Casual and Easy: An Interview with Weiss Designer, Ron Reinheimer

Many people know Ron Reinheimer from his many appearances on KDKA's morning show, "Pittsburgh Today Live". Ron has been in the design business for two decades creating beautiful, easy-to-live-in spaces. Working with Ron is like working with your best friend who has an incredible knowledge of design. Ron really knows how to transform a space in a way that most people could have never dreamed up on their own. Ron's relaxed nature and great wit create a really unique rapport with all of his clients. It's not unusual to spot Ron at the newest, hot restaurant in Pittsburgh with one or two of his clients. I interviewed Ron about his latest project in Kennedy Township, an early 1970s era, split level home occupied by a married couple who are both teachers.

L: Ron, tell me how and when you met your clients, the Zitelli's.

R: I actually met them about 5 years ago. They popped into the showroom looking for area rugs. We ended up choosing 3 Soumaks. One was for their entry, one for the living room and one for the kitchen (a runner). Also, we chose a really unique, tribal Kilim rug for their lower level family room. About two years later, they came in the showroom again looking to re-design their home office.

L: What pieces did you choose for their home office and what was the overall feel and look chosen for the space?
R: I chose to use really warm colors...ambers, reds, and terracottas and dark, wenge wood. I selected the "Scribe" desk from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. Also from Mitchell Gold, the "Norton" chair and ottoman were used as well as a Ralph Lauren pharmacy lamp. The overall feel was clean and welcoming...a cozy place to read a book and grade papers.
L: I can only assume that since the home office turned out so well that you were their go-to guy for their next project, their living room?
R: Well, it has been about two years since I completed the design for the home office and the Zitelli's asked that I come up with a fresh, new design scheme for their living room based around the colors of the rug that I selected for them 5 years prior. The rug was a great jumping off point for this room and I was excited to work with them again. They entertain often and asked that I really maximize the seating capacity in a creative and appealing way. The color scheme for the living room is a little cooler but still maintains the look and feel of the home office. I ended up selecting a Mitchell Gold sectional (Alex), Mitchell Gold's "Duncan" bench in peacock leather, 2 Bernhardt Interiors swivel chairs, 2 river rock side tables from Bernhardt Interiors and a beautiful, copper cocktail table (also from Bernhardt). All of the furniture is full of color in calming navy, aqua, apple green and gray accented with warm and dark, wenge wood combined with a pair of bone "Marilyn" lamps and soft, neutral wall color keeping the living room consistent with the rest of the first floor.
L: Is there anything else that you wish to add about this project or the design process in general?
R: The Zitelli's are always a pleasure to work with. They are open to suggestions which really helps to move the design process along smoothly. As far as working with a designer, I find that it really helps people avoid expensive mistakes and saves a lot of time. When working with a designer for the first time, its great if you (client) have a direction that you wish to head in and have an idea of the overall "look" that you want to achieve. My advice is to invest in great rugs and pieces of art that can be used again and again no matter what style of furniture you purchase over the years. Sofas and chairs come and go, but, investment pieces such as handmade rugs and art are around forever.*

Photos (top to bottom): 1. Ron Reinheimer on the set of "Pittsburgh Today Live" 2. Scribe Desk 3. Norton Chair 4. Alex Sofa 5. Soriano Table 6. River Rock Table 7. Marilyn Lamp