Designer Perspective

DESIGNER PERSPECTIVE MID-CENTURY MODERN:

Adapting an OLD STYLE to a NEW Lifestyle B Y J O H N M c C L A I N

The new normal has affected every aspect of our lives, and interior design has been no exception. Our homes have become the focal point of our lives, and comfort, function, and well-being have taken precedence over all else—but not at the expense of beauty.

Kitchen Delights

With so much hustle-and-bustle taking place in the heart of the home, it is especially important that you make it a place of delight. To accomplish this, I suggest customizing the kitchen to your own taste buds. Pun intended! Here are our recommendations to inspire you: Kitchen as the Epicenter The most requested customization for clients by far? Enlarged kitchen islands. Times have changed, and so has the function of the kitchen island. It went from being a prep/grocery drop-off station to a deck of all cards. Now the kitchen island is where homework gets done, entire meals get eaten, and guests are entertained. In this case, bigger is better, and we totally recommend adjusting this kitchen staple to fit your needs. Also, don’t forget to get creative with the bar stools! Sleek and Clean Function is taking front and center in design overall, and we couldn’t be more content—especially in the kitchen. Our motto is: “A spot for everything.” Cabinetry designed for specific items is all the rage. Add in a toe-kick feature, and voila! Think built-in microwave drawers or hidden compartments made to look like cabinetry but really refrigerators and ovens. Function is even making an impact in terms of style. Shaker cabinets, for instance, are taking a backseat to slab fronts for a much easier look to keep clean. Repeat: Function can be fun! Bring on the Vivacity! Gone are the days of limited cabinetry color options. Kitchen design is taking an exciting direction toward colorfully painted cabinetry. For instance, UltraCraft Cabinetry lets you step outside of their color palette and bring in any color that inspires you with their Custom Paint Color Program. Invigorated by a new shade of lipstick? Or sparked by the wall paint in an interior design ad? Just bring it in, and UltraCraft can match it. Appliances in pastel pinks, greens, and blues are also making an appearance in kitchens to boost visual interest. Plus, it’s so much more fun to bake with chic cookware! Another way to say goodbye to the all-white kitchen is by welcoming patterned countertops and backsplashes made of unique materials, such as natural stone, porcelain, and quartz. We designed the entire kitchen of a home with Spanish print porcelain lining the walls throughout the entire kitchen. Hint, hint: It’s pictured above. Organic elements, like reclaimed wood and exposed brick, are additional material options that can help create a look that’s all your own. PRO TIP: Don’t be afraid to blend finishes. Our go-to’s? Stainless steel appliances and antique brushed brass fixtures—like faucets and cabinet knobs.

Light fixture options are endless, making them a perfect tool for tailoring your kitchen to your individuality. Our take? You can never be too glamorous! Let’s end it by kicking it up a notch with our last piece of inspo: Think smart. Smart kitchens have become more affordable thanks to user-friendly applications and Bluetooth technology. Starting your coffee maker from bed? Yes, please!

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MOST POPULAR: THE HOME OFFICE Across the board, designers are seeing increased requests for home offices. We’ve even come up with our own term here at John McClain Design: Zoom Rooms. Clients are requesting updates to their interior backgrounds, specifically for Zoom video calls. Our advice? Don’t seek to overpower a call, but still keep it interesting. Express yourself by communicating through wallpaper and accessory choice. And most importantly, make sure overhead lighting is supplemented with key light to brighten up your face. Let’s zoom right on!

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BIGGEST COMEBACK: GRANDMA’S COLLECTION This trend, known as “Grandmillennial,” is all about incorporating vintage pieces that evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort. Think vintage flower-patterned wallpaper and antiques juxtapositioned with contemporary pieces creating a chic Victorian vibe. Design elements like chintz, lace, and wicker will be making appearances, but with more intentional placements than in the past. A fun way to hop on this trend is to invest in delicate china—the epitome of homeowner excellence!

MOST SHOCKING: MISMATCHED ELEMENTS Curated pieces that reflect upon homeowners’ personalities are all the rage. This is particularly true when choosing furniture by opting out of ready-to-buy furniture sets. Now more than ever, personality is being reflected in our homes, and statement pieces offer the perfect opportunity to showcase our individuality. The best way to incorporate this trend into homes is to explore what brings our lives meaning and find pieces that pay homage to that meaning. We predict that paintings that awe or intriguing sculptures from previous travels will be on the rise this year. One of my personal favs? A Picasso-inspired accent pillow I found on a trip to Greece.

BEST COUPLING: INTERIOR DESIGN AND WELL-BEING Pantone’s colors for 2021 are “Illuminating,” a bright, vibrant yellow that brings about a sense of hope, and “Ultimate Gray,” offering the stability and calmness only a pastel neutral could accomplish. This winning combination demonstrates the effect interior design can have on feelings. You don’t have to stick to Pantone’s suggestions, but we can certainly take a cue from them. The movement toward integrating what makes us feel good is here to stay. Expect to see more breathable and durable fabrics, multifunctional furniture, and colors that bring about a sense of ease. Consider what your needs are and start from there. For example, if you and your significant other are spending too much digital time apart, consider adding a simple, quaint cocktail table fully stocked with goodies to inspire more time together. s p