Episode Title: Ep. 381: Creating Cohesive and Functional Spaces with Cullman & Kravis

Release Date: October 1, 2024
Hosts: Caroline, Taryn, and Liz from Ballard Designs
Guests: Ellie Coleman and Lee Kavanaugh, Partners at Coleman and Kravis Interiors

Introduction to Coleman and Kravis Interiors

In this insightful episode of How to Decorate, host Caroline introduces listeners to Ellie Coleman and Lee Kavanaugh, founding partners of the renowned interior design firm, Coleman and Kravis Interiors. Celebrated for their consistent presence on Elle Decor's 80-100 list and their ability to blend traditional elements with vibrant colors and modern art, Ellie and Lee share their expertise and philosophies that have defined their 40-year journey in the design industry.

Defining the Coleman and Kravis Aesthetic

Ellie and Lee delve into what sets their design approach apart. Lee emphasizes their passion for reflecting clients' interests and the unique location of each home, fostering a collaborative environment with a dynamic team of 15 professionals. He states, “We love the mix of old and new, what we always call the alchemy of old and new… we want to have in every project” ([03:19] Lee Kavanaugh).

Ellie adds that cohesiveness across every room is paramount, ensuring each space is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. “Everything has to be cohesive. The layout, the form, the function, each room… we want everything to look fabulous and feel fabulous to live in” ([03:52] Ellie Coleman).

Balancing Functionality and Aesthetics

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the delicate balance between functionality and aesthetics in interior design. Lee articulates the firm's mantra: “We are always overly concerned with function. How does the couple or the family or the single person live in the space? …if you get it to look good but it doesn't function, you've achieved nothing” ([04:14] Lee Kavanaugh).

Ellie reinforces the importance of usable spaces, contrasting modern desirable comfort with outdated, overly formal designs. “No one wants that [fancy, unused living rooms] anymore. Everyone wants to be comfortable and have it look good, but still be used” ([04:33] Ellie Coleman). They discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the necessity for multifunctional spaces, especially in compact urban apartments where every inch counts ([04:38] Caroline; [04:43] Lee Kavanaugh).

Collaborative Layout Planning and Client Engagement

Caroline highlights their method of presenting multiple layout options to clients, prompting a discussion on the collaborative decision-making process. Lee shares a memorable anecdote about their early days: “After dinner and a few drinks, we would invariably rearrange their living room… It was such fun” ([05:04] Lee Kavanaugh). This hands-on approach helps clients visualize and appreciate the best floor plans for their needs.

Ellie and Lee emphasize the importance of seeing design elements three-dimensionally, either physically moving furniture or using creative tools to simulate changes. Ellie recounts, “We even moved the whole showroom right in the store… they were looking at us strangely” ([08:37] Caroline; [08:43] Ellie Coleman).

Innovative Lighting Solutions

Lighting plays a crucial role in their design philosophy. Ellie shares a creative solution for determining light fixture sizes using beach balls to visually gauge proportions: “We hung them from the ceiling… it really illustrated… whether it should be 16 inches round or 24” ([09:42] Ellie Coleman). Lee adds practical tips, such as using rope and ladders to test entrance hall lights, ensuring they complement the room's volume and functionality ([10:32] Lee Kavanaugh).

Evolving Collaborative Processes

The evolution of their collaborative process is discussed, highlighting how the firm has grown from a duo to a vibrant team of partners. Lee explains, “We have three partners who've been with me more than 20 years each… a true collaboration” ([14:01] Lee Kavanaugh). This shift has enriched their projects, making their work more layered and dynamic.

Ellie underscores the importance of aligning with the client's vision while incorporating the team's diverse ideas. “We all add a little bit of what we would suggest would make it better… we don't want everything to look the same either” ([15:26] Ellie Coleman).

Integrating Traditional and Contemporary Elements

A key theme is the integration of traditional design principles with contemporary flair. Lee outlines the basics of traditional design—such as symmetry—and the continuous evolution to keep spaces fresh: “Traditional design has to do with the basic rules… we always mix in different threads of thought throughout the house” ([24:29] Lee Kavanaugh). Ellie complements this by discussing the reuse and updating of classic furnishings: “You don’t need to throw away everything… change the upholstery or add crazy pillows” ([27:09] Ellie Coleman).

They both agree that mixing old and new elements prevents spaces from feeling either dated or sterile. Lee states, “Everything should not be of the same vocabulary… the original combination of old and new keeps our work young” ([27:56] Lee Kavanaugh).

Color Cohesion and Palette Planning

Color plays a vital role in their design process. Lee describes using color charts to ensure a harmonious flow throughout the home: “Color can't be random… you pick up different color strands from that carpet” ([32:10] Lee Kavanaugh). Ellie adds practical tips for integrating color without overwhelming the space, such as using accessories or subtle pops of color: “It doesn’t have to be massive… little pops of color” ([33:17] Ellie Coleman).

Both designers note a shift towards more vibrant and diverse color palettes, moving away from subdued tones like beige and gray. Ellie highlights the resurgence of colors like green, now referred to as "glazed," adding a fresh twist to traditional palettes ([34:52] Ellie Coleman).

Investing in Classic, Versatile Pieces

The conversation transitions to the importance of investing in classic, versatile furniture pieces that endure changing tastes. Ellie shares her experiences with early design choices, emphasizing the value of timeless pieces: “Do classic sofa styles… you can change the fabric or change the pillow” ([38:19] Ellie Coleman). Lee echoes this sentiment, advising against trendy items for large furniture: “For the large pieces, try to stay classic because you're not going to fall out of love with them” ([37:46] Lee Kavanaugh).

They advocate for repurposing beloved items and focusing on quality in substantial investments, ensuring longevity and adaptability in home decor.

Listener's Decorating Dilemma: Donna's Dining Room

Towards the episode's conclusion, Ellie and Lee tackle a listener's query from Donna, who seeks advice on harmonizing her dining room's eclectic elements. Donna describes her space: a walnut live-edge dining table with a clear resin finish, a wool beige rug with large loops, black metal chairs in a berry color, a fuchsia accent wall, a brass chandelier with white shades, and a gray stone wall.

Ellie offers creative solutions, suggesting bold paint choices or integrating accessories that echo the existing colors: “Paint the walls the fuchsia color of the chairs… use accessories like glass vases or a big bowl in fuchsia” ([40:04] Ellie Coleman). Lee recommends practical fixes like adding plastic sabots to metal chair legs to prevent slipping on the rug: “Use the plastic ones… they do make a plastic. It’s almost like a little sabot” ([42:45] Lee Kavanaugh).

Both designers encourage embracing bold choices while ensuring cohesion, reassuring Donna that her design is on the right track and providing actionable tips to enhance her space.

Conclusion and Resources

As the episode wraps up, Ellie and Lee promote their latest book, Coleman and Kravis Interiors, available on Amazon, local bookstores, and Target. They invite listeners to follow them on Instagram (@CKDesign) and visit their website for more inspiration and insights.

Key Takeaways:

• Cohesive Design: Ensuring every room aligns in layout, function, and aesthetics.
• Functional Aesthetics: Prioritizing usability alongside visual appeal.
• Collaborative Process: Engaging clients and team members to refine design solutions.
• Blend of Old and New: Integrating traditional elements with contemporary touches to keep spaces timeless yet fresh.
• Color Coordination: Using color charts and thoughtful palette planning to achieve harmony.
• Invest in Classics: Choosing versatile, timeless furniture pieces for long-term satisfaction.
• Practical Solutions: Offering actionable advice for common decorating challenges.

Notable Quotes:

• “We love the mix of old and new, what we always call the alchemy of old and new… we want to have in every project.” — Lee Kavanaugh ([03:19])
• “Everything has to be cohesive. The layout, the form, the function, each room… we want everything to look fabulous and feel fabulous to live in.” — Ellie Coleman ([03:52])
• “If you get it to look good but it doesn’t function, you’ve achieved nothing.” — Lee Kavanaugh ([04:14])
• “Traditional design has to do with the basic rules… we always mix in different threads of thought throughout the house.” — Lee Kavanaugh ([24:29])
• “Invest in classic sofa styles… you can change the fabric or change the pillow.” — Ellie Coleman ([38:19])

For more detailed insights and to explore Coleman and Kravis Interiors' design philosophies, listeners are encouraged to read their book, follow their social media, and visit their website.

Happy decorating!