Kitchen Design
Interview: Timeless Kitchen and Bath Design
Designer Erica Islas Shares Tips for Creating a Look That Lasts
Renovating any space can be a daunting task, especially when the pressure is on to create a space that wows. Culver City-based interior designer Erica Islas always comes armed with an arsenal of ideas and resources for kitchen and bath renovation projects. Find out how to add drama to your space or to create a look that is more timeless than trendy. Honestly, the possibilities are endless, but this little kitchen and bath primer will assist you in your process.
EW: What should homeowners remember when devising a plan for their kitchen lighting?
EI: One central light fixture is fine for a small apartment kitchen, but for a home with a larger kitchen there should be at least three light sources: task lighting (lighting under cabinets), accent lighting to create a mood or highlight a special feature (inside glass cabinets), and ambient lighting (general overhead lighting). Lighting provides the perfect opportunity to get creative using fun fixtures.
Above: A mix of glass, wood, and metal all combine to create a harmonious kitchen update. The Aga stove evokes a bit of nostalgia and instantly becomes a conversation centerpiece.
EI: One central light fixture is fine for a small apartment kitchen, but for a home with a larger kitchen there should be at least three light sources: task lighting (lighting under cabinets), accent lighting to create a mood or highlight a special feature (inside glass cabinets), and ambient lighting (general overhead lighting). Lighting provides the perfect opportunity to get creative using fun fixtures.
Above: A mix of glass, wood, and metal all combine to create a harmonious kitchen update. The Aga stove evokes a bit of nostalgia and instantly becomes a conversation centerpiece.
EW: What three inexpensive fixes can revive an outdated kitchen?
EI: 1. Paint is the most inexpensive way to revive any kitchen , and I am not talking just the walls, I’m talking painting cabinets too. (Glidden makes a special paint that hardens like enamel and Scuffmaster is another great choice.)
2. Another option is to simply remove a few doors to reveal open shelving. You can also consider replacing a few wooden door with glass doors. This instantly lightens the space. Then install new hardware (knobs, pulls, etc.).
3. Lighting, both natural and artificial, can change a room dramatically . Adding a skylight refreshes the space with natural light. A combination of recessed lights (as general light) and hanging pendant lights for accent lighting, is a great way to revive a dated kitchen.
EI: 1. Paint is the most inexpensive way to revive any kitchen , and I am not talking just the walls, I’m talking painting cabinets too. (Glidden makes a special paint that hardens like enamel and Scuffmaster is another great choice.)
2. Another option is to simply remove a few doors to reveal open shelving. You can also consider replacing a few wooden door with glass doors. This instantly lightens the space. Then install new hardware (knobs, pulls, etc.).
3. Lighting, both natural and artificial, can change a room dramatically . Adding a skylight refreshes the space with natural light. A combination of recessed lights (as general light) and hanging pendant lights for accent lighting, is a great way to revive a dated kitchen.
EW: What is behind the inspiration for some of your non-traditional kitchen designs?
EI: Juxtaposition and layers. I like creating layers of textures, materials, and decor styles — it's is what gives spaces warmth and interest. Mixing natural materials like Moroccan floor tiles made from Calcutta and Emperor brown marble, and zebrawood cabinetry with manmade materials, like glass. These elements work harmoniously to create a curated look.
EI: Juxtaposition and layers. I like creating layers of textures, materials, and decor styles — it's is what gives spaces warmth and interest. Mixing natural materials like Moroccan floor tiles made from Calcutta and Emperor brown marble, and zebrawood cabinetry with manmade materials, like glass. These elements work harmoniously to create a curated look.
EW: When a client uses the adjectives, Zen, organic, or spa when describing the feel of their dream bath, what thoughtscome to mind, and how do you translate these ideas into your designs?
EI: It is very important to be specific with clients about what Zen, organic and spa means to them. For example, my client may think the beach is spa-like, however I associate a Japanese bathhouse with a spa. Each is very different. It comes down to our own experiences about what Zen means to each of us individually. Typically throw out those kind of questions and ask questions about the kinds of materials we use, i.e. pebble or teak floor, grasscloth wallpaper or horizontal ship-lap, etc.
Above: Creating a Zen bath has everything to do with choosing the right fixtures and materials. An angular vessel sink atop teak wood, pebble tiled-floors, and a restful wall color create a spa-like atmosphere in the middle of the city.
EI: It is very important to be specific with clients about what Zen, organic and spa means to them. For example, my client may think the beach is spa-like, however I associate a Japanese bathhouse with a spa. Each is very different. It comes down to our own experiences about what Zen means to each of us individually. Typically throw out those kind of questions and ask questions about the kinds of materials we use, i.e. pebble or teak floor, grasscloth wallpaper or horizontal ship-lap, etc.
Above: Creating a Zen bath has everything to do with choosing the right fixtures and materials. An angular vessel sink atop teak wood, pebble tiled-floors, and a restful wall color create a spa-like atmosphere in the middle of the city.
EW: Which space do you enjoy designing most? Kitchens or baths?
EI: I love designing bathrooms. Bathroom design is not what it used to be due to the endless choice of material and fixtures. I love that I can be creative and innovative and essentially never design the same bath twice. TVs in the mirrors, chromatherapy color whirlpool baths, radiant floor heating systems, and tub fillers are just a few of the infinite possibilities. I'm not just designing a bathroom, I am creating an experience.
EI: I love designing bathrooms. Bathroom design is not what it used to be due to the endless choice of material and fixtures. I love that I can be creative and innovative and essentially never design the same bath twice. TVs in the mirrors, chromatherapy color whirlpool baths, radiant floor heating systems, and tub fillers are just a few of the infinite possibilities. I'm not just designing a bathroom, I am creating an experience.
EW: Please share with us a few items that make a bath feel timeless.
EI: Don't over design. If you really want a bath that will hold up to the test of time, don’t bring in decorative tile or trim pieces; those are sure to date your bath. Instead, bring in artwork or towels that can be changed out easily if you really want more decorative features. In the end, less is more.
EI: Don't over design. If you really want a bath that will hold up to the test of time, don’t bring in decorative tile or trim pieces; those are sure to date your bath. Instead, bring in artwork or towels that can be changed out easily if you really want more decorative features. In the end, less is more.
EW: What is your opinion of the eco-friendly materials available in the kitchen and bath market?
EI: We love eco-friendly materials and try to incorporate them as much as possible on every project. There is a wide selection of items to choose from so there is no excuse for not doing it. Some of my favorite products: Vetrazzo for countertops, Brizo for faucets, and TOTO's toilets are super! Kohler just revealed an incredible shower system that I am dying to put into a client's home.
Above: Being a eco-friendly never means you have to sacrifice style. The tub is faced in mosaic tile made of recycled glass. A floor-to-ceiling shower curtain and sculptural light fixture do their part in creating a wow factor in this bath experience.
EI: We love eco-friendly materials and try to incorporate them as much as possible on every project. There is a wide selection of items to choose from so there is no excuse for not doing it. Some of my favorite products: Vetrazzo for countertops, Brizo for faucets, and TOTO's toilets are super! Kohler just revealed an incredible shower system that I am dying to put into a client's home.
Above: Being a eco-friendly never means you have to sacrifice style. The tub is faced in mosaic tile made of recycled glass. A floor-to-ceiling shower curtain and sculptural light fixture do their part in creating a wow factor in this bath experience.
Erica Islas of EMI Interior Design, Inc.
More inspiration and ideas:
Browse bathroom design photos
Browse kitchen design photos
More inspiration and ideas:
Browse bathroom design photos
Browse kitchen design photos
Erica Islas: Lighting is one of the most important elements of design and is typically overlooked by client simply because they are more focused on the larger prettier items like cabinetry and appliances.
Above: In this handsome kitchen, deep navy walls and ebony-stained wood floors provide a beautiful contrast of light and dark when paired with creamy cabinetry.