by Chelsye Chaney, Francini Incorporated
This year has been one of growth and expansion, and for us at Francini Inc., a conscious shift to align ourselves even more firmly with our partnerships. One of the many reasons we started the Designer Spotlight blog was to highlight the incredible work of talented designers across the nation that bring life to not only our materials, but the homes and spaces of their clientele. I cannot tell you how incredible it is to see Francini material leave the building in its’ raw form and, with the vision and talent of the design community, transform into a living, breathing work of art.
The products we supply and distribute are an important part of the design process. However, the creation of the design involves a complex process of weaving together different material selections, color palettes, and design details and turning it into a cohesive, well-functioning, and aesthetically pleasing space that speaks to its’ end user. This month we will recap the topics, concepts, and creative works of art our Designer Spotlight Blogs covered throughout 2023.
HOW TO CREATE AND IMPLEMENT A DESIGN CONCEPT
One of the major themes present through many of the showcases this year was the concept of how to create and implement a design concept for your space. Kovicho Interiors spoke on the importance of creating a story and sticking to it. How does one create a clear and “good” concept? Jordan’s article outlined the following as a guiding principle to assist:
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What should the finished product “feel” like? Dig deep here, do not settle for words that could describe anyone’s project. Instead, look for the elements and ideas that make your project uniquely yours. The underpinnings must be highly personal.
The building materials, color palette, textures, and lighting have a direct effect on how a space “feels” to us. According to Jobi Vannini and Laura Kunze of Dynamic Interiors interior design is a science that becomes a feeling. Their blog touched on how “our wellbeing is directly impacted by the environments in which we live, so keep in mind how you want to feel perhaps more than a particular aesthetic during conceptual design.”
- Don’t get stuck on words; look to images. But also don’t get stuck on pictures of rooms. Explore other inspirations. Look for a painting, a photograph, fabric, or a sculpture that gives you a gut feeling.
- Get deeply curious about everything you are drawn to. Dig down to the “why” and this will set you on a more authentic path.
- Free yourself from the tyranny of “timelessness.” Timelessness is an illusion. Focus instead on love, the feelings and ideas you truly love.
INTENTIONAL AND FUNCTIONAL
In addition to understanding how a space evokes feelings and emotional states within us, it is imperative to integrate these visceral responses into the intention and function of a particular space. If the area we are designing is breathtaking but does not serve its’ purpose, the value is diminished. Amber Williard of Young Oak Interiors covered this topic beautifully when speaking about her process of designing a kitchen for her clientele. “Storage is the foundation of function in a kitchen. If we can cut out steps in the cooking and cleaning process, the kitchen experience will be more rewarding.” She even goes so far as to say, “if the heart of the home flows and is easier to maneuver, the time spent in the space will be more productive with less effort.”
When considering the function of a space it is valuable to tailor the space to your lifestyle and needs. Alison Walters-Dominquez from Bespoke Countertops stated “Understanding your rhythms and rituals within the space is paramount. Do you revel in culinary artistry or thrive as a gracious host?” In addition to the lifestyle and needs of the client, it is also important to note the phase of life they are in and align the space with that phase. Are they newlyweds looking for a retreat to start their lives, something intimate and personal? Are they a couple with middle-aged kids that need spaces for play and coming together? Or are they empty-nesters, looking to reconnect their space to a more minimalist one to bring more focus to retired life? Every space is unique.
HELLO PORCELAIN
Over the course of 2023, the emergence of large format porcelain as a versatile building material has become increasingly evident. The fluidity of the applications with porcelain has inspired the design community to push usage to new, elevated levels. Caitlin Eskamani of Capitol Design Group has been a major proponent of porcelain slabs for years and writes about why they remain one of her top choices for both residential and commercial spaces. “The versatility of porcelain allows for a wide range of creative applications limited only by imagination and design considerations.” Through Caitlin’s incredible design vision, we have been shown truly unique porcelain applications from large feature walls, baseboards and trim, furniture, and custom sinks and vanities.
In April’s Designer Spotlight blog featuring Casual Elegance Designs we were introduced to the opportunity porcelain slabs give designers when creating kitchen islands and fireplaces. Lori Moscato pointed out the benefit that “porcelain slabs not only look stunning but have the advantage of being 10 feet long in most cases. Having a slab so long can alleviate the worry about seams.” Laurie Coton and Mariana de la Garza of Coton House invited us in to their serene European-inspired bathroom remodel and showcased the application of bathroom countertops to fit the color palette and mood of this striking space. “Countertop selections are important when designing a space because you want to make sure that it is not only beautiful but matches the level of durability needed in the space. Porcelain is a wonderful material to specify due to its strength, lightweight, and significant stress resistance.”
As we move toward the end of 2023 and invite in the possibilities and opportunities of 2024, I believe intention and functionality of a space will remain an important building block to any design. We will continue to see new and exciting applications with porcelain as designers continue to dream big and discover new ways to incorporate this building material into their designs. At Francini, we are grateful for the opportunity to showcase the incredible talent of the design community and we look forward to continuing the partnerships and Designer Spotlight blogs in the upcoming year.