is like a tumbling house of cards.  The minute you make one change, the entire project can come crashing down because every selection is tied into another selection.  As your designer, I want to get to know you and help you define your style so that it is reflected in your surroundings.  It is my specialty to hone the style throughout the project so the design direction does not stray, which is usually where most people get frustrated. There are an endless supply of options out there to entice you and throw you off track.  I provide you with a specific amount of selections so that you can discover the best products that truly represent you and stay within the design plan we have created.

Once selections have been made, I am the mediator of the project.  I will be your voice and your advocate as I work closely and professionally with everyone involved.  I act as the go between, helping you understand the building process, which will reduce any possible conflict with the contractors.  As your designer and home renovation “therapist,” I want you to have the best experience possible.  So come put your feet up, relax, and let’s talk!

Going to Build or Remodel? Step #1: Hire a Designer

Posted on by Kathy Anderson

Have you ever hired a tour guide while on vacation to help you navigate and enjoy new terrain? A designer is like your tour guide for building or renovating your home. Hiring a good designer as your guide before you even begin construction will save you time, money, and stress. We can make a seemingly overwhelming journey smooth and enjoyable!

Save You Time

As a designer, my greatest desire is to guide you through the entire building or remodeling process so that your home is designed and customized to your lifestyle. You may think of an interior designer as the person that would help you decorate and furnish your home after construction is complete, but in order to start the building process, you need a design. An architect and builder focus on the structure itself, where a designer looks at the floor plan from a functional standpoint, helping each room live up to its maximum potential. We will help you achieve a truly cohesive design as we collaborate with you and your contractor. With your customized design plan in place, the construction process will be so much more efficient and effective.

Save You Money

A good designer will save you more money than what they will cost you. Before you go to a builder, everything from tile to cabinets to lighting should be selected. A lot of time and money can be wasted if you meet with a builder and don’t have selections made and a budget set. By having open and honest conversations about your budget with your designer beforehand, they can guide you to selections that stay within your budget, while also staying true to the things that are most important to you. Because you may not know how much it costs for every plumbing fixture and cabinet, a designer’s expertise can help you know which products to cut back on so that you can put your money into the extras that you’ve been dreaming about. The last thing you want to happen is to be in the middle of construction and realize that your loan amount isn’t enough. So many times clients realize too late that to get what they want they will have to go way over budget. Designers prevent this. If you’re working on a budget, you can’t afford not to hire a designer.

Save You Stress

Meeting with your designer and coming up with the perfect design for your home can be a very enjoyable process. In the initial meeting, we have you come with an idea book for your home. We want to learn about you and your lifestyle and what you want each room to achieve. We want you to be included in every part of the creative process. It makes so much sense to meet with a designer, make all of your selections, and come up with a cohesive design and a realistic budget before you find a builder. At this point in the process, we can provide you with a design package, or we can continue guiding you through finding the perfect builder and working with them to ensure they stay true to the design. We will educate you through the entire process, helping you make decisions along the way to achieve your desired outcome. We believe honesty is key. If we think that your budget isn’t enough to complete your entire project, we may suggest doing your home in stages or even postponing a project a few months until you have the needed amount. You can save yourself so much stress by doing things the right way instead of half way through the process realizing you’re in over your head.

We are here to help you turn your home into the perfect fit for you. We let you drive the creative process of adding in every design element so that your home is true to you. You are driving, and we are your tour guide, helping you discover your dream home while saving you time, money, and stress.