Designer Spotlight : Christina Cole
Perhaps it’s the crisp fall weather, or maybe just the fresh start that accompanies the change of season, but I’ve been feeling particularly inspired in terms of design. I already touched on my newfound interior inspiration in the form of design books, when I shared a giant roundup last week. I’ve been saving and jotting ideas like crazy, and am welcoming this new wave of creativity! This year especially, I’ve been trying to support small businesses, artists, and designers, and it has been a couple months since I’ve shared a spotlight post highlighting beautiful design. Since we’re a bit overdue, I wanted to share a talented designer with you today… Christina Cole. Her work is inspiring, thoughtful, and perfectly balances masculine and feminine design elements. Click through to check out some of the beautiful spaces that fill her portfolio.
All images via Christina Cole and Co. by Shade Degges Photography.
Before we dive in and begin admiring these beautiful spaces, let’s get to know Christina. She’s located in Austin, Texas and has been designing professionally for around 12 years… before that, she was a design professor- teaching in Washington DC and Barcelona, Spain (cool!). She’s currently the lead designer at her firm, Christina Cole and Co. Of course you might also recognize her work from high-end print magazines, such as Elle Decor and Harpers Bazaar. Christina has quite the resume packed with design achievements and awards. After combing through her portfolio and noticing the caliber of work she creates, I’m not at all surprised. That dark black office, pictured above, is what my fall dreams are made of.
I noticed Christina has a way of creating beautiful over-the-top spaces in a minimalistic way. While her styling is typically minimal, it’s very glam… the “less is more” concept came to mind, which works so well with high-end building materials that act as the perfect backdrop. I also have to point this out- I’m predicting we’re going to see a lot more pedestals used as furniture and decor in the coming year. Last year everyone wondered what I was thinking when I rescued pedestals from the dumpster at Emmett’s work and styled them in our basement makeover. I’m going to say I was ahead of the trend. Haha!
I love the way the above and below spaces are layered, organic, and neutral. They’re both super warm and inviting, but also feel simple and sleek. I believe Christina has mastered the mixing of materials and uses her background in architecture to highlight form. It’s evident in these beautiful rooms!
I’m sure you’ve seen this shower floating all over the internet? It went viral on Pinterest and you better believe I’ve saved it a couple of times, myself. The louvered glass sections at the top of the shower are genius! I’m also enjoying the graphic, large format marble tile, the geometric floor, and the mixed metals. This is another prime example of Christina mixing feminine and masculine elements so well. All of her spaces feel very balanced.
I pulled the image below from Christina’s Instagram because the soft, sheer drapery stopped me mid scroll. Is drapery in the bathtub practical? No, but it sure does look beautiful when the soaking tub is not in use. What a clever way to style curtains in a bathroom. It’s very romantic looking!
A marble fireplace surrounded by intricate millwork is basically what my dreams are made of. While those are the two elements that immediately jump out in the space below- I also noted the hardwood flooring pattern, the rug texture, the woven leather ottomans, the ranunculus arrangement, and the modern sconces across the room. I really admire Christina’s way of juxtaposing traditional and modern design.
Part of me wondered if I was attracted to many of these spaces because of the classical millwork and architecture, but then I noticed some other images on Christina’s Instagram feed of upcoming projects that are minimalistic in terms of wall treatments, and I have to say- they’re equally as gorgeous… like the bathroom pictured below. If I had to guess the floating sink vanity material, my bet is on soapstone. It looks SO soft!
What do you think? Do you feel inspired after seeing some snippets of Christina’s work? She’s incredible! I think it’s fun to analyze aspirational spaces and figure out how that translates to our own home or preferred aesthetic. I guess that’s why I love being a designer- solving problems and creating beautiful solutions to create a well-loved, functional home. Deep design thoughts for a Thursday!