otthon
premiere national hungarian interior design magazine
Colors and Metals
The view is an ample reward in itself for the steep climb to the house. It is a newly built condo in a beautiful setting, where even the garden commands a magnificent panorama. You hardly need to enter to know that such a place and such a house will attract young people – people with an enterprising spirit, classic 21st century types. The interior did not disappoint, either: the home we were visiting was exactly what it had promised to be, and the result reflects credit not only on the architect but also on the personality of the owner and the world of interior designer Jade O’Connor.
With its massive, modern, granite-tiled fireplace, chic fitted kitchen, beige floor and grayish brown tile, the open-plan kitchen/living room/dining room area is a truly impressive sight in a flood of sunlight pouring in through enormous glass panes.
Still, our host had not been completely satisfied. He had found the design somewhat ordinary – somewhat commonplace – lacking in something distinctive and exceptional, a personal touch that is unique to him and no-one else. When he met Jade O’Connor socially, he felt that he found the right person for the job in this American-born interior designer, who now lives in Hungary. He decided to commission the young lady to decorate his apartment before he even saw her other projects.
It was a good decision. Jade approached the task with exceptional empathy, came up with many ideas that required very little alteration indeed, used exciting colors and materials, and created something truly singular. Her design of painted stripes on the wall sections flanking the fireplace, in cold shades of blue and bright reds and oranges, may have sounded bizarre at first; but, as you can see in the pictures, this proved to be an excellent solution to tone down the middle-class conventionality of the fireplace and add flavor to the beige-and-brown-clad interior.
Another eye-catching detail here is a symmetrically arranged pair of dark brown cabinets with titanium tops: the favorite material of the proprietor, who is particularly fond of metals. A slender copper console table, designed by O’Connor herself, provides a nice complement to this, with a splendid Philippe starch mirror hanging above.
The living room area in front of the large glass panes, enhanced by a wonderful panoramic view, is home to a delicate glass coffee table and a dark brown lounge suite from VAM Design. The shapes and the colors harmonize with the modern fitted kitchen, separated from the living area by a dining counter, as well as the matching designer barstools, also by VAM design.
The 10-year-old boy’s bedroom décor is fresh, youthful, and playful with a wall pattern of large blue squares. This effect is enhanced by the matching color striped bed linen, which is nevertheless relaxing with its bright and clear shades.
The father’s bedroom is dominated by colors from an entirely different palette. It has a more mature and relaxing atmosphere created by a masterful combination of earthy hues, such as cream, charcoal gray, and brown. The cushions, bedspreads and covers were also designed by the interior decorator, using exquisite fabrics from Designers Guild. The same goes for the smaller pieces of accessory furniture, including the pair of mirrored and metal-framed nightstands, which harmonize well with the silvery metal picture frames on the wall.
All in all, this is a carefully designed high-quality interior with nicely finished and stylish furnishings, which also bear the unmistakable hallmarks of the owner’s personality. end
