The Kohler Design Center in Kohler, Wisconsin, is truly something one must experience in person. More than just a showroom, the Kohler Design Center is a multilevel, 36,000 square-foot mecca for innovative product design and technology, creative achievement, and American history.
Featuring spaces designed by internationally renowned interior designers, the Design Center has become a place for the dramatic exploration of design ideas, the quintessence of Kohler's commitment to providing products that contribute to a higher level of gracious living.
Caldera – Amy Lau
Amy Lau is known for inspiring interiors organized according to Modernist principles –compositions balanced in scale, texture, and color – with a purpose for every object. Inspired by her love of nature and abstract art, Lau creates refined, elegant spaces that are more curated than decorated. Since the inception of Amy Lau Design in 2001, the firm has attracted a prestigious client base, and Lau herself has been recognized as one of the country’s leading designers.
Following a degree in Art History from the University of Arizona, Lau honed her curatorial eye and love of the decorative arts while pursuing her Masters in Fine and Decorative Arts from Sotheby’s prestigious graduate program. Completing her studies, Lau worked under Thomas O’Brien at Aero Ltd., and was later appointed director of New York City’s noted Lin-Weinberg Gallery, specializing in international mid-century modern design.
Amy and her work have been featured in top publications such as House Beautiful, Dwell, O at Home, Interior Design, Domino, and The New York Times.
The design impetus for the “Caldera” bathroom was wholly inspired by the intoxicating views from the village of Oia on the Grecian island of Santorini. The geography and history of Oia make it a natural oasis of relaxation – as it is known for its spectacular view of the Caldera, a body of water that rests under the sunset vista. Visitors in Oia stay in historic cave villas built into cliffs – cliffs which they must ascend before they can see this spectacular view.
Having experienced this ascent, and the awe-inspiring view that ensues, Amy Lau decided to fashion her own Oia ascent complete with a modest set of steps leading to the bath. Upon reaching the top of these steps visitors are immersed in the serenity of the bathtub and fireplace, just as visitors to Oia upon reaching the summit of the cliffs are enrapt by the tranquil waters of the Caldera at rest under the fiery sun. The inclusion of this small set of steps sets the bath apart from the rest of its environment, making it a true retreat from everyday anxieties.
To make the “Caldera” bathroom a truly unique experience, Lau created an exclusive design of tiles that clad the cave-like Oia interior. Inspired by organic and op-art mosaics from the 60s and 70s, the blue and white tile radiates the kiss of Mediterranean light, replete with cave-like feelings of warmth, comfort and security – the same feelings felt inside the cliff villas of Oia. All elements of the bath together create an indulgent and private “Caldera” experience.
Country Spa – Clodagh
Clodagh is an internationally renowned, Irish-born designer known for her unique blend of technology and primitive materials. With an emphasis on the inventive and sustainable use of materials, her work creates calm, low-maintenance environments that get their character from unexpected design elements, innovative use of design and space, and the incorporation of global influences.
Says Clodagh of her design philosophy, “A space cannot be truly beautiful unless it functions in harmony with who we are. It’s about pleasure: discovering what pleases us and creating an environment that will celebrate those qualities and sustain us.” Her portfolio includes distinguished commercial, residential, retail, office and salon/spa projects around the world, while her design work includes carpet, textiles, lighting, home furnishings and accessories. Recognized with the industry’s most coveted awards, she was inducted into Interior Design Magazine’s Hall of Fame in 1997 and named one of the world’s leading interior designers by Architectural Digest in 1995.
“Qi rides the wind and scatters, but is retained when encountering water.”-Gao Pu, from the Zhangshu “The bathroom has never been more important in people’s lives,” says Clodagh of her latest design. Country Spa incorporates principles of Feng Shui and wabi-sabi, the Japanese aesthetic which finds beauty in the passage of time, to exist as an intimate space that transports users from a world of work and worry into a simple, yet luxurious environment that captivates the senses. To access the space, the user must pass through a softly lit portal, designed to increase one’s thoughtfulness and prepare the body for the cleansing ritual. The sound of gently bubbling water nearby soothes the mind and activates the space, further acting to immerse the user in an environment of relaxation. Earth tones and sensual textures seek to envelop the
user in surroundings of total organic placidity.
Utilizing beautifully lit lines and axes, Country Spa is separated into five partitions and features products from Kallista and Clodagh’s collections of tile for Ann Sacks. A sensitive appreciation for the juxtaposition of wood and steel creates a setting of Zen luxury, complemented by selections from the KOHLER® Purist and Escale suites. The interactions between human beings are examined in Country Spa. Space exists for two to enjoy the environment of experiential relaxation together, yet provides opportunities for quiet contemplation. A custom spa bed allows for invigorating, restorative massages, and a spacious shower featuring DTV™ II technology enables users to savor a lengthy steam together. A generously-sized bath area, bathed itself in gentle sunlight, includes an expansive freestanding bath and a divan sumptuously furnished.
Del Mar – Bella Zakarian Mancini
Living and working in New York City for the last 12 years, Bella Mancini co-founded Ruby in 2000. Earning a degree in Clothing and Textiles from San Francisco State University, Mancini moved on to study Interior Design at the New York School of Interior Design. Having “a genuine interest in making each client’s home a harmonious environment – a place that makes them truly happy, “ Mancini is known for livable, beautiful spaces that reflect the personalities of her clients, and her work has made her an in-demand designer for a growing client base. Named one of New York’s Top 100 Interior Designers, Mancini’s designs have been featured in
Dwell, New York Magazine, Elle, and Moves.
In Del Mar, her bath setting, Bella Zakarian Mancini created a space reminiscent of a childhood spent in the scenic southern California resort town of the same name. Known today for its perfect weather and beautiful beaches, the Del Mar of decades past was known as the place for Hollywood’s elite to see and be seen – Bing Crosby, Jimmy Durante, and Lucy and Desi Arnaz were frequent visitors to the city. Describing herself as “the type of girl who likes to wiggle her toes in the sand…in a ball gown,” Mancini’s own personality mirrors the rich history of Del Mar, and this combination of natural
elements and refined elegance is reflected in every facet of the space. A beautifully tiled floor features a custom mosaic of blues and greens on a white background
greets users as they enter the space. Reminiscent of the beach umbrellas that provide shade and relaxation space for Del Mar beachgoers, it serves the same function for Mancini’s bath – inviting users to step in and enjoy an environment of carefree relaxation and escape from their worlds of work and worry. The combination of pieces in Skylight from the Kohler Archer Suite and the unique, hand-crafted wall covering in the space serve as the sand and surf; the soft blue of the fixtures in the space which echoes the ocean can be experienced in the same ways – long, relaxing soaks with warm water lapping gently against the skin are as perfect as the short dips which provide welcome change from the fast pace of the outside world.
Complementing the natural beauty of the Archer fixtures are faucets and accessories from the Memoirs suite, which lend a certain traditional sophistication to the space. Drawing the user back from the water’s edge, pieces from the suite introduce and complement the fine detail within the space which is not always visible at first glance – the beautiful shells which adorn the hem of the curtain near the toilet are purely decorative, yet they contribute to a holistic feeling of natural, pampered luxury. Once the fine details are discovered, they will be welcomed and cherished by that person who is as much at home relaxing on the beach as they are at a black-tie gala.
Fire and Ice – Beth Slifer
Committed to environmentally-conscious and sustainable design principles, Beth Slifer has headed up Slifer Designs, one of the nation’s top three interior design firms as ranked by Interior Design Magazine, since 1984. A proponent of the human element of design, Slifer is known for creating environments “where people love to live.” After completing her undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina, Slifer went on to
earn an MBA from the University of Chicago. Beth’s entrepreneurial and businesswomen’s approach to design has attracted an impressive, loyal client list and has earned a substantial amount of recognition from numerous national and regional publications.
“We set out to prove one does not have to sacrifice beautiful design to build a sustainable space,” said designer Beth Slifer. Inspired by the intricate, delicate balances that exist within nature that allow life to exist, Slifer blended natural, recyclable materials with leading edge technology to create a calm, serene environment that both nurtures and rejuvenates the spirit. Upon entering the space, the eyes are immediately drawn to the gentle glow of flickering candles which, surrounded by sustainable Mesquite wood tile, serve as one focal point for the space. The warmth of the light is balanced by the cool, pristine nature of glass lavatory sinks, which rest on
a recycled concrete countertop and custom bamboo base cabinet. A large showering area features a wall of recycled metal tiles that meet a reclaimed teak shower grate; with Kohler DTV II technology, waterconserving
showerheads, and low-flow body sprays it proves perfect for a short soak or a prolonged, saturating experience. A main floor of reclaimed oak leads to a secluded space featuring a waterless urinal and high efficiency toilet – two technologies that elegantly save water, a treasured resource.
A rustic chandelier comprised of naturally-shed antlers lights the center of the space and contrasts beautifully with the refined, contemporary pendant lighting above the vanity. This space speaks to both the male and female sensibilities, reclaimed and recycled natural materials, and the respect for all.
L’amant – Laura Kirar
An alumnus of the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago, Kirar began her career in design with Holly Hunt in Chicago. After moving to New York in 1995 to work as a furniture designer in the residential interiors field and in retail design with the likes of Ralph Lauren Home, Kirar founded her firm, TRU, in 1999. Her fine art roots are clearly apparent in her diverse interior projects and product licenses, and Kirar incorporates individuality and personality into every design. This talent, along with her extensive collections for top manufacturers in home design, place Laura Kirar at the forefront of what’s stylish now. Kirar’s interiors are more “curated than designed,” the designer remarked. “Inspiration is born from my experiences traveling, my love of collecting, and my passion for art. I believe in the importance of life’s simple joys: art, nature, music, books, and in particular, the compelling
interactions had with people and places.” Designs by Kirar have appeared in Self, Women's Wear Daily, W, Wallpaper Magazine, New York Magazine, Esquire, House & Garden, House Beautiful, Hampton's Cottages and Gardens, Interior Design and Architectural Digest.
French author Marguerite Duras’ novel L’amant, translated: The Lover, serves as the inspiration for this elegant bath setting from designer Laura Kirar. Featuring pieces from her extensive collections for Kallista, Baker Furniture, and McGuire, the space exists to transport in stages the user from a world of work and worry to an environment of sublime luxury. Duras’ novel vividly describes the intimacies and intricacies of a clandestine romance between a young, poor French girl and an older, wealthy Chinese gentleman in 1930s Indochina. The romantic and forbidding nature of the story is mirrored in the vibrancy of the color palette and
materials chosen for the space; highly polished surfaces and rich hues are contrasted with worn, hand wrought finishes and matte colors.
Upon entering the antechamber, the user is surrounded by walls of cornflower blue tile from Ann Sacks, which contrasts beautifully with the rich, dark hues featured on the furniture and overscaled molding. Echoing the sentiment that one finds love and beauty in unexpected places, furnishings within the space surprise and delight by serving dual purposes – the Vir Stil bath vanity fits perfectly as a credenza; the Syro chandelier and both the Vir Stil bath mirror and wall sconces reflect and illuminate the Lien desk from Baker, proving that beautiful designs for the bath are not required to stay there. Separated from the antechamber by a hand-stripped and patined bronze curtain, the inner chamber adds an increased element of privacy and romance to the space. The eyes are drawn immediately to the exquisitely tiled bath and shower that is reminiscent of a fountain – a solid
onyx slab holds Vir Stil showering products in living bronze over the bath and is complemented by the rich colors and sumptuous furnishings – perfect as a hidden, romantic retreat for two.
