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

Chic and Intimate: Install Update with Photos!

Last week, I had the opportunity to tour the Kara residence with Weisshouse interior designer, Stan Adamik (featured in last week's blog). It was a busy, bustling state of affairs at ever turn. A lot of exciting progress has been made. The kitchen cabinets were being installed and additional lighting was being added. See the photos below and the video (above) for a glimpse into this exciting installation.

Chic and Intimate: An interview with Weiss Designer, Stan Adamik

Fresh off the recent buzz of of his Whirl at Home magazine cover and editorial, interior designer, Stan Adamik is already on the verge of another interior masterpiece in Southpointe. I sat down with Stan this week and asked him a few questions about this new project and the benefits of working with a Weisshouse designer.
L: Stan, when and where did you meet your client, Dolores Kara?
S: I met Dolores in the showroom on a Saturday. She was interested in having her home completely re-done and had very specific tastes and knew exactly what she wanted.
L: Exactly what was it that she wanted and how were you able to interpret that into a complete design plan for her?
S: She wanted to transform her Southpointe patio home into a NYC style loft. She requested that everything be black and white and very graphic. I was able to work directly with the contractor and made several structural changes including a new, modern stainless steel stair case like the one in our showroom. We also updated the electrical system among various other changes.
L: You selected a rather fashion forward, curvaceous kitchen for your client from Modulo Cucine. What was the inspiration for this and what kitchen model was chosen?
S: For Dolores, I chose the Sydney kitchen. She loved the curved lines and the fact that it is unlike any other kitchen that she has seen. This kitchen also has a design feature that makes the counter top appear to be floating.
L: How did you take this open floor plan with vaulted ceilings and turn it into an intimate living space?
S: Using wool, wall to wall carpet in the living spaces, I was able to really soften the environment. In addition, we installed a soft gray engineered wood plank ceiling in the master bedroom coupled with a four poster bed from B&B Italia which really brought your eye down and into the space.
L: What style of furniture was used in the home and how much time did you spend planning?
S: Iconic, investment pieces were used from Cassina and B&B Italia including chairs designed by Le Corbusier. I also designed walk-in and free standing Italian wardrobes in a similar style to the kitchen cabinetry. I spent about 50 hours a week for 4 weeks planning the entire home from conceptual drawings, furniture and finish selections to the final design proposal.
L:Thanks, Stan. Now...I'd like to finish up by asking a few general questions about what it's really like to work with a designer and what clients should be prepared for before seeking out a designer.
S: Well, working with a designer helps to guide you (client) through the design process by creating a plan and inevitably providing an outcome that makes you happy and satisfied. Working with a designer can also help to prevent costly mistakes.
L: When should someone seek a design professional? In what stage of a project is best?
S: You should seek a designer ASAP. In other words, it is best to begin working with a designer in the very beginning...in the planning stages of the project. Often times, people come into Weisshouse after they have already made some very important decisions (flooring, paint color, etc.). and are looking to a designer to help them pull everything together.
L: How should a prospective client prepare for their first meeting with you or any designer?
S: The client should put images together from magazines or things they have seen online that they like. It doesn't have to be fancy. In fact, Dolores Kara had a box of over 100 images when we met to discuss the design concept. It is important to do a little research on your own, prior to meeting a designer. Images really help convey messages that are often lost in words. It helps the whole process go along more smoothly. Also, it's very important to have a budget in mind and don't let the furnishings be an after thought. Often, clients have already allocated so much money for construction costs that little is left for furniture. It really is the furnishings that help pull everything together and create the overall feel of the space.
L: How does Weisshouse charge for it's design services?
S: Weisshouse's design services are complimentary. However, if there is a large project where many hours will be spent planning and managing, a management fee may be assigned based on the scope of the project on a case by case basis.
L: Finally, is there anything else that you would like prospective clients to know in regard to working with an interior designer?
S: Yes, it really helps to work with clients who are open and willing to hear and see suggestions. At first, they may not have thought of such suggestions. However, more often than not, ultimately they end up loving the ideas. The reason people seek interior designers to help them is because they cannot do it themselves and we are, in fact, professionals who have an infinite knowledge of furnishings and are not only trained in the history of furniture, but are also in the know in terms of everything new that is available for interiors.
*

Photos (top to bottom): 1. Stan Adamik 2. Stairs-Before 3. Stairs-After 4. Powder Room-Before 5. Powder Room-After

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Sale Just In Time For Spring Cleaning

Spring has arrived. Unfortunately, Pittsburgh weather just can't make it's mind up. One day it's sunny and 70 degrees and then, the following morning there is a dusting of snow on the ground. Regardless, Spring cleaning is surely underway in your home. It is a great time to either have you blinds cleaned or replaced and carpet cleaned or replaced as well. It's also the perfect time to add a fresh piece of furniture into the mix. A great, new pair of chairs will really brighten a living room and breathe new life into your current design layout. A new sofa can totally transform a room in an instant. As always, Weisshouse is here to help you make these important decisions. Our complimentary design services are available in home or stop in the showroom to sit in your next favorite piece of furniture. April is upon us and so is the famous semi-annual Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams sale. All furniture, lighting, accessories and rugs are 25% off!!! That's right, the already budget-friendly MG+BW is now even more affordable. The sale is running now through May 8th and includes ANY special orders. Basically, you can have the sofa of your dreams, in the perfect fabric or leather with wood legs in the finish of your choice in 4 weeks!
What makes MG+BW one of Pittsburgh and Weisshouse's favorite furniture manufacturers? The answer is in the construction, durability, fabulous value and amazing selection of styles. MG+BW can suit any taste from very traditional to modern minimalist. Check out some of our favorite styles below hand picked by the
Weisshouse design team.
Photos: 1. Elliot Chair 2. Major Chair 3. Kennedy Sofa 4. Scribe Desk 5. Carter Wing Chair 6. Aiden Leather Chair

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