Recognizing the Cues of Fine Living

There was a time when residential design and hospitality design were two separate animals.  We designed one or the other and never the twain shall meet.  Like everything else it seems, that old adage has gone out the window.  Today, restaurants and hotels take their cues from residential design, and our homes are influenced by the incredible design work and details in establishments around the globe.  It is fair to say that our busy, run-around lives have also exposed us to many new thoughts on design and it is only natural that one would begin to influence the other.

In our firm, we do both residential and hospitality design and so, our projects cannot help but overlap.  Design and detail are of paramount importance.  You see, the thing about designing restaurants and designing homes is that in both instances the occupants want to be comfortable, feel inspired, and they want to be proud of their space/home.

Here in the desert, we have been fortunate to have clients from both perspectives and I want to share with you just how similar the design approach is for each and how they influence, enliven and inspire each other.  The idea of the great room and the idea of the open kitchen restaurant run parallel to each other.  One made the other possible, made it chic.  And the plethora of both design and cooking programs fueled the fire for great design.

When I go out to eat, I want the atmosphere to be as soul nourishing as the entrée.  I want the experience to be memorable. I teach our clients to notice everything.  I urge them to take the time and see everything around them.  Inspiration can be found in anything from a paint color, to a light fixture, to a bar coaster.  There is no detail so small that it should miss your consideration.

The trick is then to apply those things you see to your own home.  How do you translate inspiration from hospitality space into residential space?  Well, you know I have some thoughts on the subject and I am here to share them with you.  The answer is actually quite simple; It’s really all in the details!

• Remember that color is your friend.  I cannot say enough how color is one of the last best and easiest ways to infuse your home personality.  I find that restaurants we design are places that want great color.  It helps to visually tell their story.

• If you want a truly unique space, consider color on other pieces as well. Not every sofa should be beige or gray, and not every kitchen or bathroom needs to be all white.

• Details, details, details.  Every decision is important. And the small things are what helps to make your home memorable.  Never allow yourself to say, “This doesn’t matter.”

• The big-ticket rooms should make a statement.  With all of the open kitchen restaurants out there and all of the great room living situations in homes today, we can learn from each other what is not only functional, but beautiful as well.

• Bathrooms have unfortunately become as bland as kitchens as these days.  You don’t have to use the entire box of crayons to create your own personalized bathroom but, you can experiment with your powder room.  I find them to be a space that is easy to go wild.  It is also the one room that everyone who visits your home will see. Have fun, be dramatic.  Bathrooms are the new Instragram-able moment.  Be sure to make it shine and sparkle.

• Tile today is simply incredible. The shapes, sizes, colors and textures are better than ever before. The offerings are endless!  Use this to advantage. I find inspirations in the most beautiful restaurants and hotels.  Restrooms have become almost as important as the public space in hospitality design. These spaces offer you the opportunity to be a part of the design. Take it all in and then take that excitement home with you.

What this all comes down to is making the choice to move forward. I want to help you make your home a place of respite and delight; to love your home and be proud to share it with family and friends.  I want you to remember to open your eyes, be inspired and apply those things that excite you in your everyday life.

As always, Live Well!

Designer Dann

www.foleystinnette.com

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