Linda Eberle, senior designer | leberle@drmkit.com
How do you create a design that stays timeless and doesn’t feel outdated after a few years?
If the permanent features of the home are done in timeless finishes and the decor incorporates neutrals (shades of white, black, gray and brown, as well as certain blues and greens in my opinion), everything else around this can easily change over time.
One example of this is a white kitchen. We hear so many people say they don’t want a white kitchen because it’s too trendy. Believe it or not, white kitchens have been around since the early 1900s! White cabinets with clean lines and a classic door style are timeless. The hardware, countertops, light fixtures and wall colors that are used will dictate how in or out of style that white kitchen is. This holds true for other rooms with neutral color schemes as well.
To transform a neutral room, you can install fun new light fixtures, or add stools, accessories or throw pillows in a trendy style or finish. These all add a pop of personality and are easier to change out as trends evolve.
How do you incorporate a client’s personality into your designs?
I had one client who wanted to update the kitchen and gravitated toward a warm, country style. Their kitchen featured classic stained wood cabinets, a custom rustic steel range hood and a live-edge walnut wood snack bar top. Those one-of-a-kind features became talking points. We removed the traditional breakfast nook table that was seldom used and replaced it with a comfortable seating area with unique pendants where they can sit comfortably and sip their morning coffee or have an afternoon cocktail.
Another client loved ornate French style and liked to entertain. For that project, we used classic white cabinetry and a black island, but incorporated a custom painted ceiling treatment above the island and some fun light fixtures — all in the French provincial style — creating those touches of personality. This kitchen even had a baby grand piano in it, too!
