Photo Credit: Tony Soluri

For more than 12 years, clients have trusted Centaur Interiors’ team of in-house licensed architects and designers, project managers and builders to understand their vision of home and deliver the cohesive solutions to make it a reality. Centaur Interiors is revolutionizing the art of building by offering the full scope of design, construction and furnishing services, all in one firm. They have the versatility to capture a wide range of aesthetics, from classic and elegant, to sleek and modern, so that their transformed spaces will look and feel like home from the moment they hand over the keys. And now, Centaur Interiors' website mirrors that level of refined execution and function.

At Centaur Interiors, everything is done with intention—and a heightened attention to detail. Their recent website revamp was no exception. With sights set on the future of design and a desire to spotlight their range and innovations, the CI team dove in head first on a refined rebranding to embody their full scope of services because Centaur Interiors' capabilities have grown and expanded in all ways over the last decade. CI has evolved into a boutique firm that specializes in custom renovations and luxury residential interior design ranging from single-family homes to high-rise condos.

Photo Credit: Tony Soluri

As for focal points, the CI site designers have spotlighted some of their most recent projects for ideation and inspiration. Get to know their ever-expanding team with more than 100 years of collective experience. CI’s people are its power. Together, they are a diverse group of specialists dedicated to providing creative problem-solving, expert project execution, clear and honest communication, and superior service at every level. The boutique design firm always brings the final polish, including professionally curated art to fit their client’s home and lifestyle.

Turnkey solutions and bespoke interiors—that is Centaur Interiors' commitment to all of their clients. With a dedication to innovation and pushing the boundaries of design and construction, they approach even the most challenging projects with positivity and enthusiasm. As CI grows their brand nationally, the firm looks forward to collaborating with vendors, clients, realtors and developers.

Take a scroll. It flows like a smartly informed floor plan, commonly incorporated throughout CI's various design projects.

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Helaine Tregenza

Photo Credit: Michelle Magdalena

Helaine recently spoke to Haute Design about her favorite part of a design project and what she sees for her firm's future.

Haute Design: When did you first decide to pursue a career in design?

Helaine Tregenza: My very first job in design was in New York in the 70s as a milliner. When I moved to California thirty years ago and bought my first house, that was when I truly decided to pursue a career in design.

HD: Was there anything particular about California that led to this decision, or was it simply a transitional point in your career?

HT: I believe it was just this desire to apply what I knew about design in fashion and art, and translate that to a structure or a building and learning how it all comes together. Once design is in your blood, it applies to your whole life - at least it has for me. Interior design is a form of art but it's also science and math.

HD: What would you say is your strongest attribute as a designer?

HT: I would say that it's my ability to listen to clients and problem-solve. We must consider space, scale, color, light and of course, I want to create a beautiful environment, but it also has to function. I always ask, 'how does the client live in this space?' Form definitely follows function.

Photo Credit: David Duncan Livingston

HD: What would you say sets your firm apart from others?

HT: We only take a handful of clients at a time. Because of this, we provide a bespoke and very custom experience. We are very selective about our projects and we're extremely hands-on throughout the design process.

HD: What is your favorite part of the process in a design project?

HT: That's like asking who's your favorite child. But I will say, I am especially fond of textiles and lighting and selecting artwork. That's kind of like the icing on the cake. To be able to work with the client at the end of a design project and select art, as an art collector myself, is just a total treat.

Photo Credit: David Duncan Livingston

HD: How would you describe your own design aesthetic?

HT: I would say I'm a classicist with a twist and my design is very multi-layered. I like combining old and new. I like to create a collected look as opposed to one particular style.

HD: Where do you see your firm five years down the road?

HT: I expect we will be happily bringing more clients' vision to realization. I am open to doing some travel for projects but really just doing more of the same. For now, my main focus is to continue to provide a bespoke, turn-key experience for residential spaces.

The post Helaine Tregenza Interiors Provides A Bespoke Turn-key Experience appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Here, she describes her recent project Eclectic Retreat. 

Photo Credit: Lisa Russman Photography

This bedroom is about blending the old with the new and honoring your roots while embracing a bright and bold future.

The owners of this space are multi-faceted, well-traveled and down to earth, so we turned this bedroom into an authentic expression of their character and passions because at FATHOM design company we know that when you are surrounded by what feeds your soul you are more deeply replenished.

Photo Credit: Lisa Russman Photography

Every wall is dressed in a charcoal-colored grasscloth wallpaper from Thibaut. These dark, textured walls ground the room while exuding an overall calming and sophisticated vibe. It is the bed that takes center stage, though. Handmade in California, the sunburst caning draws you in, reminding you of simpler times even though it is juxtaposed with a sleek dresser and a retro, shag rug that’s modernized with a metallic sheen. This juxtaposition creates an equilibrium that you can feel as soon as you walk in.

The stunning cobalt blue vase was hand blown by the incredibly talented team at Tightrope in Brooklyn, NY. It casts an electrifying, creativity-inspiring hue as it filters the sun’s light.

Photo Credit: Lisa Russman Photography

Modern lighting from Lume Room on Howard Elliot’s blue mirrored nightstand is paired with a custom-made, traditionally styled ceiling fixture by ABC Lighting in New Jersey adding a deeper level of intrigue to the space. Natural elements, animal prints, modern art, and a 12 string guitar all contribute to the diverse character of the room and reflect the inhabitants' many interests.

Overall, this space is the ideal eclectic retreat. Traditional pieces, modern touches, and contemporary art blended to reflect a life well-lived.

Photo Credit: Lisa Russman Photography

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Smyth has been writing about interiors for 20 years, as well as styling homes for her clients for over a decade. Her blog, "Mad About The House", has won multiple awards in the UK.

Kate Watson-Smyth

Photo Credit: Rekha Damhar

In her new book, which has 50 color illustrations, the London-based writer helps you avoid some of the most common mistakes that we all make when designing our homes, and more! Smyth gave Haute Residence an exclusive interview to talk about her career and new book!

© Mad About The House: 101 Interior Design Answers by Kate Watson-Smyth, Pavilion, 2020

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Pavilion / Rizzoli

Haute Residence: You have written about interiors for over 20 years. When did you know you were going to one day write books?

Kate Watson-Smyth: I think every journalist would say they have one book waiting to get out and I have certainly always felt that. As a child, I wrote stories constantly. Later, as a frustrated news reporter who wanted to write features, I tried my hand at fiction but, it turns out I, literally, couldn’t make it up. So, I abandoned that plan. When I started the blog back in 2012 I hoped one day to turn it into a book and I’m grateful that I have been able to do that. Twice.

HR: Who do you think will benefit the most from Mad About The House: 101 Interior Design Answers?

KWS: This book is for absolutely everyone whether they are building an entire house or doing up a single room. The six questions you must ask before starting any scheme apply to every interior design job you do, whether professional or amateur, first time buyer or downsizer. It will help you work out your style and plan your budget. I wrote this book for us all.

HR: What is your favorite unique design tip from the book?

KWS: Don’t use white paint as a default. Just as you don’t pick a white top to wear with every skirt and pair of trousers, consider if white paint on the ceiling and woodwork really is the best complement to the colour on your walls. Sometimes a paler (or darker) shade is better, sometimes a contrast. And you should always, always, paint your skirting boards to match the walls. And the radiators.

Photo Credit: Abi Read

HR: What differences do you see between interior design in the UK and in the US?

KWS: I’m not familiar enough with the US as a whole and I imagine perhaps it can vary widely from state to state, but taking the analogy from the wardrobe (always the first place to start when decorating as if you are happy wearing it you will be happy living in it) I would say that perhaps the UK is more eclectic - the dressing equivalent of street style - and in putting things together that shouldn’t work from a mix of high end and thrift stores to create a totally individual look. That said, it was an American - Nancy Lancaster (owner of Colefax & Fowler) - who took our English Country style and gave it back to us having made it more comfortable by adding carpet and heating to our draughty old houses. She also decreed that every room should have something a little bit ugly and that decorating a room was “like mixing a salad” insisting that rooms should feel informal enough to be comfortable so maybe there aren’t that many differences after all. I totally buy into her philosophy too.

HR: Which ‘famous’ space would you most love to be able to design (or, re-design) and why?

KWS: I have no desire to do famous places at all. There are other designers who do grand spaces and formal places. My interest lies in showing people in ordinary houses how to make the best of what they’ve got so they can create a home that tells their story.

HR: How does your new book compare to its predecessors?

KWS: This is the perfect companion to the last book which was all about how to find your style. This Q&A format is new but I think it follows on really well as it’s full of all the practical advice and design details although it stands alone pretty well too.

I was determined, with the last one, to break the mould of the pretty coffee table book that is all about pictures. I wanted to give help and information, not just something to look at, and that is one of the reasons I have used illustrations rather than photographs. That way readers don’t feel pushed into a particular style or look; they can work out their own likes and dislikes and create their own home accordingly without having to feel they must copy a certain look.

HR: Are you planning your next book already? What will it be about?

KWS: Yes, and I can’t tell you - at least not until I’ve told my publisher!

Photo Credit: Rekha Damhar

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