Thermador Interviews Lindsey Brooke Design
The incredible Lindsey Brooke Design (@lindseybrookedesign) is teaming up with Thermador for the Kitchen Design Challenge. Lindsey’s sharing her expertise when it comes to designing functional, beautiful, and timeless luxury kitchens for clients, establishing a client’s vision, what to splurge on, and design rules she loves to break!
T: 1. Can you tell us about your favorite project you’ve designed in the past year? What makes it stand out?
LBD: Our North Ranch project we just started to reveal has been a big favorite. It’s so hard to choose one, but this one is for some very near and dear friends of mine and we put a lot of passion into the design. We all (LBD team and the clients) pushed our boundaries with the design and I think that shows.
Photos by Amy Bartlam.
Design by Lindsey Brooke Design.
T: 2. How do you work with a client to establish their vision? What questions do you ask to ensure the final product will be what they’ve always imagined?
LBD: We have a very detailed homework assignment for each client that helps us define their style/needs/wants. It starts with a questionnaire about what kind of lifestyle they have, where they like to shop, things they like to do, colors and patterns they love etc. Then we have them fill a Pinterest board up with inspiration pictures and comments to what they like in each photo. We have lot of open dialogue with our clients to make sure we know exactly what they are wanting for their home.
T: 3. What three words come up most often when clients are explaining their vision?
LBD: Bright, livable, timeless.
T: 4. Is there a design rule you love to break? Can you give us an example?
LBD: I love breaking rules all the time! Mixing metals, and patterns are my favorite! Also using a room for a different purpose then its intended for is really fun. We once turned a formal dining room into a music room because they had a large eating area off the kitchen. I say do what works for you and make it functional for your lifestyle as long as it will still make sense.
T: 5. If you had one piece of advice for someone starting a reno or remodel, what would it be?
LBD: Take your time in the planning stages, get all design work done first so you can get accurate bids from contractors and then make adjustments after if needed. It’s always easier to edit down than to add later.
T: 6. How are you seeing clients incorporate connected appliances and features in the home?
LBD: People love the latest and greatest. I think if it can make their life easier, they want it. We all need some extra help and I think it’s great to incorporate them into the things that will help you with everyday things. Smart TV’s, lights, faucets, refrigerators. If I can tell my coffee machine to make my coffee from my phone and that could save me 5 minutes in the morning, then sign me up!
T: 7. What’s the biggest trend you’re currently seeing in the kitchen space?
LBD: Paneled walls for sure are a trend we are seeing in kitchens more, also creative ways for storage rather than just cabinets. Especially for the upper cabinets. Whether it’s open shelving, steel shelves, glass, I think the European/French look is very big right now. People want their spaces to feel unique and special and feel less formal.
T: 8. Is there a secret to balancing new trends with timeless design?
LBD: I think just a healthy mix. You have to know where to draw the line. We like all our big pieces to be timeless UNLESS doing something more trendy will make a big impact on the design. We always want to be cautious of how long that trend will last though. Some trends have lasted 5 or more years and are turning into timeless trends, so we aren’t afraid to then use them in more permanent ways
Lindsey is so incredibly talented! For more exceptional design inspo, follow Lindsey on Instagram: @lindseybrookedesign
This blog post was written by Stephanie More and shared with us by @Thermador.
https://blog.thermador.com/lindsey-brooke-designer-spotlight/
Best Kitchen Renovation Fisher & Paykel Brooklyn Brownstone
BROOKLYN BROWNSTONE
A Greek Revival townhouse in the historic Brooklyn neighborhood of Cobble Hill
took three years to complete. The owner is a cook and lifestyle writer, making the
kitchen central to the renovation.
THE FOOD STYLIST’S WORKROOM
The owner uses her own kitchen as a stage for developing and shooting stories, and needed products and technologies that would deliver perfect results, were configured to support her work, and that wouldn’t compromise on looks. This kitchen is designed to create highlights, with Professional-style appliances taking center stage while the remaining appliances are integrated for a seamless look.
RESTORATION, CUSTOMIZATION
The townhouse had been converted to separate apartments, so much of the original detailing had been removed. However, the owner salvaged as much as she could, including the original mantelpieces and the ornamental medallion in the living room ceiling.
The owners customized the space with ceiling speakers and by demolishing walls in the ground-floor living area to create a completely open space for entertaining. They opened up the kitchen walls with bi-fold glass doors leading into the terrace beyond, generating a flow between the inside and out that’s unusual in a New York City home.
CONSIDERED LAYOUT
The layout of the kitchen also considered the owner's work with natural light entering from the side, while incorporating a square island rather than a rectangular one as a more useful base for food photography. A strikingly simple backdrop was chosen – Calacatta Paonazzo marble countertops above gray cabinetry, and open shelving that runs the width of the space.
DUAL-FUEL RANGE ON SHOW
The French Door Refrigerator, CoolDrawer™ and a Double DishDrawer™ Dishwasher are integrated into the cabinetry, allowing the robust Dual Fuel Range to take the starring role. Out on the terrace a high-performance DCS Grill with a rotisserie mirrors this focus on cooking. The bulk of the storage is contained below eye-level in the cabinets and island, maintaining a light, airy feel.
6 Inspirational Reading Nooks
Chicago's crisp weather will be here soon with an excuse to curl up and get cozy in your very own reading nook! At Cole's Appliance & Furniture Co. we carry many styles of chairs, ottomans, plush pillows and 100's of fabrics to choose from to create your unique one-of-a-kind dream nook.
Photo: Apartment Therapy
Christophe Chair
Modern Hepburn.com
SugarandCharm.com
Thisoldhouse.com
Domino Magazine
Birkin Chair
Bryton Chair
Sophie SlipCover Chair
Finley Chair
Boyd Leather Chair
We hope you enjoyed our Reading Nook inspiration! Visit our showroom on Lincoln Avenue to see a wide variety of chair and ottoman styles, plush pillows and fabrics to create your one-of-a-kind space! For more 'Nook' inspiration please visit our READING • NOOKS pinterest board.
Modern Classics by Rowe Fine Furniture
Ready to mix your furniture style up a bit? We’re taking an updated look at traditional design through a fresh, innovative lens with our latest showroom style, Modern Classics. This trend is for those youthful and sophisticated stylemakers who love the classics but are also looking to make a statement.
If you love the idea of striking a balance between a fashion-forward future and the elegance of the past, this one is just for you!
A palette of barely-there blush pink, ivory, ice blue and gold is a must, accented by upscale finishes such as polished burlwood, mirror, lacquer, marble and brushed brass. We love the contrast between the elegant, flowing curves of the furniture, and the angular, Deco-inspired occasionals and accessories. Fabric choices add a touch of modern to the traditional silhouettes, featuring crisp stripes, painterly florals and geometric patterns. Finally, the artwork is the boldest choice of all, staying far away from the classically-inspired floral and pastoral styles of traditional design, and veering into heavily abstracted landscapes, swirls, and even human forms. This adds the necessary punches of color that keep these delicate pastels on the cutting edge of design.
Pro-Tip! 3 Ways to Be Modern and Classic:
Muted Pastels
A whisper of pink, icy blue, warm ivory, soft taupe, sandstone and pale gold set the tone for this look. The hues range from warm to cool, but all are delicate and muted, to keep the look feeling bright and fresh.Fashionable Fabrics
Luxurious choices that echo the look of high fashion are perfect for this style. Bold stripes, elegant small patterns, and even accents of modern florals weave together to create a sophisticated “wardrobe” for any space!Clean & Modern Accents
Classic elements like rolled arms, turned wood legs and tufting pay homage to the past, but clean & modern design helps to anchor this look firmly in the present. Angular contemporary accents like lamps, consoles and mirrors in lucite, lacquer and glass add just enough edge to keep this look feeling super stylish.
Thatcher Chair, Design: @miyainteriors Photo: @lindsay_salazar_photography
Our chic, modern Thatcher Chair is softened here in this office sitting area by Miya Interiors with a delicate floral wallcovering the perfect blush pillow. A hint of shimmer from glass & brass gives this traditional, feminine space the slight modern edge it needs to shine.
Rothko Chair, Design: @emilymcadeninteriors Photo: @andreakinnearphotography
The chic Rothko Swivel Chair by Robin Bruce is a true style chameleon, with its ability to sway more toward a traditional or super contemporary aesthetic depending on design choices. Designer Emily McAden chose an ice blue cotton-linen blend with a subtle checked pattern for this sitting space, giving it a traditional look that is lightened and brightened by the fresh, coastal-feeling palette. High-end finishes like gold, glass and lucite add a touch of sparkle!
Kirkwood Bed, Percy Cocktail Table, Lindsay Swivel Chair, Design: @interiorsbylh Photo: Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Our Kirkwood Bed was born to be the centerpiece of any bedroom, and this space by Interiors by LH is no exception. The classic button tufting makes a strong visual statement, dialing up the drama on an otherwise pastel palette with a rich deep blue. The understated glamour of our Percy Cocktail Table and traditional lines of the nailhead-trimmed Lindsay Swivel Chair from Robin Bruce provide a perfect complement to this sweet, romantic space.
Pro-Tip! Perfect Palette:
A subtle palette of muted pastels, including blush, dusty rose, pale taupe and arctic blue, sets the tone for this sophisticated look. The overall look is bright and cheerful as a spring sunrise, without overwhelming a space with too much bold color. Bright metallics like gold really pop against this understated palette.