Opening the door to design possibilities

Recently, Mimi Pineau Design had the opportunity to participate in a very special project for the Interior Design Show in Toronto: the creation of a larger-than-life interior design moodboard.

We partnered with Schlage, a door hardware company well-known for quality and timeless style, to create a themed design concept for their booth display. As part of a group of three notable design firms, we were assigned a general design style, and asked to select appropriate hardware at the very beginning of the process.

Truthfully, it felt a bit like putting the cart before the horse. Usually, a designer will source hardware as part of a project’s design phase, and in the context of an already fleshed-out design concept. However, we were up for the challenge! This time, we would create the concept around the hardware, weaving a visual story with a door lever as the star.

Finding our inspiration

With a specific design theme, style of hardware and finish selected, the goal was then to round out the design. Instead of real clients to give us direction, we created fictional homeowners, and wove a story of their lifestyle. As with any project, we start with the spark of an inspiration to lead the rest of the design. In this case, clean-lined levers and satin nickel.

Trusting our design intuition

We’ve had luxury vacation properties on the brain lately, and it seemed natural to keep exploring design ideas in that vein. As our file folder of inspiration images grew, the concept of a contemporary lakehouse with large, airy spaces and windswept views came into being. Finishes of white oak and light veined marble presented themselves as an echo of the rugged textures on the shore. To soften the look, rich bouclé, linen fabrics and textural rugs were added to the scheme. Generally revolving around a serene neutral palette, we punctuated the look with dark blue cabinetry accents and a few pieces of matte black hardware.

We chose the upscale Kawartha Lakes region of Ontario, Canada as a geographical location for our fictional lakehouse. To bring a touch of personality and warmth to the design, we added vintage local postcards, a hand-drawn tea towel map and found natural objects.

Throughout, we imagined a space of ease and relaxation, wide open and welcoming. Conceived as an extension of the outdoors, but with the comfort and understated luxury of a well-appointed resort.

Slow pan over an interior design moodboard featuring cabinetry, lighting, hardware, marble, oak flooring, ceramic tile and fabrics

Meanwhile, back at the studio…

Aside from the design itself, one of the challenges all of the teams faced was in actually assembling the extra-large board, ensuring that all of the design elements were firmly secured. As a born DIYer, glue guns, drills and screwdrivers are part of this designer’s DNA, so figuring out all of the assembly was a welcome challenge. It turned out, the display board’s weight also became a major factor, as we wrestled with the girth of the melamine board weighed down with a number of heavy samples!

When it was time for the board to finally leave the studio, we carefully bubble-wrapped it for transport, crossing our fingers and wishing it well on its journey to IDS…

SEE HOW IT ALL TURNED OUT HERE Mimi Pineau Design x Schlage featurette

One of the most exciting aspects of the project was to see how the assignment was interpreted by the other design teams. While we all received a similar design mandate, we knew that our innate design styles would take us in very different directions! All three design teams finally got to meet and chat during an industry Q&A session on Trade Day at the Interior Design Show.

Read more about the design teams here

Quality always comes out on top

Brand partnerships allow designers to educate themselves and explore all of the design options offered. In any full-scale renovation, door hardware plays a very important part in setting the tone for the space. It can be subtle or bold in style, but always sets the bar for the perception of quality in the rest of the space. Door hardware is one of the subtle practicalities that uplevels a homeowner’s experience. It is definitely a worthwhile investment in quality and style for your space.

Many thanks to the teams at Schlage and Allegion for allowing us the opportunity to explore some great design ideas with their quality products. Until next time!

We would love to assist you with the design and renovation of your kitchen, bathroom or entire home. Mimi Pineau Design creates high-end residential interiors with a tailored, modern edge and imbued with comfort, quality and beauty. Contact us to schedule a Discovery Call!