Q & A with Kenneth Brown

Where in Louisiana were you born and when did you move to Los Angeles? - Sheila in Reserve, LA

I was born in Baton Rouge, and moved to Los Angeles the day after graduating from LSU’s college of Design in May 1995. I applied for jobs all over the South hoping to stay close to home. Just for fun, I sent one resume to a firm in Los Angeles. Of course the only job offer I received was the one in L.A. So, here I am still in L.A. and so grateful for that first job offer.

Do you feel artwork creates a mood in a room, and which artwork is requested or specified the most in your design projects? - Ricki in SF

Artwork not only creates a mood but more importantly it offers a room personality. Most of my clients request abstract art that has a calming effect. Typically the colors in the artwork is a combination of all other colors in the room. The second most requested is photography. I find this style speaks volumes about the homeowner. I am currently working with a client whose collection of black and white photography is breathtaking.

What is the latest and best trend in wall-to-wall carpet (color and pile)? - Marilynn in Salt Lake City

The big trend now is a combination of cut and loop pile carpet. Most carpet is fabricated in a loop fashion. The yarn is looped in-and-out of the carpet backing. With technology, it is easy to shave part of the loops which will leave you with the cut portion of the carpet. By doing this, you see many great patterns that are available. It used to be that the entire house was wall-to-wall and the same color. It is not uncommon today to use different pattern and color for each room.

Black and White graphic patterns are very popular. They work great when you have a strong accent color such as the green walls in this living room

The opposite design principal is demonstrated here. Instead of green walls, these walls are white and color is brought in with the carpet selection

Is anyone in your family also in the Design business?

I am the only one in the design business in my family. My mother is a special education teacher and my father worked for 40 years at the local chemical plant. Now that my Dad is retired, he is now taking art classes. I believe there is a budding artist in him. One of these days, I am going to get some of his pieces and upload them to my journal.

Should tray ceilings and crown molding be painted the same color? - Lesia in N.Y.

My rule of thumb is this. All moldings, doors, and trim work should be the same color. Typically I go with “pure white semi-gloss”. This allows for the wall color to contrast nicely against all the trim. When it comes to a tray ceiling, I typically paint these white as well, however, I paint these in a “flat finish”. One exception: if your walls are extremely dark, I mix half white with half the wall color to get the half tone for the ceiling. Nothing looks more odd than having a really dark room with bright white ceilings.

I am trying to help my recently divorced, professional, 40-something brother. To start small, I want to get him some new china because he should not have to eat ON leftovers china. Can you recommend some masculine china patterns that are not boring? Dinner for one should at least be served on something cheerful. - Pam in Florida

Thanks for your email. I agree…no matter if you are eating alone or at a 5 star restaurant, you deserve to have beautifully designed china that is affordable and stylish.

This china pattern from www.jonathanadler.com is one of my favorites. The blue accented with silver has a cool clean feel and the hexagon pattern is very masculine. You can get a 16 piece dinnerware set for $125.

Kenneth Brown
http://www.kennethbrowndesign.com