Timeless Comfort: Kathleen Hay

Keep reading to learn how designer Kathleen Hay creates crisp, clean, colorful spaces…painted with style and sophistication.

What do you consider to be the most significant design improvement of the last 10 years?

It is a tie between the flat screen TV and the iPod. Both of these technologies have changed the way we furnish houses. No longer is it necessary to incorporate a large armoire to hide an enormous television set, or to find a way to hide AV equipment: stereo, CD changer, large speakers, etc. Televisions are now often the centerpiece of the interior landscape. I recently completed a study that had three flat-screen TVs so that the couple could watch a favorite sports game while keeping any eye on the news or a favorite program. We will continue to see innovations in the tech field that will continue to keep designers on their toes.

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What makes a particular design last? What ensures longevity?

Classic proportion and restrained color palettes are the two factors that most inform a lasting design. Symmetry and scale, when used in proper balance, will always be the key to longevity in design. As for color: neutral is never out. Good examples include: the architecture of Palladio, interiors and furniture by John Saladino, and the interiors, furniture, and fabric of design maven Barbara Barry.

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Is there a classic-a staple-that is always a part of your design…sort of a signature? What is it and what enables it to work in any environment?

Small cube-shaped (square) ottomans are a constant in my interiors. They are indispensable and utterly flexible. Two can tuck under an entry table to serve as an impromptu place to sit to put on your shoes, or under a console in a living room as extra seating. I have grouped four of them and used it as a comfortable coffee table/ottoman in a media room. I have also used them at the ends of beds for a handy luggage rack or place to put the pillows when it is time for bed.

20876 by Duralee

How have you used Duralee in the past and why did you select it?
I recently did a renovation on a boat. The boat is unique in that it was at one time a lobster trawler. We had to make choices on fabrics and materials that were durable and in keeping with the casual feeling of this particular boat. I used Duralee fabric #20876 and had it fabricated into a duvet cover in the master cabin. The bold black and white pattern is a perfect statement in the all white room and the fabric will hold up to the sun and sea air.

Why do you like to use Duralee products in your work?
Duralee offers so many options to the trade. Not only do they have a fantastic array of durable, solid, basic fabrics, but they have an amazing collection of designer fabric lines that enable interior designers to incorporate signature patterns into their room schemes. Best of all, Duralee has a full line of furniture: sturdy, well-built and constructed completely in the USA. Everything can be customized. I have recently begun to launch several of my own private label pieces of furniture with Duralee. I cannot say enough about this family-owned company. They are my first “go to” resource on all projects.

KATHLEEN’S FAVORITE DURALEE TEXTILES
20872 by Duralee	180856h by Duralee	180826h by Duralee	180825h by Duralee

20875-159 Dove by Duralee

Has a specific Duralee product served as an inspiration for a project?

I am so fond of the recent collaboration between Thomas Paul and Duralee. The patterns are iconic and eye-catching with color combinations that are fresh and new. I was recently taken by pattern #20875-159 a dove gray and yellow floral that is so pleasing. I planned an entire sitting room around the fabric and was able to find a yellow grasscloth wallcovering by Philip Jeffries to complete the scheme. It is a show stopper!

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Why do you think a well chosen paint color is critical to the success of a room design? What are the top 3 factors to take into consideration when choosing a paint color?

Paint color, or wall treatments of any kind, are the bones of a room. After the architecture of the space, paint is the single most important factor in setting tone and mood. Paint color is like a woman’s foundation: if it is wrong, it is glaring. The three factors to take into consideration when choosing the paint color are:

1) The light sources in the space. Are there a lot of exterior windows impacting the light in the room, or is the light mostly gained from fixtures and “unnatural” sources?

2) The use of the space-Is this going to be a room that is used in an active fashion or is it a space where you come to rest and restore?

3) The design materials being used in the room-the paint color needs to be chosen as
part of the total room schematic with the fabrics, rugs, and furniture taken into consideration. I
usually choose the paint color last in the process so that I can finesse the shade and color value to highlight and augment my room scheme.

What has been your recent favorite project and why?

I just finished an incredible summer estate on Nantucket. It is my favorite recent project for several reasons. Firstly, the clients are incredible people-generous of spirit with great taste. It was a pleasure collaborating with them. Secondly, the setting of the house is atop a dune overlooking the ocean. Need I say more?? The architecture of the house is simple, but grand. It commands attention without being overwrought. I was able to bring my vision to reality with clients that understood the process. The end result has been so satisfying.

What was your most challenging project and why?

My most challenging project has been a small renovation of two cottages. However, it is also one of my favorite projects. The challenge has come in the space planning and the need to make these two tiny spaces into a fully functioning summer residence for an extended family with many guests. We decided we had to think of the house as a ship. Small berths that are beautiful but incredibly functional. It has worked out well.

What are some tips for making a larger space appear cozy?

I have had to work with this challenge a good deal in the recent building boom where we saw a proliferation of large-scale houses. The reality is that families still want to feel a sense of togetherness and warmth, even in rooms that can fit 100 people. It is not an easy task, but it can be accomplished. First, I customize the furniture so that the scale is slightly larger (sofas are longer and deeper; coffee tables are amped up). I incorporate architectural details that add dimension to the room: paneled walls, wainscoting, coffered ceilings, generously proportioned crown moldings and baseboards. I find that using grasscloth or textured wall treatments will also add a layer of warmth to the space and make it more inviting. Window treatments are really important. Adding fabric to the windows helps to close in the room and make it a cozier space.

In your opinion, what makes a great room?

A successful room is one that has inviting “liveability”-a room that says, “Come in, sit down, and relax.” I like rooms that are sophisticated, but still retain a sense of comfort. Fabrics need to be soft to the touch, furniture needs to be comfortable, lighting needs to be soft and indirect. I also love rooms that have a surprise element: a color combination that might be new and different, or an innovative approach to the technological functions of the space, or a fabulous and unexpected collection or artwork.

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What is the ultimate goal of all your projects?
A satisfied client mostly, but also a space for which I can be proud to claim as my design.

All photos courtesy of Jeffrey Allen - Jeffrey Allen Photography