Luxe Magazine - September/October 2023 Faces Of Design

A

Celebration of the Industry’s Leading Interior Designers + Painting Professionals

Color Meets COLLABORATION

THE POWER OF PAINT IS UNIVERSALLY ACKNOWLEDGED BY EXPERTS AS THE FINAL FINISH. IT POSSESSES THE ABILITY TO DEFINE STYLE, CREATE AMBIENCE AND ENHANCE ANY ENVIRONMENT BOTH AESTHETICALLY AND ARCHITECTURALLY. PAINT’S TRANSFORMATIVE QUALITY IS THAT IT BRINGS A ROOM TO LIFE.

Before paint can have this impact, though, it must be carefully selected and applied. To many, this is a true art form and, to some, a daunting task. Enter, 21 interior designers and painters who have mastered finding the perfect hue and showcasing exquisite craftsmanship while embracing the power of teamwork. After all, the relationship between an interior designer and a painter holds a special significance in the world of design.

The designer’s chosen colors, textures and finishes are implemented by the skilled hands of their painter. Combined, these talents for telling the story of a space through paint beget beautiful projects. In partnership with Benjamin Moore, meet these Faces of Design— Class of 2023—as they showcase the perspectives and qualities that have shaped their trailblazing careers, one brushstroke at a time.

CHARLOTTE, NC

MARIE CLOUD + JOHN PARKER

Every professional in the design field possesses a guiding philosophy or two. In the case of designer Marie Cloud and paint contractor John Parker, one such overarching ethos serves as bonding glue: client is king. “All of my homes are unique,” Marie shares. “I’ll never repeat myself, because each space is true to the homeowner’s heart, soul and personal story.” Likewise, John chimes in, “We are committed to transforming living environments to reflect the homeowner’s unique personality.” Paint, of course, is central to their methods in doing so. Marie enthuses on its role in design: “Paint is like language. It can transform interior and exterior environments, changing the overall ambience and mood. Lighter shades, such as beige and cream, create an airy, open feel, while darker shades, like navy blue or emerald green, lend a cozy and intimate atmosphere. It can also help to disguise imperfections and enhance architectural features, such as crown molding and baseboards. Paint is like magic.” Especially when it is applied with skill. As John puts it, “Top-notch workmanship ensures a beautiful result.”

indigopruitt.com, shadow1painting.com

PHILADELPHIA, PA

MICHELE PLACHTER + JAMES CERVONE

Describe the impact paint has on your projects. Michele: Color is the cornerstone of all great design, whether we’re using it to bring the outdoors inside, to create a cozy man cave with dark and moody tones or to add a soft touch to a bedroom with a gentle palette. We love to play with unexpected color and finish choices as well. When we have clients who are open to it, we get experimental!

How did you come to work together? Michele: James and I were introduced by our mutual contractor. The painter I used for 20 years had retired, so I was looking for another talented painter. Mission accomplished!

What are some of your go-to paint products?

James: For walls, I would say the Aura Matte is above all other products I’ve used, and for trim, the Advance Satin product is definitely our favorite!

micheleplachter.com, @cervone_painting

PHOTOGRAPHY: CLOUD/PARKER: CHRIS EDWARDS; PLACHTER/CERVONE: BRITTANY AMBRIDGE

NASHVILLE, TN

MATT DONAHOE + ERWIN HERCEG

For many trade partners, the working relationship begins with a personal passion project. This was the case for Matt Donahoe and Erwin Herceg. About 12 years ago, Matt and his husband hired Erwin to assist with a renovation in their own home. The scope was daunting, but Erwin’s work was masterfully executed. “We have collaborated together ever since,” Matt says. “When we show up on a jobsite together, the contractors sweat.” Why? Because the duo has a fervor for outstanding quality. The results usually feature Benjamin Moore product. “I like Scuff-X for high-traffic areas and Aura Bath & Spa when moisture is a factor,” Erwin shares. “Also, I always use Benjamin Moore ceiling paint.” bureauinteriordesign.com, @erwinherceg

KATI CURTIS + JOSE OCEGUERA

Often, the reason two colleagues become long-term partners comes down to one simple factor: they just “get” each other. Take it from designer Kati Curtis, who has been working with painting contractor Jose Oceguera for years. “Jose has an intuitive understanding of my design preferences and requirements, which means I don’t need to provide excessive direction,” she says. Together, they thrive on great feats of design and execution, including one project where color changes were desired at the last minute. “Within a week, we transformed the home and the furnishings were protected throughout,” Jose shares. “We take pride in our work and strive for excellence, ensuring that everything is done right the first time.” As for the paint-related advice they share with homeowners, Kati points to the challenge of selection. “I strongly caution against relying on paint chips alone, because even larger squares can be misleading—the eye tends to perceive colors as darker against a white background. We love Benjamin Moore’s online tool, where you can upload a photo of the room and see any color applied to it.” katicurtisdesign.com, Jose Oceguera: 914-760-4435

“Our designs hinge on materiality and execution. We are specifying artisanlevel finish work, and as such, we must have a close, trusted bond.”

-MATT DONAHOE

PHOTOGRAPHY: DONAHOE/HERCEG: AMY LAMB OF NATIVE HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY; CURTIS/OCEGUERA: BRITTANY AMBRIDGE

JAN SHOWERS + LOUIS GLORIA

How did you come to work together? Jan: I saw the quality of craftsmanship Louis possessed and was so impressed. The work he did on our room at the first Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas was masterful, and we received more comments about it than anything else. We have been collaborating for the five years since!

Why is the connection between designer and painting contractor key to a project’s success? Louis: When these two parties communicate well and have a “feel” for each other’s skills and talents, the result will fit the homeowner’s desires, personality and character like a glove. Also, being able to troubleshoot through the confusion of any unexpected issue is something that is strengthened with years of experience working together.

Share a pro tip for choosing the right paint color. Jan: In rooms with low ceilings, I like to paint the ceilings, moldings and walls all the same color. It causes the room to look larger and taller.

janshowers.com, louisgloriapainting.com

CINCINNATI, OH

O. STEPHANIE BEVERLY + JESSICA GALLOWAY

Why is the connection between designer and painting contractor key to a project’s success? Stephanie: I think of the designer-painter relationship much like a musician and the conductor. Both are essential to a beautiful and cohesive sound—and space, in the context of design.

What are some of your go-to paint products?

Jessica: Benjamin Moore’s Scuff-X is the bee’s knees! The leveling capability of this product is superb. The satin finish is true satin and doesn’t lose sheen with spray application. Newer to my toolbox is Command. We refinish staircases often, and for stair treads, I stand by this product.

Which colors inspire you the most? Stephanie: Hands down, the most inspirational colors are deep, moody ones that evoke a feeling like a loving embrace or a nod to creativity: blacks, deep blues, purples, deep oranges and deep, golden yellows.

twelve15designstudio.com, visionaryhomesolution.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHOWERS/GLORIA: JUSTIN CLEMONS; BEVERYLY/GALLOWAY: CLAY COOK

LOS ANGELES, CA + NEW YORK, NY

PETI LAU + JOHN FASANO

The order of the day may be paint, but Peti Lau and John Fasano first met due to the installation of wallpaper. After collaborating to install it for a Housing Works Design on a Dime charity event in 2016, the duo began a partnership that would culminate in countless perfected paint jobs. As Peti says, “It takes two to tango!” Asked to share their old-faithful approaches to the process, one talks color and the other formula. “I tend to go with saturated hues of blues, dark greens, teals and wine colors when I want drama,” Peti says. “When neutrals are the call, I like warm tones like taupes, greiges and sage colors.” John chimes in, “The specific features of Aura give the premium application we’re seeking, but my favorite combo is White Dove OC-17 in Advance Satin. It holds color and gives a durable, high-end finish.” With Peti’s design eye and John’s technical expertise and unparalleled prep work, they make an ideal team for each perceptive client. “I love that I get to help transform lives by giving my clients the ability to create their unique home,” Peti says. “That begins, of course, with paint.” petilau.com, @jsnpainting

SARAH VAILE + JIM BERARDI AND MIKE FOLEY

When a designer has a reputation for color, it’s a safe bet they’ll have a close relationship with a painting pro. Case in point: Sarah Vaile, Jim Berardi and Mike Foley (center). She’s known for her use of bold hues, and they are the application pros who make it happen. “Paint is the most underestimated challenge of interior design,” Sarah shares. “It is the canvas.” Jim and Mike play to its importance, with a knack for selecting the ideal formula and sheen, and then executing it to perfection—and to the client’s delight. “We collectively seek discerning clients who can appreciate the impact of fine prep and nice brushwork,” Mike says. “There are many factors we consider along the way, from a family’s lifestyle to window exposure and beyond.” sarahvaile.com, divincipainters.com

“I love mi xing sheens in an unexpected fashion, such as high gloss sprayed onto the crown molding and paneling, with matte on the walls.”

-SARAH VAILE

JAMIE DECK + FERENCE SCHOLD

When one holds to the “less is more” philosophy, there is a certain demand on the foundation of a space: there must be incomparable quality. As a designer known for her minimalist, Japanese and Nordic-inspired spaces, Jamie Deck would know. For her, the clean slate of simplicity begins with paint— and expert Ference Schold. “In this artistic collaboration, both the interior designer and the painting contractor play integral roles, each contributing their unique skills and expertise to the vision,” Jamie says. “Ference meticulously prepares surfaces, addressing imperfections.” Being that Jamie and her clients gravitate toward crisp, tranquil whites and creams, a smooth application is a necessity. The secret, Ference emphasizes, lies in formulation. “Paint products that offer ease of application without splattering or sagging are imperative to that flawless finish,” he says. “I prioritize those that have good viscosity control, reducing the likelihood of drips or visible brush and roller marks. This also enhances the efficiency of my process, because it eliminates the need for excessive touch-ups and corrections along the way.” shift-interiors.com, fandmscholdpainting.com

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA

KRISTINE PAIGE + KARLO ARELLANO

It establishes the desired mood, creates an emotional background for furnishings and art, integrates the interiors with the surrounding landscape, highlights the details of woodwork—paint, as Kristine Paige tells it, plays a critical role in any design she creates. Perhaps it is little wonder that she and accomplished paint pro Karlo Arellano have formed a lasting partnership. “Kristine is the orchestrator using her skill set to wave progress along,” Karlo says. “But we know that a paint job can make or break that project, so we live by the phrase, ‘It’s not how you start, but how you finish,’ and bring the best product and application technique for each client.”

jacksonpaige.com, nimbuspaintinggroup.com

“Color works best when it is de veloped into a thoughtful palette that unfolds throughout the project. Each hue acts as a team member to the others.”

-KRISTINE PAIGE

PHOTOGRAPHY: DECK/SCHOLD: TANYA GOEHRING; PAIGE/ARELLANO: AMY DICKERSON

Advice FROM THE Experts

-KARLO ARELLANO

White

“Scuff-X is a first-of-its-kind commercial product with superior scuff-resistance. It ’s amazing for high-traffic areas, water-born and low-VOC— uncommon for high-performance paint.”

-MIKE FOLEY

“I love Benjamin Moore’s Advance Satin. I think it’s the best paint on the market.”

-JOHN FASANO

“I love Classic Burgundy HC-182 for its luxurious and indulgent essence. It is the velvet of colors; I can feel it.”

-MARIE CLOUD

“No accent walls, please! Going tonal on ceilings is fi ne and good, but avoid the accent walls of yesteryear!”

-MICHELE PLACHTER

“Advance Satin gives you the feel of a classic, timeless oil finish without the disadvantage of rapid yellowing.”

-LOUIS GLORIA

“Always test paint samples under both natural daylight and artificial lighting to see how color will change in various situations.”

-JAMIE

DECK

Classic Gray OC-23

Decorator’s White CC-20

Chantilly Lace OC-65

Classic Burgundy HC-182

“The idea that dark colors make spaces seem smaller is a common misconception. They actually expand a space.”

2128-10

Hunter Green 2041-10

Marble

-O. STEPHANIE BEVERLY

“I always use Benjamin Moore Waterborne ceiling paint. It’s so flat that any light in the room makes the ceiling glow. For potential imperfections, it is the best high-tide secret weapon you can find.”

Dove OC-17

Matt

Lau’s favorite colors.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BENJAMIN MOORE