Long on Style: Polishing a High-Rise Gem

The selection of backsplashes and countertops represents a pivotal aspect of kitchen design, blending aesthetic appeal with functional necessity. While backsplashes offer extensive creative freedom to establish a kitchen's mood or reflect a client's persona, countertops, despite their practical role, contribute significantly to the overall beauty of the space. When these two elements are harmonized, they elevate the kitchen's design to an exceptional level. This article compiles insights from various designers who share their projects, demonstrating how backsplashes and countertops collaboratively create visually pleasing and highly functional kitchens. Genevieve Trousdale, principal designer at Circa Genevieve, emphasizes integrating nature into kitchen designs. She often uses natural stone, such as Elegant Brown Leather quartzite countertops, and stained oak cabinetry. The quartzite, with its brown, taupe, and deep-sea green hues, provides a grounding yet seductive horizontal surface. Custom oak cabinetry, featuring mullions designed to resemble a mountain range, complements the natural theme. Frosted glass in the upper cabinets mimics the sky, enhancing the outdoor ambiance. The backsplash, hand-painted with an olive tree on glossy white ceramic tiles, further extends the nature theme, symbolizing the client's desire for a unique kitchen that brings the outdoors in. An adjacent wall showcases a single olive branch with a bird, along with a metal pot rack for copper pots, adding both storage and display. The versatility of the white tile also allows for varied design treatments, as seen in another project where metal accents are used with the same tile. Lauren DeBello of Lauren DeBello Interiors notes the rising popularity of zellige tile for backsplashes due to its handmade, unique texture and timeless appeal. While white and ivory are common requests, DeBello successfully incorporated blush-colored zellige tile for a client seeking a 'wow' kitchen with a touch of pink. The tile is extended from countertop to ceiling on the focal wall, with floating shelves accentuating the height. White cabinetry and Vadara's Carrara quartz countertops, featuring subtle gray veining, ensure the backsplash remains the central design element. DeBello highlights quartz's durability and ease of maintenance as key reasons for its popularity among her clients. She also advocates for extending countertop material to the backsplash for a sophisticated, easy-to-clean look, and finds pleasure in assisting clients with these crucial selections. Rebekah Zaveloff, design director and co-founder of KitchenLab Interiors, employs a holistic approach to material selection, considering the overall vibe of the kitchen. She evaluates light and dark tones, colors, and the 'language' of each material, ensuring a balanced design where statement pieces are complemented by quieter elements. Zaveloff observes current trends such as zellige and hand-painted terracotta tiles, as well as marble with brass inlays and multi-stone mosaics. Antiqued mirror is also used in butler's pantries for light reflection. Full-height quartzite or marble backsplashes remain popular for modern projects. She prioritizes honest conversations with clients about material characteristics and maintenance to guide them toward informed decisions, especially concerning materials like marble. In older homes, Zaveloff often creates layered looks by mixing materials like natural stone, ceramic tile, and beadboard. An example includes a renovated 1890s home with Carrara marble countertops, a butcher block island, and a painted brick wall with subway tile, aiming for vintage authenticity. Mel McDaniel, founder of Mel McDaniel Design, encourages clients to prioritize personal happiness over trends in finish selections. In one project, she designed an eclectic French kitchen with vibrant colors and patterns, including black painted cabinets, a black and white checkered floor, and a rich blue True refrigerator. A New Ravenna Kelp Forest Alexandrite mosaic tile backsplash in blues and greens served as a unique focal point. McDaniel emphasizes that backsplashes can be a canvas for special design elements. For bold backsplashes, she recommends quieter countertop materials like quartz or natural stone, ensuring durability and easy maintenance. In this instance, Cambria Portrush quartz, with its soft white foundation and navy veins, was chosen to complement the striking backsplash. McDaniel sometimes starts with the backsplash to fully explore its design potential, recognizing its significant role in defining the kitchen's vibe. Erin Judge, studio director and senior designer at Kelle Contine Interior Design, focused on authenticity and raw materials for a new-construction home. In the kitchen, visible steel beams, wood accents, and concrete floors set the tone. A blackened steel ventilation hood, flanked by hidden cabinets, is contrasted by a small stack mosaic tile backsplash from Ann Sack’s Savoy Collection. The metallic glaze and Graphite colorway of the tile provide shimmer and texture, while its smaller scale balances the hood's heft. Caesarstone’s Organic White quartz countertops, with a waterfall edge on an 11-foot island, offer a soft white, consistent surface without excessive veining, meeting the client's preference for understated finishes. Judge notes the popularity of durable, low-maintenance quartz and quartzite. She often extends countertop material to the backsplash for a clean, contemporary look, especially with bold veining or texture. Porcelain slabs are also gaining traction for their varied textural patterns beyond natural stone, offering design flexibility and durability. #Backsplashes #Countertops #KitchenDesign #InteriorDesign #NaturalStone #Quartzite #ZelligeTile #HomeRenovation #DesignTrends

Lacquered finishes are experiencing a significant resurgence in home design, offering a versatile aesthetic that can elevate various interior styles, from modern to traditional. These highly reflective surfaces introduce a sense of luxury, depth, and dimension to a space. Designers like Sarah Jefferys of Sarah Jefferys Architecture and Interiors, Challie Stillman, vice president of creative at Resource Furniture, and Aurora Espinoza, a designer at Kutchenhaus Doral and nobilia, highlight the numerous benefits of incorporating lacquer into home decor. One of the primary advantages of lacquered finishes is their luminous quality. The glossy surface reflects light, which can make a room appear brighter and more spacious, contributing to a heightened sense of luxury and a contemporary feel. While often associated with bold, statement colors, lacquers in subdued neutrals can also achieve a polished, modern aesthetic. Beyond their visual appeal, lacquered finishes are also practical; their smooth surface is easy to clean and maintain, making them a functional choice for busy households. Lacquered finishes are adaptable to diverse design contexts. In traditional homes, they can be used to emphasize intricate details like plaster moldings, enhancing the beauty of historic architectural elements. For transitional or eclectic spaces, lacquered pieces introduce a contemporary shine without overwhelming the existing decor. The glamorous and geometric style of Art Deco, for instance, naturally aligns with the use of shiny lacquered surfaces. Experts recommend several ways to integrate lacquered finishes throughout the home. Lacquered cabinetry in kitchens and bathrooms creates a streamlined, high-end look, especially when paired with stainless steel or natural stone countertops. These cabinets can also contribute to a sense of wellness by maximizing natural light. For those hesitant to commit fully, accent furniture and decor, such as lacquered trays, picture frames, coffee tables, or sideboards, offer subtle pops of shine and a taste of the trend. Wall paneling, particularly an accent wall in an entryway or dining room, can add depth and elegance. Architectural details like interior doors, moldings, and built-ins also benefit from a glossy finish, making a strong architectural statement and introducing color while utilizing the reflective properties of lacquer. Successful integration of lacquered finishes hinges on balance. To achieve a cohesive and stylish look, it's advisable to start with smaller pieces to understand how lacquer interacts with light and texture in a specific space. Embracing color with high-gloss lacquer can create a rich, luxurious, and adventurous statement, though neutral lacquers also offer sophistication. Pairing high-gloss surfaces with matte textures like wood or natural stone helps to prevent a space from feeling over-polished, creating a fresh, contemporary, and multi-layered aesthetic. Careful consideration of lighting is crucial to avoid harsh glare; soft, diffused, or indirect lighting, such as custom-designed light coves, is recommended. Highlighting architectural features with lacquer can naturally boost a room's inherent style. Lastly, moderation is key to avoid overwhelming a space, though a bold, monochromatic design statement can be achieved by covering an entire room in lacquer, offering an elegant "wow factor." #LacqueredFinishes #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DesignTrends #HighGloss #ModernAesthetic #ArchitecturalDetails #HomeStyling

The design world is currently experiencing a revival of high-gloss finishes, which are returning to interiors as a sophisticated means to introduce depth and drama. This trend, drawing inspiration from both 1970s glamour and 1920s Art Deco elegance, is gaining prominence in contemporary home design. These glossy surfaces offer a subtle yet impactful statement, moving beyond mere trend following to become a refined design choice. Studio McGee's recent Threshold x Studio McGee collection, available at Target, exemplifies this resurgence by incorporating several pieces that feature a lacquered aesthetic. The collection highlights a deep oxblood hue, which is presented as a considered palette choice that elevates the trend rather than simply adhering to it. This particular color provides a rich, sophisticated look that integrates well into various interior schemes. Key pieces from this collection demonstrate the versatility of high-gloss finishes in different areas of the home. A sculptural oval coffee table, for instance, serves as a grounding element in a living room, contributing a focal point with its reflective surface. For entryways or behind sofas, a console table finished in high-gloss adds a layer of drama and polish, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the space. Additionally, a versatile side table offers a compact yet impactful touch of shine, suitable for various room placements. These lacquered items are designed to be either standalone statement pieces or to be layered throughout a home, illustrating how high-gloss elements can be integrated into existing decor. The approach taken with these pieces emphasizes a thoughtful application of high-gloss, ensuring that the finish contributes to a sense of modern refinement and subtle drama. The collection underscores the idea that when executed with careful consideration, such finishes transcend fleeting trends and become enduring components of elevated interior design. #HighGlossFinish #InteriorDesign #HomeDecorTrends #LacqueredFurniture #ThresholdXStudioMcGee #ModernRefinement #DesignTrends #HomeStyling

The article explores the intersection of fashion and interior design, highlighting how trends from the runway often influence home decor. It specifically focuses on Restoration Hardware's (RH) Fall 2020 decor collection, which features design elements that mirrored those seen on the Fall 2020 runways, particularly Zimmermann's New York Fashion Week show. Three key design styles identified are brass/gold metallics, black-and-white palettes, and velvet textiles. The influence of these fashion trends on RH's latest collection is presented as an opportunity for consumers to update their homes with stylish, yet timeless, pieces. The author suggests that these elements — brass, black-and-white, and velvet — not only align with current trends but also possess a classic and autumnal appeal, ensuring their longevity in home aesthetics. The article positions the change of seasons as an ideal time for home updates, suggesting that RH's new offerings can inspire a refresh, whether it's a subtle addition or a more comprehensive embrace of the trends. Examples of how these trends are incorporated into RH's decor include luxurious bedding, small decorative objects like bookends and vases, and various furniture pieces. The article details specific RH products across these three trending categories. For brass decor, items like the RH Cascada Square Chandelier, RH Abstract Solid Brass Sculpture, and RH Cast Linked Bookends are highlighted. In the black-and-white category, the RH Italian Bold Border Cotton Sheet Set, RH Hexagonal Marble Vase Collection, and RH Rectangular Column Alabaster Table Lamp are mentioned. For velvet items, the RH Velvet Pick Stitch Quilt, RH Vintage Velvet Drapery, and RH Velvet Brushstroke Four Square Pillow are showcased. The selection of these items is presented as independently chosen by The Zoe Report's editorial team, with a disclosure about potential sales commissions. The overall message emphasizes the seamless integration of fashion-forward aesthetics into home decor, offering readers actionable ideas for updating their living spaces with elements that are both contemporary and enduring. #RestorationHardware #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #FashionTrends #FallDecor #BrassDecor #BlackAndWhiteDecor #VelvetTextiles #SeasonalRefresh