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17 Feb |
Interview with Stephen Knollenberg Designer, Interviews
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“When everything that is placed in a room shares some connection—a common thread—something happens. There is a sweet spot where composition, balance, color and form come together.”
Stephen Knollenberg established an interior design firm in his own name in 2002. Some years later he has been named to Architectural Digest list of top 100 interior designers and architects in the world. Whether contemporary or traditional his interiors are serene, classic and timeless. They draw me in to look at the subtle layers of detail…
image courtesy: Stephen Knollenberg & Architectural Digest via extra interios
How would you categorize your own personal style?
Edited…..clean……..with a mix of the old and the new. I look to design not just ‘rooms’, but environments. In them, I’d like people to feel inspired, but comfortable. I’m definitely tuned in to how a space feels and not just to the way that it looks. The eye sees and then the brain elicits emotions.
What are the early influences that led you towards design?
I grew up in a rather clever mid-century house and my mother liked early American antiques. I think these disparate elements had a great influence on me. It challenged and broadened my tastes.
What does a designer need in order to be successful?
That depends upon how you define success. I recently read that John Fowler, of the British decorating firm Colefax and Fowler, was terrible in business but obviously a very talented man. More and more, I see that talent alone is not a guarantee of overall success. If you combine it with a certain amount of business acumen however, great things can happen.
Finish this sentence: Creating a room is like………
……….Creating a great dish. It’s a little of this and a little of that until it’s perfect. Funny, I have very little patience in the kitchen, but I care a lot about how the table looks……
image courtesy: Stephen Knollenberg & Architectural Digest via extra interios
What is your idea of what the perfect home should feel like?
Balanced and serene.
Which design project have you been most proud of?
There isn’t just one. I’m most pleased when a client tells me they love living in a space I’ve created for them.
What inspires you?
Beauty. It tugs at the soul a little bit for me. It can be the woods or the water, a textile or a work of art………or the wonderful lines of a building or a chair.
What is your current state of mind?
Grateful. I have learned in my life, metaphorically, to go with the river and not against it. If you allow it to, it generally takes you exactly where you need to go.
What books are you currently reading?
Phillips de Pury has recently sent me their bounty of auction catalogs. Many trees had to die for them, but they are wonderful to read through.
image courtesy: Stephen Knollenberg & Architectural Digest via extra interios
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
My weekend home near Lake Michigan. It’s been a labor of love for more than ten years and it grounds and inspires me every time I walk in the door.
What do you like to spend money on?
Things……..I love beautiful things (to keep or to sell). I also love to travel to find beautiful things………!
What was the last piece you bought for your home?
A contemporary sculpture by German artist, Wolfram Niessen. It was done in the 1970’s and is made of bronze and a slab of clear acrylic. It’s quite heavy and powerful but virtually see-through ……….an interesting mix of elements.
What do you find fascinating?
What makes certain art and antiques become collectible and valuable. That two works of art from the same artist can escalate in value very differently I also find interesting. An artist’s work, like fashion, suddenly becomes desirable: Why?
Your favorite quotation…….
Optimism takes the chance of losing; pessimism loses the chance of gaining.
What does success mean to you?
Accomplishing your goals and feeling good about the journey.
Kommentare
33 Kommentare zu “Interview with Stephen Knollenberg”
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Willkommen
Willkommen auf Design Elements - mein Blog über Interior Design, Inneneinrichtung und Inspiration.
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Yet another great interview Maria! I love love love that pool and Stephen’s favourite quotation – something I am going to try to take on board more often. Thankyou for sharing, Stephie x
LOVE, LOVE, LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE your blog! Just found you and feel so inspired. My day looks brighter. May all your days are full with light and inspiration. Kisses from Italy
he is impressive, i love his designs! and theory
Hi sweet friend!
I´ve said it before and I´m about to say it again; I love these interviews, presenting all these successful and talanted people. I always find something to bring along with me and that is sooo valuable!
Also big thanks for having a visit, reading my little interview at the Blogstress Network. Your words were so kind and I feel blessed to always have you around:)!
Sending All my Love!
Tina
clean and edited, how he describes his design style…and it’ss very nice…it’s so fresh and inspiring…
maureen
Thanks for another very interesting interview. I really like his designs as shown in your photos.
Thank you so much for voting for my shop on the Lovelies! Your blog is great!
Yes, I move in!
Cu Sylke
Hallo liebe Maria!
Tolles Inteview wie immer! Freue mich auf weitere
Alles Liebe
von Bine
I couldn’t find your email but wanted to thank you for stopping by and commenting. What a beautiful blog you have. I have book marked it and look forward to reading it. Thank you! Ann
Stephen Knollenberg and I seem to be cut from the same cloth…his design theory and responses to the questions are exactly what I believe and feel about spaces and design. I enjoyed reading this interview.
interesting interview!
OMG i love that backyard – i would never leave, just sleep out there
It’s nice to get comments from Germany. Thanks for visiting my color blog here in United States (North Carolina).
Dankeschön
So inspiring! Love the balanced and clean look! Great interview!
Another great interview from you my dear! So interesting to read..I loved the swimming pool, would love to have one of those…
Hugs, Ingrid
Gorgeous! Balanced and serene. That’s my idea of a perfect home too
Hi nice to meet you and thanks so much for stopping by. I love your blog and this interview. He seems to capture a true beachy feel yet spare and very clean – very freeing!
Wonderful interview!! I’m dying over that pool!
I’m really loving this interview series. This is another great feature of a talented designer. Gorgeous pics! XX
Wonderful interview! Love his clean classic aesthetic – very easy to live with !!
Stephen I would love to meet! Any designer who says that he is more tuned in to how a space feels than how it looks gets a star in my book!
He seems like a very content man who gives rooms a good vibe. That is a skill.
Great interview Maria! And I read every single one – word by word!
Warm hugs,
Mon
Uauuuuu!Me acabo de quedar más que impresionada con las imágenes de tu blog y eso que no entiendo nada de lo que pone!!jeje
I enjoyed reading this, thank you!
A great designer that I had not heard of so thanks for tuning me into him! Schoene Gruesse!
Wow, was würde ich jetzt darum geben an diesem Pool liegen zu können. Ist ja gigantisch.
Vielen Dank für ein paar Träumereien.
LG Sandra
Hi Maria,
Thank you for stopping by my blog. Your site is fantastic, looking forward to following you!
Ohhhh, what an amazing swiming pool!!!
Nice weekend
so great and inspiring interview!!!! this guy is amazing…tks for sharing….the new color on your blog is just great!!!! Have a sweet weekend my dear!!! xoxo
Great interview, I love Steve Knollenberg’s work and this house is fantastic, I posted it a few months ago, it’s really beautiful.
Love this post, as always.
Hugs
Tereza
por favor, esta piscina es un sueño!!!
Buen finde
hola María!!! hermosas fotografías, una casa increible, sobre todo el sector de la pileta. las palmeras parece que reodearan toda la casa, hermoso!! gracias por tu visita. cariños.
Thanks for leaving a nice comment:) I love your blog, very nice pictures!