ASPIRE DESIGN AND HOME recently reached out to several leading kitchen and design firms to discover their point of view on top trends and new developments in their industry. Their thoughtful responses delve into what motivates, inspires and excites these design pros, and how that passion ultimately breeds success.
From New Age Interiors, we spoke with owner Melissa Fenigstein.
ASPIRE DESIGN AND HOME: Where does your inspiration come from when creating stylish kitchens for your clients?
Melissa Fenigstein: My inspiration comes from the clients needs combined with my natural love for cooking, entertaining and family.
ADH: What is the best or most enjoyable part of your position as a kitchen designer?
MF: Designing the “heart of the home” brings me so much joy knowing that I am an integral part of creating a kitchen for families to gather in a functional and beautiful space.
ADH: If you were designing a kitchen for your own home, what would you include?
MF: Since cooking is one of my passions I would absolutely have to include industrial capacity refrigeration, 8 burner gas range and an oversized kitchen island.
ADH: What are some of the most exciting innovations you’ve seen in today’s kitchen industry?
MF: A steam oven and refrigeration with self-closing hinges. Note to self: as per question #3 I would add refrigeration with self-closing hinges.
ADH: What technology features are your clients are including in their kitchen designs?
MF: They love touchless faucets, charging stations, Sonos music systems and built-in Ipads.
ADH: How do some of these technological advances help kitchens to be more efficient or organized?
MF: Smart Home technology enables voice shopping online and/or creating shopping lists which prove to be time savers.
ADH: Which manufacturers are on the cutting-edge of the kitchen industry?
MF: All manufacturers that offer matte black appliances with gold hardware are a unique approach to appliance color.
ADH: What are some popular design trends your clients are requesting for their kitchens?
MF: Clients are loving black and gold appliances, oversized islands, diversified applications in refrigeration and Smart Home technology.
ADH: What 2020 kitchen design trends do you think will be long-lasting?
MF: Creating multiple computer work stations in or adjacent to the kitchen is a design feature that is here to stay. With so many working from home and the virtual learning that is in place, families need more room for laptops and work.
ADH: What is your favorite meal to prepare for a crowd?
MF: This is a very easy question for me to answer! I am famous for my mussels, clams and shrimp cioppino in a spicy tomato broth.
ADH: What is your favorite meal to prepare if it’s just for you?
MF: I love omelettes when I am cooking just for me. My all time favorite would be mushrooms, shallots, scallions and gruyere.
ADH: Which past or present interior designer has most inspired you?
MF: Thom Filicia’s approach to interior design has always been extremely inspiring to me.
ADH: How would you describe your work style?
MF: High energy, intense and extremely personal and attentive.
ADH: Describe your personal design style
MF: Warm modern with a sense of inviting comfort.
ADH: What was your first design job?
MF: I designed my own bedroom when I was 13 years old. My parents gifted that opportunity to me for my birthday. I selected new furniture, bedding, wall covering, carpet and lighting.
ADH: What is your favorite kitchen color scheme right now?
MF: Black, white and walnut is currently what I am crushing on.
ADH: Complete this sentence: The one thing I can’t live without in my kitchen is:
MF: My Le Creuset Dutch Oven. It a life changer.
ADH: What is the best piece of design advice you ever received?
MF: So many great pieces of design advice have shaped my career it would be difficult to point out just one.
ADH: If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
MF: A chef, of course!
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