Written by: Matthew Quinn
Coco Chanel
Strangely enough, Coco Chanel has always influenced my design aesthetic. I really studied her designs when I was asked to duplicate the interiors of her original Parisian store in a two story closet in a Texas mansion. Her sophisticated and elegant use of trim and welting to create contrast and define forms remains timeless in fashion and interior design.
Audrey Tatou as Coco Chanel
We designed and received a new door style the other day and the first thing out of my mouth was “This would be in Coco’s kitchen.” The chrome trim creates the contrast and elegance against the fumed oak door.
Another example is more subtle with a lightly glazed cabinet door and the tiniest accent of a brushed nickel. The accent glimmers slightly and makes you do a double take.
My faucet and hardware collection by Rubinet even has the Coco touch to it with the selection of materials determining the amount of contrast to the pieces.
Even my Intarcia tub and sink by MTI Whirlpools has that classic Chanel pinstripe running through it.
Intarcia Tub- Matthew Quinn Collection by MTI Whirlpools
In my mind, products that have a foot in the past and a foot in the future will always catch my eye.
