Deep Dive in Design: Beige Is Anything but Boring with David Kleinberg

Release Date: October 29, 2024

Introduction

In the episode titled "Beige Is Anything but Boring," host Dara Caponigro welcomes renowned interior designer David Kleinberg to discuss the nuanced world of neutral spaces in interior design. The conversation delves into debunking the common misconception that neutral palettes are dull, highlighting how thoughtful design can create spaces that are both serene and captivating.

The Myth of Neutral Spaces

Dara opens the discussion by addressing the belief that neutral spaces are inherently boring. She praises David's ability to create beautiful neutral environments and seeks his insights on maintaining interest within such palettes.

Dara Caponigro [00:24]:
"But we're here today to debunk the myth that neutral spaces are boring."

Balancing Neutrality and Interest

David acknowledges his affinity for restrained color schemes, emphasizing that neutrality doesn't equate to monotony. He explains that the key lies in the interplay of textures, natural finishes, and thoughtful color usage.

David Kleinberg [00:50]:
"Neutrals can be just that, neutral, but they just take more time to know and to open up."

He attributes part of his design philosophy to the late Van de Truax, who advocated for avoiding the "big bowl of porridge" effect that neutrals can sometimes fall into. Instead, David focuses on creating nuanced spaces that engage the viewer over time.

The Role of Materials in Neutral Design

A significant portion of the conversation centers on David's preferred materials, which play a pivotal role in adding depth and interest to neutral rooms. He expresses a particular fondness for oak, describing it as the "most friendly wood" due to its versatility and ability to complement various design elements.

David Kleinberg [04:50]:
"I always describe oak as the most friendly wood. Some woods will fight you. They don't want to be any other color than they want to be. You know, walnut wants to be the color it is. Oak is the Labrador Retriever of woods. You know, it'll do whatever you want it to do. It just wants to please."

Other favored materials include parchment, bronze, burnished nickel, limestones, honed marbles, neutral-toned leathers, suedes, and various woven fabrics. These materials contribute to the tactile and visual richness of his designs.

Symmetry and Balance in Spaces

David discusses the importance of symmetry and balance in creating harmonious environments. Drawing from his extensive training under Albert Hadley, he emphasizes starting design projects by considering the architecture and geometry of the space.

David Kleinberg [06:19]:
"In order to create a pleasant environment, there has to be a certain balance. And that doesn't have to be perfect symmetry with pairs and pairs, but there has to be a balance to the space."

He elaborates that balance doesn't necessarily mean identical arrangements but rather a thoughtful consideration of the room's landscape, including the relative heights of furnishings and decorative elements.

The Importance of Form and Fabric

Form plays a crucial role in David's design approach. He believes that every element within a room—from lamps to chair legs—should contribute to an overall visual dialogue, creating an engaging and cohesive space.

David Kleinberg [07:54]:
"If you can make an interesting line drawing out of the room, then it's going to be an interesting and appealing room."

Regarding fabrics, David favors woven patterns over prints, treating them as integral design elements rather than mere decorations. He uses prints sparingly, often limiting them to furniture with frames to emulate the presence of framed artwork.

Achieving Warmth in Minimalist Design

Despite his minimalist tendencies, David ensures that his neutral rooms never feel cold or uninviting. This warmth is achieved through strategic layering, varied textures, and careful lighting.

David Kleinberg [09:17]:
"A neutral doesn't mean minimal. It doesn't mean an absence of panel details, an absence of flooring patterns, an absence of crown base, door trim, moldings, an absence of layers of pillows and a throw on a sofa, a soft rug over a sisal woven carpet over a wood floor."

He underscores the importance of multi-layered lighting, advocating for a combination of overhead lights and lampshades to create a warm and comfortable ambiance.

Patterns and Carpets in Neutral Rooms

David highlights the role of patterned rugs and carpets in unifying and grounding spaces. He appreciates patterned carpets for their ability to tie together multiple seating areas and provide a cohesive foundation for the room's layout.

David Kleinberg [10:30]:
"I always hate to think of furniture if it looks like it's clutching onto a life raft in the room. And so I do think it can hold. Often our rooms have more than one seating area, so it helps sort of unify the space and give you, you know, a good base to go off from."

Historical Inspirations in Neutral Design

When asked about his favorite neutral rooms from history, David cites Billy Baldwin's apartment as a quintessential example of efficient and elegant neutral design. He admires Baldwin's ability to select materials and furnishings that reflect a clear and cohesive vision.

David Kleinberg [11:17]:
"Billy Baldwin is still somebody I go back to again and again and again and look at the clarity of his vision."

Conclusion

The episode culminates with Dara expressing her appreciation for David's insights and design wisdom. David reflects on the importance of creating spaces that resonate with individuals' lifestyles and preferences, underscoring that true comfort in design stems from authenticity and thoughtful consideration.

David Kleinberg [12:31]:
"Albert lived in a way that was completely resonated with who he was and how he lived."

This episode of Deep Dive in Design offers a comprehensive exploration of neutral design, demonstrating that with the right approach, beige and other neutral tones can create sophisticated, warm, and endlessly interesting spaces.

Notable Quotes:

• David Kleinberg [00:50]:
  "Neutrals can be just that, neutral, but they just take more time to know and to open up."

• David Kleinberg [04:50]:
  "I always describe oak as the most friendly wood... it'll do whatever you want it to do."

• David Kleinberg [07:54]:
  "If you can make an interesting line drawing out of the room, then it's going to be an interesting and appealing room."

• David Kleinberg [09:17]:
  "A neutral doesn't mean minimal... All of these elements go into creating a room that I think doesn't feel cold."

• David Kleinberg [11:17]:
  "Billy Baldwin is still somebody I go back to again and again and again and look at the clarity of his vision."

Stay tuned for next week's episode of Deep Dive in Design for more expert insights into the world of decorating.