This bold and beautiful collaboration between Panache Interiors and Texas Four Architects sits inside Mueller, East Austin’s former airport grounds turned master-planned, sustainable community. Garnering a slew of awards from the country’s first “all green” Parade of Homes including Best Interior Design, it’s safe to say Sharon Radovich, owner of Panache Interiors, isn’t afraid of taking risks. From the playful graphics down to the bold palette featured throughout the home, Radovich’s highly-successful design savvy is at play. “Austin’s carefree and eco-friendly community suits my disposition well. It was fitting for Austin to host the first all green Parade of Homes.
I feel fortunate to have worked with so many architects and builders who took the initiative to bring sustainable living to the forefront not only here, but nationwide.” Implementing her signature risk-taking style and ability to stretch design boundaries with selections of color and texture, Radovich creates a brilliant balance between rich, eye-catching finishes and thoughtful simplicity. Here, the designer divulges the details behind the kitchen contained in this Parade of Homes show house she helped transform into an unforgettable show-stopper.
Please give us the background about your role in this design project.
SR: The Homebuilders Association of Greater Austin worked with developers to host a tour of green and modern homes. This lot was owned by Streetman Homes, now Standard Pacific. Randy Streetman contracted Texas Four Architects and Panache Interiors to collaborate on the design of the home. Michael Doty of Texas Four Architects conceived the footprint of the home and the team finessed the layout and amenities.
What was envisioned for this project? And as a green home, what were some of the specific sustainable materials implemented in the kitchen?
SR: They wanted a modern space that was well-appointed, stimulating and comfortable. We wanted to incorporate features that support aging in place as well as sustainable products. The open pantry, push latch cabinets and motion sensor lighting are a few examples. Sustainable features included the concrete island and floor, reclaimed wood table and LED lighting.
What was your inspiration behind the bold black, white and red palette?
SR: The fluid architecture of this house inspires easy entertaining. I wanted to enhance the flow with energetic graphics and a crisp color palette. My first thought was an ultramodern black and white theme, but I decided it was too stark. I kept the bright white but softened the black to gray and added red for energy.
I love the modern, bold look and punchy, creative details. How do you define the aesthetic you’ve created in this space?
SR: I like to say it has panache –– defined by Webster’s as a sense or display of spirited style and self-confidence. If I had to pick a single word, it would be energetic. I believe spaces should energize and inspire you –– even restful spaces, like the spa. Thoughtful design will do that for you.
When being courageous with colors and finishes, how do you keep the look clean and visually pleasing rather than overwhelming and too busy?
SR: Less is more. Using one large accessory instead of several small pieces reduces visual clutter. Statement pieces like the island light fixture and the figurative art need negative space around them. The black cabinets with stainless steel inlays are a strong statement but a simple backdrop for the artful pendant.
The black is very bold, beyond most people’s comfort level, but needed in the open space to anchor the kitchen. I kept the island finishes neutral to avoid competing with either element. The hydraulic wood table adds warmth while the barstools and chandelier dazzle and delight. The same goes for the dining area –– the table and chairs have great lines but the entry wall jazzes up the open space. All these elements coming together can be tricky –– you really have to visualize layering them in your mind to be sure the elements don’t compete. Note that 80 percent of this kitchen and great room is white, black or gray. Pops of red and blue carry your eye around the space.
The adjacent entry and dining rooms are 80 percent red and white, which energizes you as you enter the home and converse through dinner. Please tell us about some of your favorite finishes and furnishings you brought into this kitchen.
SR: I selected statement lighting like the Gelato Pendant for the island chandelier from Lights Fantastic. Western Stains and Concrete scored and painted the concrete floors. For the kitchen cabinets, Flat Creek Cabinets crafted the stainless steel inlays into quarter sawn oak stained black. The island counter is a polished concrete from Elements 7 Concrete Design. The adjacent table is reclaimed pecan from the Shady Grove RV Park, a quintessentially Austin-weird trailer park on Barton Springs Road, bulldozed for a controversial condo development in 2007.
Vintage Materials Supply salvaged the wood and we used it for the island table and stairs. It felt good to put a little more Austin history in this house.
Looking at this space now, what are your favorite elements?
SR: I love the energy that the bold graphics and colors convey. Revisiting this project has been fun. Randy Streetman gave me design liberties which allowed me to experiment with the public. The style is not for everyone, but the clients it did attract are adventurous and fun to work with. Throughout the Parade of Homes and to this day, the house is referred to as “the fun red house.”
What are some of the more functional aspects of this playful design?
SR: Functional favorites are the hydraulic table that can serve as a table, counter or bar. We conceived that for a kitchen remodel two years prior but the plan was never implemented. Streetman worked through the details and made it happen. Under the island, we stashed a rolling Craftsman toolchest to use for carting refreshments outside and up the elevator to the rooftop patio. There is also a motorized bug screen that can convert the space into an open air space.
From a design standpoint, why does this space work?
SR: This space is functional and accessible to all. It was strategically designed to be energetic and harmonious. It’s a happy space.
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