Hi everyone. I am back today with an exciting interview from Jennifer Reiner and Robert White of Reiner|White Design Studio. Both are participating in The 2013 Cathedral Antiques Inspiration Showhouse, here in Atlanta. The show is in its 42nd year and has been benefiting Atlanta-area non-profits since it was founded in 1969. This year’s show opens on January 26th and will benefit Refugee Family Services whose mission is to support the efforts of refugee women and children to achieve self-sufficiency. We at Mycolor are so happy that some designers chose to use our paint for their rooms at the showhouse this year, and I have arranged some interviews with them to share with you guys. (Along with some photos, too!) I was able to check out the house last night at a press opening, and it is stunning! So much hard work, and such beauty. I suggest you all go check it out as soon as possible — inspiration galore! Without further ado, here is the interview:
What was your inspiration for you decorating your room?
The inspiration came directly from nature, in the form of geode. We find the juxtaposition of a rough, rugged exterior and a glimmering, dazzling interior to be indicative of the style and location of the house itself, as well as inviting guests to explore the interior depths of the room just as much as the four exterior walls. We kept the glamour and the color in the center, and the deep, rustic–yet sophisticated–palette pushed to the boundaries of the space.
How does color effect your projects?
It is the basis of all aesthetic attraction, in many cases. Color is a crucial facet to any project, an element that can make or break an environment, as well as allow insight into the personality, or story, of the individual that chose the color. We wanted this space to tell OUR story.
How important is color for your projects?, this project?
Color is of the utmost importance for us when envisioning a space. Many times, we may start with a color and base the entire design on it. In this particular project, it is the undercurrent of the entire space that tells the story of our concept without being literal.
How does Pantone, as a color trendsetter, affect you and your business or personal life?
Pantone has always been a go-to for us as designers, simply because the colors are trustworthy and true. As a creative vendor, Pantone has done an impeccable job of both offering an extensive line of fabulous colors, as well as tailoring them to the trade by giving the designer a common language with which to communicate to our graphic design and industrial design counterparts.
Where did you use Mycolor Inspired by Pantone paint?
Our use of Mycolor was used both to visually cover the walls and ceiling of the room, but also as a wayfinding tool (the large bands of color on the ceiling). We wanted the color to draw guests into the space, similar to the way a glittering geode draws a geologist into it’s fiery center. The Mycolor selections help us inspire that same curiosity with visitors to the space.
Are clients open to using color?
Suprisingly, not many. We find that using color in carefully crafted design stories to “sum up” or develop a mood within a space brings us the most success in convincing our clients to embrace a shade other than neutral.
What are your thoughts about color on the ceiling, trim? On what surfaces and where did you use paint in your design for the showhouse?
Paint should never, by ANY means, be limited to vertical walls. Painted trim moldings are a standard for us, though the trim in the showhouse remains white on purpose to frame out the otherwise cavernous space. Beyond the limitations of a showhouse, we always push the envelope with paint: floors, ceilings, furniture, casework. Nothing is safe or off limits!
Are there any taboo colors?
Every color has a home, even khaki. Saying there is a taboo color only puts us in a box. Personally, we’re not huge fans of red, for instance, but are dazzled by it’s use in designs we’ve run across. There are no taboo colors, only taboo opinions.
Thanks so much, Jennifer and Robert! Your room is gorgeous and I ADORE the stripes on the ceiling – genius!
I suggest you guys go check it out – you will be floored with the creativity of the designer duo.
*Jennifer and Robert used MyColor™ inspired by Pantone’s “Ocean Depths” and “Phantom” for their room’s walls and ceiling.
Their room is fantastic! Love the color they chose
I know, it was amazing, Sherry! As was your’s and Lori’s. I so enjoyed being able to get that sneak peek!