Kate Lawler's hotel and restaurant designs are the best advertisements for her residential work.
“In our 10-plus years of client relationships, what seems to be happening is that we work on hospitality projects, build connections, and then clients ask us to design their homes,” says the Philadelphia-based firm. said Lawler, founder of Rohe Creative.
“We ended up designing it.” [chef and restaurateur] Michael Schulson's home after work [eateries] I gave him a double knot and a harp and crown,” she said. “[Director] M. Night Shyamalan came to many of the Philadelphia restaurants we designed, liked what he saw, and asked us to work on his designs. [Willistown, Pennsylvania] It's real estate that we're still working on. ”
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Rohe Creative's six-person team, headquartered in Philadelphia's trendy Fishtown neighborhood, has worked on hospitality projects “all over the United States,” including hotels in Miami and Detroit, Rohe said. Interior Design magazine praised the firm's 2023 design for Louisville's Hotel Genevieve as “a playful blend of French modernism, old-world charm, and contemporary trends.”
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Mr. Lawler spoke to Mansion Global about how design can reflect life, why customers shouldn't think about the resale value of their homes, and why luxury is a choice.
Mansion Global: What brings hospitality and residential design together?
Kate Lawler: Hospitality design is my first love. I love that there is a strong conceptual story behind each space. We dive into these worlds to tell their unique stories and make sure that's conveyed in the design, colours, fabrics and finishes. This is now happening in the world of housing. Your home is a unique story about you, your family, and your children.
They also have access to sources that pure home designers don't have access to, such as custom case merchandise and fabric and wall treatment vendors used in more commercial applications. Homeowners are excited to learn about these sources. It could be a long-lasting floor, or a long-lasting finish.
If you don't have the budget to work with a designer, how can you tell your story through decor?
It is similar to personal style in fashion. What choices do you make every day? What color makes you feel good? What excites you? Are there various patterns? Bold colors? Neutral palette?
Let's touch on something that excites our hearts. It doesn't have to be permanent either. We always recommend eating bite-sized portions. You don't have to paint your entire living room red. You can add small red pillows, vases, or accent blankets.
Have you ever pushed back on a client's choices, such as something so personal that it could affect the resale value of a home?
For those who are investing in a home where their family will live for a long time, the discussion of resale does not come up. However, with a home with a unique personality, we always encourage our clients and support their choices. Vanilla's house, all beige and gray, looks like every other property.
What does Philadelphia have to offer when it comes to procurement?
There are a lot of great artisans and antique dealers here. [handmade furniture and cabinet maker] workerman studio, [custom ironworkers] holtzman iron studio [lighting designers] RTO lighting.I love antiques [architectural salvage dealers] History, Kamelot Auction, [20th-century furniture dealers] modern republic and [vintage design shop] Another studio.
What is the biggest change you have seen in your clients and their preferences since you started your business 10 years ago?
The biggest difference is that people are more mindful of and more appreciative of the choices they have. Ten years ago, people watched home renovation shows and lived in the frame of mind, “I can do this, so I can do this.” People started owning it more. They are focused on making cool and unique decisions, especially for themselves. Perhaps it's because we have overcome the coronavirus pandemic and people really want to live.
How does Philadelphia inspire you and your work?
Philadelphia is a great place for creativity. I grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs and went to college here. I've seen it grow into this amazing creative community, but it's also felt friendly, warm and welcoming. In large cities, such communities are large and perhaps inaccessible. And from an economic standpoint, running a business here is cheaper than in New York or Los Angeles. The beautiful studio space we have costs five times as much.
What is the biggest mistake you see in home decor and design?
The biggest problem is that you're too scared to try anything and end up being really mediocre with your designs. Home Depot and Lowe's have a purpose and a place, but people treat them as one-stop shops and buy everything there. This is usually not a success story.
Many people are obsessed with style, color, and pattern. That is wonderful.But you have to make sure you don't do that [that] Patterns and colors on all surfaces. People often don't edit themselves enough to admire special colors or patterns.
What is your personal definition of luxury?
For me, the ultimate luxury is freedom of choice. It's about being true to yourself, understanding what makes your space feel great to you, and making thoughtful decisions.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
