27 May Beyond White Walls Exploring the Rich World of Coverings
In the latest episode of iDesign Lab, hosts Tiffany and Scott Woolley dive deep into the often-overlooked world of “coverings” – the essential background elements that form the canvas of our homes. This exploration comes at an opportune time, coinciding with the Coverings show in Orlando, a premier event showcasing the latest innovations in surface materials for residential and commercial spaces.
The conversation begins with a fundamental yet profound realization: approximately 90% of American homeowners simply paint their walls, with the vast majority choosing plain white. This statistic reveals how many people are missing out on the rich tapestry of design possibilities available through various covering options. From walls to floors, backyards to driveways, coverings encompass the multitude of materials that create the foundation of our living environments. As Tiffany notes, we live in an era where innovation constantly introduces new materials and applications, expanding the design palette beyond what most consumers realize exists.
The hosts highlight terrazzo as a perfect example of how traditional materials are experiencing modern renaissance. Once primarily associated with commercial spaces of the 1940s and 50s, terrazzo has evolved with contemporary innovations, such as incorporating marble into concrete for a fresh interpretation of this classic material. This example underscores the podcast’s central message: design materials aren’t static but rather exist in a constant state of evolution, offering both historical resonance and cutting-edge possibilities. The discussion expands to include the important shift in kitchen appliances, where the traditional limitations of black, white, or chrome have given way to vibrant color options like red, yellow, green, and blue – further illustrating how coverings and fixtures can express personality throughout the home.
Particularly compelling is Tiffany’s anecdote about a client with extensive furniture industry experience who, despite working for Ralph Lauren in Manhattan and possessing an innate sense of style, had always been hesitant to incorporate bold colors, wallpapers, and textures into her home environments. This hesitation – focusing on furniture while neglecting the backgrounds against which they’re placed – represents a common design oversight. As the hosts emphasize, these background elements are crucial investments that remain with the property and establish the foundation for all other design choices. They aren’t merely practical necessities but key storytelling elements that communicate the home’s character and the homeowner’s sensibility. The episode concludes with an encouraging call to action: be proactive in exploring options, ask questions about alternatives, and consider working with designers who have access to a broader range of materials than typical showrooms can offer. The ultimate message resonates clearly – don’t settle for the ordinary when the extraordinary is within reach.
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