Decorating & Design
September 30, 2024
Vanessa Fong Shares Her Design Preferences And Tips For Designing Rooms That Last
When it comes to designing a room, one of the first things Architect Vanessa Fong does is understand her clients’ lifestyle — or intended lifestyle. “Are they entertainers, are they quiet homebodies, morning people, night owls? All this helps inform the layout of the space,” says Vanessa. As for selecting materials, the owner’s personality also comes into play. “The materials reflect who they are and how they want to express themselves in their home. The overall look is important, as well as the finish, sheen and texture of each element.”
Scroll down for Vanessa’s tips and preferences for designing a room — including some of her go-to surfaces for kitchens and bathrooms.
H&H: You recently participated in Caesarstone’s first-ever trend report, Beyond the Surface. One of the topics was how to avoid being too trendy — something on the mind of many owners. What are your best tips for creating a design that lasts?
VF: At the end of the day, we strive to design a space that’s reflective of an owner’s style and personality. Everyone’s style is unique and, as designers, it’s up to us to help tease that out and design a space that isn’t trendy. One tip is that, if you’re seeing something pop up a lot on Pinterest, then it’s likely too trendy!
H&H: What would your dream kitchen look like?
VF: My dream kitchen would have a small pantry space where I could hide everything, from the toaster to the kettle to the microwave. I love a clean, uninterrupted counter, so being able to have a place to put away all the clutter that’s usually on the counter would be amazing!
H&H: What other small details make a big difference?
VF: Functional details! For example, is there a place to put your phone to charge in the kitchen, so that it’s not on the counter where you’re trying to prepare dinner?
Vanessa often opts for Caesarstone’s new surface hues from their OOAK Collection, which emphasizes elevated design, versatility and celebrating beauty in the details. The collection complements classic and contemporary design styles that capture the essence of natural stone, while integrating Caesarstone’s durability and innovative surface technology.
Vanessa’s Picks: For a neutral porcelain surface reminiscent of ancient stone, consider Marenstone 543 (left) with ivory and beige undertones or Auralux 544 (right), a warm grey that resembles a stone finish.
H&H: When choosing a kitchen or bathroom counter, what do you look for?
VF: These are the most-used spaces in a home — places where big messes happen, as well as spaces that need to look presentable for guests. Knowing this, durability is a big factor. Can the counter handle the mess of kids making pancakes for breakfast, but then, at the same time, be easily cleaned up?
H&H: What is your dream bathroom?
VF: It would be a place where I could go to unwind from the day. It would have a big tub that faces out to a courtyard or garden so I could be surrounded by nature as I soak — a sanctuary.
“What’s really great about Caesarstone is that they brought a collection that has a lot of natural textures. It’s not just a glossy finish — that’s always an option — but there’s a leather finish and an honed satin finish,” said Vanessa at the 2024 Kitchen & Bath Industry show.