LYNDSEY DAVIS NICKLAS L DESIGN STUDIO

D+D: Why do you think arches are making a comeback?

LDN: In the past one to two years, we have seen a shift in design trends toward a softer, warmer aesthetic. I believe our life experiences through COVID and other traumatic events throughout the world have truly resonated with people, and we are looking for our environment to feel cozy, soft and welcoming. Generally squared, straight lines and gray tones from 2015 through 2020 were a modern look, but can feel cold. Arches are just one of the ways we see the architecture being softened, along with bringing in a hint of the past. Arches have been seen in interiors for thousands of years, and there is always an undertone of that when we design them into the space.

D+D: What are some focal and accent points to bring in with arches?

LDN: Some great areas to work an arched detail into the space are windows, exterior doors and interior doors or doorways. We often are mixing simple square windows with two to three round-top arched windows, which differ from the broken arch style. Round-top arches are the more trending style, and can look fabulous in a modern eclectic space. Other smaller areas where these shapes and details can be worked in are shower niches, mirrors, decorative niches and shower doors.

D+D: What are some standout backsplashes you are designing?

LDN: Backsplashes continue to be a wonderful place to add interest and drama in a kitchen or bar space. We have been designing our backsplashes with more dramatic geometric and water-jet designed patterns. A trend to neutral colors for these tile selections is helping to ensure a timeless appeal, but bold pattern adds the drama we are looking for. Three-dimensional styles and gradient designs are also trending and a fun, modern way to add texture and interest.

D+D: What do you think of continuous backsplashes, and how to choose the best material?

LDN: Another popular approach to backsplash design is to use the same countertop material and wrap it up onto the backsplash. We have applied this concept with such materials as quartzite, quartz and porcelain slabs. Some advantages of this design approach are the ease of maintenance with these materials. You no longer have to struggle with cleaning or sealing your grout, and those pesky spaghetti sauce and olive oil spatters are no longer a concern. Utilizing the material on both the countertop and backsplash helps to visually expand the size of the kitchen. When the same material is repeated, it makes the space feel larger.

Dramatic veining from a Perla Venata quartzite or a Calacutta-style porcelain slab can add a stunning focal point to the space. We have moved away from specifying natural stone marble for countertops because there are so many great alternatives in the man-made market, and they are more durable, less likely to stain, and can handle everyday wear and tear much better than natural stone. Backsplash ledges are gaining popularity as well with these full-size slab designs; the ledge is made out of the same material and adds interest and utility to the kitchen or bar design.

L Design Studio

Lyndsey Davis Nicklas

6561 Taylor Road #1 Naples, FL 34109 239.260.5165

L-Designstudios.com

Bart Zino Pbs Contractors

D+D: Do you think arches are making a comeback?

BZ: No! Most of our clients are looking for a Florida/Naples coastal style that does not include arches, so we don’t see a lot of them in our builds. These homes are based on the simple lines of a beach bungalow that did away with traditional ornamentation in favor of a more modern look. Although I don’t like to predict the future, I can’t see arches making a huge impact on Florida design.

That being said, I am seeing a number of designs that will feature just a couple of arches in either the exterior or interior or both. I just finished building a home, and it had just one interior arch. While it didn’t strictly fit with the genre of the home, it did create an architectural focal point that enhanced the decor. I also think the client’s own personal taste may be influencing Florida architects to augment the original Naples coastal design. Most of our clients are second-home buyers who love the indoor-outdoor nature of Florida homes, but they want to bring a little of their traditional style down from the Midwest and Northeast. A few arches here and there might make them feel more comfortable.

Personally, I like a scene where we have either curved or squared-off doorways. I don’t really like to mix styles if I can help it. But it’s all about giving the clients what they want, and if they want a few arches, then we will give them arches.

Bart Zino President PBS Contractors, LLC

4395

Corporate Square Naples, FL 34104

239.643.6527

PBScontractors.com