AbbeyK — On Interior Design

Favorite Wall covering

Architectural Digest asked some of the most influential designers and architects a series of questions in the January '08 issue. I thought I'd answer the same questions for my readers. Each question is its own entry and will appear Mondays through May.

What's your favorite wall covering…I am a huge fan of paint. Although wall paper is coming back, there's something wonderful and changeable about paint.

Home Office Tips

Architectural Digest asked some of the most influential designers and architects a series of questions in the January '08 issue. I thought I'd answer the same questions for my readers. Each question is its own entry and will appear Mondays through May.

What is your favorite way to create a home office for your clients…
A home office should be as functional as a kitchen. Materials are very important so is usability and ergonomics. When a client works from home, a home office can be one of the most used spaces in a home so make it comfortable and get a really great proper office chair.

Thoughts on Kitchen Design

Architectural Digest asked some of the most influential designers and architects a series of questions in the January '08 issue. I thought I'd answer the same questions for my readers. Each question is its own entry and will appear Mondays through May.

In designing a kitchen what are your favorite materials, key considerations and biggest frustrations…
I like natural materials and good lighting and flow to workstations. I wish there were more affordable counter depth refrigerators on the market.

Color Advice

Architectural Digest asked some of the most influential designers and architects a series of questions in the January '08 issue. I thought I'd answer the same questions for my readers. Each question is its own entry and will appear Mondays through May.

If you could give just one tip concerning the color for an interior, what would it be...
Let color express who you are and how you want to live. Done right, color can have a major impact on your life. Don't be afraid of color though. There's nothing worse than an all beige home.

Inspiration and Interior Design

Architectural Digest asked some of the most influential designers and architects a series of questions in the January '08 issue. I thought I'd answer the same questions for my readers. Each question is its own entry and will appear Mondays through May.

For inspiration, I go to…
Sometimes inspiration comes from a favorite piece of a client's art, a view out a window, a favorite color, or vacation trip. Sometimes it's just a feeling. But I like to create this vocabulary with a client from the start.

Essentials of Entertaining

Architectural Digest asked some of the most influential designers and architects a series of questions in the January '08 issue. I thought I'd answer the same questions for my readers. Each question is its own entry and will appear Mondays through May.

Three essentials for entertaining are…
Enough food and drink, good people and a welcoming vibe.
There's nothing worse than going home hungry!

Some of My Influences

Architectural Digest asked some of the most influential designers and architects a series of questions in the January '08 issue. I thought I'd answer the same questions for my readers. Each question is its own entry and will appear Mondays through May.

Who or what has influenced my style...
My grandmother has a great sense of style and color. A painter, she believes that all colors can go together. Blue and brown? Of course: the sky goes with the ground. Intuitive and wonderful advice

A Dream House

Architectural Digest asked some of the most influential designers and architects a series of questions in the January '08 issue. I thought I'd answer the same questions for my readers. Each question is its own entry and will appear Mondays through May.

My personal dream house would be...
A lakefront summer house in the Adirondaks. Nothing fancy, just a great view and room for friends and family. My siblings and I went to a summer camp in the Adirondaks so it's full of childhood nostalgia.

A Must Have for Your Home

Architectural Digest asked some of the most influential designers and architects a series of questions in the January '08 issue. I thought I'd answer the same questions for my readers. Each question is its own entry and will appear Mondays through May.

Every home must have...
A comfortable chair and ottoman with a great reading lamp. That cozy place to put your feet up, read a magazine or book and dream.

Designing Order

Architectural Digest asked some of the most influential designers and architects a series of questions in the January '08 issue. I thought I'd answer the same questions for my readers. Each question is its own entry and will appear Mondays through May.

The order I follow when I design is...
Start with the physical aspects of the room and then plan the layout of furnishings. Most important are considerations of how the space will be used and what the client's lifestyle is. Once that's decided, apply the style of the décor. Find the perfect items and viola, a home of a client's dreams.